The 1948 Olympics | Behind the scenes at the Austerity Games
CHANNEL | BBC Television Service
FIRST BROADCAST | 30 July 1948
DURATION | 3 minutes 2 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1948
This news item celebrates the BBC's acquisition of the most up-to-date technology for outside broadcasting. The first outing is at the Olympic Games and we are shown in detail the workings of the new CPS Emitron cameras that are set up at the Empire Pool and the new and improved broadcasting truck that will allow the crew to sit down for the first time.
The BBC used the old Palace of Arts, built for the British Empire Exhibition of 1924, as its broadcasting centre. It had eight radio studios, 32 channels with 15 commentary boxes and 16 open positions in Wembley Stadium, plus 16 commentary posts at the Empire Pool where the swimming and boxing events were held. For television broadcasting, a coaxial cable was installed between Wembley and Broadcasting House.
Royal Park to provide accommodation for Olympic competitors.
'May the weather be fine, the events well contested and may records be broken.'

TV announces a new era of comfort for crews and better pictures for viewers
Robert Jackson Robinson meets the Royal Family.
The indomitable cycling champion recalls the 1948 Olympics.
Stuart MacPherson recalls the 'Austerity Games' of 1948.
Exciting times for the new BBC television service.
The faces behind the voices commentating on the Olympic Games.
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