Image: Kenneth Wolstenholme presents an in-vision link to camera before the match between West Ham United and Sheffield United on 19 February 1966.
The first regular football programme on television, Match of the Day, began on 22 August 1964, at the start of the 1964-65 season. The identity of the match – Liverpool v Arsenal - was kept secret until 4.00pm, by agreement with the Football League, who feared crowds would stay at home to watch it. Nearly an hour of highlights of the game was shown, which was won by Liverpool 3-2. Commentary was by Kenneth Wolstenholme and Walley Barnes.
Match of the Day was transmitted on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ2 and took advantage of the higher definition 625 line picture. Cameras were no longer restricted to close-ups as the ball was now clearly visible in wide shots. The jaunty signature tune by Barry Stoller was voted the most recognised TV theme tune in a 2010 poll conducted by the PRS, but did not make its first appearance until 1970. The first programme opened with Drum Majorette by Arnold Stock.
Match of the Day fulfilled a desire for more sport on television but also served as a training ground for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ camera crews in preparation for the 1966 World Cup. The popularity of football following the World Cup motivated the programme's move to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One, where it continues to this day, complemented by Match of the Day 2.
August anniversaries
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Family Favourites
1 August 1945 -
Sailor
5 August 1976 -
It's a Knockout
7 August 1966 -
First Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Promenade Concert
13 August 1927 -
The Weakest Link
14 August 2000 -
Junior Masterchef
14 August 1994 -
Launch of 1Xtra
16 August 2002 -
Dr Finlay's Casebook
16 August 1962 -
The Marriage Lines
16 August 1963 -
Observer reveals MI5 vetting of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ staff
18 August 1985 -
Why Don't You...?
20 August 1973 -
The Moral Maze
20 August 1990 -
First experimental Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ TV Programme
22 August 1932 -
Match of the Day begins
22 August 1964 -
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Monitoring
26 August 1939 -
Radio 5 launches
27 August 1990 -
First live TV from the continent
27 August 1950 -
Start of experimental stereo broadcasting
28 August 1962 -
Elizabeth Cowell first female TV announcer
31 Aug 1936 -
The Monocled Mutineer
31 August 1986 -
Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow
31 August 2002 -
The Battle of Britain
Summer 1940