ABC Classic

Australian classical music radio station

ABC Classic, formerly ABC FM (also ABC Fine Music), and then ABC Classic FM, is an Australian classical music radio station available in Australia and internationally. Its website features classical music news, features and listening guides. It is operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

ABC Classic was established in 1976 as "ABC FM", and later for a short time was known as "ABC Fine Music" (a play on the letters FM). before adopting its current name in January 2019. It was the ABC's first experiment in FM broadcasting – which had become a necessity in Australia as broadcasters ran out of AM frequencies on which to transmit. This was before most commercial stations had started using FM, and the ABC was first to use satellite transmissions. The creation of ABC Classic FM was inspired partly by the example of BBC Radio 3, and its focus was on fine music and the arts.

ABC Classic broadcasts classical music, operas, recitals and live concerts. Former "Classic Breakfast" producer Greg Keane has been critical of changes that were made to programming methods in 2016. He says that the use of G Selector software has led to a "loss of thoughtful, varied and original programming devised by experienced producers". Around half of the music played is performed by Australian musicians, and the ABC Young Performers Awards are a way of supporting a younger generation of musicians. and past concerts are available online afterwards. but has reduced over time owing to budget cuts.

A number of special events are held throughout the year, including: The results of each survey are decided by votes cast by the listeners of the radio station. The works are broadcast in reverse order of popularity over three days. The countdown culminates in the broadcast of a live concert featuring the most popular pieces and finishes with the number one listener choice. A feature of the countdown is that each piece is kept secret until just before its broadcast (including the pieces featured in the final concert). Classic 100 themes have included Love, Beethoven, Music in the Movies, Composers, and Dance.

Each November on ABC Classic is AusMusic Month, where Australian artists are heavily promoted. This includes more Australian composition broadcast every day; some free, limited entry concerts around the country; all Australian albums of the week; and many live Australian concerts.

In common with all ABC Radio stations (other than Triple J, which operates its own service), it also carries news bulletins produced by ABC News. On 19 December 2005, in line with the policy applied at every ABC Radio network (except Triple J and Radio Australia), these news bulletins became state based rather than national.

ABC Classic is broadcast in stereo FM across Australia on over more than 30 frequencies. Broadcast frequencies of the major Australian capital cities are listed below. 92.9 FM Sydney, New South Wales
93.9 FM Hobart, Tasmania
97.7 FM Perth, Western Australia
102.3 FM Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (alternative: 99.1 FM Tuggeranong, ACT)
103.9 FM Adelaide, South Australia (alternative: 97.5 FM Adelaide Foothills, SA)
105.9 FM Melbourne, Victoria
106.1 FM Brisbane, Queensland
107.3 FM Darwin, Northern Territory

ABC Classic 2, a music only talk free streaming station, was established in June 2014. Programmed by the ABC Classic team, it broadcasts only via an online stream and is available on the ABC's Android and iOS apps. Classic 2 specialises in streaming popular styles of classical music. The music on Classic 2 is performed exclusively by leading Australian orchestras, ensembles and soloists.

The monthly arts magazine Limelight was, under its former name ABC Radio 24 Hours (1976–2003), originally owned and published by the ABC. It is now independently owned and published, but continues a strong, albeit unofficial, affiliation with the ABC and with ABC Classic in particular.