Picture shows L.V. Brooker (Alexandra Boxing Club) vs K Bullock (St Mary's Boxing Club, Wales) in the Concert Hall at Alexandra Palace, December 1938.
The first television sports event to feature a live commentary was a boxing match between England and Ireland, broadcast on 4 February 1937. The commentator was Harry Mallin, himself a former middleweight champion and Olympic gold medallist. Outside broadcasts were in their infancy, and it was easier to bring the action into the studio, so the Concert Hall at Alexandra Palace was turned over to the Alexandra Amateur Boxing Club for the occasion. The bout brought the excitement of live sport into the living rooms of viewers, and gave them a ringside seat.
There were two matches in the 25 minute programme. The first was a welterweight bout between W.S. Pack and T. Byrne. This was followed by lightweights F.J. Simpson versus Corporal T. Bonham. The results are not recorded. Other sports were broadcast from Alexandra Palace in the following weeks, including table tennis and golf.
Today’s commentators have built on the pioneering work of Mallin and others, developing a style that is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Some become synonymous with their chosen sport, such as Harry Carpenter, who died in 2008, and is remembered as "The Voice of Boxing".
February anniversaries
-
Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971