Color TV Day
Thursday, June 25, 2026
A broadcast almost nobody saw in color. The FCC approved the CBS color system in October 1950, and on June 25, 1951, CBS aired "Premiere," an hour-long variety show featuring Arthur Godfrey, Ed Sullivan, and Garry Moore. The broadcast reached five East Coast affiliates in Boston, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, but the audience for actual color was minuscule. Viewers without specially equipped receivers saw only scrambled images. CBS discontinued color broadcasting by October 1951, citing the Korean War and virtually nonexistent consumer demand
History
A broadcast almost nobody saw in color. The FCC approved the CBS color system in October 1950, and on June 25, 1951, CBS aired "Premiere," an hour-long variety show featuring Arthur Godfrey, Ed Sullivan, and Garry Moore. The broadcast reached five East Coast affiliates in Boston, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, but the audience for actual color was minuscule. Viewers without specially equipped receivers saw only scrambled images. CBS discontinued color broadcasting by October 1951, citing the Korean War and virtually nonexistent consumer demand
How It's Celebrated
Color TV Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.