Tomorrow marks a significant milestone in Australian television history, celebrating 50 years since the transition from black-and-white to colour broadcasts, an event affectionately referred to as ‘C-Day.’ This pivotal moment welcomed a vibrant new era of entertainment into the homes of Australians, dramatically changing their viewing experience.
Consumers eagerly purchased colour televisions, which were priced at over $1200 back in 1975—a staggering equivalent of around $10,000 in today’s dollars. This leap into the world of colour not only altered the appearance of shows but also reinvigorated the television landscape, which was carefully curated by networks and their team of stars to ensure the success of this transition.
In a recent segment, A Current Affair revisited this historical event by engaging with television personalities from the 70s, who reflected on how ‘C-Day’ transformed the atmosphere within Australian living rooms. Patti Newton, a prominent figure from that era, shared her memories, noting the immediate impact of colour on fashion and personal expression. She remarked on how the introduction of colour encouraged individuals to adopt bolder clothing choices and even changed perceptions of physical features, as viewers began to notice traits, such as her blue eyes, that were previously overlooked in monochrome broadcasts.
This nostalgic reflection serves as a reminder of the joy and excitement that the introduction of colour brought to television, marking a profound evolution in not just technology, but everyday life for many Australians.