During the 70s and 80s, local production by the ABC took a giant leap forward, and saw the start of programs that would forever shape Australian life and culture. Significant restructuring during the early 80s allowed the new corporation to focus more clearly on its television interests and introduce new innovative programs.

The television licence fee, which had provided funding for the ABC since the start of television in Australia, was abolished in 1974, turning the government into the primary source of funding. However, this was also the year the first ABC Shop was opened, creating a new source of commercial revenue which would be directed straight back into the broadcaster.

Colour television was introduced in 1975, and the ABC logo was thickened in order to make greater use of colour in on-air presentation.

Hearing impaired viewers could read what was being said on TV for the first time in 1983 as the ABC introduced a teletext service in Sydney and Melbourne.

The hour-long news and current affairs program, The National, was replaced by the current format of thirty minutes of news followed by The 7.30 Report in 1987. During the 80s Lateline and Media Watch were also added to the ABC's current affairs lineup.

An initiative to increase Australian drama was announced in 1987, and saw the amount of Australian drama on the ABC treble in the next few years. G.P., The Alien Years, Police Rescue and Captain James Cook were just some of the new programs to launch.

An award-winning series of station identifications were introduced on Australian Day, 1988, to celebrate the Australian Bicentenary. The first set was titled "Natural Textures of Australia", with a following called "Man Made Textures of Australia".