The Major Broadcasting Network was an important part of the Australian broadcasting scene from 1938 until the 1970s.
58-633: In 1938, David Worrall , manager of 3DB Melbourne, launched the Major Broadcasting Network. Up until its closure in the 1970s, MBS was Australia's second most important radio network, after the Macquarie Radio Network . At inception, the Major Network was made up of stations in all mainland state capital cities, i.e. 2UE , 3DB , 4BK , 5AD , 6PR . They were soon to be joined by 7HT . The Sydney outlet
116-408: A Flinders Lane warehouse that housed piles of mattresses. Despite this, fears were expressed that 3DB may not be really ready should there be a genuine air raid. Many sponsors donated their advertising time to patriotic appeals. 3DB was also badly affected by staff enlisting. 3DB personality Keith Smith became a broadcaster at 9AD Labuan , Borneo , attaining the rank of sergeant . Norm Spencer
174-402: A lead-in to the top rating, major news bulletin at 7.00 pm. These sessions featured live music and invitations to events such as theatre parties, bay trips, dances, visits to the zoo, hikes, fancy dress balls. Free or cheap passes to theatres, ice skating, etc., were offered to members. Various charities were also supported. The club had its own theme tune, and a commercial recording of the theme
232-437: A local Wimmera studio, and the vast majority of its programming was relayed from 3DB. There was, however, about one or two hours per day of local programming, which came from the 3LK studio in the 3DB Melbourne building, utilising 3DB announcing staff. 3LK supported numerous local Wimmera / Mallee events and charities. The slogan used for all 3DB/3LK programming during most of that era was: 3DB Melbourne, 3LK Central Victoria,
290-587: A long association with Keith Murdoch and the Murdoch media. In the late 1920s, he organised the Herald learn-to-swim campaign and their Ideal Town competition. Worrall is perhaps best known as the long-running manager of Melbourne radio station 3DB . 3DB commenced broadcasting in 1927 under the ownership of the D ruleigh B usiness and Technical College Pty Ltd, hence the DB call-sign. However, from 1929 until 1987, 3DB
348-523: A most important figure in broadcasting history. The establishment of the Major Network actually occurred after two earlier attempts by David Worrall to form a network both with 3DB as the key station and with 2UE as the Sydney station. Early in 1933, a loose grouping, but the first Australian attempt to form a commercial network, was attempted - it was known as the Federal Network. Then, later in 1933
406-410: A popular range of live variety programs particularly quizzes and dramas including soap operas , mainly produced in studios at either 3DB Melbourne or the various Sydney outlets. Because of the high quality of these programs, most Major stations continually had high ratings in the various surveys. As discussed, the main person behind the formation of the Major Network was David Worrall, manager of 3DB,
464-457: A popular venue for Melburnians and the focus for the many live variety programs which the station broadcast throughout the 1930s to 1960s. In 1966 the HWT truck dock was expanded, and in the process 74 Flinders Street was pulled down, with the station then moving to 61 Flinders Lane, immediately behind the HWT building. One of the most important people in 3DB's history was David Thomas Worrall , who
522-430: A prominent broadcaster in her own right, using the nom-de-plume Martha Gardener . She first broadcast on 3DB and later 3AW , 3UZ , ABC radio and GTV9 . Her programs, aimed mainly at a female audience, offered handy hints to listeners, usually in answer to their questions. 3DB (Melbourne) 3DB was a Melbourne -based radio station that opened in 1927, changed its name to 3TT in 1988, and now operates on
580-1104: A short period of time sponsorship was taken over by optometrists Coles and Garrard, whose name was then incorporated into the program's title. When C & G ceased their sponsorship of the program in the 1960s, broadcasts of new programs ceased, but 3DB ended the long-running show by playing a number of transcriptions of programs from the 1930s. Personalities associated with the C & G's Minstrel Show include Cecil Atkinson, Mervyn Bray, Carl Briglia, Agnes Brown, Reg Brown, Herbert Browne, Walter Burleigh, Maurice Callard, Fred Collier, Colin Crane, Dick Cranbourne, Joe Delany, Alice Dolphin , Fred Ford, Paul Gaving, John Hartley, Cyril Hambley, Don Humphries, Ernest Kopke, Geoff McComas, Jock McLachan, Hec McLennan, Renn Millar, Bert Miller, Bert Munyard, Keith Neilson, Mabel Nelson, Sir Eric Pearce , Bill Rhodesbury, Frank Rich, Stan Shields, Charles Skase, William Smith, Guy Stavordale, Peter Surrey, Mark Sutherland, Lou Toppano, Charlie Vaude, George Ventura, Frank Walsh, Monty Walters, and Ernest Wilson. Whilst it
638-515: A small loss in its first six months.) Despite the claim, in 1927, that 3DB would be the first station to make revenue from advertisements, 2UE had been broadcasting advertisements since 1925. Others appearing on opening night were Will Davey, tenor; Mrs Henry Johnson, contralto; Billy Meeske , speaking on 'Wrestlers I Have Known'; Len Gibson's Neapolitan Sextet; Edna Johnson, reciting from Shakespeare; Elsie Watkins, soprano; and accompanist, Jess Prideaux. From 14 June 1929 until late in 1987, 3DB
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#1732783883832696-577: A so-called synthetic coverage, with announcers in the studio providing a commentary based on cables from England, but to all intents and purposes sounding as if they were actually at the game in England. 3DB's 1952 cricket broadcasts were so popular that the station management looked at ways of making the informal variety section a permanent feature of the station's schedule. This led to the initiation of The Happy Gang , originally subtitled Rehearsal for TV ... (See below, under Post-War History.) One of
754-441: A way of keeping listeners tuned to that particular station. 3DB's Smileaway Club was one of Australia's most successful, with more than 50,000 members at its peak. The club started in 1929, when David Worrall was managing the station, but before the studios were moved away from Capitol House. The club lasted until the late 1950s. For some decades a short session, Smileaway Club Notes, was broadcast each weekday at 8.40 am, and again as
812-506: A wide variety of women's programs during the day, and children's sessions in the early evening. The broadcasting of this broad range of programming came to an end in the 1960s, mainly due to two factors. The first was the formal introduction of television in Australia in 1956. The second was the gradual replacement of the radio valve with the transistor . These made radios both more portable and much cheaper, meaning that every member of
870-476: Is conceded that The Minstrel Show was popular during the 1930s, 40s, 50s & 60s, in the 2000s many people would consider it to be politically incorrect, particularly the fact that Anglo-Caucasian actors tried to imitate African Americans . In 1934, 3DB lured Eric Welch over from the ABC . He provided a number of 3DB programs and was particularly known for his annual coverage of Melbourne's Anzac Day march. He
928-595: The Newcastle Morning Herald . Melbourne's Sun News-Pictorial commenced publication in 1922 and Worrall was one of the first journalists to be employed there. In 1925, he went to New York where he provided articles for the New York World , as well as supplying material on a freelance basis to The Herald (Melbourne) and The Sun (Sydney) . He settled in Melbourne in 1928, beginning
986-658: The Australian Imperial Force on 14 October 1915. He saw service in Egypt, France and Sydney. He was wounded at Pozières , France in August 1916 and then spent some time in England in recovery. He was discharged on 29 July 1919. Prior to enlisting, Worrall had worked for The Leader newspaper in Orange, New South Wales . After discharge from the A.I.F., Worrall returned to journalism; his first job being with
1044-523: The FM band as KIIS 101.1 . 3DB was one of Melbourne's most popular radio stations, topping the ratings for many decades. Upon opening in 1927, 3DB broadcast on the AM band at a wavelength of 254 metres, corresponding to a frequency of 1180 kHz . When seven new Australian broadcasting licences were issued in 1935, including 3XY in Melbourne, most Melbourne stations were allocated new broadcast frequencies; 3DB
1102-585: The Macquarie Radio Network but, after some years, David Worrall was able to lure Colgate-Palmolive over to the Major Network. Of course, this saw a great increase in listener numbers for the network. David Thomas Worrall David Thomas Worrall (18 June 1894 – 12 April 1968) was an Australian journalist, radio station manager and soldier. Worrall was born in Castle Hill, New South Wales and died in St Kilda, Victoria . David Worrall enlisted with
1160-703: The Post-war era, 3DB's hours had been extended to: In the 1930s, the Postmaster-General's Department issued 24-hour licences to one station in each capital city market except Melbourne. In Melbourne, since 1931, 3AK had been broadcasting almost exclusively in the early-morning hours when other stations were off the air. However, on 1 February 1954, 3AK began broadcasting exclusively during hours of daylight, and concurrently 3DB, 3UZ and 3XY were all given 24-hour licences, but both 3DB and 3UZ had ceased all-night broadcasting within six months. 3DB's hours on
1218-484: The Postmaster-General's Department to close down. Amateur radio stations which normally broadcast on the shortwave band were permitted to use the medium wave (AM) band during these hours. 3AK which usually only broadcast after other Melbourne stations had closed down, also broadcast between these two hours. ABC stations 3AR and 3LO did not take the break between 12.30 and 2.30 on Sunday afternoons. This arrangement appears to have been exclusive to Melbourne. By
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#17327838838321276-541: The pre-television era , nearly all Australian radio stations had their own distinctive news themes. From the early 1930s until the 1970s 3DB used " Heart of Oak " as its news theme. "Heart of Oak" was the official march of the Royal Navy , and some other navies. Until recently, it was the Royal Australian Navy 's official march. By the 1960s 3DB was using a Columbia recording of the march, played by
1334-522: The 1960s) was a Chappell recording featuring the Queens' Hall Light Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon . On 16 May 1936, 3DB purchased 3HS Horsham , for and on behalf of the HWT. On 24 December 1936, the call sign was changed to 3LK , when the Horsham studios and transmitter were closed, and the transmitter was relocated to the small village of Lubeck, 30 kilometres to the east. 3LK did not have
1392-673: The 3DB auditorium, featuring community singing, games and quizzes. In 1929, 3DB along with 3UZ , Melbourne, and 2UE Sydney, participated in experimental television broadcasts using the Radiovision system. 3DB also experimented with the Baird system. These experiments were conducted late at night after the station had officially closed down. Only a handful of people would have had equipment capable of picking up these transmissions, which were mainly designed for those directly involved in these trials into nascent television broadcasts. In
1450-575: The Associated Broadcasters of Australia was formed but, again, did not last long. From 1941 and well into the 1950s, the main producer of live radio programs in Australia was the Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit which achieved its prestigious status by luring big name stars away from the various stations and the main radio networks. Initially, the many dozens of programs produced by Colgate-Palmolive were heard on
1508-548: The Herald-Sun stations , but towards the end of the DB/LK partnership, it was modified to the more logical: 3DB Melbourne, 3LK Wimmera Mallee, the Herald-Sun stations . The HWT sold 3LK on 1 February 1972 and its studios and transmitter were returned to Horsham. There was yet another name change in 1977, when 3LK Horsham became 3WM Wimmera Mallee , broadcasting from Horsham. It was Sunday evening 3 September 1939 and 3DB
1566-528: The Orchestra of the Royal Marines, conducted by Sir Vivian Dunn. The main news bulletins at 7:45 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm used the first minute the theme, whilst other bulletins only used a smaller section. The version used by 3DB can be downloaded. In 1930, test cricketer Don Bradman was a household name throughout Australia. There were even people who incorrectly believed that the call-sign 3DB
1624-546: The air then became: However, 3DB was again broadcasting 24 hours per day by the mid-1960s. The station was originally owned by Druleigh Business and Technical College Pty Ltd, and the original licence was in the name of Edgar Sayer, principal of the college, hence the callsign "DB". The original studios were located on the 10th floor of Capitol House, above the Capitol Theatre , Swanston Street, Melbourne. When 3DB eventually made its on-air debut on 27 February 1927,
1682-495: The broadcasts continued until stumps, which was usually at about 3:30 am. 3DB continued to provide similar broadcasts for all of the Ashes games played in England in 1930, 1934, 1938, 1948, 1952 and 1956. (There was no test cricket during World War II.) Over the years commentators included Ron Casey , Lindsay Hassett , Bill Johnston , Ernie McCormick , Keith Rigg , Jack Ryder , Eric Welch and Bill Woodfull . In later years,
1740-414: The daunting rate of six shillings (60¢) per word. In 1930 the male average wage was A£7 ($ 14), with the female average wage being less than half of that. This meant that a cable of just 20 words cost the equivalent of the male average wage. The variety was provided in front of a live audience by 3DB staff members led by Charlie Vaude and Renn Millar, and accompanied by guest artists. The 1930 broadcast
1798-464: The family was now able to have his/her own radio set, rather than imitating the clichéd image of the whole family sitting around the family's single radio receiver . The National Film and Sound Archives has issued an on-line list of radio programs from the 1930s to the 1970s, that are in their holdings. This list contains many dozens of 3DB programs. During the pre-TV era most Australian radio stations instigated some form of radio club partly as
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1856-456: The first program was the children's session conducted by Winnie Wattle , at 6.30 pm. The official opening was at 8:00 pm when announcer Frank Pearson introduced Edward Haynes, Managing Director of Druleigh and 3DB, who said: "This is Melbourne's new 'B' class station, which is the first in Australia to carry out the American idea of making revenue from advertisements". (Even so, the station made
1914-416: The highest rating news in Melbourne was that of 3DB. Weather forecasts were banned because it was felt that this may assist the enemy. Notices were issued banning radio stations from broadcasting some major wartime events, but as the federal government didn't have the same power over the printed press as it did over radio, newspapers usually reported events that radio was not permitted to mention. There
1972-544: The late 1970s, the Major Network was usually recognised as being second in importance after its rival, the Macquarie Radio Network . In 1930 Worrall helped to form the Australian Federation of "B" Broadcasting Stations, now Commercial Radio Australia , and he was its Federal President in 1938. David Worrall was married to Kathleen Zoe, née Norris, who broadcast on 3DB from the 1930s until 1952; firstly under her own name, and then as Martha Gardener . Probably
2030-493: The longest-serving 3DB employee was Geoff Palmer who commenced as an announcer in 1929. He was a member of the Australian Society of Authors and his writing ability led to him being promoted to the continuity department. Palmer was the 3DB advertising manager when he retired in 1973. In the late 1920s until the 1950s, 3DB tried to produce programming that would appeal to the whole of the population, at least part of
2088-511: The most popular programs heard on 3DB was The Minstrel Show , which commenced in 1931 and continued into the 1960s. This was an Australian radio version of an American minstrel show . It was broadcast on 3DB every Thursday evening, and was relayed to Major Broadcasting Network affiliates, as well as some independent stations. The program was originally sponsored by the Akron Tyre Company who were also founders of 3AK , but within
2146-415: The programs were hosted by versatile 3DB announcers, Dick Cranbourne (who was also a singer), and John Stuart. As well as Australia v England tests, a similar style of programming was also provided for a number of other overseas Test Matches played in the evening/night, Australian time. One example of this were the 1936 South Africa v Australia Tests. Sitting in front of the audience in the 3DB auditorium
2204-553: The slogan Racing Radio and devoted much of its programming to horse racing. In 1987 the Victorian racing industry, through the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB), purchased 3UZ and took over exclusive rights to horse racing coverage from 3DB, effective from February 1988. For many years 3DB used the march, Grandstand , by Keith Mansfield as the theme to its racing coverage. The version used by 3DB (at least in
2262-408: The station in 1953 and followed Eric Welch as 3DB's senior racecaller. At various times other stations vied with 3DB in this field, in particular 3AW , 3XY , 3UZ and the ABC . The last station to share racing coverage with 3DB was 3UZ. However, in 1983, 3UZ revamped its program lineup and cancelled all horse racing coverage, leaving 3DB as the sole outlet for racing on Melbourne radio. 3DB adopted
2320-467: The time. Musically, this ranged from classical music through to pop music , including the hit parade ; much of the music being live. News and news commentaries were also important, as were live descriptions of sport. 3DB was a major broadcaster of radio drama , including soap operas , much of this being produced by 3DB itself. The station produced and broadcast a wide range variety shows , including quizzes. 3DB (like most other stations) also broadcast
2378-561: The top station in all Melbourne radio surveys for many decades. Worrall also formed the Major Broadcasting Network , with associated stations throughout Australia. From its formation in 1938 until its closure in the late 1970s, the Major Network was usually recognised as being second in importance after its rival, the Macquarie Radio Network . In 1930 Worrall helped to form the Australian Federation of "B" Broadcasting Stations, now Commercial Radio Australia , and he
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2436-467: Was a doll known as Ricketty Kate . Whenever an important cable came through from the cricket, the doll's eyes would light up and the audience would break into the chorus of "We won't worry. We don't care. Who's afraid of the big brown bear?" It is rumoured that the name, Ricketty Kate, was based on the name of a well-known Melbourne prostitute of the time. These programs were relayed to a number of interstate stations. The already great interest in cricket
2494-603: Was allocated 1030 kHz. Until 1978 there was a 10 kHz gap between radio stations. However, the Geneva Frequency Plan of 1975 changed this to a 9 kHz gap, thus allowing more stations on the AM band. Therefore, on 23 November 1978, most Australian stations changed their frequencies and 3DB went to 1026 kHz. Not only does this section look at 3DB's pre-war history, but it also shows how initiatives that began during this era and were extended into later eras. 3DB
2552-473: Was also a regular panellist on the Australian version of Information Please . However, probably his most important contribution at 3DB was to instigate the coverage of all Victorian races, as well networking with stations around Australia, so that interstate races were also covered by 3DB. He was 3DB's senior race-caller for 20 years. One of the most important 3DB racecallers was Bill Collins who joined
2610-466: Was also at 9AD, joining the staff of 3DB after the war, as a producer. Smith and Spencer were only two of dozens of radio personnel who took up positions at the 20 Australian military radio stations throughout the Pacific. The supply of overseas programs was virtually cut off during the war, particularly from the U.S., meaning that Australian stations and networks had to produce more local programs. This
2668-505: Was appointed manager of the station by the Herald and Weekly Times ' Sir Keith Murdoch in 1929, and who was to remain as manager until 1958. He was responsible for introducing many big budget programs which, inter alia, made 3DB the top station in all Melbourne radio surveys for many decades. Worrall also formed the Major Broadcasting Network , with associated stations throughout Australia. From its formation in 1938 until its closure in
2726-469: Was awarded its broadcast licence in 1925 but did not immediately come on air due to debates in Federal Parliament as to whether or not Australia should proceed with the then-unique system of A Class (later ABC ) and B Class (later commercial) stations. The station eventually made its on-air debut on 21 February 1927 in a fairly low-key manner. In the 1920s, at most stations including 3DB, it
2784-472: Was based on Bradman's initials. Bradman's popularity led to great interest in the 1930 Ashes series in England, in which he played a major role. In 1930 it was not possible to broadcast descriptions of the games back to Australia. However, 3DB played upon the interest and broadcast cricket updates from England, accompanied by nightly variety programs. The cricket updates were provided by international telegrams or cables, from England to Australia, sent at
2842-773: Was broadcasting a radio drama in the very popular and long-running Lux Radio Theatre series. The performance of Leah Kleschna was suddenly interrupted by the voice of the Prime Minister, Robert Menzies announcing that Australia was now at war with Germany. Censorship was rife during the war, particularly after the U.S. entered the conflict on 7 December 1941. After General Douglas MacArthur set up his headquarters in Australia, he wielded enormous power, including on matters of censorship. Inter alia, he declared that every Australian radio station would only broadcast three news bulletins per day and that these would be simultaneous at 7:45 am, midday and 7:00 pm. During this time,
2900-647: Was exacerbated by the English tour of Australia in 1932–33 and the subsequent Bodyline scandal. As well as 3DB again providing coverage of the 1934 tour of England , this also resulted in nearly every Australian radio station providing some coverage. Most commercial stations provided a format based on 3DB's successful 1930 coverage, with cricket updates being provided by cable, interspersed with variety programming. Most capital city stations provided their own entertainment, with many of these stations relaying it to country stations. The ABC , then only two years' old, provided
2958-593: Was its Federal President in 1938. David Worrall was the son of Thomas Hirst Worrall, an English-born orchardist and artist, and his wife Emily Jane née Barker. He grew up in West Maitland , New South Wales , and was educated at public schools in the Hunter Valley . In 1929, he married Kathleen Zoe née Norris at the Independent Church, Collins Street, Melbourne. Kathleen Worrall became
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#17327838838323016-509: Was later changed to 2CH and then 2UW before 2UE yet again became the Sydney outlet in September 1950. In 1973, an important date because it was the 50th anniversary of broadcasting in Australia, the network then consisted of the following stations: 2UE , 2KO , 3DB , 3LK , 4BK , 4AK, 5AD , 5PI, 5MU, 5SE, 6PR , 6CI , 6TZ , 7HT and 7EX . From formation and until the introduction of television in Australia , Major stations broadcast
3074-676: Was made in the early 1930s featuring high-profile 3DB comedians/announcers, Charlie Vaude and Renn Millar – the informal style is typical of the Smileaway Club. For many years, membership was one shilling (10¢) per annum. The club issued its own badge, which is now quite collectable. Over the years, many 3DB personalities were associated with the club, in particular: Geoff Palmer, Iris Turnbull, Dorothy Silk, Charlie Vaude, Renn Millar, Sir Eric Pearce , Eric Edgley , Clem Dawe, Cedric Zahara, Dick Cranbourne and Peter Surrey. A Junior Smileway Club conducted children's parties on Saturday mornings in
3132-483: Was not unusual for there to be breaks between programs during which the station temporally closed down. Sometimes these breaks were of 30 minutes' duration; sometimes longer. However, within just a few years, such breaks were eliminated and 3DB (and most other Melbourne commercial stations) broadcast for set times during each day. By 1934, 3DB was on air at the following times: Between 12.30 and 2.30 pm on Sundays all mainstream Melbourne commercial stations were required by
3190-411: Was owned and operated by The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd (HWT), owners of The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial . Later in 1929, the studios and offices were moved from Capitol House, and 3DB took sole occupancy of 74 Flinders Street, to the east of the HWT building on the corner of Flinders and Exhibition Streets. One of the studios was an auditorium accommodating live audiences, and this became
3248-421: Was owned and operated by the Herald & Weekly Times (HWT), owners of The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial . David Worrall was appointed manager of the station in 1929, by the Herald and Weekly Times ' Sir Keith Murdoch , and he was to remain as manager until 1958. He was responsible for introducing many big-budget programs covering all forms of broadcastable material which, inter alia, made 3DB
3306-455: Was some talk of closing down all commercial radio stations, as the enemy could beam-in on the transmitters and use these as bombing targets. As it transpired, this did not happen. However, some stations (not 3DB) were closed down for 24 hours as punishment for perceivably ignoring bans on radio reporting particular news items. Nevertheless, 3DB was off the air for an hour or so during an air raid drill during which all DB staff were ushered into
3364-453: Was the first pairing of Vaude and Millar, a pair that was to go onto be one of 3DB's most listened-to comedy pairs. The highlight of the programs was their informality which certainly added to the appeal. 3DB originally planned to stay on air until midnight, but on the first night 3DB manager, David Worrall, asked: "is anyone listening?" The 3DB switchboard was flooded with calls, followed by thousands of letters and 500 telegrams . After that,
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