The development of broadcasting in the union of South Africa

The mere quoting of historical data usually makes poor reading and cannot be of much interest in its presentation. I will therefore attempt to trace the development with a minimum of historical reference but, as the development has been so much a part of the history of broadcasting and vice versa, it is impossible to avoid historical reference entirely. Broadcasting in the Union actually came into being as a result of the British Empire Exhibition of 1924. The original 1-kW medium-frequency installation in Johannesburg was used to raise funds on behalf of the South African section of the above exhibition. The local committee was formed by the South African Railways and Harbours Administration. Press reports towards the end of November 1923 stated that broadcasting was about to come to the Hand and that ' bright programmes could be expected during December.' The first concert was timed for 18th December 1923, and the late General Smuts opened the proceedings from the Roberts Heights Hospital by speaking over a then conventional post office telephone circuit which was coupled in Johannesburg to the transmitter input.