Sydney’s Heartbeat for 100 Years: 2GB Celebrates Centenary Milestone

Radio 2GB will officially celebrate 100 years on air this Sunday, 23 August 2026. For a century, 2GB has been more than a radio station – it has been the steady heartbeat of Sydney, serving as a trusted companion through breaking news, daily commutes, moments of triumph, and times of crisis.

From major historical events to the daily conversations that shape the city, generations of Sydneysiders have woken up, laughed, and debated with 2GB. Built by its passionate team and loyal listeners, 2GB enters its second century combining an iconic talkback legacy with modern digital innovation.

Greg Byrnes, 2GB Station Manager, said: “This year marks 100 incredible years of 2GB being the soundtrack to Sydney’s daily life. Our success belongs to our listeners, who have welcomed us into their homes, cars, and lives through the best and worst of times. It’s a true honour to be the voice of our communities, and our dedication to providing live, local, and trusted content remains stronger today than ever before.”

Tom Malone, CEO of Tapt Media, said: “This significant milestone is only made possible by the loyal listeners, excellent broadcasters, and wonderful owners of 2GB over the past century. As we push into our next 100 years, supported by the Laundy Family, 2GB’s commitment to Sydney is paramount – built on the foundations of news, sport, weather, traffic, opinion and entertainment, and accentuated when the community needs us most – for information and reassurance – during floods, fire, pandemics or terror attacks. Sydney can count on 2GB.”

Ahead of Sunday’s official 100-year anniversary, 2GB will kick off its centenary celebrations tomorrow, Friday 21 August 2026, with live outside broadcasts taking place in four iconic locations across Sydney. All members of the public are invited to drop by and join in the celebrations throughout the day.

• Breakfast with Ben Fordham (5:30am – 9:00am): Broadcasting live from Watsons Bay Hotel, hosting a special centenary breakfast.
• Mornings with Mark Levy (9:00am – 12:00pm): Broadcasting live aboard Cruise Sydney on Sydney Harbour exclusively for 100 ticketed competition winners.
• Afternoons with Michael McLaren (12:00pm – 3:00pm): Broadcasting live from historic Old Government House in Parramatta.
• Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard (3:00pm – 6:00pm): Broadcasting live from Northies Hotel, Cronulla.

2GB Historical Snapshot

2GB first went on air at 8:00pm on Sunday, 23 August 1926 from Adyar Hall at 29 Bligh Street, Sydney. Originally owned by the Theosophical Society, its call sign was chosen in honour of Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno (GB). Transmitting across the harbour from Mosman at 15kW, it was the most powerful station in the Southern Hemisphere at launch.

In those inaugural moments, Bishop George Sydney Arundale set a standard that remains 2GB’s guiding vision a century later: “We shall utilise every means in our power to interest always, to amuse often, but always to inspire. We trust that it may someday be said by listeners-in to our Station that our programmes always make them happier, always kindlier.”

Over the decades, 2GB evolved from music and radio dramas to live sport and talkback. In 1957, the station made Australian media history by introducing hourly news bulletins during its broadcast day – establishing a cornerstone of modern news-talk radio. Having migrated across the dial from 950 kHz to 870 kHz in 1935, and finally to its home at 873 kHz in 1978, 2GB now seamlessly bridges its classic broadcast heritage with digital audio platforms, mobile apps, and podcasts for a new century of listeners.