https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast/sbs50-biggest-storiesFor fifty years SBS has been at the forefront of delivering multilingual, multicultural, and First Nations content, tailored to Australia's diverse communities. In this series we highlight major news events, personalities, places and stories that made headlines in Australia and around the world.en-usStreamGuys RecastCopyright 2025, Special Broadcasting ServicesSBSFor fifty years SBS has been at the forefront of delivering multilingual, multicultural, and First Nations content, tailored to Australia's diverse communities. In this series we highlight major news events, personalities, places and stories that made headlines in Australia and around the world.For fifty years SBS has been at the forefront of delivering multilingual, multicultural, and First Nations content, tailored to Australia's diverse communities. In this series we highlight major news events, personalities, places and stories that made headlines in Australia and around the world.falseepisodicSBS Audioaudio@sbs.com.auhttps://sbs-rss.streamguys1.com/sbs50-biggest-stories/20250314093241-90.jpghttps://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast/sbs50-biggest-storiesSBS,News and Current Affairs,World History,News mediaOne of the stories that shook the world in 1975 was Cambodia’s genocide. Communist forces lead by Pol Pot attempted to socially engineer a classless, peasant society. The Khmer Rouge took aim at intellectuals, city residents, ethnic Vietnamese, civil servants, and religious leaders.00000195-7d48-dd2c-a3d5-fdefbecf0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1975/fbrulgwjsOne of the stories that shook the world in 1975 was Cambodia’s genocide. Communist forces lead by Pol Pot attempted to socially engineer a classless, peasant society. The Khmer Rouge took aim at intellectuals, city residents, ethnic Vietnamese, civil servants, and religious leaders.One of the stories that shook the world in 1975 was Cambodia’s genocide. Communist forces lead by Pol Pot attempted to socially engineer a classless, peasant society. The Khmer Rouge took aim at intellectuals, city residents, ethnic Vietnamese, civil servants, and religious leaders.fullunset00:01:14Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:44:00 +11001976 was marked by a dramatic hostage-rescue mission carried out by Israeli soldiers at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July the 4th.00000195-7d44-d125-addf-7fc7c3c40004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1976/c59gpwi0p1976 was marked by a dramatic hostage-rescue mission carried out by Israeli soldiers at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July the 4th.1976 was marked by a dramatic hostage-rescue mission carried out by Israeli soldiers at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July the 4th.fullunset00:01:08Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:41:00 +11001977 was significant in the entertainment world for two events. Star Wars hit theatres for the first time and went onto become the third highest grossing film ever. And then - sad news for rock ‘n roll fans – the premature death of Elvis Presley.00000195-7d40-dd2c-a3d5-fdefdd500004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1977/jb9u5wknk1977 was significant in the entertainment world for two events. Star Wars hit theatres for the first time and went onto become the third highest grossing film ever. And then - sad news for rock ‘n roll fans – the premature death of Elvis Presley.1977 was significant in the entertainment world for two events. Star Wars hit theatres for the first time and went onto become the third highest grossing film ever. And then - sad news for rock ‘n roll fans – the premature death of Elvis Presley.fullunset00:00:59Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:36:00 +1100In 1978 Egypt made peace with Israel. The Camp David Accords recognized the rights of the Palestinian people, and a process was to be implemented guaranteeing their full autonomy within five years.00000195-7d3c-dd2c-a3d5-fdbf74440000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1978/tga0h7yokIn 1978 Egypt made peace with Israel. The Camp David Accords recognized the rights of the Palestinian people, and a process was to be implemented guaranteeing their full autonomy within five years.In 1978 Egypt made peace with Israel. The Camp David Accords recognized the rights of the Palestinian people, and a process was to be implemented guaranteeing their full autonomy within five years.fullunset00:01:00Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:32:00 +1100In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister until 1990 and during her time in office earned the nickname the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising politics and leadership style.00000195-7d38-dd15-add5-fd3c81cc0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1979/u7uknrq8gIn 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister until 1990 and during her time in office earned the nickname the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising politics and leadership style.In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister until 1990 and during her time in office earned the nickname the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising politics and leadership style.fullunset00:01:10Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:27:00 +11001980 was a dark year for the world of popular music. On Tuesday the 9th of December, singer John Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment by Mark David Chapman, a mentally ill young man.00000195-7d34-d366-adf7-fdff72fd0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1980/1by1p2ewc1980 was a dark year for the world of popular music. On Tuesday the 9th of December, singer John Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment by Mark David Chapman, a mentally ill young man.1980 was a dark year for the world of popular music. On Tuesday the 9th of December, singer John Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment by Mark David Chapman, a mentally ill young man.fullunset00:01:11Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:23:00 +11001981 was a year connected to assassinations, there was an attempt on the Pope and one on American president, Ronald Reagan. But the shots that rang loudest around the world came from Egypt, when an army officer, Khalid Isambouli, and three other soldiers set upon Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat during a victory parade, killing him and ten others.00000195-7d31-d125-addf-7fb343c10004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1981/o8s21ybdp1981 was a year connected to assassinations, there was an attempt on the Pope and one on American president, Ronald Reagan. But the shots that rang loudest around the world came from Egypt, when an army officer, Khalid Isambouli, and three other soldiers set upon Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat during a victory parade, killing him and ten others.1981 was a year connected to assassinations, there was an attempt on the Pope and one on American president, Ronald Reagan. But the shots that rang loudest around the world came from Egypt, when an army officer, Khalid Isambouli, and three other soldiers set upon Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat during a victory parade, killing him and ten others.fullunset00:01:15Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:18:00 +11001982 was the year that the humble smiley face emoticon first made its appearance online at Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania.00000195-7d2d-dd15-add5-fd3d2d9b0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1982/r56fq8zgb1982 was the year that the humble smiley face emoticon first made its appearance online at Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania.1982 was the year that the humble smiley face emoticon first made its appearance online at Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania.fullunset00:01:01Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:15:00 +1100In December 1983, Treasurer Paul Keating announced that the Australian dollar would be floated. Removing a fixed exchange rate meant the value of the dollar could automatically adjust in response to how it was trading on the foreign exchange market.00000195-7d28-dd15-add5-fd3c2f3c0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1983/ysc04x93aIn December 1983, Treasurer Paul Keating announced that the Australian dollar would be floated. Removing a fixed exchange rate meant the value of the dollar could automatically adjust in response to how it was trading on the foreign exchange market.In December 1983, Treasurer Paul Keating announced that the Australian dollar would be floated. Removing a fixed exchange rate meant the value of the dollar could automatically adjust in response to how it was trading on the foreign exchange market.fullunset00:01:23Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:10:00 +11001984 was the year Britain and China sealed Hong Kong’s fate. Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.00000195-7d1f-d125-addf-7f9fd1b90000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1984/oa6w904q11984 was the year Britain and China sealed Hong Kong’s fate. Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.1984 was the year Britain and China sealed Hong Kong’s fate. Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.fullunset00:01:13Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:01:00 +1100One of the biggest stories in 1986 was the explosion of a Soviet nuclear reactor at Chernobyl in Ukraine. Labelled the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, Chernobyl resulted in the release of radioactive material across much of Europe, affecting over half a million people.00000195-7d1b-d125-addf-7f9b164f0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1986/7csxrnrm9One of the biggest stories in 1986 was the explosion of a Soviet nuclear reactor at Chernobyl in Ukraine. Labelled the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, Chernobyl resulted in the release of radioactive material across much of Europe, affecting over half a million people.One of the biggest stories in 1986 was the explosion of a Soviet nuclear reactor at Chernobyl in Ukraine. Labelled the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, Chernobyl resulted in the release of radioactive material across much of Europe, affecting over half a million people.fullunset00:01:04Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:56:00 +11001987 was marked by a massive loss of wealth across the world when stock markets crashed on October the 19th – a day known as Black Monday. The global crash began in Hong Kong and spread to Europe, also hitting the United States. Australia and New Zealand’s markets were affected a day later.00000195-7d15-dd2c-a3d5-fdbf9d9e0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1987/3ui692bh61987 was marked by a massive loss of wealth across the world when stock markets crashed on October the 19th – a day known as Black Monday. The global crash began in Hong Kong and spread to Europe, also hitting the United States. Australia and New Zealand’s markets were affected a day later.1987 was marked by a massive loss of wealth across the world when stock markets crashed on October the 19th – a day known as Black Monday. The global crash began in Hong Kong and spread to Europe, also hitting the United States. Australia and New Zealand’s markets were affected a day later.fullunset00:01:16Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:50:00 +1100In 1988 much of Australia was in party mode. On January the 26th, 200 years after the arrival of the First Fleet, we celebrated our bicentenary in a sunny spectacle focused on where it all began — Sydney Harbour.00000195-7d11-d366-adf7-fddbf3180001https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1988/c9slsrt3jIn 1988 much of Australia was in party mode. On January the 26th, 200 years after the arrival of the First Fleet, we celebrated our bicentenary in a sunny spectacle focused on where it all began — Sydney Harbour.In 1988 much of Australia was in party mode. On January the 26th, 200 years after the arrival of the First Fleet, we celebrated our bicentenary in a sunny spectacle focused on where it all began — Sydney Harbour.fullunset00:01:31Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:45:00 +1100In 1989, after almost 30 years of division, the Berlin Wall came down paving the way for German re-unification. On November the 9th the East German government announced its citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin any time they wished.00000195-7d0e-d125-addf-7f8f26cf0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1989/l5gutwmqgIn 1989, after almost 30 years of division, the Berlin Wall came down paving the way for German re-unification. On November the 9th the East German government announced its citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin any time they wished.In 1989, after almost 30 years of division, the Berlin Wall came down paving the way for German re-unification. On November the 9th the East German government announced its citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin any time they wished.fullunset00:01:05Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:41:00 +1100In 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from jail paving the way for democracy in South Africa. Arrested in 1962 for his campaign to get equal rights for black South Africans, Nelson Mandela was charged with treason and spent 27 years in a notorious prison on Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town.00000195-7d07-d125-addf-7f87da8a0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-1990/31jr7744eIn 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from jail paving the way for democracy in South Africa. Arrested in 1962 for his campaign to get equal rights for black South Africans, Nelson Mandela was charged with treason and spent 27 years in a notorious prison on Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town.In 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from jail paving the way for democracy in South Africa. Arrested in 1962 for his campaign to get equal rights for black South Africans, Nelson Mandela was charged with treason and spent 27 years in a notorious prison on Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town.fullunset00:01:07Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:36:00 +1100One of the stories that shook the world in 1991 was the start of Operation Desert Storm. A coalition led by the United States began military operations against Iraq after the United Nations condemned Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.00000195-7d00-d125-addf-7f830bc50001https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-1991/0ur0z397qOne of the stories that shook the world in 1991 was the start of Operation Desert Storm. A coalition led by the United States began military operations against Iraq after the United Nations condemned Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.One of the stories that shook the world in 1991 was the start of Operation Desert Storm. A coalition led by the United States began military operations against Iraq after the United Nations condemned Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.fullunset00:00:57Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:26:00 +1100In 1992 the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India reverberated around the world. Situated in in Ayodhya, a town revered as the birthplace of the Hindu God Lord Ram, the mosque was the focus of a long debate over whether a temple existed beforehand on the site.00000195-7cfa-d125-addf-7ffb44e00004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-1992/g5bogdmrzIn 1992 the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India reverberated around the world. Situated in in Ayodhya, a town revered as the birthplace of the Hindu God Lord Ram, the mosque was the focus of a long debate over whether a temple existed beforehand on the site.In 1992 the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India reverberated around the world. Situated in in Ayodhya, a town revered as the birthplace of the Hindu God Lord Ram, the mosque was the focus of a long debate over whether a temple existed beforehand on the site.fullunset00:01:05Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:21:00 +1100In 1993 the world of tennis changed in an instant when Monica Seles was stabbed during a match against Magdalena Maleeva in Germany.00000195-7cf1-dd2c-a3d5-fdff54de0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-1993/iu8juag5kIn 1993 the world of tennis changed in an instant when Monica Seles was stabbed during a match against Magdalena Maleeva in Germany.In 1993 the world of tennis changed in an instant when Monica Seles was stabbed during a match against Magdalena Maleeva in Germany.fullunset00:01:07Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:14:00 +1100After 27 years in exile, 1994 was marked by Yasser Arafat’s return to the Gaza Strip. The P-L-O leader gave a triumphant address to 200 thousand Palestinians in Gaza city.00000195-79a1-d366-adf7-fdfb2a800001https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1994/fi3cql1s0After 27 years in exile, 1994 was marked by Yasser Arafat’s return to the Gaza Strip. The P-L-O leader gave a triumphant address to 200 thousand Palestinians in Gaza city.After 27 years in exile, 1994 was marked by Yasser Arafat’s return to the Gaza Strip. The P-L-O leader gave a triumphant address to 200 thousand Palestinians in Gaza city.fullunset00:01:18Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:45:00 +1100One of our biggest stories of the past four decades took place in 1995, when an American space shuttle docked with the Russian space station Mir. Despite previous cold war animosity, Russian astronauts greeted the Americans with bread, salt and a kiss on the cheek.00000195-799c-d125-addf-7f9fafbc0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1995/9ic68ozosOne of our biggest stories of the past four decades took place in 1995, when an American space shuttle docked with the Russian space station Mir. Despite previous cold war animosity, Russian astronauts greeted the Americans with bread, salt and a kiss on the cheek.One of our biggest stories of the past four decades took place in 1995, when an American space shuttle docked with the Russian space station Mir. Despite previous cold war animosity, Russian astronauts greeted the Americans with bread, salt and a kiss on the cheek.fullunset00:00:59Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:38:00 +11001996 saw a huge leap in the number of computers which could host the internet, rising from 1 to 12 million. The World Wide Web was starting to take off as a means of information dissemination, commerce, and collaboration across the globe.00000195-7998-d366-adf7-fddb3a580004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1996/026f2oqqp1996 saw a huge leap in the number of computers which could host the internet, rising from 1 to 12 million. The World Wide Web was starting to take off as a means of information dissemination, commerce, and collaboration across the globe.1996 saw a huge leap in the number of computers which could host the internet, rising from 1 to 12 million. The World Wide Web was starting to take off as a means of information dissemination, commerce, and collaboration across the globe.fullunset00:01:14Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:33:00 +1100Where were you on the 31st of August 1997? It may be tough to remember a specific date, but you will likely recall the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales in a car crash in Paris, chased by Paparazzi.00000195-7993-d125-addf-7f9375350004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1997/lwlt00iotWhere were you on the 31st of August 1997? It may be tough to remember a specific date, but you will likely recall the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales in a car crash in Paris, chased by Paparazzi.Where were you on the 31st of August 1997? It may be tough to remember a specific date, but you will likely recall the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales in a car crash in Paris, chased by Paparazzi.fullunset00:01:00Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:29:00 +1100It was the scandal that nearly brought down an American president. In 1998 US President Bill Clinton finally admitted to having a relationship with White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, after he previously denied they’d engaged in sexual relations.00000195-798d-dd2c-a3d5-f9af501a0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1998/602dcqefcIt was the scandal that nearly brought down an American president. In 1998 US President Bill Clinton finally admitted to having a relationship with White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, after he previously denied they’d engaged in sexual relations.It was the scandal that nearly brought down an American president. In 1998 US President Bill Clinton finally admitted to having a relationship with White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, after he previously denied they’d engaged in sexual relations.fullunset00:00:54Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:22:00 +1100It was the disaster that never happened. In 1999 there was a significant concern about the Y-2-K bug, with predictions that computers would fail at beginning of the new millennium.00000195-7987-dd15-add5-f9b7bed60000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-stories-1999/u5ncjwamdIt was the disaster that never happened. In 1999 there was a significant concern about the Y-2-K bug, with predictions that computers would fail at beginning of the new millennium.It was the disaster that never happened. In 1999 there was a significant concern about the Y-2-K bug, with predictions that computers would fail at beginning of the new millennium.fullunset00:01:19Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:17:00 +1100In the year 2000 Sydney hosted the Olympic games. Previously Australia hosted the world’s biggest sporting spectacle in Melbourne in 1956.00000195-7980-d125-addf-7f8387f80000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2000/44mgrz4cgIn the year 2000 Sydney hosted the Olympic games. Previously Australia hosted the world’s biggest sporting spectacle in Melbourne in 1956.In the year 2000 Sydney hosted the Olympic games. Previously Australia hosted the world’s biggest sporting spectacle in Melbourne in 1956.fullunset00:01:00Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:11:00 +1100In 2001 the world changed forever with the 9-11 attacks in the United States. Domestic airliners were hijacked and flown into both towers of New York’s World Trade Centre, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.00000195-797a-dd2c-a3d5-f9ff406d0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2001/24ltf5xgqIn 2001 the world changed forever with the 9-11 attacks in the United States. Domestic airliners were hijacked and flown into both towers of New York’s World Trade Centre, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.In 2001 the world changed forever with the 9-11 attacks in the United States. Domestic airliners were hijacked and flown into both towers of New York’s World Trade Centre, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.fullunset00:01:16Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:03:00 +1100In 2002, the Euro became the official currency of the European Union as it went into circulation on the 1st of January. Gone were francs, marks, pounds, schillings, pesetas, lira and guilders, among many others. There are now 19 countries that use the Euro.00000195-7965-d125-addf-7fe7e6110000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2002/heflnm6z6In 2002, the Euro became the official currency of the European Union as it went into circulation on the 1st of January. Gone were francs, marks, pounds, schillings, pesetas, lira and guilders, among many others. There are now 19 countries that use the Euro.In 2002, the Euro became the official currency of the European Union as it went into circulation on the 1st of January. Gone were francs, marks, pounds, schillings, pesetas, lira and guilders, among many others. There are now 19 countries that use the Euro.fullunset00:00:51Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:56:00 +1100On the 19th of March, 2003, U-S president George W. Bush announced the beginning of the invasion of Iraq. Australia was the third contributing member of the U-S led 'Coalition of the Willing', but many opposed what the Americans called – ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom. ‘00000195-795c-d366-adf7-fddf57820000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2003/pyegff4doOn the 19th of March, 2003, U-S president George W. Bush announced the beginning of the invasion of Iraq. Australia was the third contributing member of the U-S led 'Coalition of the Willing', but many opposed what the Americans called – ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom. ‘On the 19th of March, 2003, U-S president George W. Bush announced the beginning of the invasion of Iraq. Australia was the third contributing member of the U-S led 'Coalition of the Willing', but many opposed what the Americans called – ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom. ‘fullunset00:01:07Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:31:00 +11002004 ended with one of history’s deadliest natural disasters - the Boxing Day Tsunami - where an estimated 225 thousand people were killed. The 9-magnitude earthquake struck 160 kilometres off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.00000195-7951-dd2c-a3d5-f9ff26300000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2/k6qtslba02004 ended with one of history’s deadliest natural disasters - the Boxing Day Tsunami - where an estimated 225 thousand people were killed. The 9-magnitude earthquake struck 160 kilometres off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.2004 ended with one of history’s deadliest natural disasters - the Boxing Day Tsunami - where an estimated 225 thousand people were killed. The 9-magnitude earthquake struck 160 kilometres off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.fullunset00:01:18Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:23:00 +1100In 2005 events in an Australian beachside suburb made headlines around the world. Three off-duty, out-of-uniform lifeguards, had a confrontation with four men of Middle-Eastern appearance, two of the lifeguards hospitalised a reports of community reaction spiralled. Five thousand people showed up at Cronulla beach the following Sunday, December the 11th.00000195-792e-dd15-add5-f93ed6d90004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2005/8ynhdnxx8In 2005 events in an Australian beachside suburb made headlines around the world. Three off-duty, out-of-uniform lifeguards, had a confrontation with four men of Middle-Eastern appearance, two of the lifeguards hospitalised a reports of community reaction spiralled. Five thousand people showed up at Cronulla beach the following Sunday, December the 11th.In 2005 events in an Australian beachside suburb made headlines around the world. Three off-duty, out-of-uniform lifeguards, had a confrontation with four men of Middle-Eastern appearance, two of the lifeguards hospitalised a reports of community reaction spiralled. Five thousand people showed up at Cronulla beach the following Sunday, December the 11th.fullunset00:01:22Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:43:00 +11002006 was the year that Cyclone Larry rung up a 250-million-dollar insurance claim for the people of Northern Queensland. Beginning as a low-pressure system over the Coral Sea, this severe tropical cyclone made landfall on Monday March 20 in Innisfail, Northern NSW.00000195-7929-d125-addf-7fabaa950004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2006/x3xj9rhj72006 was the year that Cyclone Larry rung up a 250-million-dollar insurance claim for the people of Northern Queensland. Beginning as a low-pressure system over the Coral Sea, this severe tropical cyclone made landfall on Monday March 20 in Innisfail, Northern NSW.2006 was the year that Cyclone Larry rung up a 250-million-dollar insurance claim for the people of Northern Queensland. Beginning as a low-pressure system over the Coral Sea, this severe tropical cyclone made landfall on Monday March 20 in Innisfail, Northern NSW.fullunset00:01:18Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:33:00 +1100Despite the unfolding Global Financial Crisis, 2007 was a prominent year for technology buffs. In his trademark presentation style, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced to the world, their newest product at the annual Macworld conference00000195-790e-d366-adf7-fddf53280004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2007/layqjuzsdDespite the unfolding Global Financial Crisis, 2007 was a prominent year for technology buffs. In his trademark presentation style, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced to the world, their newest product at the annual Macworld conferenceDespite the unfolding Global Financial Crisis, 2007 was a prominent year for technology buffs. In his trademark presentation style, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced to the world, their newest product at the annual Macworld conferencefullunset00:01:27Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:09:00 +11002008 was the year that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a national apology to the Stolen Generation.00000195-7907-d125-addf-7f8736500000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2008/bqf73m6sz2008 was the year that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a national apology to the Stolen Generation.2008 was the year that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a national apology to the Stolen Generation.fullunset00:01:18Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:58:00 +1100In 2009 Barack Obama was elected as America’s first African-American President. The election of the charismatic Democrat Senator was highly symbolic in a country with a history of slavery and civil rights struggles.00000195-7902-dd15-add5-f9360d3e0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2009/y16w2npluIn 2009 Barack Obama was elected as America’s first African-American President. The election of the charismatic Democrat Senator was highly symbolic in a country with a history of slavery and civil rights struggles.In 2009 Barack Obama was elected as America’s first African-American President. The election of the charismatic Democrat Senator was highly symbolic in a country with a history of slavery and civil rights struggles.fullunset00:01:29Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:50:00 +1100On January 12, 2010, one of the world’s poorest countries, Haiti, was hit by a devastating natural disaster. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the near the island’s capital Port-Au-Prince.00000195-78f6-dd2c-a3d5-f9ffbd4d0004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2010/qnuugt5hqOn January 12, 2010, one of the world’s poorest countries, Haiti, was hit by a devastating natural disaster. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the near the island’s capital Port-Au-Prince.On January 12, 2010, one of the world’s poorest countries, Haiti, was hit by a devastating natural disaster. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the near the island’s capital Port-Au-Prince.fullunset00:01:28Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:42:00 +1100After almost ten years searching for Al Queada frontman Osama Bin Laden, in May Barack Obama announced that Bin Laden had been killed during a secret U-S military raid on an Al Qaeda safehouse in Pakistan.00000195-78f0-dd2c-a3d5-f9ff39600004https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2011/f6qv6mx0nAfter almost ten years searching for Al Queada frontman Osama Bin Laden, in May Barack Obama announced that Bin Laden had been killed during a secret U-S military raid on an Al Qaeda safehouse in Pakistan.After almost ten years searching for Al Queada frontman Osama Bin Laden, in May Barack Obama announced that Bin Laden had been killed during a secret U-S military raid on an Al Qaeda safehouse in Pakistan.fullunset00:01:08Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:31:00 +11002012 was the year Australian Julian Assange, founder of internet whistle-blower site WikiLeaks, sought asylum in the Ecuador’s Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations.00000195-78eb-dd15-add5-f9ff35e40000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2012/q6hj8q9dx2012 was the year Australian Julian Assange, founder of internet whistle-blower site WikiLeaks, sought asylum in the Ecuador’s Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations.2012 was the year Australian Julian Assange, founder of internet whistle-blower site WikiLeaks, sought asylum in the Ecuador’s Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations.fullunset00:01:03Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:25:00 +1100A tragedy made the headlines in April 2013 when more than 1100 people were killed and 2500 injured as an eight-story garment-factory in the Savar district of Bangladesh collapsed.00000195-78e3-dd2c-a3d5-f9ef1e730000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2013/70euv4vpwA tragedy made the headlines in April 2013 when more than 1100 people were killed and 2500 injured as an eight-story garment-factory in the Savar district of Bangladesh collapsed.A tragedy made the headlines in April 2013 when more than 1100 people were killed and 2500 injured as an eight-story garment-factory in the Savar district of Bangladesh collapsed.fullunset00:00:50Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:19:00 +1100On the 8th of March 2014, Australians woke to the news that a Malaysian Airlines flight bound for Beijing had gone missing. MH-370, carrying 239 people, had disappeared off the radar.00000195-78de-d366-adf7-fddf286e0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2014/544njilpjOn the 8th of March 2014, Australians woke to the news that a Malaysian Airlines flight bound for Beijing had gone missing. MH-370, carrying 239 people, had disappeared off the radar.On the 8th of March 2014, Australians woke to the news that a Malaysian Airlines flight bound for Beijing had gone missing. MH-370, carrying 239 people, had disappeared off the radar.fullunset00:01:41Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:11:00 +1100On the 14th of September in 2015 – Malcolm Turnbull wrestled the prime ministership of Australia away from Tony Abbott in a Liberal party room spill – winning 54 votes to 44.00000195-78d9-dd2c-a3d5-f9ff6c3c0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2015/2bb72w3cyOn the 14th of September in 2015 – Malcolm Turnbull wrestled the prime ministership of Australia away from Tony Abbott in a Liberal party room spill – winning 54 votes to 44.On the 14th of September in 2015 – Malcolm Turnbull wrestled the prime ministership of Australia away from Tony Abbott in a Liberal party room spill – winning 54 votes to 44.fullunset00:01:14Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:06:00 +1100In 2016 one of the biggest stories was Brexit. The referendum on whether Britain should leave membership of the European Union, was promised in 2015 by then Conservative Party Prime Minister David Cameron as a re-election commitment.00000195-786f-dd15-add5-f97f52140000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2016/wm2fg2swwIn 2016 one of the biggest stories was Brexit. The referendum on whether Britain should leave membership of the European Union, was promised in 2015 by then Conservative Party Prime Minister David Cameron as a re-election commitment.In 2016 one of the biggest stories was Brexit. The referendum on whether Britain should leave membership of the European Union, was promised in 2015 by then Conservative Party Prime Minister David Cameron as a re-election commitment.fullunset00:01:32Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:10:00 +1100In 2017 one of the biggest stories in Australia was the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Up until this year, same-sex unions were treated as de-facto unions, with having some, but not all legal rights as marriages.00000195-6f51-d125-addf-6fd35b0e0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2017/jh3t6gzvsIn 2017 one of the biggest stories in Australia was the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Up until this year, same-sex unions were treated as de-facto unions, with having some, but not all legal rights as marriages.In 2017 one of the biggest stories in Australia was the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Up until this year, same-sex unions were treated as de-facto unions, with having some, but not all legal rights as marriages.fullunset00:01:05Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:43:00 +1100In 2018, the world held their collective breath when twelve boys and their football coach become stranded several kilometres inside a cave in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province.00000195-6f48-dd15-add5-ff7cded20000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2018/0sg16rpaaIn 2018, the world held their collective breath when twelve boys and their football coach become stranded several kilometres inside a cave in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province.In 2018, the world held their collective breath when twelve boys and their football coach become stranded several kilometres inside a cave in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province.fullunset00:01:03Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:33:00 +1100We are celebrating 50 years at SBS by bringing you some of the biggest stories from the past five decades. The Black Summer bushfires in late 2019 was one of the worst on record. A long and dry weather spell created a catastrophic condition.00000195-6f3e-dd2c-a3d5-ffbf0a560000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2019/fzzsql7q8We are celebrating 50 years at SBS by bringing you some of the biggest stories from the past five decades. The Black Summer bushfires in late 2019 was one of the worst on record. A long and dry weather spell created a catastrophic condition.We are celebrating 50 years at SBS by bringing you some of the biggest stories from the past five decades. The Black Summer bushfires in late 2019 was one of the worst on record. A long and dry weather spell created a catastrophic condition.fullunset00:01:00Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:21:00 +1100As SBS turns 50, we're looking back at our biggest stories. In 2020 the Coronavirus pandemic struck across the globe.00000195-6f17-d125-addf-6f9722d40000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2020/sqe9bo0mlAs SBS turns 50, we're looking back at our biggest stories. In 2020 the Coronavirus pandemic struck across the globe.As SBS turns 50, we're looking back at our biggest stories. In 2020 the Coronavirus pandemic struck across the globe.fullunset00:01:26Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:11:00 +1100In February 2021, Facebook banned Australians from posting or sharing news content on their site. The move was in response to the Federal Government’s proposed news Media Bargaining Code, which would require technology companies to negotiate with media outlets to carry their news content online.00000195-6ec4-dd2c-a3d5-ffefab830000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2021/kih59jbdcIn February 2021, Facebook banned Australians from posting or sharing news content on their site. The move was in response to the Federal Government’s proposed news Media Bargaining Code, which would require technology companies to negotiate with media outlets to carry their news content online.In February 2021, Facebook banned Australians from posting or sharing news content on their site. The move was in response to the Federal Government’s proposed news Media Bargaining Code, which would require technology companies to negotiate with media outlets to carry their news content online.fullunset00:01:00Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:35:00 +1100In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in a significant escalation of conflict which commenced in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation to support the breakaway Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, with claims Ukraine was led by neo-Nazis and Russia was under threat from NATO expansion.00000195-6e64-dd15-add5-ff74ba550000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/biggest-story-2022/34mbnq9u1In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in a significant escalation of conflict which commenced in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation to support the breakaway Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, with claims Ukraine was led by neo-Nazis and Russia was under threat from NATO expansion.In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in a significant escalation of conflict which commenced in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation to support the breakaway Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, with claims Ukraine was led by neo-Nazis and Russia was under threat from NATO expansion.fullunset00:01:14Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:36:00 +1100When Anthony Albanese was elected prime minister in 2022, he committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, which includes a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The referendum was held on the 14th of October 2023.00000195-6e22-d366-adf7-fffb71f40000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/biggest-story-2023/xi7jwoal1When Anthony Albanese was elected prime minister in 2022, he committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, which includes a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The referendum was held on the 14th of October 2023.When Anthony Albanese was elected prime minister in 2022, he committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, which includes a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The referendum was held on the 14th of October 2023.fullunset00:01:00Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:17:00 +1100In 2024 the American people have handed Donald Trump a resounding mandate to re-take the White House, beating Democrat Kamala Harris for the top job.00000195-6e02-d125-addf-6f832dce0000https://www.sbs.com.au/audio/podcast-episode/sbs50-biggest-story-2024/tzpqyp24xIn 2024 the American people have handed Donald Trump a resounding mandate to re-take the White House, beating Democrat Kamala Harris for the top job.In 2024 the American people have handed Donald Trump a resounding mandate to re-take the White House, beating Democrat Kamala Harris for the top job.fullunset00:01:21Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:02:00 +1100