Network 10 Brisbane

On this very spot, amidst the bustling city of Brisbane, stands Network 10 Brisbane. A landmark with a vibrant history, deeply woven into the fabric of Australian television. Network 10 Brisbane, originally TVQ Channel 0, first flickered to life on July 1, 1965. Broadcasting from Mount Coot-tha, it joined its rivals, BTQ7 and QTQ9, already perched on the mountain. Network 10 Brisbane wasn’t just another channel. It was Brisbane’s third commercial station and a vital part of the Independent Television System, which later evolved into Network Ten. The channel’s birth wasn’t without drama. A fierce takeover battle involving Universal Telecasters and Ansett Transport Industries threatened to derail the launch. The government even temporarily withheld the broadcasting license. However, after a tense review, Universal Telecasters, with its Queensland-based shareholders, secured the license and TVQ Channel 0 was born. Imagine the excitement in 1965. Test transmissions reached not only the Gold Coast and Darling Downs but even as far north as Cairns. Viewers eagerly adjusted their antennas, preparing for a “new look in television.” Network 10 Brisbane’s opening day wasn’t a grand affair. No special programs, no lavish fanfare. Just straight into regular programming. Announcer David Jull welcomed viewers, followed by a documentary, children’s shows, and a movie double feature. Network 10 Brisbane quickly became a hub for local talent. It produced shows like “New Faces,” “The Saturday Show,” and “Countdown.” It even gave a young John Dommett, later a prominent actor, his start in television. Network 10 Brisbane continued to evolve, facing financial challenges, ownership changes, and the transition to color television. It even played a key role in broadcasting the 1988 World Expo in Brisbane. Today, Network 10 Brisbane still stands tall. A testament to the enduring power of television and a vibrant part of Brisbane’s media landscape.