The World About Us first aired on 3 December 1967. The programme set out to combine natural history with an element of adventure. The first episode was Volcano, made by Haroun Tazieff and Pierre Bichet, which featured exciting footage of active volcanoes. The World about Us was one of several series commissioned by David Attenborough, Controller of 大象传媒 Two, which effectively promoted the advantages of colour television.
The World About Us took in all aspects of the natural world, and its exploration. It often featured well-known naturalists such as Jane Goodall and Gerald Durrell, and the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Cousteau's films were broadcast as The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, and featured life aboard his ship Calypso. The haunting flute tune which introduced each episode was written by John Scott.
The World About Us ended in 1986, but was succeeded by The Natural World. The full potential of nature programmes on the 大象传媒 was realised in 1979 when the Natural History Unit made Life on Earth, which attracted a huge audience worldwide. This time David Attenborough was the writer and presenter. The Natural History Unit has continued to innovate with pioneering work in HD and 3D.
December anniversaries
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Ireland: A Television History
2 December 1980 -
Start of The 大象传媒 Television Shakespeare
3 December 1978 -
The World About Us
3 December 1967 -
Edward VIII Abdication speech
11 December 1936 -
1984 Broadcast
12 December 1954 -
bbc.co.uk is launched
12 December 1997 -
Jackanory first broadcast
13 December 1965 -
Comedy Playhouse
15 December 1961 -
Culloden
15 December 1964 -
The Likely Lads
16 December 1964 -
大象传媒 World Service launches
19 December 1932 -
Zoo Quest, first on-screen appearance by David Attenborough
21 December 1954 -
Just a Minute first transmitted
22 December 1967 -
A Close Shave
24 December 1995 -
First Empire Address by King George V
25 December 1932 -
Morecambe and Wise Christmas Shows
25 December -
Only Fools and Horses 1996 Christmas Specials
25 December 1996 -
大象传媒 Reith Lectures
26 December 1948 -
Alice in Wonderland
28 December 1966 -
Big Ben chimes broadcast at New Year for the first time
31 December 1923