Guinness World Records Submission #1
First Internet TV Portal
Evidence Overview
You-On-Tv.com (aka thehometown.org) began operations in early 1997* as a dedicated, show-based Internet “TV portal.”
The site has been in continuous operation for over 29 years and continues today.
“I have no plans of ending anytime soon,” says Mr. Goetz.
This submission focuses on the portal concept itself: a purpose-built online hub for Internet television-style content associated with THE HOMETOWN, including streaming programs and live events.
The site was built using basic HTML and animated GIF graphics, and it supported early streaming formats used at the time (including RealMedia).
Evidence Items
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Video Capture of Original Webpage.
Still frame from a video capture of the You-On-Tv.com portal in 1997*, showing the site’s original layout and the animated “spinning globe” motif. (Shown above) -
Wayback Machine Historical Archive — View Evidence
Screenshot from the Internet Archive showing independent captures of You-On-Tv.com dating back to 1998*. -
WHOIS Domain Registration Record — View Evidence
ICANN/WHOIS lookup confirming the official domain registration date of You-On-Tv.com as March 25, 1999*. -
KTVT News Broadcast Report — View Evidence
Television news story that was one of the first reports about the You-On-Tv.com website and its early online video work. -
KDFW News Feature — Internet Greetings — View Evidence
News story about the You-On-Tv.com website, focusing on online greetings during Operation Desert Fox in 1998.
*Early operation: TheHometown.org and You-On-Tv.com were in use by early 1997.
External archiving and domain records available today begin later, reflecting the limits of third-party documentation from that era.