In the world of television, few things are as captivating as the retro era, a time when the small screen was a revolutionary new medium that changed popular culture forever. As an expert in the field, I find myself drawn to the fascinating story of Australia's retro television, a journey through time that takes us from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. What makes this period so intriguing is the contrast between the simplicity of the technology and the complexity of the cultural impact it had. In my opinion, the arrival of television in Australia was a pivotal moment, one that shaped the nation's identity and its relationship with popular culture. The book, Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day, by Ian Collis, is a treasure trove of archival photography, behind-the-scenes imagery, and anecdotes that bring this era to life. It's a chance for people to reminisce and for younger generations to gain a glimpse into the past. One of the most striking aspects of this era is the contrast between the expense of owning a television and the limited channels and content available. In the late 1950s, a black and white television set was about 10 times the average weekly wage, making it a significant investment for most families. This meant that when a family finally purchased a television, it became the center of attention, with neighbors dropping by to catch a glimpse of the latest shows. However, the limited channels and content meant that families had to be selective about what they watched, often relying on live broadcasts and missing out on shows they missed. The content itself was a mix of American imports and Australian-made shows. Americans had a knack for selling their content, and Australians lapped it up. Westerns, detective shows, comedies, and variety shows dominated the airwaves, with Americans like Frank Sinatra, Patti Page, and Johnny O'Keefe becoming household names. But it wasn't just the Americans who had a hold on the Australian audience. Australian-made shows like Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, The Sullivans, The Paul Hogan Show, Division 4, Matlock Police, Bellbird, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Play School, Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight, and Countdown also found a dedicated following. These shows were groundbreaking, offering a unique perspective on Australian life and culture. What makes this era so fascinating is the contrast between the simplicity of the technology and the complexity of the cultural impact. The television set was a new medium, and Australians embraced it with open arms. But the limited channels and content meant that families had to be selective about what they watched, often relying on live broadcasts and missing out on shows they missed. This era also saw the rise of sports on television, with AFL, rugby league, soccer, and cricket becoming popular viewing. The ABC, in particular, had a strong cricket presence, with the sport becoming extremely popular. In my opinion, the retro television era is a fascinating chapter in the history of popular culture. It's a time when the small screen was a revolutionary new medium, and Australians embraced it with open arms. But it's also a time when the content was limited, and families had to be selective about what they watched. This era offers a unique perspective on the relationship between television and popular culture, and it's a time that continues to captivate and inspire. So, if you're looking for a nostalgic journey through time, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day by Ian Collis. It's a fascinating look back at a time when the small screen was a big deal, and it's a chance to reminisce about the shows that shaped a generation.
