ABC Melbourne (3AR & 3LO) Closedowns: Circa 1950s & November 23, 1978
/
Many thanks to SRAA contributor, Sarah Boucher, who shares the following recordings of two ABC Melbourne radio closedowns, captured via the ABC's domestic inland shortwave relays:
Recording 1
Broadcaster: 3AR Melbourne (ABC)
Date of recording: Circa 1950s
Shortwave relay: VLH-9 on 9.68 MHz (30.99 metres)
Notes: This is a 3AR Melbourne closedown announcement, relayed on shortwave via VLH-9 (9.68 MHz) as part of what the announcer describes as the ABC's "Northern Australian Service." During the sign-off, 3AR identifies itself as also transmitting through the regional stations 2CO Riverina, 3GI Gippsland, and 3WV Western Victoria, alongside the VLH-9 shortwave relay. The announcer then previews the following morning's shortwave frequencies: VLR-6 (6.15 MHz), VLH-11 (11.88 MHz), and VLG-15 (15.21 MHz).
The real highlight is the use of the ABC's network chimes (or "gongs") immediately before the sign-off — a once-familiar feature of ABC presentation that is rarely preserved in surviving recordings. The recording concludes with the national anthem (God Save the Queen) and a formal station closedown.
Recording 2
Broadcaster: 3LO Melbourne (ABC)
Date of recording: 23 November 1978
Shortwave relay: VLR-6 on 6.15 MHz (48.78 metres)
Mode: AM
Notes: This 3LO Melbourne closedown, relayed on shortwave via VLR-6 (6.15 MHz), is historically significant because it captures the night of Australia's nationwide AM frequency realignment to the new 9 kHz channel spacing plan, on 23 November 1978. The announcer — identified as Don Smire — advises listeners of the frequency changes taking effect that day:
Station Old frequency New frequency
3LO 770 kHz 774 kHz
3AR 620 kHz 621 kHz
3WV 590 kHz 594 kHz
3GI 830 kHz 828 kHz
The announcement also notes that the shortwave relay VLR-6 on 6.15 MHz is closing down with the network. Unlike the earlier recording, this closedown ends with Advance Australia Fair rather than God Save the Queen — reflecting the gradual transition in Australian broadcasting practice through the 1970s.
A little background: what were VLH-9 and VLR-6?
These callsigns belonged to the ABC's domestic inland shortwave network. Before satellite distribution and widespread FM coverage, the ABC used shortwave transmitters to relay its state radio services to remote parts of Australia. Victoria's network used the VLR, VLH, and VLG callsign families to rebroadcast Melbourne programming for listeners in rural and remote areas. Contemporary shortwave enthusiasts often refer to these collectively as the ABC's "Inland Shortwave Services."
A note to readers
Very little context came with these recordings, so the details above have been pieced together from the announcements themselves and what we know of ABC history. If you can add any further detail — or spot something that needs correcting — please leave a comment below. Corrections and recollections are very welcome.
