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{{Short description|Australian public television channel}}
{{Redirect|ABC2}}
{{Redirect2|ABC 2|ABC2|[[American Broadcasting Company]] television affiliates|ABC2 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox television channel
{{Infobox television channel
| name = ABC Comedy
| name = ABC Family
| logofile = Abc-comedy.svg
| logo = ABC Family Australia logo 2024.svg
| logo_size = 150px
| logosize = 200px
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2024
| logocaption =
| launch = 7 March 2005 (as ABC2)
| launch_date = {{start date and age|7 March 2005}} (as ABC2)
| closed date =
| closed_date =
| picture format = [[576i]] ([[SDTV]]) [[Anamorphic widescreen|16:9]]
| picture_format = [[576i]] [[SDTV]]
| network = [[ABC Television (Australian TV network)|ABC Television]]
| share = 2.7% nationally
| owner = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]
| share as of = 2018 ratings year
| slogan =
| share source = <ref>https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/12/2018-ratings-multichannel-top-20.html</ref>
| type = Older children's programming • Family programming
| network = [[ABC Television]]
| country = Australia
| owner = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]
| language = English
| slogan = ''Get it!''
| area = Nationally
| country = [[Australia]]
| former_names = ABC2 (2005–2017) <br> ABC Comedy (2017–2020) <br> ABC TV Plus (2021–2024)
| language = English
| replaced =
| broadcast area = Nationally
| sister_channels = [[ABC TV (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]] <br />[[ABC HD (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV HD]]<br />[[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]]<br />[[ABC Entertains]]<br />[[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News]]
| former names = ABC2 (2005-2017)
| website = {{url|https://www.abc.net.au/tv}}
| replaced names =
| terr_serv_1 = ABN Sydney (DVB-T)
| sister names = [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]]<br />[[ABC HD (Australian TV channel)|ABC HD]]<br />[[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]]<br />[[ABC Me]]<br />[[ABC News (TV channel)|ABC News]]
| terr_chan_1 = 546/674 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.freetv.com.au/media/Engineering/Australian_Digital_Terrestrial_Television_Broadcasting_Service_Information_Register_-_Issue_4_-_January_2011.pdf |title=DTT Register of Service IDs |publisher=FreeTV Australia|access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101114737/http://www.freetv.com.au/media/Engineering/Australian_Digital_Terrestrial_Television_Broadcasting_Service_Information_Register_-_Issue_4_-_January_2011.pdf |archive-date=1 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| website = [http://www.abc.net.au/tv/channels/abc2.htm abc.net.au/tv/channels/abccomedy]
| terr serv 1 = ABN Sydney (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_2 = ABV Melbourne (DVB-T)
| terr_chan_2 = 562/690 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr chan 1 = 546/674 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.freetv.com.au/media/Engineering/Australian_Digital_Terrestrial_Television_Broadcasting_Service_Information_Register_-_Issue_4_-_January_2011.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101114737/http://www.freetv.com.au/media/Engineering/Australian_Digital_Terrestrial_Television_Broadcasting_Service_Information_Register_-_Issue_4_-_January_2011.pdf |archive-date=1 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| terr serv 2 = ABV Melbourne (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_3 = ABQ Brisbane (DVB-T)
| terr chan 2 = 562/690 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_chan_3 = 578/706 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr serv 3 = ABQ Brisbane (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_4 = ABS Adelaide (DVB-T)
| terr chan 3 = 578/706 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_chan_4 = 594 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr serv 4 = ABS Adelaide (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_5 = ABW Perth/Mandurah (DVB-T)
| terr chan 4 = 594 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_chan_5 = 738 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr serv 5 = ABW Perth/Mandurah (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_6 = ABT Hobart (DVB-T)
| terr chan 5 = 738 @ 12 (226.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_chan_6 = 626 @ 8 (191.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr serv 6 = ABT Hobart (DVB-T)
| terr_serv_7 = ABD Darwin (DVB-T)
| terr chan 6 = 626 @ 8 (191.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_chan_7 = 642 @ 30 (543.5&nbsp;MHz)
| terr_serv_8 = [[Freeview Australia|Freeview]]
| terr serv 7 = ABD Darwin (DVB-T)
| terr_chan_8 = 22 (shared with ABC Kids)
| terr chan 7 = 642 @ 30 (543.5&nbsp;MHz)
| online_serv_1 =
| terr serv 8 = Freeview ABC
| online_chan_1 = [http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/live-streams ABC iview live stream]<br>(Available to Australian viewers only)
| terr chan 8 = Channel 22
| sat serv 1 = [[Foxtel]]
| sat chan 1 = Channel 226
| sat serv 2 = [[Viewer Access Satellite Television|VAST]]
| sat chan 2 = Channel 22
| cable serv 1 = [[Foxtel]]/[[Optus Television|Optus]]
| cable chan 1 = Channel 226
| cable serv 2 = [[TransACT]]
| cable chan 2 = Channel 22
| online serv 1 =
| online chan 1 = [http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/live-streams ABC iview live stream]
}}
}}


'''ABC Comedy''' is an [[Australia]]n [[free-to-air]] [[television channel]] that was launched on 7 March 2005 as '''ABC2'''; it is owned by the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]. The channel broadcasts a range of comedy supplemented with repeats of popular [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]] <nowiki/>programmes. Between the hours of 5am and 7.30pm daily the channel's bandwidth is used for the [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]] channel for young children.
'''ABC Family''' is an Australian [[free-to-air]] television channel owned by the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] and part of its [[ABC Television (Australian TV network)|ABC Television]] network. The [[television channel|channel]] broadcasts a range of family and teen entertainment programming. The channel operates between the hours of 7:30pm and 4:00am [[Time in Australia|AEST/AEDT]] daily. The channel's bandwidth is used for the [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]] channel for young children during the remaining hours of the day.


The channel was launched on 7 March 2005 as '''ABC2'''. It was rebranded as '''ABC Comedy''' on 4 December 2017, with a format focused on comedy programming. On 1 January 2021, it was rebranded as '''ABC TV Plus''' and returned to a general entertainment format.<ref name="2021upfronts">{{cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=25 November 2020 |title=Upfronts 2021: ABC |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/upfronts-2021-abc.html |access-date=25 November 2020 |website=[[TV Tonight]] |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205083657/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/upfronts-2021-abc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, it was announced that the channel would rebrand as '''ABC Family''' on 3 June 2024.<ref name="ABC Family rebrand" />
It was announced by the ABC that on 4 December 2017, ABC2 would be rebranded as ''ABC Comedy'', ending the use of the ABC2 name after 12 years.<ref name="ABC gets serious about comedy">{{cite web|title=ABC gets serious about comedy|url=http://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/abc-gets-serious-about-comedy/|website=abc.net.au|accessdate=30 October 2017|date=30 October 2017}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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===Origins===
===Origins===
The history of the channel can be traced back to 1998 when the [[Australian Broadcasting Authority]] released a report, titled ''Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting'', recommending that the [[Government of Australia|Australian Government]] support the early introduction of digital broadcasting as a [[free-to-air]] service with the loan of a 7&nbsp;MHz channel for each broadcaster.<ref name="tbs1998">{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/Pubs/bd/1997-98/98bd178.htm |title=Bills Digest No. 178 1997–98: Television Broadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Bill 1998 |accessdate=19 August 2007 |publisher=Australian Parliamentary Library |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204032127/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/1997-98/98bd178.htm |archivedate=4 December 2007 }}</ref> The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stated that it wished to run up to four multichannels at different times of the day or alternatively offer a [[high-definition television]] channel. The corporation claimed that up to A$100 million would be needed to prepare for these services, half of which would need to be government-funded.<ref name="tbs1998" />
The history of the channel can be traced back to 1998 when the [[Australian Broadcasting Authority]] released a report, titled ''Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting'', recommending that the [[Australian Government]] support the early introduction of digital broadcasting as a [[free-to-air]] service with the loan of a 7&nbsp;MHz channel for each broadcaster.<ref name="tbs1998">{{Cite press release |title=Bills Digest No. 178 1997–98: Television Broadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Bill 1998 |date=8 April 1998 |publisher=Australian Parliamentary Library |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/Pubs/bd/1997-98/98bd178.htm |access-date=19 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204032127/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/1997-98/98bd178.htm |archive-date=4 December 2007}}</ref> The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stated that it wished to run up to four multichannels at different times of the day or alternatively offer a [[high-definition television]] channel. The corporation claimed that up to A$100 million would be needed to prepare for these services, half of which would need to be government-funded.<ref name="tbs1998" />


In August 2001 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched the [[ABC Kids channel]], with [[Fly TV]] following in November 2001. The two multichannels, available only through [[digital terrestrial television]], broadcast a range of programming targeted at younger and teenage viewers.<ref name="alston">{{cite press release|title=ABC Kids Channel |publisher=[[Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (Australia)|Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts]] |date=17 August 2001 |url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0,,0_4-2_4008-4_15900,00.html |accessdate=19 August 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831075500/http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0%2C%2C0_4-2_4008-4_15900%2C00.html |archivedate=31 August 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Funding issues meant that, in June 2003, ABC Television closed ABC Kids and Fly TV.<ref name="tanner">{{cite press release|title=Government digital disaster as ABC cuts ABC Kids and Fly TV |publisher=[[Lindsay Tanner]] [[Member of Parliament|MP]], Shadow Minister for Communications |date=26 May 2003 |url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0,,0_4-2_4008-4_15900,00.html |accessdate=19 August 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831075500/http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0%2C%2C0_4-2_4008-4_15900%2C00.html |archivedate=31 August 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>
In August 2001 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched the [[ABC Kids channel]], with [[Fly TV]] following in November 2001. The two multichannels, available only through [[digital terrestrial television]], broadcast a range of programming targeted at younger and teenage viewers.<ref name="alston">{{Cite press release |title=ABC Kids Channel |date=17 August 2001 |publisher=[[Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (Australia)|Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts]] |url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0,,0_4-2_4008-4_15900,00.html |access-date=19 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831075500/http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0%2C%2C0_4-2_4008-4_15900%2C00.html |archive-date=31 August 2007}}</ref> Funding issues meant that, in June 2003, ABC Television closed ABC Kids and Fly TV.<ref name="tanner">{{Cite press release |title=Government digital disaster as ABC cuts ABC Kids and Fly TV |date=26 May 2003 |publisher=Shadow Minister for Communications |location=Canberra |url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0,,0_4-2_4008-4_15900,00.html |last1=Tanner |first1=Lindsay |access-date=19 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831075500/http://www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0%2C%2C0_4-2_4008-4_15900%2C00.html |archive-date=31 August 2007 |author-link1=Lindsay Tanner}}</ref>

Unlike its predecessors, ABC2 launched on 7 March 2005 on channel 21, independent of government funding, instead running on a budget of A$3 million per year.<ref name="whoseabc">{{cite book |last=Inglis |first=Kenneth Stanley |title=Whose ABC? The Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1983–2006 |year=2006 |publisher=Black Inc. |location=[[Melbourne]] |isbn=1-86395-189-X }}</ref> The first programme in the launch schedule was an episode of ''[[Landline (TV series)|Landline]]'' – although scheduled to begin at 6.25am, the programme was delayed ten minutes. The channel was officially inaugurated by former Minister for Communications, Senator [[Helen Coonan]], at the Australian [[Parliament of Australia|Parliament House]] in [[Canberra]] on 10 March 2005.<ref>{{cite web
Unlike its predecessors, '''ABC2''' launched on 7 March 2005 on channel 21, independent of government funding, instead running on a budget of A$3 million per year.<ref name="whoseabc">{{cite book |last=Inglis |first=Kenneth Stanley |title=Whose ABC? The Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1983–2006 |year=2006 |publisher=Black Inc. |location=[[Melbourne]] |isbn=1-86395-189-X }}</ref> The first programme in the launch schedule was an episode of ''[[Landline (TV series)|Landline]]'' – although scheduled to begin at 6.25am, the programme was delayed ten minutes. The channel was officially inaugurated by former Minister for Communications, Senator [[Helen Coonan]], at the Australian [[Parliament of Australia|Parliament House]] in [[Canberra]] on 10 March 2005.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2005 |title=ABC2 launched at Parliament House |url=http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=641&display=news |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928110117/http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=641&display=news |archive-date=28 September 2007 |access-date=31 March 2007 |work=ABC New Media & Digital Services |publisher=Digital Broadcasting Australia}}</ref>
|url=http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=641&display=news
|title=ABC2 launched at Parliament House
|accessdate=31 March 2007
|date=11 March 2005
|work=ABC New Media & Digital Services
|publisher=dba.org.au
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723182639/http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=641&display=news
|archivedate=23 July 2013
|df=dmy
}}</ref>


===Late 2000s===
===Late 2000s===
Weekly video gaming and technology programme ''[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]]'' was launched on 19 September 2006, becoming one of the first programmes in its genre to be broadcast on [[Television broadcasting in Australia|free-to-air television in Australia]].<ref name="abcdigital">{{cite news | title = The ABC's digital evolution | work = [[The Australian]] | date = 19 October 2006 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20605312-7582,00.html | accessdate = 7 February 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080611165027/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20605312-7582,00.html | archive-date = 11 June 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Similarly in the same year, programmes produced included ''[[Australia Wide]]'', ''Short and Curly'', ''[[ABC DiG|dig tv]]'' and ''Late Night Legends''.
Weekly video gaming and technology programme ''[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]]'' was launched on 19 September 2006, becoming one of the first programmes in its genre to be broadcast on [[Television broadcasting in Australia|free-to-air television in Australia]].<ref name="abcdigital">{{cite news |last=Sainsbury |first=Michael |date=19 October 2006 |title=The ABC's digital evolution |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20605312-7582,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611165027/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20605312-7582,00.html |archive-date=11 June 2008 |access-date=7 February 2008 |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |publisher=[[News Limited]] |location=Sydney}}</ref> Similarly in the same year, programmes produced included ''[[Australia Wide]]'', ''Short and Curly'', ''[[ABC DiG|dig tv]]'' and ''Late Night Legends''.


Genre restrictions imposed by the Australian [[Government of Australia|government]] on digital multichanneling were lifted along with the media ownership laws passed through the Australian [[Parliament of Australia|parliament]] on 18 October 2006.<ref name="abcdigital" /><ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.theguardian.com/australia/story/0,,1925263,00.html| title = Australia opens up media investment| accessdate = 31 March 2007| date = 18 October 2006
Genre restrictions imposed by the Australian [[Government of Australia|government]] on digital multichanneling were lifted along with the media ownership laws passed through the Australian [[Parliament of Australia|parliament]] on 18 October 2006.<ref name="abcdigital" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Day |first=Julia |date=18 October 2006 |title=Australia opens up media investment |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia/story/0,,1925263,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518171103/https://www.theguardian.com/australia/story/0,,1925263,00.html |archive-date=18 May 2015 |access-date=31 March 2007 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London}}</ref> Previously limited in the subjects it could cover, ABC2 was henceforth able to carry shows identified as comedy, drama, national news, sport or entertainment.
| work = The Guardian| location=London| first=Julia| last=Day}}</ref> Previously limited in the subjects it could cover, ABC2 was henceforth able to carry shows identified as comedy, drama, national news, sport or entertainment.


On 1 January 2008 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced the introduction of live coverage and programme content on ABC2 from the [[Australian Film Commission]], [[Opera Australia]], and the [[Australian Ballet Company|Australian Ballet]].<ref name="newprograms">{{cite news|title=Live interactive role for Jones |work=The Australian |date=7 February 2008 |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171481-30540,00.html |accessdate=7 February 2008}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
On 1 January 2008 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced the introduction of live coverage and programme content on ABC2 from the [[Australian Film Commission]], [[Opera Australia]], and the [[Australian Ballet Company|Australian Ballet]].<ref name="newprograms">{{cite news |last=Meade |first=Amanda |date=7 February 2008 |title=Live interactive role for Jones |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171481-30540,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210155307/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171481-30540,00.html |archive-date=10 February 2008 |access-date=7 February 2008 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=[[News Limited]] |location=Sydney}}</ref>


At 12:00pm on 8 February 2008 ABC2 was rebranded with a new slogan<ref name=newabc>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newtv/|title=ABC Redefining Television|website=abc.net.au|access-date=7 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215230443/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newtv/|archive-date=15 February 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and yellow-coloured logo, complementing the new ABC TV logo, which was concurrently revamped as ABC (formerly ABC1).<ref name="rebrand">{{cite news | title = ABC promises more content choice | work = The Australian | date = 6 February 2008 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171159-12377,00.html | accessdate = 6 February 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080207070937/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171159-12377,00.html | archive-date = 7 February 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="newlogo">{{cite news|title=ABC gets squiggle on for new channels |work=The Australian |date=7 February 2008 |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171486-30540,00.html |accessdate=7 February 2008}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The channel also moved from channel 21 to channel 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/abc2/about.htm|title=ABC COMEDY - ABC Television (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|author=|date=|website=www.abc.net.au}}</ref>
On 8 February 2008 ABC2 was rebranded with a new slogan<ref name="newabc">{{cite web |title=ABC Redefining Television |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newtv/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215230443/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newtv/ |archive-date=15 February 2008 |access-date=7 February 2008 |website=ABC Television |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> and yellow-coloured logo, complementing the new ABC TV logo, which was concurrently revamped as ABC1.<ref name="rebrand">{{cite news |last=Field |first=Katherine |date=6 February 2008 |title=ABC promises more content choice |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171159-12377,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207070937/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171159-12377,00.html |archive-date=7 February 2008 |access-date=6 February 2008 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=[[News Limited]] |location=Sydney}}</ref><ref name="newlogo">{{cite news |last=Bodey |first=Michael |date=7 February 2008 |title=ABC gets squiggle on for new channels |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171486-30540,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209140020/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23171486-30540,00.html |archive-date=9 February 2008 |access-date=7 February 2008 |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |publisher=[[News Limited]] |location=Sydney}}</ref> The channel also moved from channel 21 to channel 22.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABC Television Contact Us |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/abc2/about.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216182520/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/abc2/about.htm |archive-date=16 February 2008 |access-date=11 November 2023 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> The rebrand was intended to capture a younger audience than ABC1, along with programming shifts bringing across original shows such as the popular [[Good Game (TV program)|''Good Game'']] and controversial ''[[Double the Fist]]''.

On 4 December 2009, coinciding with the launch of the new youth multichannel [[ABC Entertains|ABC3]], the children's programming block on ABC2 was relaunched as '''ABC For Kids on 2''', and shifted its positioning to focus exclusively on preschool programmes.<ref name="thetube">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2011 |title=ABC to launch new ABC 4 Kids branding |url=http://thetubetv.com.au/abc-to-launch-new-abc-4-kids-branding/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505074626/http://thetubetv.com.au/abc-to-launch-new-abc-4-kids-branding/ |archive-date=5 May 2011 |access-date=5 May 2011 |website=The Tube}}</ref>


=== 2010s ===
=== 2010s ===
With new channel controller Stuart Menzies (formerly of ABC TV documentaries) joining in July 2010,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2010 |title=ABC2 Controller Announced |url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2010/06/abc2-controller-announced-.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105041758/http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2010/06/abc2-controller-announced-.html |archive-date=5 November 2010 |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=ABC TV Blog |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=17 June 2010 |title=Stuart Menzies appointed ABC2 Controller |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2010/06/stuart-menzies-appointed-abc2-controller.html |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=[[TV Tonight]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> ABC2 continued as a children's channel in the daytime, changing over to adult programmes at 7:00pm (originally 6:00pm until January 2011).<ref>{{Cite press release |date=3 December 2010 |title=Your Aunty's Never Looked So Good |url=https://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/your-auntys-never-looked-so-good/ |access-date=18 May 2024 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518071003/https://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/your-auntys-never-looked-so-good/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:ABC2_logo.svg|150px|right|thumb|ABC2 logo (2014–17)]]
With a new controller, ABC2 continued as a children's channel in the daytime, changing over to adult programmes at 7.00 PM. In 2011, ABC2 Kids changed logos, becoming ABC4 Kids, but was changed to a classic-like logo in 2015, rebranding as ABC Kids.


On 4 December 2017 ABC2 was re-branded as ''ABC Comedy'' to end the channel's 12-year run.<ref name="ABC gets serious about comedy"/>
In May 2011, the channel's children's block was rebranded as [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC 4 Kids]], and began to be treated as a separate channel timesharing in ABC2's bandwidth.<ref name=thetube/>


On 30 October 2017, it was announced by the ABC that on 4 December 2017, ABC2 would be rebranded as '''ABC Comedy''', ending the use of the ABC2 name after 12 years, and focus on a range of comedy programming supplemented with repeats of popular ABC TV programmes.<ref name="ABC gets serious about comedy">{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Peri |date=30 October 2017 |title=ABC gets serious about comedy |url=http://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/abc-gets-serious-about-comedy/ |access-date=30 October 2017 |website=About the ABC |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> With this announcement, the channel also moved up its start time to 7:30pm instead of 7pm.
===Controllers===
In 2010, as part of a revamp of the entire ABC Television network, ABC Comedy hired its very first television controller, Stuart Menzies (formerly Head of ABC Documentaries).<ref name="abc-60s70s">{{Cite web |title=ABC2 Controller Announced – ABC TV Blog |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2010/06/abc2-controller-announced-.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031065641/http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2010/06/abc2-controller-announced-.html |archivedate=31 October 2012 }}</ref> [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]] also hired its very first television controller, Brendan Dahill.


=== 2020s ===
*2010–present: Stuart Menzies

On 25 November 2020, it was announced at the ABC's 2021 upfronts that ABC Comedy would be rebranded as '''ABC TV Plus''' and return to a general entertainment format on 1 January 2021.<ref name=2021upfronts/>

On 1 January 2023, ABC TV Plus moved its startup time up an hour from 7:30pm to 6:30pm, led as before with ''[[Spicks and Specks (TV series)|Spicks and Specks]]''; the broadcaster cited "audience research which shows our co-viewing family audience with older children grows around that time of day".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=20 December 2022 |title=Multichannel Survey 2022: ABC Kids, ABC TV Plus, ABC ME, ABC News. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/12/multichannel-survey-2022-abc-kids-abc-tv-plus-abc-me-abc-news.html |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=[[TV Tonight]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> The move garnered criticism from parents who were familiar with the 7:30pm closedown time for ABC Kids; due to viewer feedback, the startup time moved to 7pm on 6 February 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tugwell |first=Nikki |date=23 January 2023 |title=ABC Kids/ABC TV Plus programming |url=https://about.abc.net.au/statements/abc-kids-abc-tv-plus-programming/ |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=About the ABC |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and then reverted back to 7:30pm on 13 February.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=12 February 2023 |title="We've listened to the audience feedback": ABC backflips on kids programming time |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/02/weve-listened-to-the-audience-feedback-abc-backflips-on-kids-programming-time.html |access-date=12 February 2023 |website=[[TV Tonight]] |language=en-AU}}</ref>

On 9 May 2024, it was announced that ABC TV Plus would rebrand as '''ABC Family''' on 3 June, with a focus on family co-viewing.<ref name="ABC Family rebrand">{{Cite web |last=Dickson |first=Jeremy |date=9 May 2024 |title=ABC Australia restructures channels, adds Bluey spinoff |url=https://kidscreen.com/2024/05/09/abc-australia-restructures-channels-adds-bluey-spinoff-series/ |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Kidscreen |archive-date=12 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512065711/https://kidscreen.com/2024/05/09/abc-australia-restructures-channels-adds-bluey-spinoff-series/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Programming==
==Programming==
{{further|List of programs broadcast by ABC Television}}
{{further|List of programs broadcast by ABC (Australian TV network)}}
ABC Comedy is required by charter to meet certain programming obligations.<ref name="charter">{{cite web |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/abca1983361/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060624140637/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/abca1983361/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 June 2006 |title=Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 |accessdate=6 December 2007 |year=1983 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation
ABC Family is required by charter to meet certain programming obligations.<ref name="charter">{{cite report |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/abca1983361/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060624140637/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/abca1983361/ |url-status=live |archive-date=24 June 2006|title=Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 |access-date=6 December 2007 |year=1983 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |via=[[Australasian Legal Information Institute]]}}</ref>

}}</ref> It has a strong focus on comedic programming.
===Current programming===
{{Further information|List of programs broadcast by ABC (Australian TV network)#Children's programs on ABC Family/Entertains}}
* ''[[Back in Time for...#International adaptations|Back in Time for Dinner]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide">{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=18 February 2024 |title=Here's what's in store on ABC Family / ABC Entertains channels |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/05/heres-whats-in-store-on-abc-family-abc-entertains-channels.html |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=TV Tonight |language=en-AU |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625214655/https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/05/heres-whats-in-store-on-abc-family-abc-entertains-channels.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Behind the News|BTN Newsbreak]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''Expedition With Steve Backshall''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''Deadly Mission: Shark''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Dragon Ball Super]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Fresh Off the Boat]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Good Game: Spawn Point]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Hard Quiz Kids]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[The InBESTigators]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Little Lunch (TV series)|Little Lunch]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[MythBusters]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''Officially Amazing''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Operation Ouch!]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Shaun The Sheep]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''Style It Out!''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[The Crystal Maze]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''The Secret Life of Our Pets''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />
* ''[[The Strange Chores]]''<ref name="ABC Family first week guide" />


===News and Current Affairs (2005–2010)===
===News and Current Affairs (2005–2010)===
{{further|ABC News and Current Affairs|ABC News (Australia)|l2=ABC News}}
{{further|ABC News and Current Affairs|ABC News (Australia)|l2=ABC News}}
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2024}}
To allow automated operation of the channel without the complications of variable length live news broadcasts, prior to the launch of the [[ABC News (TV channel)|ABC News channel]], ABC Comedy broadcast hourly [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] updates produced for [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation#Online|ABC Online]]. ABC Comedy also launched the [[morning show]], ''[[ABC News Breakfast]]'', on 3 November 2008, a three-hour news program running every weekday. The program is now simulcast on [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]] and the [[ABC News (TV channel)|ABC News channel]].
To allow automated operation of the channel without the complications of variable length live news broadcasts, prior to the launch of [[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News 24]], the channel broadcast hourly [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] updates titled ''News in Brief'' produced for [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation#Online and digital|ABC Online]]. The channel also launched the [[morning show]], ''[[ABC News Breakfast]]'', on 3 November 2008, a three-hour news program running every weekday. The program no longer airs on the channel but is simulcast on [[ABC TV (Australian TV network)|ABC TV]] and the [[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News channel]].


ABC Comedy also previously ran ''ABC Asia Pacific News'', which is produced for the [[Australia Network]].
The channel also previously ran ''ABC Asia Pacific News'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monday 1 June 2009 — MELBOURNE |url=https://televisionau.com/classic-tv-guides/tv010609 |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=Television.AU |publication-place=Melbourne |publication-date=1 June 2009}}</ref> which is produced for [[ABC Australia]].


In May 2011, with the move of ''[[ABC News Breakfast]]'' to [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]], children's programming was relocated to ABC Comedy and [[ABC Me]].
In May 2011, with the move of ''[[ABC News Breakfast]]'' to [[ABC TV (Australian TV channel)|ABC1]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=14 April 2011 |title=ABC News Breakfast making the switch to ABC1 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2011/04/abc-news-breakfast-making-the-switch-to-abc1.html |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=TV Tonight |language=en-AU |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518071003/https://tvtonight.com.au/2011/04/abc-news-breakfast-making-the-switch-to-abc1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> children's programming was relocated to ABC2 and [[ABC Entertains|ABC3]].


An overnight ABC News Update which was replayed from the [[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News channel]] was formerly the last televised program to be played before the channel's overnight closure,<ref>{{Citation |title=ABC Kids/ABC TV Plus Program Guide: Week 23 |date=26 May 2024 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/wp-content/uploads/ABCKids_ABC-TV-Plus-Program-Guide-Week-23-Sunday-Only.pdf |access-date=9 June 2024 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |via=[[TV Tonight]]}}</ref> until its rebrand to ABC Family in June 2024.
===Sport (2005-2017)===

===Sport (2005–2017)===
{{further|ABC Sport}}
{{further|ABC Sport}}
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2023}}
ABC Comedy formerly broadcasts exclusive national coverage of many sporting competitions, which include the [[New South Wales Rugby Union]], [[Queensland Rugby League]], [[Victorian Football League]], [[South Australian National Football League]], [[West Australian Football League]], and the [[Northern Territory Football League]]. The [[Women's National Basketball League]] and [[W-League (Australia)|W-League]] Women's Football Competition is broadcast live on ABC Comedy every week. In addition ABC Comedy also broadcasts the [[Fed Cup]] and the [[Tiwi Islands Football League]] Grand Final annually.
The channel formerly broadcast exclusive national coverage of many sporting competitions, which include the [[New South Wales Rugby Union]], [[Queensland Rugby League]], [[Victorian Football League]], [[South Australian National Football League]], [[West Australian Football League]], and the [[Northern Territory Football League]]. The [[Women's National Basketball League]] and [[W-League (Australia)|W-League]] Women's Football Competition was broadcast live every week. In addition the channel also broadcast the [[Fed Cup]] and the [[Tiwi Islands Football League]] Grand Final annually.


==Availability==
==Availability==
{{further|ABC Television}}
{{further|ABC Television (Australian TV network)}}
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2023}}
ABC Comedy is available on all of [[ABC Television (Australia)|ABC Television]]'s [[terrestrial television]] transmitters in [[576i]] [[Standard-definition television|SD Digital]], as well as on most satellite and cable services.
ABC Family is available on all of [[ABC Television (Australia)|ABC Television]]'s [[terrestrial television]] transmitters in [[576i]] [[Standard-definition television|SD Digital]], as well as on most satellite and cable services.


ABC Comedy does not broadcast 24 hours a day. From 5am to 7:30pm daily, the channel's bandwidth is used for the [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]] channel. ABC Comedy's programming commences at 7:30pm daily and usually closes around 3am.
ABC Family does not broadcast 24 hours a day. From 4am to 7:30pm daily, the channel's bandwidth is used for the [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]] channel. ABC Family's programming commences at 7:30pm daily and closes at 4am, which is the same time that ABC Kids' programming starts.<ref>{{Citation |title=ABC Kids/Family Program Guide: Week 24 |date=2 June 2024 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/wp-content/uploads/ABC-Kids-Family-Program-Guide-Week-24.pdf |access-date=9 June 2024 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |via=[[TV Tonight]] |archive-date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609022454/https://tvtonight.com.au/wp-content/uploads/ABC-Kids-Family-Program-Guide-Week-24.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Logo and branding history==
==Logo and branding history==
The channel launched with a three-dimensional logo of the numeral two. The previous idents were produced in part by Amanda Dennis (known for her work on ''[[Australia Wide]]'', and ''[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]]''), and were used in some form since the channel's launch, until the 2008 rebrand. The channel's original slogan was ''"More Choice, More Often"''. All promos featured the "Big 2" placed in famous, and iconic Australian locations, such as [[Port Jackson]], the [[Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre]] and the [[Northern Territory]]. The "Big 2" was somewhat similar to the on air mascot of [[BBC Two]] in appearance. ABC2's logo was modified for the promotion of the channels launch, and for various sporting events, notably the channel's launch, where the logo appeared under-construction, and during the promotion of Australians Women's Netball where it took on the appearance of a netball.
The channel launched with a three-dimensional logo of the numeral two. The previous idents were produced in part by Amanda Dennis (known for her work on ''[[Australia Wide]]'', and ''[[Good Game (television series)|Good Game]]''), and were used in some form since the channel's launch, until the 2008 rebrand. The channel's original slogan was ''"More Choice, More Often"''. All promos featured the "Big 2" placed in famous, and iconic Australian locations, such as [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]], the [[Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre]] and the [[Northern Territory]]. The "Big 2" was somewhat similar to the on air mascot of [[BBC Two]] in appearance. ABC2's logo was modified for the promotion of the channels launch, and for various sporting events, notably the channel's launch, where the logo appeared under-construction, and during the promotion of Australians Women's Netball where it took on the appearance of a netball.

On 8 February 2008, ABC2 updated to a yellow logo, and slogan to ''"Connecting 2"'',<ref name="newlogo" /> as well as moving its digital terrestrial broadcast from Channel 21 to Channel 22. In addition to this, the slogan ''"More Choice, More Often"'' was replaced with ''"Connecting 2"''. After concerns in some sections of the media that the 43-year-old [[Lissajous curve]] brand was to disappear completely, ABC management reaffirmed that it would remain in use by the corporation.<ref name="logo08">{{cite news | last = Welch | first = Dylan | title = ABC squiggle to stay | work = Brisbane Times | date = 30 January 2008 | url = http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/01/30/1201369172600.html | accessdate = 30 January 2008 }}</ref><ref name="revamp">{{cite news | title = ABC revamps squiggle logo | publisher = ABC Online | date = 30 January 2008 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/30/2149528.htm | accessdate = 30 January 2008 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080201100220/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/30/2149528.htm| archivedate= 1 February 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 1 April 2011 the logo was rebranded to look similar to that of the logo used by ABC (formerly ABC 1), and the slogan replaced with ''"Always Brighter"''. On 20 July 2014 following the main channel's rebrand to the 1974 Lissajous curve logo, new variants of the ABC2 logo were introduced to fit with the classic Lissajous curve. However, the 2011 logo remained in use on-screen with it and the 2014 variant used interchangeably.
On 8 February 2008, ABC2 updated to a yellow logo, and slogan to ''"Connecting 2"'',<ref name="newlogo" /> as well as moving its digital terrestrial broadcast from Channel 21 to Channel 22. In addition to this, the slogan ''"More Choice, More Often"'' was replaced with ''"Connecting 2"''. After concerns in some sections of the media that the 43-year-old [[Lissajous curve]] brand was to disappear completely, ABC management reaffirmed that it would remain in use by the corporation.<ref name="logo08">{{cite news |last=Welch |first=Dylan |date=30 January 2008 |title=ABC squiggle to stay |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/01/30/1201369172600.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624220803/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/01/30/1201369172600.html |archive-date=24 June 2008 |access-date=30 January 2008 |newspaper=[[Brisbane Times]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |location=Brisbane}}</ref><ref name="revamp">{{cite news |date=30 January 2008 |title=ABC revamps squiggle logo |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/30/2149528.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201100220/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/30/2149528.htm |archive-date=1 February 2008 |access-date=30 January 2008 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> On 1 April 2011 the logo was rebranded to look similar to that of the logo used by the ABC channel (then ABC1), and the ABC2 slogan was replaced with ''"Always Brighter"''.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 March 2011 |title=A bright new look for ABC2 |url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2011/03/abc2-always-brighter.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405000449/http://blogs.abc.net.au/abc_tv/2011/03/abc2-always-brighter.html |archive-date=5 April 2011 |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=ABC TV Blog |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> On 20 July 2014 following the main channel's rebrand to the 1974 Lissajous curve logo, new variants of the ABC2 logo were introduced to fit with the classic Lissajous curve. However, the 2011 logo remained in use on-screen with it and the 2014 variant used interchangeably.
On 4 December 2017, after 12 years of being known as ABC2, the channel underwent a major re-branding and thus it has been renamed ABC Comedy.

<!-- Deleted image removed: File:ABC2 logo 2011.svg|1 April 2011 – 2015 -->
On 4 December 2017, after 12 years of being known as ABC2, the channel underwent a major rebranding and was renamed ABC Comedy.<ref name="ABC gets serious about comedy" />

On 1 January 2021, the channel was rebranded again to be known as ABC TV Plus.<ref name="2021upfronts" /> This would last until 2024, when in May, it was announced that the channel would rebrand as ABC Family from 3 June 2024.<ref name="ABC Family rebrand" />

<gallery>
File:ABC2TV_Logo.png | 7 March 2005 – 8 February 2008
File:ABC2_Logo_Yellow.png | 8 February 2008 – 31 March 2011
File:ABC2_logo.svg | 1 April 2011 – 3 December 2017
File:ABC Comedy.svg| 4 December 2017 – 31 December 2020
File:ABC TV Plus logo 2021.svg | 1 January 2021 – 2 June 2024
File:ABC Family Australia logo 2024.svg | 3 June 2024 – present
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Television|Australia}}
{{Portal|Television|Australia}}
*[[Children's programming on ABC Television]]
* [[ABC Guide]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://iview.abc.net.au/channel/abcfamily}}
{{Portal|Television|Australia}}
*{{Facebook|abciview|name=ABC iview}}
*{{Official website|https://iview.abc.net.au/channel/comedy}}
*{{Instagram|abciview|name=ABC iview}}
*{{Facebook|ABCCOMEDY}}
*{{Instagram|abccomedy}}


{{ABC Television}}
{{ABC Television}}
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[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2005]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2005]]
[[Category:Commercial-free television networks in Australia]]
[[Category:Commercial-free television networks in Australia]]
[[Category:Comedy television networks]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Children's television channels in Australia]]

Latest revision as of 05:23, 13 December 2024

"ABC 2" and "ABC2" redirect here. For American Broadcasting Company television affiliates, see ABC2 (disambiguation).

ABC Family
Logo used since 2024
TypeOlder children's programming • Family programming
CountryAustralia
Broadcast areaNationally
NetworkABC Television
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format576i SDTV
Ownership
OwnerAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
Sister channelsABC TV
ABC TV HD
ABC Kids
ABC Entertains
ABC News
History
Launched7 March 2005; 19 years ago (7 March 2005) (as ABC2)
Former namesABC2 (2005–2017)
ABC Comedy (2017–2020)
ABC TV Plus (2021–2024)
Links
Websitewww.abc.net.au/tv
Availability
Terrestrial
ABN Sydney (DVB-T)546/674 @ 12 (226.5 MHz)[1]
ABV Melbourne (DVB-T)562/690 @ 12 (226.5 MHz)
ABQ Brisbane (DVB-T)578/706 @ 12 (226.5 MHz)
ABS Adelaide (DVB-T)594 @ 12 (226.5 MHz)
ABW Perth/Mandurah (DVB-T)738 @ 12 (226.5 MHz)
ABT Hobart (DVB-T)626 @ 8 (191.5 MHz)
ABD Darwin (DVB-T)642 @ 30 (543.5 MHz)
Freeview22 (shared with ABC Kids)
Streaming media
ABC iview live stream
(Available to Australian viewers only)

ABC Family is an Australian free-to-air television channel owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and part of its ABC Television network. The channel broadcasts a range of family and teen entertainment programming. The channel operates between the hours of 7:30pm and 4:00am AEST/AEDT daily. The channel's bandwidth is used for the ABC Kids channel for young children during the remaining hours of the day.

The channel was launched on 7 March 2005 as ABC2. It was rebranded as ABC Comedy on 4 December 2017, with a format focused on comedy programming. On 1 January 2021, it was rebranded as ABC TV Plus and returned to a general entertainment format.[2] In May 2024, it was announced that the channel would rebrand as ABC Family on 3 June 2024.[3]

History

[edit]
Further information: History of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Origins

[edit]

The history of the channel can be traced back to 1998 when the Australian Broadcasting Authority released a report, titled Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting, recommending that the Australian Government support the early introduction of digital broadcasting as a free-to-air service with the loan of a 7 MHz channel for each broadcaster.[4] The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stated that it wished to run up to four multichannels at different times of the day or alternatively offer a high-definition television channel. The corporation claimed that up to A$100 million would be needed to prepare for these services, half of which would need to be government-funded.[4]

In August 2001 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched the ABC Kids channel, with Fly TV following in November 2001. The two multichannels, available only through digital terrestrial television, broadcast a range of programming targeted at younger and teenage viewers.[5] Funding issues meant that, in June 2003, ABC Television closed ABC Kids and Fly TV.[6]

Unlike its predecessors, ABC2 launched on 7 March 2005 on channel 21, independent of government funding, instead running on a budget of A$3 million per year.[7] The first programme in the launch schedule was an episode of Landline – although scheduled to begin at 6.25am, the programme was delayed ten minutes. The channel was officially inaugurated by former Minister for Communications, Senator Helen Coonan, at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on 10 March 2005.[8]

Late 2000s

[edit]

Weekly video gaming and technology programme Good Game was launched on 19 September 2006, becoming one of the first programmes in its genre to be broadcast on free-to-air television in Australia.[9] Similarly in the same year, programmes produced included Australia Wide, Short and Curly, dig tv and Late Night Legends.

Genre restrictions imposed by the Australian government on digital multichanneling were lifted along with the media ownership laws passed through the Australian parliament on 18 October 2006.[9][10] Previously limited in the subjects it could cover, ABC2 was henceforth able to carry shows identified as comedy, drama, national news, sport or entertainment.

On 1 January 2008 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced the introduction of live coverage and programme content on ABC2 from the Australian Film Commission, Opera Australia, and the Australian Ballet.[11]

On 8 February 2008 ABC2 was rebranded with a new slogan[12] and yellow-coloured logo, complementing the new ABC TV logo, which was concurrently revamped as ABC1.[13][14] The channel also moved from channel 21 to channel 22.[15] The rebrand was intended to capture a younger audience than ABC1, along with programming shifts bringing across original shows such as the popular Good Game and controversial Double the Fist.

On 4 December 2009, coinciding with the launch of the new youth multichannel ABC3, the children's programming block on ABC2 was relaunched as ABC For Kids on 2, and shifted its positioning to focus exclusively on preschool programmes.[16]

2010s

[edit]

With new channel controller Stuart Menzies (formerly of ABC TV documentaries) joining in July 2010,[17][18] ABC2 continued as a children's channel in the daytime, changing over to adult programmes at 7:00pm (originally 6:00pm until January 2011).[19]

In May 2011, the channel's children's block was rebranded as ABC 4 Kids, and began to be treated as a separate channel timesharing in ABC2's bandwidth.[16]

On 30 October 2017, it was announced by the ABC that on 4 December 2017, ABC2 would be rebranded as ABC Comedy, ending the use of the ABC2 name after 12 years, and focus on a range of comedy programming supplemented with repeats of popular ABC TV programmes.[20] With this announcement, the channel also moved up its start time to 7:30pm instead of 7pm.

2020s

[edit]

On 25 November 2020, it was announced at the ABC's 2021 upfronts that ABC Comedy would be rebranded as ABC TV Plus and return to a general entertainment format on 1 January 2021.[2]

On 1 January 2023, ABC TV Plus moved its startup time up an hour from 7:30pm to 6:30pm, led as before with Spicks and Specks; the broadcaster cited "audience research which shows our co-viewing family audience with older children grows around that time of day".[21] The move garnered criticism from parents who were familiar with the 7:30pm closedown time for ABC Kids; due to viewer feedback, the startup time moved to 7pm on 6 February 2023,[22] and then reverted back to 7:30pm on 13 February.[23]

On 9 May 2024, it was announced that ABC TV Plus would rebrand as ABC Family on 3 June, with a focus on family co-viewing.[3]

Programming

[edit]
Further information: List of programs broadcast by ABC (Australian TV network)

ABC Family is required by charter to meet certain programming obligations.[24]

Current programming

[edit]
Further information: List of programs broadcast by ABC (Australian TV network) § Children's programs on ABC Family/Entertains

News and Current Affairs (2005–2010)

[edit]
Further information: ABC News and Current Affairs and ABC News

To allow automated operation of the channel without the complications of variable length live news broadcasts, prior to the launch of ABC News 24, the channel broadcast hourly ABC News updates titled News in Brief produced for ABC Online. The channel also launched the morning show, ABC News Breakfast, on 3 November 2008, a three-hour news program running every weekday. The program no longer airs on the channel but is simulcast on ABC TV and the ABC News channel.

The channel also previously ran ABC Asia Pacific News,[26] which is produced for ABC Australia.

In May 2011, with the move of ABC News Breakfast to ABC1,[27] children's programming was relocated to ABC2 and ABC3.

An overnight ABC News Update which was replayed from the ABC News channel was formerly the last televised program to be played before the channel's overnight closure,[28] until its rebrand to ABC Family in June 2024.

Sport (2005–2017)

[edit]
Further information: ABC Sport

The channel formerly broadcast exclusive national coverage of many sporting competitions, which include the New South Wales Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby League, Victorian Football League, South Australian National Football League, West Australian Football League, and the Northern Territory Football League. The Women's National Basketball League and W-League Women's Football Competition was broadcast live every week. In addition the channel also broadcast the Fed Cup and the Tiwi Islands Football League Grand Final annually.

Availability

[edit]
Further information: ABC Television (Australian TV network)

ABC Family is available on all of ABC Television's terrestrial television transmitters in 576i SD Digital, as well as on most satellite and cable services.

ABC Family does not broadcast 24 hours a day. From 4am to 7:30pm daily, the channel's bandwidth is used for the ABC Kids channel. ABC Family's programming commences at 7:30pm daily and closes at 4am, which is the same time that ABC Kids' programming starts.[29]

Logo and branding history

[edit]

The channel launched with a three-dimensional logo of the numeral two. The previous idents were produced in part by Amanda Dennis (known for her work on Australia Wide, and Good Game), and were used in some form since the channel's launch, until the 2008 rebrand. The channel's original slogan was "More Choice, More Often". All promos featured the "Big 2" placed in famous, and iconic Australian locations, such as Sydney Harbour, the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Northern Territory. The "Big 2" was somewhat similar to the on air mascot of BBC Two in appearance. ABC2's logo was modified for the promotion of the channels launch, and for various sporting events, notably the channel's launch, where the logo appeared under-construction, and during the promotion of Australians Women's Netball where it took on the appearance of a netball.

On 8 February 2008, ABC2 updated to a yellow logo, and slogan to "Connecting 2",[14] as well as moving its digital terrestrial broadcast from Channel 21 to Channel 22. In addition to this, the slogan "More Choice, More Often" was replaced with "Connecting 2". After concerns in some sections of the media that the 43-year-old Lissajous curve brand was to disappear completely, ABC management reaffirmed that it would remain in use by the corporation.[30][31] On 1 April 2011 the logo was rebranded to look similar to that of the logo used by the ABC channel (then ABC1), and the ABC2 slogan was replaced with "Always Brighter".[32] On 20 July 2014 following the main channel's rebrand to the 1974 Lissajous curve logo, new variants of the ABC2 logo were introduced to fit with the classic Lissajous curve. However, the 2011 logo remained in use on-screen with it and the 2014 variant used interchangeably.

On 4 December 2017, after 12 years of being known as ABC2, the channel underwent a major rebranding and was renamed ABC Comedy.[20]

On 1 January 2021, the channel was rebranded again to be known as ABC TV Plus.[2] This would last until 2024, when in May, it was announced that the channel would rebrand as ABC Family from 3 June 2024.[3]

  • 7 March 2005 – 8 February 2008
    7 March 2005 – 8 February 2008
  • 8 February 2008 – 31 March 2011
    8 February 2008 – 31 March 2011
  • 1 April 2011 – 3 December 2017
    1 April 2011 – 3 December 2017
  • 4 December 2017 – 31 December 2020
    4 December 2017 – 31 December 2020
  • 1 January 2021 – 2 June 2024
    1 January 2021 – 2 June 2024
  • 3 June 2024 – present
    3 June 2024 – present

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "DTT Register of Service IDs" (PDF). FreeTV Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Knox, David (25 November 2020). "Upfronts 2021: ABC". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Dickson, Jeremy (9 May 2024). "ABC Australia restructures channels, adds Bluey spinoff". Kidscreen. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Bills Digest No. 178 1997–98: Television Broadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Bill 1998" (Press release). Australian Parliamentary Library. 8 April 1998. Archived from the original on 4 December 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  5. ^ "ABC Kids Channel" (Press release). Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. 17 August 2001. Archived from the original on 31 August 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  6. ^ Tanner, Lindsay (26 May 2003). "Government digital disaster as ABC cuts ABC Kids and Fly TV" (Press release). Canberra: Shadow Minister for Communications. Archived from the original on 31 August 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  7. ^ Inglis, Kenneth Stanley (2006). Whose ABC? The Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1983–2006. Melbourne: Black Inc. ISBN 1-86395-189-X.
  8. ^ "ABC2 launched at Parliament House". ABC New Media & Digital Services. Digital Broadcasting Australia. 11 March 2005. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  9. ^ a b Sainsbury, Michael (19 October 2006). "The ABC's digital evolution". The Australian. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  10. ^ Day, Julia (18 October 2006). "Australia opens up media investment". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2007.
  11. ^ Meade, Amanda (7 February 2008). "Live interactive role for Jones". The Australian. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 10 February 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  12. ^ "ABC Redefining Television". ABC Television. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  13. ^ Field, Katherine (6 February 2008). "ABC promises more content choice". The Australian. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 6 February 2008.
  14. ^ a b Bodey, Michael (7 February 2008). "ABC gets squiggle on for new channels". The Australian. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 9 February 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  15. ^ "ABC Television Contact Us". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 16 February 2008. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  16. ^ a b "ABC to launch new ABC 4 Kids branding". The Tube. 21 April 2011. Archived from the original on 5 May 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  17. ^ "ABC2 Controller Announced". ABC TV Blog. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 17 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 November 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  18. ^ Knox, David (17 June 2010). "Stuart Menzies appointed ABC2 Controller". TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Your Aunty's Never Looked So Good" (Press release). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 December 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  20. ^ a b Wilson, Peri (30 October 2017). "ABC gets serious about comedy". About the ABC. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  21. ^ Knox, David (20 December 2022). "Multichannel Survey 2022: ABC Kids, ABC TV Plus, ABC ME, ABC News". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  22. ^ Tugwell, Nikki (23 January 2023). "ABC Kids/ABC TV Plus programming". About the ABC. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  23. ^ Knox, David (12 February 2023). ""We've listened to the audience feedback": ABC backflips on kids programming time". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  24. ^ Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (Report). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1983. Archived from the original on 24 June 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2007 – via Australasian Legal Information Institute.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Knox, David (18 February 2024). "Here's what's in store on ABC Family / ABC Entertains channels". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Monday 1 June 2009 — MELBOURNE". Television.AU. Melbourne. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  27. ^ Knox, David (14 April 2011). "ABC News Breakfast making the switch to ABC1". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  28. ^ ABC Kids/ABC TV Plus Program Guide: Week 23 (PDF), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 26 May 2024, retrieved 9 June 2024 – via TV Tonight
  29. ^ ABC Kids/Family Program Guide: Week 24 (PDF), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2 June 2024, archived (PDF) from the original on 9 June 2024, retrieved 9 June 2024 – via TV Tonight
  30. ^ Welch, Dylan (30 January 2008). "ABC squiggle to stay". Brisbane Times. Brisbane: Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 24 June 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2008.
  31. ^ "ABC revamps squiggle logo". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 30 January 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2008.
  32. ^ "A bright new look for ABC2". ABC TV Blog. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 31 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
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