Black/White Television: Displaced By Technology

When Nigerians began to acquire black and white television sets in the mid-20th Century, it was a coveted status symbol. It was also a beacon of modernity and prosperity in Nigerian households.

What was once the sole possession of the affluent is now obsolete—no thanks to advancement in technology. The journey from fame to the extinction of the black and white TV set is a fascinating tale of technological advancement and changing consumer preferences.

According to a report, “Nigerian Television History”, television arrived in the country in the 1950s, with the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) launched in 1959. Then, black and white TVs were often bulky and expensive, yet a luxury only a few could afford.

Older Nigerians who tell the story with nostalgia said they were status symbols, often displayed in living rooms as a testament to one’s wealth.

They said families, friends and neighbours would gather around the screen to watch news, entertainment and educational programmes.

In some cases, families which had the asset used to humiliate the poor, especially their children, who out of curiosity and craving for fun, invade such homes. Often, they returned home deflated as they were either chased away or denied entry into the living rooms where the sets were displayed.

In fact, owning a black and white TV was a badge of honour, signifying affluence and social standing. The wealthy and educated elite flipped the switch, and communities gathered to witness the magic. Broadcasts were limited, but there were iconic shows.

By the 1990s, colour TVs and later digital technologies began to take over. Black and white TVs, once prized possessions, became relics of the past. Local markets flooded with cheap, colourful alternatives, and the once-status symbol became obsolete.

Today, black-and-white TVs are collectors’ items, nostalgic reminders of a bygone era. They serve as a testament to technological progress and changing consumer preferences.