The transmitters were designed by Charles Strong in London, and were notable in using negative feedback to ensure a high quality flat frequency response.

The final stage contained three parallel 3J/261E air cooled triodes running in class C amplifier at 90% efficiency.

[citation needed] In the 1970s, the network's program format began to take on a more serious tone, a style which continues to this day.

[9] In the early 1980s the broadcast footprint was extended with the construction of the first of over 300 regional FM transmitters (including community re-broadcast sites).

[10] As a result of cuts in the 1996–97 budget, Radio National was hit with a reduction of a million dollars in its funding, with a significant impact on programming.

[12][13][14][15] Presenter Stephen Crittenden leaked confidential programming changes in an unscheduled live broadcast before the start of his show, criticising his superiors.

[16] He was suspended for his outburst,[17] and his unscripted comments were cut from Radio National's podcast and transcript of the program.

[20] In January 2012 Radio National was rebranded as RN, partly in recognition of the station's growing digital audience.

[23][24][25] In November 2024, Radio National announced new programmes and schedule designed to relaunch the station in 2025 as "the centre of big conversations and create a space where audiences can expand their worldview while engaging with the world’s best thinkers."

Australia Wide is still broadcast on ABC Local Radio stations in regional areas outside capital cities.

[36] Other changes to the Radio National schedule in 2025 included:[37][38][4] Ben Latimer, the ABC's Director of Audio told Australian marketing and media industry news website Mumbrella that the 2025 changes was ABC Radio National's reaffirming of "its role as Australia’s premier audio gateway, offering audiences a window into the rich tapestry of intellectual and creative life in this country.

[47] All radio programs are available for live streaming over the Internet, and most (excluding drama, poetry and music) as audio-on-demand, or for download as MP3s for at least four weeks after broadcast.