This practice was explained by several reasons. First, the technology of the time was much more limited, and maintaining continuous transmission resulted in high operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, early morning audiences were very low, making broadcasting programs unprofitable at those times. It was also common for stations to use this time slot to perform technical maintenance on their transmission equipment to ensure optimal operation the following day.
In some countries, the playing of the national anthem before the end of television programs has become a cherished tradition for many. For an entire generation, hearing the anthem meant it was time to turn off the television and go to bed. It was a daily ritual that shaped the childhood and adolescence of millions.
With technological advancements, the arrival of cable television, digital television, specialty channels, and, more recently, streaming platforms, the uninterrupted broadcast of programs has become the norm. Today, news, sports, entertainment, and movie channels broadcast 24 hours a day, offering content anytime, anywhere.
Therefore, when someone claims that television channels stopped broadcasting in the evening after the national anthem, it is neither an exaggeration nor a fabrication. It is a proven fact that is part of the evolution of television and reflects the transformation of our entertainment and information consumption habits over the past few decades.