Birth of the A.B.C.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 9, 13 September 1929, Page 9

Birth of the A.B.C.

Story Behind the Venture HD eyes, or rather the ears, of Aus- . tralia are at present focused orf the "Big Three" of Australian broadcasting. Speculation was rife as to the manner in which Sir Benjamin Fuller, Stuart Doyle, and Frank Albert came to work in conjunction-like the "Three Musketeers," each for one and one for all. . -In-a private interview, Mr.. Doyle stated that his interest in broadcasting commenced: five years ago, when he understood what a powerful rival radio would prove to. the theatrical: profes‘gton, He noticéd that while the pubshowed an-increased enthusiasm and alate for broadcasting, there was an unmistakable distaste for the fare that was served up to them. §.. © Mr, Doyle remarked that nothing was co-ordinated. When, for ° instance, eountry clients were anxiously await ing news of moment or business men wanted the latest information on mar- . kets from.abroad, they would be served with’ bed-time stories or the latest sports results. As a result, a benevolent Government was forced to take the matter in hand, and consequently there has been a complete reorganisa tion: in broadeasting . methods. Mr Doyle had kept ‘in touch with broad casting and two years before had lodged an application for a series of A grade and subsequently, B grade li eenses for every State. As they were the only- organisation in the amuse ment business represented in every State, they were well equipped for taking care of: broadcasting activities, Thus Mr. Doyle, with his big orchestras, musicians, expert personnel, and other ramifications, realised that the time was ripe to proffer a tender which he thought would appeal to both the Government and the ‘people... It was, however, essential that there should be in the organisation some theatrical unit ‘firmly and popularly established. Mr. Doyle’s thoughts turned to his friends, Sir Benjamin and his brother John. : / There was another aspect-copyright. With the advantages he. possesses in this regard, and with his musical knowledge, and with his wide experience in the public palate, Mr. Frank Albert whs a natural ally...The long and ,. Short of it was that this "trinity" met jtogether privately, and after an unoffi""*ajial chat, the matter was. clinched. Instead of tendering separately they joined forces, and 24 hours later an agree ment was drawn up and signed com- mitting each member to different fields of activity and responsibilities should the tender be accepted. ' "We all were agreed," said Mr. Doyle. "that’ our main consideration should be in this huge business the public interest and convenience in what we realise is a national undertaking, and we are minded and resolved to keep this always in view. If I was asked what brought us together, I would say that each of us has confidence in the other two, and we believe that -in a. junction of forces and a strict: limitation of profits, the public will reap the advantage. This is, then, the spirit in which we are undertaking very large responsibilities, and the spirit in which we undertake to carry them into effect."