The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) make a range of analog (AM and FM) radio services available to the majority of Australia. If you live in a mainland capital city, you can also listen to ABC and SBS digital radio services. Radio programs can also be accessed over the internet, mobile apps, or via the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service.
ABC Radio
Almost all Australians can listen to at least one ABC radio station that broadcasts local and national news, weather, emergency warnings, and a mix of entertainment including sport, music and regional or rural issues on either AM, FM or digital.
The ABC is required under the Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Act 1946 (the PPBA) to broadcast the proceedings of Parliament over medium wave (AM) radio in each Australian state's capital city, as well as Newcastle. The ABC also broadcasts parliamentary proceedings nationally on its ABC NEWS Radio network.
The ABC broadcasts radio in the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste in English and Tok Pisin through its Radio Australia service. Programs include news and current affairs, sport and music from the region, and content for Pacific women and families.
The ABC is guided by its Charter, editorial policies and code of practice. Its role is to provide services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians. It must reflect the diversity of interests in the Australian community through a range of distinctive programs of broad and specialist appeal.
SBS Radio
SBS Radio is Australia's multicultural and multilingual national broadcaster. It broadcasts programs in more than 60 languages, making it one of the most diverse services of its kind in the world.
Program time for each language is guided by the size of the community, as well as its needs including language proficiency, age, employment and where speakers live in Australia.
SBS is guided by its Charter, editorial policies and code of practice. Its role is to inform, educate and entertain all Australians while reflecting Australia's multicultural society.
Last reviewed: 30 September 2026