Sidney Bernstein Britain's first TV baron, socialist and millionaire Date of Birth: 30.01.1899 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Sidney Bernstein
2. Early Life and Entrepreneurship
3. Influence of PT Barnum and Legacy
4. Granada Television and Legacy

Biography of Sidney Bernstein

Sidney Lewis Bernstein, also known as Baron Bernstein, was born on January 30, 1899. He was the first British "television baron," a socialist, and a millionaire entrepreneur in the world of show business. In 1954, Bernstein founded the first independent commercial television franchise. Initially, Bernstein served as the chairman of 'Granada Group,' a television company based in London, and later went on to establish his famous television network, 'Granada Television.'

During the first year of broadcasting for 'Granada Group' in 1956, the company made a profit of approximately £218,000. By 1980, that figure had exceeded £43 million. Bernstein was one of the earliest British 'television barons,' albeit less flamboyant, but his authority endured for a significant period of time.

Early Life and Entrepreneurship

In the early 1920s, Bernstein inherited several small cinemas in London from his father. Together with his brother Cecil, Sidney built a successful network of nearly 60 cinemas and theatres, taking the first step in creating a group of entertainment-oriented enterprises. Eventually, the Bernstein holdings expanded to include publishing, real estate, retail stores, bowling alleys, and a highly lucrative television rental business.

Some sources claim that Bernstein chose the name 'Granada,' which he used for his cinema chain and later his television company, because it often evoked associations with Spain in the minds of the English people. Spain was seen as a place of sunny revelry and vibrant colors. Bernstein wanted to bring this kind of atmosphere to his entertainment establishments by incorporating Spanish Baroque style in their décor. Another version of the story suggests that Sidney wandered through Andalusia in search of a name for his company until he stumbled upon the city of Granada, which inspired him with its exotic splendor.

Influence of PT Barnum and Legacy

Bernstein greatly admired Phineas Taylor Barnum, the American showman and circus impresario, who manipulated the public and did not hesitate to employ "dirty tricks." Portraits of Barnum were displayed in various parts of the 'Granada' empire. However, Sidney himself was not like his idol, as he was neither a flashy personality nor fickle. He screened serious foreign films in his cinemas at a time when their distribution was limited.

Bernstein also founded the noble British Film Institute and played a key role in promoting the idea of future independent television, believing that popularity and accessibility did not mean a lack of quality and depth. Starting in 1948, he lobbied the government to obtain rights for the production and broadcasting of TV programs, extending beyond the realm of cinemas.

Although the Beveridge Committee on Broadcasting was entirely in favor of a state-monopolistic approach to domestic broadcasting, the end of the BBC monopoly came in 1954, and the first regional commercial franchises began their operations.

Granada Television and Legacy

The London-based 'Granada Group' surprised the public when it turned down a lucrative contract with the wealthy southeast of England and instead focused on the industrial north, spanning across the northern regions of England and Wales. Bernstein explained his alternative choice by stating, "...the north is an industrial society, closely knit... compare it to London and its suburbs – it's the complete antithesis. And, of course, if you look at the map of the concentration of population in the north and the rainfall map, you will see that the north is ideal for television."

By January 1975, 'Granada' was responsible for broadcasting dozens of top-rated programs available throughout the region. In 1962, the company became the first to introduce the British audience to the 'Beatles.'

In 1970, Baron Bernstein stepped down from his role as the head of the television company but remained a business representative of the 'Granada Group.' After concluding his long career in 1979, he passed away in 1993 at the age of 94.