Museum of Science and Industry

In the twentieth century, the radio and then the television became the focal point of people's living rooms, providing entertainment and live news. Manchester became Britain's leading regional broadcasting centre.

2ZY, Manchester's first radio station, hit the airwaves in November 1922. Its early broadcasts came from the Trafford Park factory of Metropolitan-Vickers, a founding member of the British Broadcasting Company. In the 1930s, radio ownership grew rapidly. Manchester became the headquarters of the BBC's Northern Region and renowned as a breeding ground for radio excellence.

When the Holme Moss transmitter was opened in 1951, the North of England could enjoy a television service for the first time. The BBC in Manchester took on a new role, contributing to the national TV schedule. After Granada Television's launch in 1956, audiences soared and by 1960 75% of British homes had a television set. From the 1990s, Manchester became home to independent television production companies, such as Red Productions.