When and How ITV First Came on Air – A Personal Journey Through British Television History

The 1950s marked a significant turning point in British television history, with the introduction of a new channel named ITV (Independent Television). In this article, we explore the timeline and details of when and how the first ITV broadcast aired, drawing on personal anecdotes and historical facts.

From BBC to ITV: A Revolutionary Change

The journey of British television began with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1926, when John Logie Baird demonstrated a mechanical television. This laid the groundwork for the development of TV broadcasting in the United Kingdom. However, it was not until 1955 that the Independent Television (ITV) channel officially began airing programming. According to historical records, ITV made its first broadcast on 22 September 1955.

Entertainment was a major highlight of this era, and my own family's experience vividly captures the essence of how people interacted with their televisions during this period. It seemed to mark a significant shift from the BBC to the new ITV channel.

Personal Accounts and Historical Context

My father, along with many others, invested in a Fergusson 14-inch television, as it was the largest available on the market less than two years before the debut of ITV. The Fergusson set was seen as an investment in the future, representing a significant step forward in home entertainment. However, the shop that sold the television equipment had failed to disclose that the set would need to be converted to accommodate the new channel, and this conversion was not as easy as they had led customers to believe.

The cost of the conversion was a matter of 19 shillings and eleven pence, but my father was not satisfied with the information he received. This experience reflects the evolving nature of the television industry and how quickly it was changing. Adverts for the first ITV programmes, such as Gibbs SR toothpaste, began to air around this time.

Key Moments in ITV History

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was a significant national event, and it was broadcast live on television. It's worth noting that I, a young boy at the time, found the event rather boring. However, I remember watching my first TV coverage of a royal funeral when King George VI passed away. My uncle owned the first shop in our neighborhood to sell televisions, making it easier for our family to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.

Furthermore, the popular panel show The Brains Trust, with its engaging format, quickly became a favorite. The 1950s were also the era of Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men, a show beloved by children of that time and a precursor to Saturday morning animated shows.

Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of ITV in 1955 marked a pivotal moment in British television history. My personal experiences and the historical record provide a rich narrative of how this new channel changed the landscape of home entertainment. From the excitement of the Coronation to the detailed process of converting televisions, the story of ITV's debut is one of innovation and evolution.