Kalmer Tennosaar (1928–2004) began as a presenter on 1 January 1956, and subsequently worked as an editor and fellow of music programmes (1957–1962, and then after 1968).

On 1 January 1993, ETV was admitted as a full active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The introduction of a system of broadcast receiver licences, payable by viewers, was considered, but ultimately rejected in the face of public opposition.

On 1 July 2010, Estonia completed its transition to digital terrestrial television, discontinuing all analogue services.

The more well known journalists of ETV include Tõnu Aav, Maire Aunaste, Grete Lõbu, Anu Välba, Katrin Viirpalu, Reet Linna, Monika Tamla, Kadri Hinrikus, Astrid Kannel, Margus Saar, Peeter Kaldre, Mati Talvik, Marko Reikop, Urmas Vaino, Jim Ashilevi, etc.