By Alex Williamson, Managing Partner
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first successful transmission of a television image, achieved by John Logie Baird in 1925.
And while our screens may be sharper and channel choices broader, TV is as powerful as ever in uniting audiences emotionally, culturally, and sometimes even globally.
The meteoric rise of streaming services
We’ve come a long way since then with the first BBC transmissions in 1936 … and while the broadcast giant still stands strong (the most watch media service in the UK according to the latest annual Ofcom report) it has been joined by a multitude of other platforms including on-demand streaming services, and social platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
One thing remains unchanged however: broadcast media is still an irrevocable entry into the lives of the nation.
Memories captured, moments shared
While the tech continually evolves, the content sticks with us. The moments that bring us together, in real time, are the ones that define decades.
Here’s a look at some of Britain’s greatest televised events over the years.
- England vs Germany World Cup Final (1966) — “They think it’s all over…”
- NASA Moon Landing (BBC coverage) (1969)
- Live Aid (1985)
- Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special (1989)
- Princess Diana’s Funeral (1997)
- London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral (2022)
The legacy of these moments and the BBC ranking as the second most-used media brand in the UK for under-16s, is proof that the live, collective TV experience still commands attention in the streaming age.
Harnessing the power of broadcast media
At markettiers, we’ve spent decades helping brands harness the unique power of broadcast from TV to radio, podcasts and beyond. We have seen first-hand the changing channels, evolving formats, and shifting landscapes.
But we have also seen the constant pull of the small screen, the audiences united, the campaigns delivered, and the emotional connections made.
From prompting a viewer to visit their doctor and get a prostate cancer diagnosis, to bringing home the devastating effects of climate change, the power is still, undeniable.
If you would like to speak to us about capturing the public’s attention through earned media, or maximising the impact of your next marketing campaign, please get in touch.