When it comes to television, most of us have a love-hate relationship with it. We recognize the power it has when it comes to spreading information and bringing people closer to different cultures worldwide. Even though we now live in a digital age, few would argue that the TV is still one of the most powerful forms of mass media we have.
Though its positive and negative effects are often debated, few will deny that television has also given us world-changing events. Throughout its history, there have been many moments that deserve credit for its impact, no matter how lighthearted or heavy the subject might be. With that said, here is our list of the most incredible moments on TV.
1.The Wedding of Charles and Diana (1981)
The British Monarchy can be just as divisive as the television when it comes to people’s opinions. Still, it’s clear just how many are interested in them. Particularly in the grand wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. The spectacle was watched by three-quarters of a billion people, with Lady Diana proving that she truly is the people’s princess. As many expected, the nuptials was opulent and grandiose, and it’s evident that investments were made to make sure it felt like a fairytale come to life. It was also one of the first royal weddings broadcasted on TV and, arguably, the biggest.
2.Football World Cup (1966)
Most of the time, it’s only football fans who really tune in to watch matches. However, things take on a grander scale when it comes to the World Cup. Whether you’re a fan or not, showing support for your home team or the team you like matters. However, to have 400 million people watch one game, in particular, isn’t just record-breaking. It’s also a monumental moment that will go down in history. We’re talking about the England vs. West Germany Match, which also marked the first time a game was filmed by a complete camera crew. The event must have required plenty of investment planning as it was broadcasted in both ITV and BBC. By doing so, millions of people got to see England’s 4 – 2 win against its opponent. Even to this day, it remains the most-watched broadcast on British television!
3.The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
For the most part, we tend to learn about history through books. However, in 1989, millions of people worldwide became witnesses to history as it unfolded right before their eyes. TV cameras were rolling following months of protests as the East German government began to open the lines of travel between both sides of the then-divided country. You learn about it in online classes now. However, some people still remember seeing Ronald Reagan commanding Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” back in 1987. Just two years later, the people managed to make it happen. The first slab of the wall was officially removed on November 10, 1989. People began to chip away at the former symbol of tyranny that separated the East and West. Meanwhile, the rest of the world watched with bated breath.
4.Walter Cronkite Announces the Passing of JFK (1963)
Walter Cronkite was at the helm of the news desk that fateful day on November 22nd, 1963. It was him who reported on President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, which eventually took his life. Just an hour after making that report, he appeared before viewers once more, this time to deliver the news nobody wanted to hear: Kennedy’s passing. Reporters are expected to maintain a degree of decorum and not show emotion whenever they’re delivering the day’s news. As a distinguished journalist, Cronkite knew this, but the humanity in him overwhelmed everything else. Tears welled in his eyes as he continued, which we’re confident, mirrored the emotions of those watching from the other side of the screen.
5.The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1969)
When it comes to incredible moments, The Apollo 11 Moon Landing has to be right at the top. Bringing a man to the moon is quite a feat in itself, but to have it broadcasted live for people around the world to see is an equally great credit as well. Suffice to say, at that moment, everyone was united. It wasn’t just a short broadcast either, but one that lasted for 30 straight hours! Upon landing on the moon on July 20th, 1969, different networks followed the crew of the Apollo 11 as they explored a new frontier.
