Thursday, September 22nd, 1955: ITV, Indipendent Television, launches in London and surrounding areas as Associated Rediffusion. ITV's launch followed the passing of the Independent Television Act of 1954, a measure born out of the desire to put an end to the broadcasting monopoly the BBC had had since 1936. The launch also marked the beginning of commercialised television in the UK. In 1964, Associated Rediffusion was rebranded to Rediffusion London, emphasising the region which it was serving. #ITV #AssociatedRediffusion #Rediffusion #RediffusionLondon #IndependentTelevision #UKTelevision #UKTV #OnThisDay