BBC Olympic Broadcaster

It's here, the London 2012 Olympics open in with an inspirational opening ceremony directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, Trainspotting) featuring scenes from the British countryside, the industrial revolution, Kenneth Branagh, Mr. Bean, Her Majesty The Queen & James Bond, Artic Monkeys, Paul McCartney and a whole host of other artists, dancers and perfomers complete with an amazing and iconic lighting of the Olympic flame.

The entire Olympics will be covered by some way or another this year via a plethora of platforms by our cherished "Auntie Beeb" (the BBC's affectionate nickname). The BBC's flagship sports programme for many decades was the influential Grandstand. With over 3000 editions and covering 23 summer and winter Olympic Games as well as 13 Commonwealth Games it was certainly a forerunner of todays 24 hour sports channels.

BBC's David Coleman presenting Grandstand with a Reslo VRT/M Broadcasting Ribbon Microphone c.1962

BBC's David Coleman presenting Grandstand with a Reslo VRT/M Broadcasting Ribbon Microphone c.1962

First broadcast on the 11th October 1958 from the BBC Lime Grove Studios, London. After just three programmes David Coleman took over the presentation and became the most popular and recognised face and voice of Grandstand, he remained for a further 20 years.

The BBC used a Reslo VRT/M Broadcasting Ribbon Microphone which was a BBC specified modification of the standard Reslo RB Ribbon Microphone. You can see the VRT clearly in these two photographs complete with what looks like a pair of GPO 400 series telephones and an empty "in tray"!
Wonder what sport's being shown behind David on his own black and white telly!
 
Photographs courtesy of the BBC.

More information here:
Grandstand on the BBC
BBC's London Olympics coverage