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1950 August 27

Television crosses the Channel

Television is transmitted across the English Channel for the first time, on the centenary of the laying of a submarine cable between England and France.

Microwave link at Senate House
Photo: BBC

In London, signals are received by a microwave aerial on the roof of Senate House of the University of London in Malet Street.

Hôtel de Ville in Calais
Photo: BBC

The centrepiece of the evening transmission included a torchlight procession, fireworks display and dancing in the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville in Calais.

Commentary on events is given by Richard Dimbleby (below) and Alan Adair.

Richard Dimbleby commentates from Calais
Hear an extract from Richard Dimbleby's commentary [Source: BBC].
Photo: BBC

 

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1950

Page updated 26 August 2008