Buzz
In May 1914, The Times of London, England, announced: 'Should this innovation succeed, it appears we will soon have the capability to view distant individuals.' The publication was referencing a device created by English inventor Archibald Low, known as the Televista. While Low's invention was the most advanced of its time, it bore little resemblance to what we now recognize as a television. Additionally, Low was not the sole individual exploring this technology.
The creation of television cannot be attributed to a single individual; numerous contributors played a role. John Logie Baird, a Scot, showcased a functional system at Selfridge’s Department Store in London in 1925. Meanwhile, in the United States, Charles Francis Jenkins was achieving significant progress, and in Japan, Kenjiro Takayanagi unveiled a system with enhanced resolution in 1926.
The first television station globally, W2XB, began its broadcasts from New York City in 1928. The concept of television as a medium for mass entertainment was not envisioned by these early innovators—that realization would emerge only after the Second World War.
These examples are framed by two significant events in Queen Elizabeth’s life: her coronation and her funeral. Throughout her lengthy reign, she observed television’s evolution from a rare and costly luxury to the ubiquitous force it is today. She also witnessed the following transformative moments in its history.
10. Elizabeth Assumes the Throne
In a nation still grappling with the aftermath of World War II, people sought something uplifting. A royal coronation provided the perfect spectacle. Queen Elizabeth showcased her grasp of television's influence by allowing the BBC to install cameras inside Westminster Abbey—a move her advisors feared would diminish the monarchy's mystique. However, Elizabeth prioritized unity over secrecy, aiming to symbolize a cohesive Commonwealth.
On June 2, 1953, 20 million viewers tuned in to watch Queen Elizabeth’s coronation live. Across Britain, people gathered in homes, pubs, and cinemas to witness the event. This marked the first instance where television viewership surpassed radio audiences for a program.
In the United States, 85 million Americans viewed recorded highlights, captivated by the long-elusive ceremony they had only heard about until then.
9. The Initial Leap
In August 1932, the BBC aired its inaugural program using a 30-line mechanical system. John Logie Baird appeared to express gratitude to the corporation, and 'lookers-in' (the term for viewers at the time) were treated to a sea lion performance, a ju-jitsu demonstration, and various other segments.
Our clip highlights how the USA advanced the technology further. At the program's outset, the two RCA representatives emphasize the numerous technical challenges still to be addressed. Notably, they discuss television's potential as an educational tool and its role as a complement to radio rather than a competitor.
The production quality of this program is remarkably high, and the two men express optimism that this is merely the start. However, a significant hurdle remains: making television receivers accessible to the average consumer.
8. Walter Cronkite Reports JFK’s Assassination
Many of us are familiar with the iconic footage of JFK’s assassination in 1963. However, this footage wasn’t captured by live TV crews—Abraham Zapruder recorded the motorcade segment he witnessed on silent 8mm film. Television crews were stationed at the Dallas Trade Mart, awaiting President Kennedy’s arrival.
At the time, the motorcade wasn’t deemed significant enough to warrant live coverage. In retrospect, this was unfortunate, considering the ongoing speculation surrounding the events of that day. Journalists swiftly relayed the news via phone, and approximately 70% of Americans learned about the incident within 30 minutes of its occurrence.
Our clip captures Walter Cronkite’s handling of the news confirming President Kennedy’s death. Known as 'the most trusted man in America,' Cronkite’s professionalism shines through. While visibly affected, he maintains composure, delivering the bulletin with a brief pause and composed assurance.
While many were aware Kennedy had been shot, the severity of his condition remained unclear. For countless individuals, Cronkite was the source who confirmed the tragic news of his passing.
7. Doctor Who?
In a lighter turn of events, the day following Kennedy’s assassination, the BBC premiered the first episode of Doctor Who. The Time Lord remains a global phenomenon today, boasting a massive international fanbase.
When revisiting earlier episodes, the props appear rudimentary and clearly artificial. However, the show has consistently maintained (and continues to deliver) compelling storylines, a talented cast, and a delightful hint of humor. While the technical quality has vastly improved, the program’s playful charm remains intact.
Who could ever forget their first encounter with a Dalek? I certainly can’t—at seven years old, I found myself hiding behind the couch!
6. Neil Armstrong on the Moon
For those who witnessed the Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the lunar surface remains an indelible memory. It felt as though humanity was on the brink of mastering space; science fiction had become reality.
In 1961, President Kennedy challenged the nation to land on the moon before the 1960s ended. Given the technology of the time, this goal seemed unattainable to many. Yet, the dedicated team at NASA rose to the occasion and achieved the extraordinary.
As Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface, he famously declared, 'That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.' However, Armstrong later clarified that the quote was misreported by every news outlet at the time, stating he actually said, 'That’s one small step for a man...' Given the transmission originated 238,900 miles away, we can perhaps excuse the media for this minor error.
For years, the Soviets maintained they had no interest in a manned lunar mission, dismissing the U.S. efforts as wasteful and risky theatrics. However, it’s now known they were indeed competing to reach the moon first but ultimately fell short.
5. Challenger Explodes
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It ascended to 46,000 feet before its solid rocket booster exploded, tearing the shuttle apart. All seven crew members perished, with evidence suggesting some survived the initial blast but had no means of escape from the disintegrating craft.
The tragedy was compounded by the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher, aboard the shuttle. Many of her students were watching the launch live, making the disaster even more heartbreaking.
The failure of two o-ring seals, made brittle by unusually cold weather at the launch site, led to the disaster. Pressurized gas leaked, damaging a propellant tank and igniting its contents. The spacecraft twisted, and aerodynamic forces tore it apart, leaving the crew with no chance of survival.
Space exploration inherently involves risks, and sadly, accidents are inevitable. Each incident, however, provides valuable lessons for the future.
4. The Simpsons’ Debut
On April 19, 1987, The Tracey Ullman Show introduced a short segment featuring new animated characters. This marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive. With its sharp writing, distinct characters, and bold humor, the show revolutionized the animation genre.
The Simpsons resonates with audiences of all ages. While some argue it may not be suitable for young children due to its lack of political correctness, Homer’s antics, and his occasional lack of wisdom, the show’s core values shine through. The Simpson family, though flawed, remains tightly knit, promoting universal ideals like love and loyalty.
A survey in Great Britain found that The Simpsons surpassed the British royal family in popularity. Despite its distinctly American flavor, the show enjoys a global audience, striking a chord with viewers worldwide.
3. Elizabeth at Rest
On September 19, 2022, the United Kingdom came to a halt to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Estimates indicate that approximately 4.1 billion people tuned in to watch the event. If accurate (though the calculation method has been questioned), this means over half the global population witnessed it, making it the most-watched live broadcast in television history.
Our journey began with the grandeur of a coronation and concludes with the solemnity of a funeral. Over her 70-year reign, Elizabeth witnessed countless transformations, many of which were mirrored—and occasionally influenced—by television.
2. A Long Time Coming
The American drama Dawson’s Creek aired for six seasons beginning in 1998. The series chronicled the lives of Dawson and his close friend Joey as they navigated their teenage years. A notable moment occurred in 2000 when the show featured the first-ever gay male kiss on television. Women had been slightly ahead in this regard, with LA Law depicting a kiss between two women back in 1991.
Television producers aim to maximize their shows' appeal, aware that their audience holds diverse beliefs and perspectives. This often made them hesitant to take risks, sometimes leaving them outdated.
The emergence of streaming platforms and increased viewer options has encouraged producers to embrace more daring content.
1. Breaching the Berlin Wall
Following World War II, global military power split into two factions: the West, led by the United States, and the East, dominated by the Soviet Union. Their relationship fluctuated between periods of calm and intense tension. With both sides possessing enough nuclear weapons to threaten global annihilation, it’s no surprise that many feared for the future.
The collapse of the Soviet system, symbolized by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, hinted at the dawn of a new era. Those who watched East Germans freely crossing into West Germany on live television knew they were witnessing a historic, transformative moment.
While the political landscape has shifted, the outcomes may not have aligned with our initial hopes. In many respects, the world felt simpler when only two major powers dominated the stage. Today, global dynamics appear far more intricate and complex.
