Two crier to world seer: a broadcast odyssey

A review of the development of broadcasting is given and thoughts are presented for its evolution into the 21st century. Although the terrestrial radio and television networks are unlikely to expand greatly in future, their usage may change, particularly to satisfy new interests in the broadcasting of data or information. Emphasis is placed on the importance of satellites in the 1990s for international programme supply, for delivery of radio and television to the home, and for satellite news gathering. The direct broadcasting of television by satellite to the home, starting in 1989 in the UK, also offers exciting new opportunities for carrying higher-definition wide-screen pictures. It is suggested that over the turn of screen pictures. It is suggested that over the turn of the century a slowly changing balance between terrestrial, satellite and cable networks will be seen, with fibre optic connections to the home only starting to make an impact with new services in the 20th century. Most significant in the near future will be the way in which new delivery technology and new receiver developments will increase the choice of programmes and broadcast information services to the user.