WHAT:
Regular Television Service
WHERE:
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY, UK
LOCATION:
WHEN:
2nd November 1936
WHO:
The BBC
DETAILS:
The world’s first regular high-definition television broadcast was launched by the BBC on the 2nd November 1936 from Alexandra Palace in North London. This pioneering service transformed global media by introducing a scheduled roster of visual public programmes for the very first time. The BBC utilised the venue as its transmission centre because the building’s high elevation offered an unparalleled vantage point, ensuring the television signal could reach homes across the capital. Operating from custom-built studios, the initial broadcasts alternated between the rival Marconi-EMI and Baird technological systems to determine which delivered the sharpest picture. This historic milestone proved that public television was a viable service and cemented the location’s status as the birthplace of modern broadcasting.
LINKS:
BBC TV90 at Alexandra Palace, London – November 2026
BBC Presenter Katie Derham and Alexandra Palace CEO Emma Dagnes OBE unveiled the World Origin Site plaque to mark 90 years since the BBC began broadcasting the World’s First Television Service from this London landmark in 1936. Over 250 guests filled the East Court to celebrate this landmark anniversary in global broadcasting history. Kirsten Forrest the Curatorial & Interpretation Manager and her team put together a two month series of talks and activities leading up to the event. A specially commissioned World Origin Site Centenary Countdown Clock was started and the old EMI mast was reanimated as Alexandra Palace looks forward to their TV100 in 2036.
