Scrapbook 3: Telstar Brings Arctic to Radio Exhibition

TELSTAR BRINGS ARCTIC TO RADIO EXHIBITION

By L. MARSLAND GANDER, Daily Telegraph Television and Radio Correspondent

PICTURES of the two United States submarines meeting in the Arctic, relayed direct from New York via Telstar, were shown at the Earl’s Court Radio Exhibition yesterday. This was the first use of the satellite for a timed transatlantic news bulletin. The pictures, which were relayed on closed circuit round the show, were later shown in broadcast bulletins.

A Columbia Broadcasting System bulletin from New York was included in the Telstar transmission. There was also an interview with Senator Humphrey, a picture of Mr. Harry Truman speaking and others of aircraft salvage operations off Rio de Janeiro.

PROGRAMME FINANCE

A curious point in the discussions about when a second BBC television programme on 625 lines will start, is the hazy financial aspect. The BBC has no precise knowledge of where the money will come from because of the Government statement that it accepts resonsibility.

In the meantime the BBC still insists that if it is to maintain its independence the extra money will have to be raised from licence holders. If the Government obtained money from Independent Television sources, the corporation would almost certainly consider its independence had been undermined.

Regardless of the political implications the Corporation is going ahead. The first transmitter for the extra London service on 625 lines which has already been installed at Crystal Palace, starts its experimental broadcasts soon. A colour transmitter has also been ordered.

Obviously in these early stages the extra cost will be fairly modest but it will work up to the millions expected if the television licence fee was raised to £6. Crowds milling round the BBC stage at the show were naturally oblivious of these financial considerations.