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Almost 40 years since Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind” one-fifth of people in Northern Ireland still rate the moon landing as the most iconic TV moment of all time.*

 

In an online survey commissioned by TV Licensing, 20 per cent of people questioned in Northern Ireland picked the first moon landing, which took place 40 years ago this month, as the most iconic historical moment broadcast live on TV. Nationally, young and old recognised the power of the historic footage, with 20 per cent of those under 45 choosing the moon landing as their most iconic moment, despite many not having been born at the time.

 

The moon landing came second after the 9/11 terrorist attack, which was picked by 41 per cent of people polled in Northern Ireland.**

 

TV Licensing commissioned the research as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the need to be covered by a TV Licence when watching live TV, whether it’s on a TV set, computer or mobile phone.

 

Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

 

“A lot has changed in the 40 years since Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon, not least how we watch TV. A great example is that many people will have gathered round a computer – rather than a TV set – to watch the most recent event in our top 10, Barack Obama’s inauguration.

 

“As TV evolves, it’s important that people understand when they need a TV Licence. No matter what channel you watch, or whether you watch on a TV set, computer or even a mobile phone, if it’s a live broadcast you’re watching, you must be covered by a licence.”

 

A range of well-known figures have shared their most iconic TV moments with TV Licensing.

 

John Humphrys, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’, said of the moon landing,

 “I am not proud of this, but my daughter was due to be born on the day man landed on the moon so I faced a choice: hospital or home, watching the telly. I’m ashamed to say that the telly won. Still … I was only 23 at the time and it’s not as if she was my firstborn. She’s forty now. I THINK she understands.”

 

Gary Lineker, BBC ‘Match of the Day’ presenter and former footballer also cited the moon landings as his most iconic TV moment. He said, “I remember all the family huddled round the television and the excitement when that first step was taken. One of man’s greatest achievements.”

 

Karen Patterson, BBC Radio Ulster presenter said, ”Barack Obama’s inauguration was a truly iconic TV moment for me. There were so many stories throughout the campaign to keep people interested. The actual election results were very exciting to watch and report on. This was a momentous occasion not just for America but people right across the world.”

 

To find out more about TV Licensing and buy a TV Licence online, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.