Happy World Television Day!
Since its invention, the television has reshaped culture, communication, and daily life, earning its title as one of the most influential creations of the modern era. Today, on World Television Day, we’re tuning in to how television has evolved through the lens of intellectual property (IP).
Television technology first flickered to life in the early 20th century. Scottish inventor John Logie Baird gave the world’s first public demonstration of the moving images in 1926. His innovations, protected by patents, placed the UK at the forefront of TV development.
While Baird pioneered mechanical TV, electronic systems—developed by inventors like Vladimir Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth, began gaining ground. In the UK, Baird’s early influence was quickly overtaken by the BBC’s adoption of Marconi-EMI’s superior all-electronic system in 1937.
The BBC, established as a public service broadcaster, shaped early British TV. Free from commercial pressures, it approached IP differently from US networks. Instead of hoarding exclusive rights, the BBC prioritised public access, laying the groundwork for a unique British broadcasting ethos.
The post-war boom saw rapid adoption of TV and a race to innovate. The BBC adopted the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) colour system, developed in Germany, licensing the technology while maintaining its public service mission.
ITV’s launch in 1955 brought commercial television to the UK, introducing advertising revenue as a driving force. This shift highlighted the importance of copyright for monetising programming. The Copyright Act 1956 gave UK broadcasters clearer rights to license and export their content, enabling hits like Doctor Who to go global and generate significant IP revenue.
By the 1980s, satellite channels like Sky entered the fray, securing exclusive rights to sports, films, and shows. This "content is king" strategy made IP central to competition, with retransmission rights and licensing deals becoming a battleground.
Digital broadcasting in the 1990s and the launch of Freeview in 2002 expanded access while raising new IP challenges. Digital piracy prompted stricter copyright laws, including the Digital Economy Act 2010, which cracked down on illegal sharing of TV content.
The 21st century saw the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BritBox (a BBC-ITV collaboration). Exclusive content became the new currency, with British shows like The Crown driving global demand. UK broadcasters focused on creating and controlling original programming to monetise IP and compete globally.
Today, British broadcasters face a tricky balancing act: justifying public service investments while maximising IP revenue. The BBC, ITV, and others must navigate a competitive global market while responding to changes in copyright law post-Brexit.
As the industry evolves, one thing is clear: IP is at the heart of the TV revolution, ensuring that British creativity continues to shine on screens worldwide.
Happy World Television Day—don’t change that channel!
