1963: 2SM's "Shark Danger" Advertisment

Since 2022, three people have died in Shark Attacks in Greater Sydney (two of which have occurred recently - September 2025 and January 2026). Prior to 2022, Sydney had gone fifty-nine years without a fatal shark attack.

On January 28 1963, actress Marcia Hathaway was killed by a shark in Middle Harbour at Sugarloaf Bay, Castle Cove. 

Any shark attack is bound to cause concern and panic amongst swimmers at beaches. We have seen it this summer, along with the increased monitoring of waters for sharks.

Sydneysiders had the same sentiments in 1963. 

Recently, David Lillicot posted a 1963 newspaper advertisement from radio station 2SM promoting its weekend beach and marine reports in the Facebook Group - Old Sydney Album. I got my own copy from the same publication (The Daily Mirror) on Microfiche at the State Library of NSW.

Source: 2SM. 1963. "Shark Danger" (Advertisement). The Daily Mirror, February 1: 8. 

The advertisement screams out "Shark Danger" in capital letters at the top of the screen 

In addition to providing the usual weather, boating, marine, fishing, and beach forecasts, their patrol boat and plane would also monitor shark activity in Sydney waterways.

Let's move forward six decades...

Radio is considered legacy media, a traditional medium of communication alongside newspapers and television. It can still communicate important information to the community, especially during extreme weather and disasters.

The advertisement is a reminder of a time when radio stations could fund their own newsrooms and information services, even with sponsorship. With shrinking audiences and advertising dollars moving online, it is increasingly difficult for a radio station to support or justify providing such a service.

However, we have seen the influence of radio wane in terms of sourcing information, as there are more options available. The internet allows a person to find out what the weather, maritime and surf conditions could be. The Bureau of Meteorology has its own website that contains a wealth of weather information, constantly updated. The NSW Government operates a Beachwatch website providing full details of conditions at beaches across New South Wales.

Mobile apps on phones and other smart devices allow one to obtain that information in real time from anywhere. Want to know if sharks are in the water? The SharkSmart app will give you an answer. The Weather Bureau has its own app.

Aerial shark patrols still operate, but are also aided by drones.

Shark tagging allows us to monitor shark movements and also helps scientists research shark behaviour and movement.