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Contact THE CLUSTER EXHIBITION · Tallinn speaking! A Century on Air
The Beginnings of Estonian broadcasting
Estonia’s first radio broadcast went on air on 18 December 1926 from the State Broadcasting studio in Tallinn at 43 Pikk Street. As a symbol of broadcasting, communication, and freedom, Tallinn TV Tower has witnessed media history for more than 45 years.
Watch the video
The Tallinn TV Tower exhibition “The Beginnings of Estonian Broadcasting…” focuses on the early period of radio before World War II. The photo exhibition opens up an era when radio was a new, exciting and exceptionally influential medium. The exhibition is part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Estonian broadcasting and belongs to the Tallinn TV Tower exhibition series “Tallinn Speaking! A Century on Air”.
01 — OVERVIEW
About the Exhibition
“The Beginnings of Estonian Broadcasting…” focuses on the early era of radio before World War II. The photo exhibition takes visitors back to a time when radio was a new and exceptionally influential medium—shaped by the people whose voices, decisions, and working methods laid the foundations of broadcasting in Estonia.
Tallinn TV Tower has launched the celebration of ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting)’s 100th anniversary by opening the photo exhibition “The Beginnings of Estonian Broadcasting…” on the Tower’s 2nd floor, created by ERR, the Estonian Broadcasting Museum, and Juhan Sihver.
02 — RADIO LEGENDS
What will you see?
In the exhibition photos, you will meet Estonia’s historic radio legends, including:
- Aleksander Tamm – Chairman of the first board of Radio Broadcasting
- Friedrich Alfred Olbrei – Director of State Broadcasting
- Felix Moor – the first radio reporter; editor, host, and author
- Pilvi (Toomendi) Üllaste – the first “radio aunt”
The exhibition also features photographs of many radio professionals of the time, as well as radios and technical equipment.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Exhibition overview
03 — EXHIBITION SERIES
Part of the exhibition series “Tallinn speaking! A Century on Air”
“The Beginnings of Estonian Broadcasting…” is part of the exhibition series “Tallinn speaking! A Century on Air”, created at Tallinn TV Tower for Estonian Broadcasting’s 100th anniversary. Several new exhibitions and educational programs will be launched within the series this year. Throughout the year, the Tower will operate under the banner of ERR 100.
The event’s main partner, ERR, has created visual language and logos for the anniversary year, which the Tower uses in its communications. Visitors at Tallinn TV Tower are also invited to celebrate through the voices of ERR—Juhan Kilumets and Tiina Vilu. The logos were created by Sofia Suhhareva (ERR), and the voice announcements were created by Jaan Elgula (ERR).
Location: Tallinn TV Tower 2nd floor
MINI MAGAZINE
The Beginnings of Estonian Broadcasting…
GALLERY
Exhibition Gallery
Photos: GoodNews, Risto Štukert
IN THE MEDIA
Media Coverage
AKTUAALNE KAAMERA
Tallinna teletorni uus näitus viib Eesti raadioajaloo algusaegadesse
kanal 2 “telehommik”
