This week, ABC News has launched a new design, features and functionality for the ABC News website.
ABC is also bringing back the ABC TV News Theme composed by Peter Wall and Tony Ansell, which was in use from 1986 to 2005.
The new theme made its on-air debut on Monday on the ABC NEWS Channel and can now be heard on every state and territory 7pm bulletin.
“I’m delighted it’s coming back – I think it’s our best work,” Wall said. “Many people grew up listening to it and it’s wonderful new audiences will now also be able to discover it. Tony’s arrangement and Dick Montz’s piccolo trumpet have really stood the test of time.”
Ansell passed in 2000, but Wall provided input to the 21st-century version, including finding the original tape of 24 individual music tracks. ABC senior audio creative and sound designer David McDonald worked on the updated arrangement and remix.
ABC News Mail has also had a makeover and rounds up the overnight breaking news and key conversation topics.
The redesign is led by the company’s in-house creative team, with an expanded colour palette and a wider range of typefaces. The new graphic design incorporated shapes that are direct traces of the ABC logo.
New features for ABC News’ website and app:
• Top Stories shows the key news of the day at a glance
• Everyone’s Talking About jumps straight into the top-trending news stories
• Local News to you puts news from local areas on homepages
• New navigation toggle
• Expanded menu options
• Video Shorts
The re-design is consistent across the ABC NEWS website and app and on social platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
ABC director of news, Justin Stevens said: “We’re delighted to introduce an updated look and experience for the public however and whenever they use ABC NEWS across any platform.
“Every week more than 40 per cent of Australians come to ABC NEWS across digital, TV and radio and we want to make sure we’re providing all of them the most impactful and contemporary experience, that matches the strength and excellence of our journalism.
“The new design is impactful and appealing for audiences and gives us a consistent look across all platforms. Our audience accesses our journalism across all platforms and mediums and the design needs to reflect that. The upgrade to the web and app improves the experience for users and adds features to let them personalise their news service.
“I’m thrilled to welcome back the iconic ABC NEWS theme. It captures the excitement and passion everyone in ABC NEWS has for news and current affairs.”