How it all began

Meanwhile the BBC having moved to new headquarters at Broadcasting House in Portland Place in May 1932, commenced experiments with the Baird 30 line mechanical television system. As 1933 arrived so did Radio Luxembourg. English programmes started in June running from 5pm to midnight.  Like Radio Normandie the programmes were of a less formal nature than those provided by the BBC and also funded by advertising and sponsorship.  Again the programmes proved to be a hit with the British listening public and by December 3rd 1933 Radio Luxembourg had expanded English programmes to run from 3.30 pm to midnight.

Pye model MM 6 valve radio of 1932 with the trademark Rising Sun loudspeaker grille.

AUDIO: "THE SET MAKERS" a feature broadcast on RADIO NETHERLANDS.   Click the tape to listen to "THE SET MAKERS" [32 kbs]

In 1934 the BBC was still experimenting with television. The Selsdon Committee (Jan '35) recommended that the BBC trial the Baird 240 line system alongside the Marconi-EMI 405 line electronic method. In June the BBC installed a mast, studio and television transmitter at Alexandra Palace and a regular television service started from Alexandra Palace in November the competing systems being trialled one at a time on alternate weeks.

On the 11th November 1936 the BBC broadcast King Edward VIII's abdication. On 1st January 1937 the BBC's Royal Charter renewed for a further ten years, while in September 1938 the BBC started the European service with programmes in German, Italian and French.  From February 1938 listeners across Eire and parts of Western Britain were able to hear a new service transmitted from Eire, southern Ireland.