Television in the United Kingdom

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Television in the United Kingdom refers to the system of broadcasting and receiving moving images and sound over a distance, which has been a significant part of British culture and society since its inception. The UK has a rich history of television broadcasting, with a variety of channels and programs that have influenced global television.

History

The history of television in the United Kingdom dates back to the early 20th century. The first experimental television broadcasts were conducted by John Logie Baird in the 1920s. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began regular television service in 1936, making it one of the oldest television broadcasters in the world.

Early Developments

The BBC initially broadcast from Alexandra Palace in London. The service was suspended during World War II but resumed in 1946. The post-war period saw significant growth in television ownership and viewership.

Introduction of ITV

In 1955, the Independent Television (ITV) network was launched, providing the first competition to the BBC. ITV was a network of regional commercial broadcasters, which introduced advertising to British television.

Colour Television

Colour television was introduced in the UK in 1967, with the BBC2 channel being the first to broadcast in colour. By the early 1970s, colour broadcasts were available on all three major channels: BBC1, BBC2, and ITV.

Channel 4 and Channel 5

Channel 4 was launched in 1982 as a publicly-owned but commercially funded broadcaster. Channel 5 began broadcasting in 1997, further expanding the range of available channels.

Digital Television

The transition to digital television began in the late 1990s, with the launch of digital terrestrial television (DTT) services. The analogue signal was gradually phased out, with the digital switchover completed in 2012.

Major Broadcasters

The UK has several major television broadcasters, including:

• BBC - The public service broadcaster funded by the television licence fee.
• ITV - A network of regional commercial broadcasters.
• Channel 4 - A publicly-owned but commercially funded broadcaster.
• Channel 5 - A commercial broadcaster.
• Sky UK - A satellite television provider offering a range of channels and services.

Programming

British television is known for its diverse range of programming, including:

• Drama - British dramas such as Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, and Sherlock have gained international acclaim.
• Comedy - British comedies like Monty Python's Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers, and The Office are celebrated worldwide.
• News - The UK has a strong tradition of television news, with programs like BBC News at Ten and ITV News at Ten.
• Reality television - Shows like Big Brother and The X Factor have been popular.

Regulation

Television in the UK is regulated by Ofcom, the communications regulator. Ofcom ensures that broadcasters adhere to standards of fairness, accuracy, and decency.

Related Pages

• BBC
• ITV
• Channel 4
• Channel 5 (UK)
• Sky UK
• Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom
• Television licence
• Ofcom

Categories

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