During the 1950's Australians could afford more entertainment products than ever before. Many things were introduced into the Australian society, these included radios, cinemas, films, television and many more.
RADIO
The radio was one of the most popular form of entertainment in Australia. In 1955, there was an estimated guess that 97% of Australian households owned a radio set. With this new technology, families gathered together and listened to music shows, drama serials, light entertainment and quiz programs. However, when television began broadcasting into homes during 1956, radio stations were forced to change their programming and had to mainly play music, sport and news.
television
In September 1956, television was first introduced and it was just in time for the Melbourne Olympics. Within a few years it became the nation's most popular form of entertainment, estimated that over 50 percent of families in Sydney owned a television set by 1959. When it was first released television was screened in grainy black and white and broadcasts were limited to just a few hours each night. When television first came out it featured news, quiz shows, movies, music programs and sport. A large proportion of television programs were from overseas. Some where Perry mason, I Love Lucy and soon these became the nation's favourites. However, some people in the Australian society opposed the use of television, many believed that television would over-run Australia by American culture. Others believed that television content was unsophisticated and contained no education or cultural benefits. Some people also believed that television would encourage people to become passive and less active in the community.
cinemas and films
Cinema was greatly affected by the introduction of television. Instead off going out for a night at the movies, many families stayed at home and watched TV instead. As this happened, cinemas tried to win back the loss of audiences by offering new innovative features. Some of the new features were technicolour, wider screens, stereo sound and 3D movies. Another popular entertainment was drive in cinemas, where people would watch a movie outside usually at night time.
OTHER
Technology wasn't the only entertainment Australian's had as comic books were extremely popular and American toys like hula hoops became the centre of attention. Some outdoor entertainment that a majority of Australians had was going to the beach. More people learned how to swim and surf. Lifesavers would then begin to patrol beaches and swimsuits improved into a more comfortable and practical design.