Thousands in UK still watching black and white TV, new figures show
Fifty-one years after the advent of colour programming, some have refused to switch over
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thousands of people are still watching television in black and white in the UK, new statistics show.
Fifty-one years after the advent of colour programming it has been revealed that 7,161 households have not switched over to colour transmissions.
London has the largest number of black and white sets at 1,768, followed by West Midlands with 431 monochrome licences and Greater Manchester with 390.
London-based television and radio technology historian Jeffrey Borinsky said hundreds of collectors have many black and white televisions.
“Who wants all this new-fangled 4K Ultra HD, satellite dishes or a screen that’s bigger than your room when you can have glorious black and white television?” Mr Borinksy said.
“Thirty years ago, you could still buy black and white televisions, mainly small portables, for as little as £50 and it’s interesting to know that some of people still have them.”
TV Licensing spokesman Jason Hill said irrespective of what television you use, you still need to be covered by a license.
“Over half of the UK’s TVs now connect to the internet so it’s interesting that more than 7,000 households still choose to watch their favourite shows on a black and white television,” Mr Hill said.
“Whether you watch EastEnders, Strictly or Question Time in black and white on a 50-year-old TV set or in colour on a tablet, you need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record programmes as they are broadcast.”
Regular colour broadcasts began in July 1967 with the Wimbledon tennis tournament – three weeks ahead of West Germany.
The number of black and white licences issued each year has been in steady decline since.
In 2000, there were 212,000 black and white TV licences in force but by 2003 that number had shrunk to 93,000. By 2015, the number had dipped below 10,000.
Agencies contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments