# data[].attributes.body
The programming trends of 1990s in the UK are not easily categorized. Many complained about the increasing amount of violence, sex, and profane language on television during the decade.

# data[].attributes.body
At the start of the early 1950s, radio was the most popular form of media. In 1950, there were 12 million radio-only licences and only 350,000 combined radio and TV licences in the UK. The budget for BBC Television was a fraction of the radio budget. However, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second on June 2, 1953 was the first time television cameras were allowed in the Westminster Abbey. This was significant as it was the first time a television audience exceeded the size of a radio audience, an estimated 20 million TV viewers saw the queen being crowned.

# data[].attributes.body
Sitcoms, such as only fools and horses, ruled the airwaves in the 1980s. Channel 4 was launched in 1982 and was, and still is, very successful. One factor in the channels growing success was controversy, for example, the show Brookside showed characters arguing and sometimes swearing, which was a big difference in the broadcasting which came before it. Channel 4 news also gained a reputation for a more detailed appraisal of different issues, such as the 1984 miners strike, due to its longer timeslot than BBC news and ITV news. Channel 4 was significant in the growth of Television as now TV was less restricted by showing only certain themes and issues and could get away with showing more controversial films and television.

# data[].attributes.body
In 1990 Sky and BSB merge to form Bskyb (Known as Sky today) which grew into a major media company at the end of the decade, notably owning all the television broadcasting rights for the Premiere League and almost all of the domestic rights for Hollywood movies. By 2020, Sky UK employs over 30,000 people, and has 12.7 million customers, which is the largest amount for a pay-TV broadcaster.

# data[].attributes.body
Creative industries are those based on individual creativity, skill and talent, or which have the potential to create wealth through the development of intellectual property.

# data[].attributes.body
Types of creative industries can include; advertising and marketing, design, film, TV production, IT, publishing and many more.

# data[].attributes.body
The DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom) is a department of the UK government which has responsibility for culture and sport in England, and some aspects of media throughout the UK, such as broadcasting. Culture and sport are devolved matters, with departments of the Scottish Government bearing responsibility. The DCMS has a massive impact on the creative industries, they support and fund local museums, galleries, cinemas and broadcasting industries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will focus on supporting culture, arts, media, sport, tourism and civil society across every part of England - recognising the UK's world-leading position in these areas and the importance of these sectors in contributing so much to our economy, way of life and our reputation around the world.

# data[].attributes.headline
The most iconic live TV moments in British broadcasting history

# data[].attributes.subject
The most iconic live TV moments in British broadcasting history

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What are the moments of television that stick out the most in your mind? The times when the world stopped and held its breath? Sure, we all loved Del Boy falling through the bar, or David Attenborough getting up close and personal with the gorillas. But the moments that really stand out are, more often than not, live broadcasts. Whether great affairs of state, astonishing sporting spectacles, or shocking news feeds, live TV gives us the truly epoch-defining memories.

This list, inevitably subjective as it is, is an attempt to encapsulate these moments. Some historic events, such as the Kennedy assassination, the Challenger disaster, the man in front of the tanks at Tiananmen Square, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, do not make the cut, simply because their most significant moments were not broadcast on live TV in this country.

The ten moments I have chosen are in date order. Please address all complaints and counter-arguments to your cat.
Saga Home Insurance provides cover that goes beyond what you might expect. For more information and to get a quote click here.
The World Cup Final, July 30th 1966

Well, duh! Of course it's in here. Citizens of the UK's non-English countries have long been bored witless by our national obsession with 1966, but after 56 years of hurt, it's all we have. It remains the most-watched programme on British television, with 32.3 million viewers tuning in. Chiefly remembered for Hurst's hat-trick, including the 'phantom' goal awarded by the 'Russian' linesman (he was actually from Azerbaijan), and the legendary commentary from Kenneth Wolstenholme. "Some people are on the pitch... they think it's all over. It is now!" And still the wait goes on...

Man Walks on the Moon, July 20th, 1969

The Apollo 11 mission could be seen as the most remarkable achievement in human history. As such, the BBC gave it sufficient gravitas, dedicating 27 hours to it over ten days. The actual night of the landing saw live broadcasts on the BBC and ITV, both of which broadcast throughout the night for the first time. The BBC's coverage was fronted by Cliff Michelmore, with assistance from science correspondent James Burke and Patrick Moore.

ITV went for a somewhat less formal approach, and had a programme that included appearances by Lulu, Cilla Black, Sammy Davis Jr and Peter Cook. At 3:56am UK time, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon and uttered his famous words, heard live by a staggering 20% of the world's population. John Godson, who was directing the news that night remembered: "When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon's surface, the whole BBC control room, with the canteen ladies and security guards standing beside the vision control desk, exploded into cheering and clapping."
Informative, in-depth and in the know: get the latest news, interviews and reviews with Saga Magazine.
The Sex Pistols vs Bill Grundy, December 1st 1976

This genuinely watershed moment in British television almost never happened. The Sex Pistols were only booked to go on the early evening show after Queen pulled out because Freddie Mercury needed emergency dental treatment. The Pistols and their entourage turned up drunk, and were faced with a rather belligerent Grundy, who was clearly not a fan of their oeuvre.

As he asked them some goading questions, they responded with profanities, which prompted a clearly angry Grundy to make his fatal mistake: he asked them to "say something outrageous," leading to Steve Jones calling him a "dirty f***er". "What a clever boy," responded Grundy. "What a f***ing rotter," responded Jones. (Rotter? Really? Was this The Beano?) Although the programme was only shown in London, it made national headlines. Grundy's career was never the same again, and two months later, Today was cancelled.

The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, July 29th 1981

On a glorious summer's day 41 years ago, the nation enjoyed a rare Wednesday national holiday. But 28.4 million of us spent it glued to the TV set, as the 'fairytale' wedding took place at St Paul's Cathedral in front of 3,500 guests. The event had a global audience of 750 million in 74 countries, and an estimated million people lined the streets of London to get a glimpse of the pageantry.

Chief among the memories of that day is Diana's extraordinary dress, featuring 10,000 pearls and a train that was longer than most actual trains. Coverage began at 7:45am, and in my house we watched all of it, with my mum shouting at my dad to make sure the whole thing was recorded on our brand new VHS. For years afterwards, there was a tape marked "Royal wedding - DO NOT TAPE OVER".

Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, September 6th 1997

Just 16 years after that glorious July day, the nation gathered again in front of TV sets to watch a far more sombre occasion. Diana had died aged just 36 in a Parisian tunnel, and was being laid to rest in front of a heartbroken nation. The outpouring of national grief - manifested in a jaw-dropping sea of flowers in front of Kensington Palace - reached its apogee with over a million people taking to the streets to watch the funeral cortege pass - with the unforgettable sight of Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Earl Spencer, and Diana's two young sons walking behind their mother's flag-draped coffin.

In Westminster Abbey, Elton John sang, and Charles Spencer gave the eulogy, including withering rebukes to the press and the royal family. Afterwards, Diana's body was driven to Althorp, in Northamptonshire, with people throwing flowers as the hearse passed them.

9/11, September 11th 2001

Perhaps no date in human history will be as etched on the global consciousness as 11th September 2001. At 8:46am East Coast Time, American Airlines flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre. Just 17 minutes later, United 175 crashed into the South Tower. All over the world, news broadcasts interrupted normal programming, and office workers gathered around TV sets to watch, in horror, as the ensuing events unfolded.

With news anchors struggling to keep pace with events, and reporters encountering panic and wild conjecture on the streets, reports came in of a plane flying into the Pentagon, and another crashing in a Pennsylvania field. Inside two hours, both of the Twin Towers had fallen. As the dust settled over the coming days, it emerged that 3,000 people had been killed. Viewing on our TV sets at home, we were left with the distinct impression that the world would never be the same again. We were not wrong.

The Accidental Interviewee, May 8th 2006

When the history of the last 50 years is written, Guy Goma's name will not be mentioned. In terms of epoch-defining incidents, this one does not register. But I include it because it is probably my favourite TV moment of all time, and one that encapsulates the risks inherent in live TV. On May 8th 2006, Guy Goma was waiting in the main reception at BBC Television Centre for a job interview to be a data support cleanser - whatever one of them is - for the IT department. At the same moment, in a different reception, technology expert Guy Kewney was waiting to give an interview live on BBC News 24 about the implications of a court case between Apple Computers and the Apple record label.

A BBC news producer was told that Kewney was in the main reception, and went to collect him - but collected the wrong 'Guy' for the wrong interview. Goma was given make up, and wired up in front of the cameras, assuming this was just the way the BBC interviewed potential employees. The moment when he was introduced on camera, by news anchor Kate Bowerman, as technology expert Guy Kewney is glorious, as his mouth drops open. What then follows is a joyous interview as Goma gamely blusters his way through the questions. Ten minutes later, he had his real interview. He didn't get the job. Kewney, meanwhile, watched the whole thing unfold on a TV screen in reception.
Informative, in-depth and in the know: get the latest news, interviews and reviews with Saga Magazine.
The London Olympics Opening Ceremony, July 27th 2012

Bliss it was that dawn to be alive. Before we descended into a nation of squabbling nincompoops, we had it really good for a while. Britain never felt so optimistic and united as during that fabulous three weeks in the summer of 2012 when the world's eyes turned to the UK and liked what it saw. And the whole thing started with the most glorious, inclusive, big-hearted celebration of Britishness, as Danny Boyle's opening ceremony showcased our history, culture and humour to the world.

A huge 27 million Britons, and a global audience of almost 1 billion, watched the four-hour ceremony paying tribute to the industrial age, the NHS, and British pop music. The crowning moment was the Queen appearing to 'skydive' into the Olympic stadium accompanied by James Bond. Brilliant, unforgettable stuff.

Super Saturday, August 4th 2012

After Boyle's wonderful opening ceremony, it was the turn of Team GB's athletes to step up to the plate - something they did to spectacular effect. The nation finished third in the medals table, with 65 medals, 29 of them gold. But the undoubted highlight of the games took place over 46 joyous minutes in the Olympic stadium on the evening of Saturday 4th August. Earlier that day, Britain had won three gold medals, two in rowing and one in cycling. Then attention turned to the athletics.

First, home favourite and London 2012 poster girl Jessica Ennis-Hill smashed her own British record to win gold in the heptathlon. Next, Greg Rutherford launched himself 8.31 metres to claim gold in the long jump. Finally, roared home by a thrilled crowd and a breathless Steve Cram on commentary, Mo Farah took the 10,000m title. It capped the most successful day for Great Britain at the Olympics since 1908.

Boris Johnson addresses the nation, March 23rd 2020

In many ways, the Prime Minister's address to a fearful nation at the outbreak of Covid seems like several lifetimes ago. An audience of 27.1 million tuned in with understandable apprehension as to what lay ahead. For anyone doubting the magnitude of unfolding events, Johnson's opening remarks marked a sober realisation. "Good Evening. The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced for decades - and this country is not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer. And so tonight I want to update you on the latest steps we are taking to fight the disease and what you can do to help."

Even the most pessimistic opinions probably didn't countenance the idea that the pandemic would still be going on two years later, but as we begin to emerge from the spectre of the virus, there is finally a degree hope that we may be able to start talking about the pandemic in the past tense in the not-too-distant future.

Subscribe today for just £29 for 12 issues...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The most iconic live TV moments in British broadcasting history

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We look back at some of the most memorable and iconic moments to be broadcast live on British TV.

# data[].attributes.body
The Independent Television Authority is appointed to oversee the creation of ITV by the Television act 1954, which permitted the creation of the first commercial television network. Until the early 1950s, the only other television service in Britain was operated as a monopoly by the BBC, and financed by the annual television licence fee. Having a commercial television network would mean people didn't have to pay for a TV licence, instead revenue was obtained by advertisements. At the time, the only other example of commercial television was found in the US, and the television there was often deemed "vulgar". The UK government came up with a solution to this problem by creating the Independent Television Authority to regulate the new commercial channels in the interests of good taste, and award franchises to commercial companies for fixed terms. This lead to the first ever television advert to be shown in the UK, which was aired on ITV and promoted Gibbs SR toothpaste on the 22 September 1955.

# data[].attributes.body
The rise of television had a massive impact in the way that the British public would spend their leisure time in the 1950s. The public would spend their disposable income buying television sets and would spend more time in the house than ever before. People spent less time going to public events as they could watch them on the tv.

# data[].attributes.body
- Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the second
- 1953 FA Cup Final
- Launching of ITV in 1955
- Gibbs SR toothpaste advert in 1955 was the first advert ever to be aired in the UK on ITV

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ITV initial launch broadcast Sep 22 1955

# data[].attributes.body
Cool Britannia, which was a period of increased pride in the British Culture throughout the mid 1990s, was loosely coincided with Tony Blair's 'New Labour' government. The sucess of musical acts which displayed patriotism in being British, such as the Spice Girls, led to a feeling of renewed optimism following the tumultuous years of the 70s and 80s. This was significant as it meant politicians began using media trends in an attempt to gain supporters. For example, following the 1997 General Election, Tony Blair invited high-profile musicians who were often associated with the Cool Britannia movement to 10 downing street for photo opportunities.

# data[].attributes.body
The 1960s were an era of exceptional broadcasting innovation and excitement. The BBC drama department produced world beating TV series such as Doctor Who, The Forsyte Sage, Till Death Do Us Part and many more. Towards the end of the decade, The BBC launched a full colour service on the 15th November 1969.

# data[].attributes.body
In June 1960, BBC Television Centre in London opened, which was the first built television centre in the world. The building created many jobs and influenced many other countries, such as the US, to build their own for broadcasting purposes and it is own as an iconic image of broadcasting today. Many iconic shows have been made there, such as; Fawlty Towers, Monty Python's Flying Circus and Strictly Come Dancing.

# data[].attributes.body
The amount of British households which had TV sets increased in the 1960s. In 1950, only 350,000 Homes in the UK had televisions, in 1960, the figure had risen to almost three-quarters of homes. Leisure became increasingly centred around the home, with free time being spent more in the living room. The BBC coverage of the moon landing was a huge achievement for a European broadcaster as they broadcasted parts of the mission in colour, which sparked live public interest, with 16 million UK viewers tuning in.

# data[].attributes.body
BBC coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing

Start of long running show, Coronation Street, aired on the 9th December 1960

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The moment man first stepped on the Moon - BBC World Service

# data[].attributes.body
The popular trends in the 1970s included the rise of British Sitcoms, such as; Happy Ever After, Sykes and The Good Life. These sitcoms generally provided gentle and innocent portrayals of middle-class life, avoiding or only subtly hinting at more complex societal issues. Shows which explored more diverse views of society started to arrive in the mid to late 1970s, such as Porridge and Rising Damp.

# data[].attributes.body
The BBC continued to expand and change with the changing trends of the UK, which bought more jobs to broadcasting. Coloured broadcasting on The BBC became permanent in 1976, when BBC East (Norwich) became the last UK region to adopt colour for regional broadcasts and locally produced programmes. On the 23th September 1974, a teletext system was launched to bring news content only using text was launched to bring news to deaf viewers.

# data[].attributes.body
Angela Rippon became the first female Nine O' clock news representer in 1975. Although not the first female representer, Rippon was the first female presenter journalist to read the news regularly on national television. This was significant as it expanded representation for women working in the creative industries and inspired many other young women to work in the television industry.

# data[].attributes.body
With the Conservatives winning the 1979 UK General Election, Margaret Thatcher became the first Female Prime Minister on 4th May 1979

Queen Elizabeth the Second's Sliver Jubilee in 1977

Sex Pistols play 'Pretty Vacant' on the Top of the Pops in 1977

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant (Top Of The Pops 1977)

# data[].attributes.body
Channel 4 began broadcasting in 1982, which now provides around 10,600 jobs across the UK in 2019. Unlike the BBC, the station raises funds by adverts.

# data[].attributes.body
Live Aid was held on Saturday 13 July, 1985 which 1.5 billion people tunned into watch. The event raised £150 million for famine relief and changed the nature of fundraising all together. The concert undoubtedly changed the nature of fundraising by introducing the factor of high visibility due to celebrity philanthropists. More than 30 years later, famous figures continue to hold influence on social media to promote charities and humanitarian causes, Live Aid’s legacy and impact is still felt today in fundraising efforts. Live Aid has also influenced other charities deciated to giving relief to Africa, such as Red Nose Day.

# data[].attributes.body
1985 Live Aid takes place in both Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia

Macintosh Super Bowl advert

1st MTV Annual awards takes place in 1985

# data[].attributes.body
Labour party win 1997 General Election in a landslide against the conservatives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tony Blair wins landslide general election win for Labour (1997) - Newsnight archives

# data[].attributes.body
Between 2000 and 2003, most TV broadcasters in the UK switched to 16:9 before introducing HD channels, starting with BBC HD and Sky's HD channels in 2006 via satellite.

# data[].attributes.body
Digital Television, such as LCD and Plasma televisions, began replacing analog due to its superior broadcasting quality and it being less prone to signial loss. People began throwing out their own analog televisions in favor of buying new digital ones, which generated more sales for companies that produced televisions such as Sony. LCD and Plasma screens were wider, slimmer, and lighter. With its compact design, homeowners can easily move the TV around or mount it on the wall to save space.

# data[].attributes.body
On the 25th June 2009, beloved, but often controversial, pop star Michael Jackson passed away. His death triggered reactions around the world, creating unprecedented surges of internet traffic and a spike in sales of his music. Fresh insight about his death uncovered a significant change in the news media, the first media outlet to reveal the news about his death was TMZ, a celebrity gossip website, rather than a customary press outlet.

# data[].attributes.body
September 11th Terrorist Attacks

Hurricane Katrina

2008 US Presidential Election, Barack Obama wins against John McCain and becomes the first black president in US history.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Michael Jackson Dies: BBC Newsflash - 25th June 2009

# data[].attributes.body
The rise of streaming services changed the way we watched TV. Streaming services have disrupted the traditional television model by investing heavily in original content production. Netflix has paved the way for this with shows such as Black Mirror and House of Cards.

# data[].attributes.body
The rise of streaming services has been very profitable, with Netflix turning a profit of £1.4 billion in 2021.

# data[].attributes.body
Instagram was released in 2010, a photo sharing social media app that allowed people to use filters more appealing. Instagram, and other social media platforms, have changed the way we express ourselves.

# data[].attributes.body
United States Supreme Court legalises same-sex marriage

UK Government votes to legalise same-sex marriage

Occupy Wall Street gains attention and media coverage

Donald Trump wins 2016 Presidential Election in a surprise victory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
29 March 2014 - first same sex marriage in Brighton

# data[].attributes.body
The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on the television industry, production of television programs in many countries had to shut down or be delayed. However, the animation industry remained largely unaffected, due to the ease of remote work by animators.

# data[].attributes.body
The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the film industry. Across the UK, cinemas. were closed, festivals were cancelled or postponed, and film releases were moved to future dates or delayed indefinitely.

# data[].attributes.body
Disney's 2022 film "Lightyear" featured the company's first same-sex kiss. This was significant as it provided representation for more people in society and it shows how far society was progressed in terms of LGBT issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Queen Elizabeth the Second dies at 96, making her the longest serving monarch in British history

Bong Jong Ho's film "Parasite" won several oscars, including best picture, which is the first ever time a non-English-language movie won best picture

Elon Musk buys Twitter for $44 Billion

Murder of George Floyd sparks Black Lives Matter protests across the US

Joe Biden wins the 2020 Presidential Election against Donald Trump, becoming the oldest ever US president

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last ever leader of the USSR, dies at 91

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Queen Elizabeth II has died Buckingham Palace announces - BBC News