Sarah Talbot

I’ve been trolling the Youtube looking for inspiration for my next post, and came across an old favourite with a new spin. I was amazed by the response of audiences and crowds when they identified this theme.

The ABC News Theme (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) was originally composed in 1985 by Tony Ansell and Peter Wall, to be used for the daily news bulletin broadcasted nationally. The theme became a staple of Australian television jingles in that its familiarity is easily identifiable but those who got to listen to it during its run from 1985 to 2005, after which the news them was replaced.

After it was ‘retired’ from broadcasts, it was thought to have been consigned to the historical annals that made up Australian TV history. but low and behold, there are a few musicians that decided the this particular piece is capable of being so much more…

In 2011, Pendulum created remix, utilising original track, synthesiser, drum kit and bass. The unique aspects is that they also integrated an electronica component into piece, making it more appealing to night club crowds. You can can watch crowds respond when they identify not only the original piece, but the new components that also brings new energy.

In 2017, LaBoum performed a remix of the ABC News theme of their own, utilising the original track, assisted by a trumpet, drum kit, bass and synthesiser keyboard. Although not attracting a raucous crowd, it did gain attention given that is was performed at an awards ceremony. The use of the trumpet created nostalgia in the piece, and breathed life into a piece that would have been only seen (and heard) through TV).

Given that this piece is no longer in broadcast with the ABC (or any other TV channel in Australia), it amazes me how well integrated and identifiable a piece that is typically played for 30 seconds each week night, is so ingrained in the consciousness of minds. The recognition of its original material and its potential to be morphed into something contemporary is also astounding, in that it is brought to the attention to the next generation of listeners, who will not have the benefit of listening to this theme on TV, as we have in the past.

Sometimes, the classics need a breathe of life of the broadcast waves to be remembered… all Australians living between 1985 to 2005 would remember hearing this at some point…just like the “Vegemite Song”. It can almost be said that we identify the ABC Theme…and the Vegemite Song, better then we do our own national anthem.

Music that is ingrained in Australian conscious is not to be trifled with, especially when the international music industry considers us to be a major centre for music production and promotion…why else would they send many major artist, musicians, bands, etc for concerts here?

Yes, we are have our own international artists such as Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, John Farnham, ACDC…list goes on, but we must not forget the smaller songs that make up our pop culture and media industry through history. Giving an old them new life allows its legacy as a jingle, and small piece to live on in memories of generations before and for those to come.

The challenge is then laid… who (or what) will be added to Australia pop culture in the form of jingles, ingrained in society?