the history of broadcasting in australia has been shaped for over a century by the problem of communication across long distances, coupled with a strong base in a wealthy society with a deep taste for aural communications in a silent landscape. australia developed its own system, through its own engineers, manufacturers, retailers, newspapers, entertainment services, and news agencies. the government set up the first radio system, and business interests marginalized the hobbyists and amateurs. the labor party was especially interested in radio because it allowed them to bypass the newspapers, which were mostly controlled by the opposition. both parties agreed on the need for a national system, and in 1932 set up the australian broadcasting commission, as a government agency that was largely separate from political interference.