In December 1957, there was great excitement among people in Central Alberta when the first and only local station, Red Deer’s CHCA, began broadcasting. Three organizations merged to form one large CBC station, which was later renamed CFRN-TV.
All people in Central Alberta immediately started buying televisions and installing antennas to receive broadcasts from larger cities. Soon, the city had a large audience, so the CBC created a television program in the local newspaper. For more information, please visit the website edmonton-future.
Edmonton stations
CFRN-TV is one of the most popular stations, which first started broadcasting in the fall and had a power of 2700 watts. In March 1955, Gordon S. Henry, president of the Central Alberta Broadcasting Corporation, announced plans to apply for a license to operate a station.
In early 1957, George Alfred decided to establish a second local television station. He attracted investors, including local lawyer Porkka, and created a new company, SNCA Television Limited. Thus, they began construction of a building to house offices and studios, which were located east of Red Deer
The first broadcasts on TV
The debut of the first channel in Alberta – CFRN – was unsuccessful because the first picture they broadcasted was very flickering and upside down. After the first test pattern, they displayed photos of two men who robbed a bank.
Next, they showed a puppet show called “Uncle Chimus.” And finally, they were able to show the first human face that moved and spoke — it was Percy Saltzman, who reported on the weather. There were plenty of interesting programs for both adults and children.
The broadcasts went well, and the channels were aired 24/7. Hockey matches were broadcasted on weekends. Over time, quite a lot of programs for children began to be produced. For example, a quiz for middle school students, a talent show, and many others.
TVs are harmful to health
Television became so popular that no one could have predicted it. People began to buy TVs en masse, even though they were quite expensive at the time, as they were considered a novelty. Both children and adults spent most of their free time in front of the TV.
Doctors were concerned because it was discovered that TVs cause certain problems. It was difficult to stay away from them, as people sat too close to the big screen, which hurt their eyesight. The picture that was transmitted was of poor quality and flickered. In addition, children became instantly addicted to television.
Television development in the city
In 1958, wave broadcasting was established, which enabled CBS to become a national network. The installation of video machines allowed the same program to be viewed in a one-time zone throughout the country. In 1966, people had the opportunity to watch a color network broadcast.
In 1967, television experienced an unprecedented boom. There was a large funding that allowed the creation of many outstanding and interesting films. The addition of new stations and broadcasts became more active.
In 1988, all stations were acquired by Electrohome Limited for $50 million. By 1990, there was a real boom in development. Interesting movies and shows began to be broadcasted on screens, and people were excitedly watching TV, despite interesting plays being staged in theaters.
Thanks to a large number of viewers, companies earned millions, which were spent on purchasing new equipment.
Modern television is significantly different from what it was back then. Despite this, people do not refuse to spend their free time in front of the TV.
