History Happens Live
Sitting in living rooms across the globe, ordinary people became witnesses to extraordinary events. The raw, unfiltered nature of these broadcasts creates a shared experience unlike anything else. Sometimes tragic, sometimes triumphant.
Miracle On The Hudson (2009)
“Brace for impact”. These three words from Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger echoed in the cabin of US Airways Flight 154 before he performed the most remarkable emergency landing. On January 15, 2009, live news helicopters filmed the Airbus A320 as it floated on the Hudson River.
Captain Sully's Minute-by-Minute Description of The Miracle On The Hudson | Inc. by Inc.
Miracle On The Hudson (2009) (Cont.)
This occurred after both engines failed following a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The temperature was around 36°F, with travellers standing on the wings waiting for rescue. Ferry boats, coast guard vessels, and police boats rushed to save all 155 people aboard.
Captain Sully's Minute-by-Minute Description of The Miracle On The Hudson | Inc. by Inc
Fall Of Saigon (1975)
Chaos erupted on rooftops across Saigon as desperate South Vietnamese fought to board American helicopters during Operation Frequent Wind. The April 30, 1975, evacuation marked the humiliating conclusion to America's longest battle at that time. CBS News correspondent Ed Bradley reported from the scene.
The fall of Saigon by CBC News
Fall Of Saigon (1975) (Cont.)
It is said that US Ambassador Graham Martin had delayed the evacuation for weeks, hoping for a diplomatic solution that never materialized. When finally authorized, American helicopters ferried People to offshore ships in less than 24 hours. A Huey helicopter perched precariously on the Pittman Apartments' roof.
The fall of Saigon by CBC News
O J Simpson Verdict (1995)
An estimated 150 million viewers held their breath on October 3, 1995. After a trial spanning 372 days, the jury had reached its decision in just four hours. At 10:07 AM Pacific Time, the court clerk announced "not guilty" verdicts on both murder charges.
O.J. Simpson not guilty verdict 1995 by KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco
O J Simpson Verdict (1995) (Cont.)
Defense attorney Johnnie Cochran's famous line, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," referring to the glove evidence, became an instant cultural touchstone. As per reports, CNN reported that 91% of African Americans agreed with the verdict while 87% of white Americans disagreed.
(RAW) 1995: O.J. Simpson calls CNN day after verdict by CNN
Berlin Wall Falls (1989)
The concrete barrier that had divided families and symbolized the Cold War for 28 years crumbled from a bureaucratic error. East German official Gunter Schabowski mistakenly announced at a press conference on November 9, 1989, that border crossings were immediately open.
The Berlin Wall: A stroke of fate that changed history | Focus on Europe by DW News
Berlin Wall Falls (1989) (Cont.)
Of course, this prompted thousands to gather at checkpoints demanding passage. Peter Jennings of ABC News covered this and showed how the Brandenburg Gate, once isolated in the death strip between East and West Berlin, was witnessing grand celebrations.
Nov. 10, 1989: Celebration at the Berlin Wall by ABC News
Dale Earnhardt's Demise (2001)
Folks watched the fatal crash during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 on 18th February. However, few realized immediately that the collision would claim the life of the sport's biggest star. The black #3 Chevrolet slammed into the concrete wall on the final turn.
Dale Earnhardt's Demise (2001) (Cont.)
The 49-year-old racing legend, nicknamed "The Intimidator," was competing alongside his son Dale Jr when the accident occurred. Earnhardt's demise called for a safety revolution in the sport, leading to mandatory head-and-neck restraints, improved barrier systems, and eventually safer car designs.
Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash @ Daytona by NascarAllOut
Waco Siege (1993)
A Texas complex where an armed standoff had met its flaming end had grabbed the attention of the country. Federal authorities attacked the Branch Davidian facility outside Waco on April 19, 1993, following a 51-day siege. As the buildings caught fire, news helicopters flew overhead, providing live coverage.
Inside the 1993 shootout between federal agents, Branch Davidians: Part 4 by ABC News
Challenger Explosion (1986)
“Obviously a major malfunction”. These understated words from NASA commentator Steve Nesbitt followed what many schoolchildren witnessed in their classrooms on January 28, 1986. All seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, perished when the Challenger broke apart 73 seconds post takeoff.
1986: CNN's coverage of the Challenger explosion by CNN
Challenger Explosion (1986) (Cont.)
Basically, this disaster was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal due to unusually cold launch temperatures of 28–29°F. President Reagan postponed his State of the Union address scheduled for that evening. Instead, he delivered a moving speech written by Peggy Noonan.
President Ronald Reagan's Speech on Space Shuttle Challenger, January 28, 1986 by Reagan Library
Sinead Rips Pope's Photo (1992)
After performing a rendition of Bob Marley's War on October 3, 1992, Sinead O'Connor lifted a picture of Pope John Paul II, declared "Fight the real enemy," and tore it to pieces before a stunned crowd. NBC received several complaints within 24 hours.
Sinead O'Connor on ripping up Pope photo in 1992 SNL performance by CBC News
Cronkite Announces JFK's Death (1963)
Television networks had broken into regular programming with bulletin reports starting at 1:40 PM EST. At 2:38 PM Eastern Time on November 22, 1963, Walter Cronkite with a crackled voice confirmed what the nation feared: “President Kennedy died at 1 PM Central Standard Time”.
CBS News announces president's death by CBS News
Cronkite Announces JFK's Death (1963) (Cont.)
For the next four days, almost all regular programming was suspended as Americans collectively mourned through their television sets. The assassination coverage reached approximately 93% of American homes for an average of 31.6 hours each during that fateful weekend.
Reactions to news of President Kennedy's death by The Boston Globe
Nixon Resigns (1974)
On August 8, 1974, Richard Nixon became the first and only US president to resign from office, delivering his farewell address to millions of viewers. The 37th president, who had won reelection in a landslide just two years earlier, now faced certain impeachment.
Richard Nixon's resignation speech by CBS News
Nixon Resigns (1974) (Cont.)
This was after the revelation of White House tapes implicating him in the cover-up. "I have never been a quitter," Nixon declared, despite doing exactly that. The televised speech lacked any direct admission of wrongdoing, focusing instead on his administration's accomplishments.
Richard Nixon's resignation speech by CBS News
Nixon Resigns (1974) (Cont.)
The next day, cameras clicked Nixon flashing his iconic double peace signs before boarding Marine One, an enduring image of political downfall. Gerald Ford's subsequent pardon of Nixon prevented any criminal prosecution but contributed to Ford's defeat in the 1976 election.
Richard Nixon leaves the White House for the last time as president by CBS News
San Francisco Earthquake (1989)
Sportscasters Al Michaels and Tim McCarver suddenly found themselves narrating a natural disaster instead of Game 3 of the World Series. At around 5 PM on October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake (6.9 magnitude) struck the San Francisco Bay Area at Candlestick Park.
1989 World Series Quake Broadcast with Al Michael's by dougied949
San Francisco Earthquake (1989) (Cont.)
Fans had gathered here to watch the Oakland Athletics play the San Francisco Giants. The earthquake killed 63 people, injured 3,757 others, and caused $6 billion in property damage. The World Series was postponed for ten days as the region recovered.
1989 World Series Quake Broadcast with Al Michael's by dougied949
Carson's Final Tonight Show (1992)
Anticipation had built for months as the king of late night prepared to abdicate his throne. After 30 years and 4,532 episodes, Johnny Carson hosted his final Tonight Show on May 22, 1992. It was an intimate farewell that avoided celebrity guests.
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson final episode - May 22, 1992 (1080p60) by theleeoverstreet
Carson's Final Tonight Show (1992) (Cont.)
Bette Midler had serenaded him the previous night with "One for My Baby," reducing Carson to tears. For his finale, he spoke directly to viewers who had welcomed him into their homes for three decades. Carson never returned to television, maintaining the perfect goodbye.
One More For My Baby - Bette Midler by Citiprime
Moon Landing (1969)
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed”. With these words on July 20, 1969, humanity achieved what had seemed impossible just years earlier. An estimated 650 million folks watched as Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface at 10:56 PM EDT.
Neil Armstrong - First Moon Landing 1969 by NTD
Moon Landing (1969) (Cont.)
This is when he also delivered his immortal line about one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. The CBS show featured Walter Cronkite removing his glasses in awe, speechless except for an excited "Oh, boy!" NASA's black-and-white transmission was grainy and ghostly.
The fall of Saigon by CBC News
Kanye Interrupts Taylor (2009)
Music awards shows had seen their share of outrageous moments, but nothing compared to 27 seconds of this unforgettable feud. As 19-year-old Taylor Swift accepted her award for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards (2009), Kanye West rushed the stage.
HD Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards by OCCULT
Kanye Interrupts Taylor (2009) (Cont.)
He grabbed her microphone and uttered the now-infamous line: "Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'ma let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time!" The camera then lingered on Swift, who appeared unsure how to proceed.
HD Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards by OCCULT
Kennedy-Nixon Debate (1960)
Television revealed what radio could not. The inaugural televised presidential debate in September 1960 displayed a tanned, rested Kennedy against a pale, sweaty Richard Nixon recovering from illness and refusing makeup. While radio listeners thought Nixon had won, TV viewers favored Kennedy, as per anecdotal evidence.
Kennedy vs. Nixon: The first 1960 presidential debate by PBS NewsHour
Kennedy-Nixon Debate (1960) (Cont.)
Nixon's five o'clock shadow, ill-fitting suit, and nervous demeanor contrasted sharply with Kennedy's telegenic confidence. CBS producer Don Hewitt, who would later create "60 Minutes," made the fateful decision to use close-up shots that highlighted Nixon's discomfort.
Kennedy vs. Nixon: The first 1960 presidential debate by PBS NewsHour
Baby Jessica Rescue (1987)
For 58 hours, America collectively held its breath as cameras focused on a dusty Texas well. Eighteen-month-old Jessica McClure had fallen 22 feet down an 8-inch diameter abandoned well in her aunt's backyard in Midland on October 14, 1987. CNN provided round-the-clock coverage of the rescue efforts.
From the Archives: Rescue of Baby Jessica - October 16, 1987 by KIRO 7 News
Baby Jessica Rescue (1987) (Cont.)
Paramedic Robert O'Donnell eventually squeezed into a parallel tunnel to extract "Baby Jessica" on October 16. The child suffered a gangrene-damaged toe requiring amputation, but was otherwise unharmed. President Reagan called her rescue “a drama of perseverance and prayer”.
From the Archives: Rescue of Baby Jessica - October 16, 1987 by KIRO 7 News
Miracle On Ice (1980)
Cold War tensions provided the backdrop for what sportscaster Al Michaels would call “the greatest upset in sports history”. The Olympic hockey team of the US, which was made up of collegiate players, played the supposedly unbeatable Soviet team on February 22, 1980.
1980 USA Miracle on Ice. Best Quality. by buzbeto
Miracle On Ice (1980) (Cont.)
In the final moments of the semifinal match at Lake Placid, with the Americans clinging to a 4-3 lead, Michaels delivered his call: "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" The broadcast was actually on tape delay, with ABC showing the game in primetime instead of its ET start time.
1980 USA Miracle on Ice. Best Quality. by buzbeto
Miss Universe Mix-Up (2015)
Steve Harvey was about to correct the biggest mistake in the history of beauty pageants when he remained motionless on stage. In an agonizing live moment, the crown had to be physically removed and relocated. This occurred after Harvey incorrectly declared Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia, as Miss Universe 2015.
Miss Universe Mix-Up (2015) (Cont.)
Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was the real winner. The Las Vegas event descended into chaos as Gutierrez, already wearing the crown and taking her victory walk, was suddenly dethroned. Harvey apologized and returned to the stage with the correct card in hand.
Charles And Diana's Wedding (1981)
Let’s talk about “The Wedding of the Century”. Dated July 29, 1981, Lady Diana Spencer arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral in London in a glass coach, emerging to reveal her David and Elizabeth Emanuel-designed ivory silk taffeta gown. It had a 25-foot train.
Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer (1981) | Royal Special by ITN Archive
Charles And Diana's Wedding (1981) (Cont.)
Apparently, the broadcast missed Diana's reversal of Charles's names during their vows. Some consider this slip to be prophetic. Nevertheless, the televised wedding established a template for royal media events and made Diana a global celebrity.
Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer (1981) | Royal Special by ITN Archive
September 11 Attacks (2001)
Everything changed with the second plane. United Airlines Flight 175 smashed into the World Trade Center's South Tower live on television at 9:03 AM on September 11, 2001. What had initially seemed to be a tragic accident was immediately turned into a clear terrorist strike.
9/11: How America’s worst terror attack unfolded by Sky News
September 11 Attacks (2001) (Cont.)
People watched the second strike in real time because networks had already cut to the North Tower after it was hit seventeen minutes earlier. For the next 94 hours, anchors remained on air for unprecedented stretches. CBS's Dan Rather worked for 44 hours with minimal breaks.
9/11: How America’s worst terror attack unfolded by Sky News
Elvis On The Ed Sullivan Show (1956)
Contrary to popular belief, the cameras didn't actually cut Elvis off at the waist. Ed Sullivan wasn't even there to introduce the 21-year-old singer as he was recovering from a car accident. This left Charles Laughton to welcome "the new sensation" to those watching.
Elvis Presley "Hound Dog" (October 28, 1956) on The Ed Sullivan Show by The Ed Sullivan Show
Elvis On The Ed Sullivan Show (1956) (Cont.)
Wide shots showed Presley's full body, though CBS cameramen were instructed to focus mainly on his upper half during his more energetic movements. Parents and religious leaders had condemned Elvis's hip gyrations as “unfit for family viewing”.
Elvis Presley "Hound Dog" (October 28, 1956) on The Ed Sullivan Show by The Ed Sullivan Show
Oscar's Best Picture Mix-Up (2017)
Warren Beatty hesitated, looked inside the envelope again, glanced at Faye Dunaway, then reluctantly showed her the card. La La Land, Dunaway announced confidently on February 26, 2017, sending the musical's cast and crew jubilantly to the stage to accept the Academy Award for Best Picture.
"Moonlight" wins Best Picture | 89th Oscars (2017) by Oscars
Oscar's Best Picture Mix-Up (2017) (Cont.)
Two minutes and twelve seconds into producer Jordan Horowitz's acceptance speech, stage manager Gary Natoli appeared with the devastating news. Moonlight was the actual winner. PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Brian Cullinan had handed Beatty the duplicate Best Actress envelope instead of Best Picture.
Moonlight wins Best Picture | 89th Oscars (2017) by Oscars
The Chilean Miners Rescue (2010)
The Phoenix capsule emerged from the Earth carrying the first of 33 miners who had been trapped 2,300 feet underground for 69 days. On October 13, 2010, many countries watched the meticulously planned rescue operation at the San Jose copper-gold mine in Chile.
Flashback: How The Chilean Miners Rescue Happened | NBC Nightly News by NBC News
