Image: A meeting of the Eurovision working group planning "Our World" in April 1967; Alexandre Tarta amd Luca Di Schiena, Eurovision Executive Producers; Eddi Ploman, E.B.U. Project Manager; Aubrey Singer, E.B.U. Project Editor; Eric Griffiths, E.B.U. Project Engineer; Norman Taylor, Supervising Engineer, Master Control.
Our World was broadcast on 25 June 1967. The ambitious live global link-up was a showcase for the potential of satellite communications. It featured contributions from 18 countries and climaxed with the first performance of 'All You Need Is Love' by The Beatles. In the UK it was watched by 23 million people while across the world it reached 170 million televisions in 24 nations.
The satellite broadcast was the brainchild of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, but was officially launched by The European Broadcasting Union and became a truly international project. The original title was Around the World in Eighty Minutes, but it soon stretched to 120. Our World began with a look at new-born babies around the globe, emphasising the similarities one with the other. Individual contributions included dancing from Mexico, space rockets from the USA and contemporary dance from France. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ also provided a feature on the new town of Cumbernauld, presented by Magnus Magnusson.
Our World did not avoid political problems - despite the non-political content and the emphasis on shared humanity - as the Soviet Union and Poland pulled out of the broadcast in protest at the Six-Day War. But the programme was a success. Today satellite technology makes 24 hour news possible and features in our phones. Global link-ups continue to unite the world over big events, such as Live 8 and The World Cup.
June anniversaries
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Juke Box Jury
1 June 1959 -
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
2 June 1953 -
Mock the Week
5 June 2005 -
Real Lives
5 June 1984 -
D-Day broadcasts
6 June 1944 -
Till Death Us Do Part
6 June 1966 -
First broadcast of Crimewatch UK
7 June 1984 -
Steptoe and Son
7 June 1962 -
Driving School
10 June 1997 -
Last programme from Lime Grove Studios
13 June 1991 -
The Basil Brush Show
14 June 1968 -
Blackadder
15 June 1983 -
Yesterday's Men
17 June 1971 -
De Gaulle's first broadcast to France
18 June 1940 -
Parkinson first broadcast
19 June 1971 -
First female newsreader in vision
20 June 1960 -
Wimbledon first televised
21 June 1937 -
Royal Family first transmitted
21 June 1969 -
Music While You Work
23 June 1940 -
Our World
25 June 1967 -
Opening of Television Centre
29 June 1960