THE NATIONAL Science and Media Museum is getting ready to launch a major exhibition – which will look at how broadcasting has shaped our everyday lives – later this month.
Switched On, which opens on July 23, will celebrate the last 100 years of broadcasting and will take visitors on a journey from the first radio microphones to the invention of colour TV and the rise of on-demand streaming services.
The exhibition will look at the industry through 14 pioneers linked with broadcasting innovations who have all helped the industry to adapt, improve and make room for more voices.
Visitors will learn about influential trailblazers such as David Attenborough, who led the introduction of colour on BBC2, and Delia Derbyshire, below, who created the Doctor Who theme song in 1963, marking the first TV song made purely from electronic sound.
Visitors will also be able to experience the last century of broadcasting innovations through six interactive objects.
To celebrate the exhibition and the start of the summer holidays, a special family day will also be taking place at the museum on 30 July.
It will mark major broadcasting milestones with family-friendly activities, including interactive storytelling and hands-on opportunities to try out being a camera operator or broadcasting a radio programme.
Lewis Pollard, Curator of Television and Broadcast at the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be taking part in the celebrations of the BBC’s centenary and shining a spotlight on the significant pioneers who have influenced and shaped the industry, with our new exhibition Switched On.
“Our museum tells the stories of sound and image technologies and their impact on our lives, and many of our objects would not be possible without the achievements of broadcasters like the BBC and the trailblazers who have continued to push the boundaries over the last 100 years.”
Switched On is part of Broadcast 100, a bumper year of exhibitions, special displays, events and digital content across the Science Museum Group to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the BBC and the 40th anniversary of Channel 4.
The Broadcast 100 programme is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Switched On is also supported by the Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN) - using public funding from Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation – which is based at the University of York.
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