Australia is a huge country with a small, spread-out population, and radio has always been how it talks to itself — from the outback to the beaches, in dozens of languages.
Station counts updated October 8, 2026
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) started in 1932 and still runs the country's best-known public radio networks:
triple j began in Sydney in 1975 as 2JJ and grew into a national network devoted to new and alternative music. It is especially known for championing Australian artists early in their careers. Its biggest tradition is the Hottest 100, a countdown of the year's favourite songs voted by listeners, which has run since 1989 and is played across the country every year.
Around half of Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was, and SBS (the Special Broadcasting Service) reflects that with radio programmes in dozens of languages — from Arabic and Greek to Mandarin, Vietnamese and Hindi. It's a great way to hear how Australia's migrant communities stay connected to news and music from home.
Australia has one of the world's largest community radio sectors, with hundreds of volunteer-run stations. Well-known examples include 3RRR in Melbourne and FBi Radio in Sydney, both loved for local music. First Nations broadcasters such as Koori Radio in Sydney play Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and share community news, often in local languages.
Commercial networks such as Nova, KIIS, Triple M and the Hit Network carry the big breakfast shows, pop and rock hits, and sports coverage — especially Australian rules football (AFL) and rugby league.