|
1904 |
Commercial radio launched in USA |
|
1914 – 1919 |
Civilian radio transmissions banned |
|
Nov 1922 |
British Broadcasting Company formed from managers of radio equipment manufacturers. First general manager John Reith. First daily radio broadcast includes news, politics and music. |
|
1923 |
Radio Times launched to avoid paying newspapers to publish programme listings. |
|
1924 |
King George’s opening of Wembley Exhibition broadcast live to 10 million. |
|
1924 |
John Logie Baird’s patent for 30 line television transmission in GB. |
|
1925 |
British Broadcasting Corporation is given financial independence through licence fee. Reith’s memo formed basis for public service broadcasting for 30 yrs. |
|
1927 |
2 million licences at ten shillings (50p) |
|
1928 |
BBC granted Royal Charter |
|
1936 – 1939 |
BBC begins TV broadcasts though radio still dominant. |
|
1940 |
Different programmes set up for different audiences: Home (as before), Light aimed at working class, Third offered ‘high’ culture in 1946 |
|
1939 |
No further TV transmission during war. |
|
1946 – 1956 |
BBC holds monopoly – commercial TV would lead to lowering of standards |
|
1953 |
20 million people watch QEII coronation. |
|
1954 |
Independent Television Authority instituted by conservative government. Commercial TV to follow PSB principles too |
|
1955 |
First TV advert Gibbs SR toothpaste. Regional net-works – different approach from BBC’s. |
|
1962 |
ITV full coverage – takes over BBC and radio in popularity. Pilkington Report criticises ITV for lack of quality. First communication satellite, Telstar |
|
1964 |
BBC2 launched. Pirate radio stations begin broadcasting. |
|
1967 |
First colour transmissions on BBC2 13 countries linked by first global TV programme. Radio One created |
|
1969 |
Moon landing – huge audience’s watch live. First colour on BBC1 |
|
1972 |
Commercial radio stations allowed. |
|
1977 |
Annan report criticised both BBC and ITV as not catering to public diversity and sets up Channel 4 |
|
1984 |
Sky set up by Rupert Murdoch. |
|
1990 |
Complaints and standards committees set up. |
|
1996 |
Greg Dyke’s channel 5 starts broadcasting reaches 70% homes. |
|
1998 |
Launch of digital broadcasting with Sky and On digital. |
|
2000 |
Greg Dyke appointed DG of BBC |
|
2002 |
Collapse of (On) ITV digital. BBC Freeview launched Ofcom new regulator Communications Bill |
|
2006 |
BBC’s Royal Charter due for renewal |