OSP Category: Clock
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 Two/Open University continuity (15th February 1984)
A late-night handover to the Open University.
BBC One continuity including programme promotion for Christmas Day (25th December 1986)
A look at what’s to come this Christmas Day on BBC One – and arguably one of the catchiest soundtracks for a Christmas campaign on the channel.
BBC One continuity and programme promotion for Only Fools and Horses (24th December 1988)
The 9pm junction, featuring a trail for Christmas comedy favourite, Only Fools and Horses.
BBC One continuity and BBC One o’Clock News opening titles (October 1997)
The opening sequence for the weekday lunchtime news on BBC One.
BBC One continuity (25th December 1987)
The junction leading into the Queen’s Christmas message at 3pm.
BBC One continuity including programme promotion for Saturday and BBC News opening titles (7th March 1981)
A look ahead to programmes coming up on BBC One this Saturday evening.
BBC One continuity and BBC News opening titles (25th December 1989)
The opening of the Christmas Day evening news on BBC One, presented by Jill Dando.
BBC One continuity including programme promotion for The Kenny Everett Television Show (24th December 1981)
Kenny Everett trails his own Christmas show, as only he could.
BBC TV continuity – JFK assassination (22nd November 1963)
A special announcement from BBC TV on the day US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
BBC One closedown including Weather and programme promotion for Christmas Eve (24th December 1974)
A rare domestic recording of a full BBC One closedown from December 1974.
Thames TV closedown including Close (5th February 1980)
A full Thames closedown, with Peter Marshall in the announcer’s seat.
BBC One closedown (partial) – and the end of 405-line transmissions (7th January 1985)
A mention for the end of 405-line transmissions as BBC One closes down for the night.