An Isle of Wight transmitting station is celebrating 70 years of broadcasting.

Established on November 12, 1954, the Rowridge station initially introduced BBC's 405-line television coverage to homes in a wide region, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Chichester, Brighton, Winchester, and Salisbury.

Throughout the years, Rowridge has been a crucial part of broadcasting, providing services to southern England and the Isle of Wight.

Owned by Arqiva, the station uses a 172-metre (564 ft) tall mast to deliver both FM and digital radio and television services.

It is one of only two main transmitters in the UK to broadcast on both horizontal and vertical polarities, with the primary six multiplexes available in vertical polarity.

This unique feature reduces co-channel interference from continental transmitters, ensuring more reliable reception for viewers across southern England.

An Arqiva spokesperson said: "Rowridge transmitting station has played a central role in the broadcast landscape of southern England and the Isle of Wight for 70 years.

"The team at Arqiva is incredibly proud to have supported television and radio services here, providing an essential link for communities in the region.

"As we look to the future, we’re committed to maintaining high-quality broadcast services for generations to come."

Over the decades, the Rowridge station has adapted to significant changes in broadcasting technology.

From its beginnings with black-and-white TV, it transitioned to colour TV, digital broadcasting, and now serves as a crucial radio and digital TV transmitter for the area.

As it reaches its 70th year, the Rowridge transmitting station continues to stand as a testament to the importance of broadcast innovation in connecting communities.

Whether it's evolving with technology or ensuring reliable reception, the station remains a key part of the broadcasting infrastructure.