FROM THE BOX

From black and white beginnings to Al-driven entertainment

- Words By: Aadithya Harish

THE BIRTH OF A REVOLUTION

Once upon a time, families gathered around a bulky wooden box that flickered with grainy images, a window to the world called television.

When John Logie Baird first demonstrated a working TV system in the 1920s, it was nothing short of magic. The idea that moving pictures could be transmitted wirelessly into homes seemed impossible. Yet, by the 1930s and 1940s, television broadcasts began to take shape across Europe and the United States, marking the dawn of a new era in communication and entertainment.

The early broadcasts were limited, a few hours a day, mostly news or simple performances. But even then, the allure was powerful. The world had just found a new medium that could inform, entertain, and connect people like never before.

After World War II, television sets became household treasures. The 1950s marked the golden age of TV, with family sitcoms, variety shows, and live events making their way into living rooms everywhere. Programs like I Love Lucy and The Ed Sullivan Show shaped not only pop culture but also social behaviour. The box in the corner wasn't just a device anymore; it was the heart of the home.

THE COLOUR EXPLOSION AND THE RISE OF GLOBAL BROADCASTING

The 1960s brought the most significant leap yet: colour. Suddenly, television wasn't just a mirror; it was a canvas. Audiences were now seeing lush green fields, vibrant costumes, and blue skies that had only been imagined before. The world of entertainment exploded with creativity. Broadcasters invested heavily in storytelling, live sports, and cultural programming.