TV since 1981

Events in this year Top 10 programmes 5 reported channels
2020s
2023 2022 2021 2020
2010s
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
2000s
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
1990s
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
1980s
1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1986

Launch of NICAM digital stereo sound on television
October
ITV franchises extended by 3 years to enable government to consider reform of system
Daytime transmission starts on BBC1
December
British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) is awarded DBS (Direct Broadcasting by Satellite) franchise
ITV & Channel 4 commercial revenue combined exceeds £1bn