Channel 9's first words were actually re-recorded, not the original
Channel 9's first televised words were actually a second take, not the original broadcast.
In September 1956, presenter Bruce Gyngell spoke six words that became an Australian TV legend: 'Good evening and welcome to television.' A new Nine documentary reveals something surprising.
The broadcast version was actually a second take. The cameras weren't rolling when Gyngell first spoke those words.
TCN-9 Sydney had to film them again. The re-take went to air and became iconic.
By 1957, more than 200,000 televisions were in Australian homes. The story shows early broadcasting was raw and real.
Getting the moment recorded mattered more than using the original take.
- September 1956
- Broadcast date
- Good evening and welcome to television
- Opening words
- second take
- Broadcast take
- more than 200,000
- TVs in homes by 1957
Why it mattersThe discovery shows how early television actually worked. It involved improvisation and re-recording. It reveals the real story behind launching a new medium.
AustraliaAustralian television remains a major part of national culture, and this moment from 1956 marks when broadcasting began shaping the country.
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