Channels That Shaped Entertainment

Television didn’t just appear overnight. It began with a few daring channels bringing moving images into homes for the first time. Some grew into cultural giants, while others faded but left lasting footprints. This list takes you back to the twenty oldest television channels, exploring the milestones that defined broadcasting’s early years. Get ready to travel through time as we revisit the beginnings of TV history and the medium that changed entertainment forever.

1. WRGB

WRGB began broadcasting in 1928, marking the world’s first television station. Originally called W2XCW, it transmitted from Schenectady, New York. Early viewers knew it as WGY Television, and General Electric played a key role in launching this pioneering station that shaped the future of TV.

Morning news anchor goes into labor while on the desk, continues anchoring morning show by CBS6 Albany

2. CBC Television

Canada’s CBC Television opened in 1952, offering national coverage to viewers across the country. Known for hockey broadcasts, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation built a strong identity while blending entertainment and information. CBC became a unifying presence in Canadian media.

Irish PM says aligning with Canada 'obvious choice' under U.S. tariffs | Power & Politics by CBC News

3. BBC Television

In 1936, the BBC started regular broadcasts that became the first high-definition service. Its inaugural variety show introduced viewers to the excitement of television. Early on, the network alternated between two systems, eventually standardizing, which helped the BBC grow into a global broadcasting leader.

'You can pretend like you haven't noticed' - BBC News by BBC News

4. KCBS-TV

Los Angeles’ KCBS-TV began life as W6XAO in 1931. Over time, it became a major CBS affiliate by blending experimental broadcasting with growing viewer demand. The station’s evolution mirrors the rise of television in California, which transformed the city into a media powerhouse.

KCBS-TV - CBS 2 News at 11 PM open (January 4, 2023) by heymannyg

5. NBC

Television entered the American household in 1939 through NBC,  which debuted at the New York World’s Fair. Initially a radio network, NBC moved into television with innovative programming that set industry standards. Its early broadcasts shaped how audiences connected with visual storytelling nationwide.

NBC Nightly News Full Episode - Sept. 29 by NBC News

6. CBS

CBS launched television broadcasts in 1941, establishing itself as a major U.S. network. Originally known as the Columbia Broadcasting System, it pioneered color programming and built a foundation for iconic shows. CBS became a central part of American entertainment by combining innovation with mass appeal.

Reporters break down Trump's Gaza peace plan by CBS News

7. ABC

Emerging from the NBC Blue radio network, ABC began in 1948. It became part of the Big Three networks and was known for the ABC Circle logo. Its programming blended news, entertainment, and sports.

This Week with George Stephanopoulos Full Broadcast - Sunday, September 21 by ABC News

8. ARD

Germany’s ARD began broadcasting in 1950 as a consortium of regional public networks. Its main channel, Das Erste, serves as a national staple. The collaborative structure reflects a unique approach to public television by emphasizing regional diversity alongside broad, nationwide programming.

Zwischen Psychiatrie & Polizei | KOMPLETTE 2. FOLGE von Akutstation Psychiatrie – Staffel 2 by ARD

9. ZDF

ZDF launched in 1963 as Germany’s second public television network. Known for the news program heute, it quickly became a trusted source of information. The network combined comprehensive coverage with entertainment and secured its place as a cornerstone of German broadcasting.

Foto: Bernd Schwabe in Hannover on Wikimedia

10. France Télévisions

Starting as PTT Radio Vision in 1935, France Télévisions evolved into the nation’s public broadcaster. Early French television relied on a 60-line system. Today, channels like France 2 and France 3 continue to connect viewers nationwide, reflecting decades of technological and cultural growth.

[Interview métier] Juliette Balduc, community manager by France Télévisions

11. RAI

Italy’s RAI started television in 1954 and became the country’s national public broadcaster. Famous for hosting the Sanremo Music Festival, it introduced Italian audiences to entertainment and culture on a grand scale. Radiotelevisione Italiana played a vital role in shaping media across Italy.

"Lo chiamavano Paoletta", parlano i genitori di Paolo Mendico - Domenica in 28/09/2025 by Rai

12. NHK

In Japan, NHK began television broadcasts in 1953 and offered both TV and radio services. Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai became a central platform for news and education. Over time, NHK established a reputation for reliability and public service.

Remembering loved ones lost in WWIIーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS by NHK WORLD-JAPAN

13. RTP

Television arrived in Lisbon in 1957 when RTP started broadcasting. Rádio e Televisão de Portugal quickly became the nation’s go-to channel for news and entertainment, shaping the country’s TV culture and leaving a lasting impact on generations of viewers.

Esquerda.net on Wikimedia

14. Rede Tupi

Rede Tupi, Brazil’s first television network, launched on September 18, 1950, in São Paulo. Founded by journalist Assis Chateaubriand under Diários Associados, it became Latin America’s first satellite broadcaster in 1960 during Brasília’s inauguration, inspiring other countries to develop their own TV industries.

O RETORNO INESPERADO DA PRIMEIRA EMISSORA DE TV NO BRASIL! Após 45 Anos! (Voltamos) 🇧🇷 by Rede Tupi

15. SVT

Sweden embraced television in 1956 with SVT, which offered a mix of news and cultural programs. Sveriges Television became a household name, known for its annual Christmas Eve broadcast and reliable coverage, gradually shaping Sweden’s national media culture.

Här bryter programledarna ihop efter sexinslaget i Aktuellt | SVT by SVT

16. RTÉ

On New Year’s Eve 1961, Irish households tuned in to RTÉ for their very first broadcast. Raidió Teilifís Éireann became the country’s public service broadcaster that blended culture and entertainment while creating a shared viewing experience across Ireland.

Election 2020 - News Special by RTÉ News

17. DR

Danish audiences first experienced DR’s television programming in 1951. Danmarks Radio built on its radio legacy to provide informative and entertaining shows, including national news and drama, that established a strong connection with viewers.

Danish Broadcasting Corporation Interviews Tom Bemiller by The Aureus Group

18. Doordarshan

India’s television journey began with Doordarshan in 1959. Its name, meaning “distant vision,” reflected the goal of bringing education and entertainment into millions of homes and helping unite a diverse nation through broadcast media.

DD Morning Show | International Sign Language Day | DD National by Doordarshan National

19. YLE

Television arrived in Finland through YLE in 1957, funded by a public broadcasting tax. Yleisradio offered news, sports, and cultural programming, helping to unite Finnish viewers while shaping the country’s media identity over decades.

Election Discussion by Yle News

20. Televisa

Television in Mexico grew through Televisa, which began broadcasting in 1950. Known for its telenovelas, the network became a cultural powerhouse by producing content that shaped both national entertainment and international perceptions of Mexican TV.

Transportistas suspenden servicio en Tizayuca, Edomex. (Miguel Garcia) by Televisa Edo Mex