Quoting from PSnews online. Edition Number 499. Updated Tuesday 12 April 2016.
Photo: Prince Charles with Molly Meldrum on the set of Countdown, 1977
The National Archives of Australia has launched a new exhibition of early television programs from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Entitled Tuning In: ABC TV 1964–76, the exhibition brings together some of the nation’s favourite TV shows it says hold a special place in the heart of many Australians, from Play School to Countdown and Bellbird to Alvin Purple.
According to exhibition curator, Sara King, the shows provide a perfect reminder of the days when television viewing was a family ritual and Australians juggled life around unmissable programs.
‘So many people have fond memories of characters such as Charlie Cousens from Bellbird and Mr Squiggle,” Dr King said.
Early ABC exhibition now on
“And of course the stalwarts of the industry such as James Dibble, Bill Peach and Molly Meldrum.”
She said the exhibition promised a “whiff of nostalgia” for everyone who loved the ABC, as well as “some fun and giggles along the way”.
Dr King said the exhibition also reflected the enormous social upheaval of the time, with current affairs programs covering topics such as draft dodging, Nazis in Australia, and women protesting their right to drink in public bars.
“We’ve taken a look at productions that caused political upheaval and moral outrage, as well as those that won popular success and wide acclaim,” she said.
“This Day Tonight (TDT) for example was variously described as “chirpy, irreverent, critical, intrusive and rude”.
Dr King said visitors could see not only famous and well-remembered ABC programs but also some that had not been seen since their original broadcast.
“We’re also providing a look into some of the correspondence, publicity material, photographic collections and ephemera held in the National Archives’ collection.”
She said Tuning In: ABC TV 1964–76 would be open at the National Archives in Canberra until 15 May.
Comments
Will this exhibition be touring?