Until the 1990s, many channels/stations made use of on-screen clocks to introduce certain programmes (mainly news and live event programmes). Until the 1980s, the clocks were mechanical devices. In 1980, the BBC was the first UK broadcaster to introduce an electronically generated clock (on BBC Two). Other channels/stations soon followed the BBC’s lead. Many broadcasters phased out the use of on-screen clocks during the 1990s. The BBC discontinued the use of on-air clocks in 2002. S4C was one of the last UK channels to drop the clock device – at the end of 2006.
The clock device should not be confused with the countdown device used within Schools continuity on BBC One, ITV and Channel 4/S4C.
BBC One/BBC One Northern Ireland continuity including programme promotions for Holby City and Bikes! followed by BBC News at Nine (full edition) (9th October 2000)
The 9pm BBC One Northern Ireland junction followed by a full edition of the BBC News at Nine, …
BBC One/BBC One NI continuity including programme promotion for Boxing Day followed by BBC News and BBC Weather (26th December 1998)
The 5.15pm BBC One Northern Ireland junction.
BBC One/BBC One NI continuity including programme promotions for Cup Final Grandstand and The Hanging Gale followed by BBC News (14th May 1995)
The 8.45pm BBC One Northern Ireland junction.
BBC One/BBC One NI continuity including programme promotions for The Lenny Henry Show and QED followed by BBC Nine o’Clock News opening (4th April 1995)
The 9pm BBC One Northern Ireland junction.
BBC One/BBC One NI continuity including programme promotions for The Lenny Henry Show and QED followed by BBC Nine o’Clock News opening (11th April 1995)
The 9pm BBC One Northern Ireland junction.
