John Logie Baird invents television

John Logie Baird invents television

Author: BBC World Service January 26, 2026 Duration: 10:39

On 26 January 1926, John Logie Baird first demonstrated his 'televisor' in public. It was the prototype for television.

Many people couldn't believe what they were seeing whilst others thought it was a pointless invention.

In 2010, Iain Logie Baird, the inventor's grandson, spoke to Claire Bowes.

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(Photo: Inventor John Logie Baird. Credit: Topical PressAgency/Getty Images)


Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most...
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