In its 100 years on air, 2UE has shaped the soundscape of Sydney. This series looks at the station’s legacy, from technological breakthroughs that help deliver news, to pioneering programming innovations like Talkback and Top 40. If Sydney had a soundtrack, it would be heard on a transistor radio on Bondi Beach tuned to the frequency of 954 AM.

In its 100 years on air, 2UE has shaped the soundscape of Sydney. This series looks at the station&rsquo;s legacy, from technological breakthroughs that help deliver news, to pioneering programming innovations like Talkback and Top 40. If Sydney had a soundtrack, it would be heard on a transistor radio on Bondi Beach tuned to the frequency of 954 AM.

2UE. 100 Years At or Near the Top

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sydney’s iconic radio station, 2UE, we proudly present "AT OR NEAR THE TOP"—a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating story behind Australia’s oldest commercial radio station still on the air.

Founded on January 26, 1925, 2UE has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Sydney. This special series dives deep into the station’s rich legacy, celebrating both its on-air triumphs and the behind-the-scenes efforts that have sustained its enduring success.

Through archival recordings, interviews with legendary broadcasters, and stories from those who have been part of its journey, "AT OR NEAR THE TOP" captures the spirit of resilience and community connection that has defined 2UE for a century. From its earliest days as a pioneering voice in radio to its role in modern broadcasting, this series is a tribute to a station that has remained a cornerstone of Australian media.

Join us as we reflect on 100 years of broadcasting excellence, revisiting the voices, moments, and milestones that have made 2UE a cherished part of Australia’s cultural fabric.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sydney&rsquo;s iconic radio station, 2UE, we proudly present "AT OR NEAR THE TOP"&mdash;a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating story behind Australia&rsquo;s oldest commercial radio station still on the air.
Founded on January 26, 1925, 2UE has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Sydney. This special series dives deep into the station&rsquo;s rich legacy, celebrating both its on-air triumphs and the behind-the-scenes efforts that have sustained its enduring success.
Through archival recordings, interviews with legendary broadcasters, and stories from those who have been part of its journey, "AT OR NEAR THE TOP" captures the spirit of resilience and community connection that has defined 2UE for a century. From its earliest days as a pioneering voice in radio to its role in modern broadcasting, this series is a tribute to a station that has remained a cornerstone of Australian media.
Join us as we reflect on 100 years of broadcasting excellence, revisiting the voices, moments, and milestones that have made 2UE a cherished part of Australia&rsquo;s cultural fabric.

100 Years of 2UE "At or Near the Top"

Forget partying like it's 1999, the Sydney 2000 Olympics went one better. 

Radio 2UE didn't just keep Sydney in the loop. As the official broadcaster, it helped deliver the games to a (then) record audience of around 3.7 billion.

Forget partying like it's 1999, the Sydney 2000 Olympics went one better.&nbsp; Radio 2UE didn't just keep Sydney in the loop. As the official broadcaster, it helped deliver the games to a (then) record audience of around 3.7 billion.

Episode 12 - Sydney Olympics

Radio delivers companionship to the lonely, news for the inquisitive and music for those wanting to be entertained. But some listeners just want the answer to ONE simple question.

Radio delivers companionship to the lonely, news for the inquisitive and music for those wanting to be entertained. But some listeners just want the answer to ONE simple question.

Episode 17 - Time

When the wife of a Russian spy was bundled into a plane by some shadowy characters, the Cold War had come to Australia. 2UE was on the spot when the crowd turned ugly. But did she want to go or stay?

When the wife of a Russian spy was bundled into a plane by some shadowy characters, the Cold War had come to Australia. 2UE was on the spot when the crowd turned ugly. But did she want to go or stay?

Episode 16 - Petrov

In 1928, Australian pilots Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm, along with two US crewmen, became the first people to cross the Pacific Ocean. Seven years later, Smithy was still getting a hero's welcome at Mascot. And 2UE was there for Australia's first live cross.

In 1928, Australian pilots Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm, along with two US crewmen, became the first people to cross the Pacific Ocean. Seven years later, Smithy was still getting a hero's welcome at Mascot. And 2UE was there for Australia's first live cross.

Episode 15 - Kingsford Smith

These days, we wouldn't begrudge an Australian cricketer an IPL payday. But what if the greatest cricketer of all time decided he was headed OS, never to play cricket for Australia again?

These days, we wouldn't begrudge an Australian cricketer an IPL payday. But what if the greatest cricketer of all time decided he was headed OS, never to play cricket for Australia again?

Episode 14 - Bradman

Whether it was a police radio in the studio, a Holden station wagon that could file stories on the fly, or a Cessna reporting beach conditions, 2UE was always a pioneer in the news gathering stakes.

Whether it was a police radio in the studio, a Holden station wagon that could file stories on the fly, or a Cessna reporting beach conditions, 2UE was always a pioneer in the news gathering stakes.

Episode 13 - Chasing News

Despite the tyranny of distance that separates Australia from the rest of the world, 2UE has kept listeners closer to world and local events by pioneering regular, shorter hourly news bulletins and around-the-clock coverage.

Despite the tyranny of distance that separates Australia from the rest of the world, 2UE has kept listeners closer to world and local events by pioneering regular, shorter hourly news bulletins and around-the-clock coverage.

Episode 11 - News

Top 40 radio came to Australia in 1958. 2UE published the first giveaway chart that was distributed via record stores. The public soon wanted to know what was charting and what song was Number 1.

Top 40 radio came to Australia in 1958. 2UE published the first giveaway chart that was distributed via record stores. The public soon wanted to know what was charting and what song was Number 1.

Episode 10 - TOP 40

Combine Sydney's love of the car with its appetite for games of chance and cash prizes and you've got a promotion made in heaven.

Combine Sydney's love of the car with its appetite for games of chance and cash prizes and you've got a promotion made in heaven.

Episode 9 - The Motor Vehicle

While viewers think nothing of an Australian drama set in another city, when it comes to radio, we are parochial. Just because you're a big name in Sydney doesn't mean you will be a radio star in Melbourne. And visa versa.

While viewers think nothing of an Australian drama set in another city, when it comes to radio, we are parochial. Just because you're a big name in Sydney doesn't mean you will be a radio star in Melbourne. And visa versa.

2UE. 100 Years At or Near the Top

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2UE. 100 Years At or Near the Top

Follow the podcast:

.css-1989ovb{vertical-align:middle;}.css-xs2b35{display:inline-block;-webkit-flex:none;-ms-flex:none;flex:none;width:4px;}17 clip(s) in playlist

17 clip(s) in playlist