Midhurst transmitter celebrates 65th birthday
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The Midhurst television and radio transmitter which towers over the town from Bexley Hill is celebrating 65 years of supplying households and businesses in Hampshire and Surrey.
The site first began broadcasting in 1961 and has been serving communities across the South East ever since, carrying everything from major national events and breaking news to local programming, entertainment and sport
It is looked by a team of engineers who work around the clock to keep services on air.
Built as part of the expansion of Britain's television network, the transmitter dramatically improved reception for viewers across the region at a time when television ownership was rapidly growing.
Since then, it has adapted to every major development in broadcasting, from the introduction of colour television and FM radio through to digital television and digital radio services.
Mark Steele, Chief of Operations at Arqiva, the company which runs the site, said: “Over the past 65 years, countless television and radio moments have reached people across the region thanks through Midhurst.
Whether it was families gathering to watch historic national events, local communities following major sporting occasions, or people tuning in for trusted news and information, the transmitter has played a small but important part in daily life across the region.”
As technology advances and viewing patterns change, questions have been asked about the future of these dominating towers. Broadcasters and Government are considering the long-term future of television distribution in the UK.
However, for the moment, transmitter towers like the one on Bexley Hill remain part of the nation's communications infrastructure.
They provide a highly resilient, sovereign platform capable of reaching audiences at scale during major national events, periods of high demand and emergency situations.
Mark Steele said: “While the technology has changed beyond recognition since 1961, the need for reliable broadcast services remains as strong as ever. Sites such as Midhurst continue to provide an essential connection between broadcasters and audiences, and we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure and expertise needed to support broadcasting long into the future.”