On January 1, 1956, the history of Belarusian television began. The legendary words of announcer Tamara Bastun marked the start of a new era: “Good evening, comrades! Happy New Year! We are beginning our trial broadcasting”.
The first broadcast lasted 1 hour and 55 minutes: viewers saw the feature film “Generation of Winners” and the newsreel “News of the Day” from 1955. Initially, TV broadcasting was aired from the Minsk television studio only 2-3 hours per day, and the program consisted of concerts, performances, films and newsreels.
Over 70 year Belarussian TV has come a long way – from modest studious and black-and-white footage to high-technology multimedia centers and vibrant digital broadcasts. Today it is a powerful industry that unites millions of viewers and thousands of professionals.
The history of Belarussian television is inextricably connected with the development of communication technologies. For many years, the Belarusian Radio and Television Transmitting Center was responsible for the broadcast of audio and television programs. In 2016 the company was reorganised; now its functions are carried by Beltelecom.
Ensuring stable seamless broadcasting is one of the task of the professionals at the Radio, Television and Communications Branch. Thanks to their daily work, the package of television programs became available to the viewers in every corner of the country. Beltelecom has become a reliable foundation for the development of the television space: from on-air broadcasting to interactive television (IPTV), OTT-services and launching its own “YASNAe TV” TV-channel.
The chronicle of Belarussian television is, above all, the story of talented and dedicated people. This anniversary has become a shared celebration for the veterans who laid the foundation of the industry and for the current employees who are worthily carrying forward the legacy of achievements; for the journalists and directors, operators and engineers – everyone who works on-screen and behind the scenes, creating the true magic of television every day. After all, even today, despite the rapid change in technology, television screens continue to connect generations and bring the most sincere emotions.
Happy anniversary to Belarussian television! We wish our colleagues inspiration, high ratings and consistently high-quality signal!
