The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) first acquired the Rose d'Or in 1961, when it was created by Swiss Television in the lakeside city of Montreux.

For the first time in its 53-year history, the competition categories were extended to include radio and online video programmes in addition to the traditional focus on television.

The festival was founded by Marcel Bezençon, who was inspired by the need of what was then a small group of international colleagues to find programmes to fill their summer schedules.

The festival was held in the spring to have programmes ready for broadcast in the summer, and the Golden Rose awards established as an extra incentive.

The awards became an important part of European television culture, and Golden Rose winners usually receive publicity in their home countries.