12 Events That Used to Be Televised Live But Aren’t Anymore
Many events that once aired live on television are no longer broadcast the same way today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 3 min read
Television once covered a wide range of live events, from cultural ceremonies to public announcements. Over time, changes in viewing habits, technology, and audience demand reduced live broadcasts. Some events shifted to highlights or online streaming, while others disappeared from screens altogether.
1. Space shuttle launches
NASA on Wikimedia Commons
In the past, space missions were broadcast live to millions of viewers. They were seen as national moments of progress and pride. Today, only a few launches receive wide coverage, often streamed online instead. The excitement has shifted away from television to digital platforms.
2. Political conventions
European People’s Party on Wikimedia Commons
Major party conventions once aired live in full, with speeches shown from start to finish. Networks treated them as essential public events. Over time, viewership declined as audiences grew tired of long coverage. Now, only key speeches appear on television while the rest stream online.
3. Beauty pageants
Joseph M. Maurer on Wikimedia Commons
Pageants like Miss America and Miss Universe were once primetime live broadcasts. They drew large audiences and shaped popular culture. Today, ratings have dropped sharply, and many are no longer shown live on major networks. Streaming services or highlight clips have replaced traditional coverage.
4. Presidential inaugurations (full ceremonies)
Mykhaylo Markiv on Wikimedia Commons
Entire inaugurations, including parades and concerts, were often shown live. They were treated as historical and civic events. Now, networks only cover the swearing-in and main speech. The rest is available through online feeds or special channels.
5. Olympic opening ceremonies (full, unedited)
Marek69 on Wikimedia Commons
Olympic ceremonies used to be aired live regardless of time zone. Viewers saw the events as they happened. Today, networks often delay them for primetime broadcasts with edited commentary. Online platforms show live feeds, but TV prioritizes packaged versions.
6. Award show rehearsals and red carpets
Los Angeles Times on Wikimedia Commons
Networks once aired red carpets and even parts of rehearsals live. These segments attracted curious viewers who wanted the full experience. Now, red carpets are shorter and heavily edited for highlights. Streaming and social media updates replaced full broadcasts.
7. Court trials of public interest
Diliff on Wikimedia Commons
High-profile trials were once televised live from start to finish. Networks covered testimony and rulings in detail. Today, most trials are not shown on television, with only short clips released. Legal restrictions and declining ratings reduced full coverage.
8. Papal visits
West Midlands Police on Wikimedia Commons
Visits by the Pope were broadcast live across several countries. Entire masses and processions were shown on television. Now, coverage is often shortened or moved to specialized religious channels. General audiences usually see only short highlights.
9. World’s Fair openings
Hugo Sundström on Wikimedia Commons
Major expos and World’s Fairs once received live TV coverage. They were seen as global showcases of innovation. As these events became less central, networks stopped carrying them live. Interest moved to niche channels and digital archives.
10. National telethons
Superzerocool on Wikimedia Commons
Charity telethons used to air live for hours, sometimes overnight. They featured entertainers, interviews, and fundraising updates. Today, most charities rely on online donations and social media campaigns. Long live broadcasts have nearly disappeared.
11. Royal weddings (complete coverage)
Holger Motzkau on Wikimedia Commons
Royal weddings once aired in their entirety, lasting many hours. Millions tuned in worldwide. Today, only the most prominent weddings get full live coverage. Others are shortened into highlight reels for television.
12. State funerals (extended live coverage)
Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia on Wikimedia Commons
Entire state funerals, including processions and ceremonies, were once shown live from start to finish. These events were treated as moments of shared national history. Now, networks cover only the most important parts, such as the service. Extended coverage is left to online platforms.