The Crystal Palace transmitting station, one of the tallest structures in London, has the unique job of beaming terrestrial television into millions of homes in the capital and the Home Counties. Its range extends as far north as Stevenage in Hertfordshire and as far south as Sussex, according to the BBC.
Built in 1956, the Crystal Palace transmitter station replaced the transmitter at Alexandra Palace in north London. Its location was chosen because of its height above sea level. The site’s footprint meant designers had to build a lattice-style tower that was tall and thin, similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Paul Mellers, who has been responsible for the transmitter’s maintenance for the past two years, describes himself as a “confessed transmitter geek.” He says he feels “privileged to work at the site because of its beauty and uniqueness as a structure, but also because of its history and importance to London.”
When the transmitter first started operating, it was responsible for the output of the BBC only. However, more and more channels started to use the Crystal Palace transmitter over the years, and in 1985, its neighbour stopped transmitting. This meant all television broadcasts came from Crystal Palace for the first time.
From the introduction of colour TV to high definition and the digital switchover in the 2000s, the role of the transmitter has changed with the times, developing, adapting, and modernizing what it does. In 2024, mobile phone masts also occupy the tower, which also broadcasts FM radio.
Despite advances in technology, the tower itself has remained unchanged for almost 70 years. Its unique and historic design, coupled with its importance to the broadcasting industry, makes it a fascinating and iconic structure that is cherished by Londoners unique and historic design, coupled with its importance to the broadcasting industry, makes it a fascinating and iconic structure that is cherished by Londoners.
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