BBC2 launch tape discovered in vault
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A unique recording of the disastrous opening night of BBC2 in 1964, which was eventually abandoned because of a power cut, has been discovered after decades in an obscure vault.
The previously unknown tape was found last month in a store room at a BBC technical centre at Kingswood Warren, Surrey, labelled "Attempted Opening of BBC2 20/04/64".
Many tapes of the time were re-used, erasing hours of what is now regarded as vintage television, and a note with this one said the first 10 minutes had been removed. But when the tape was played on ancient equipment held by the BBC's film and videotape library, it proved to be exactly what it said on the can.
It showed Gerald Priestland, an announcer, reading the news from a studio that had not been hit by the power cut. But the tape shows that viewers could hear nothing of what he was saying. Mr Priestland was later seen apologising and repeating the bulletin. Music and more apologies followed as the scheduled comedy and drama proved impossible to broadcast.
The decision was taken at 9.45pm to postpone the launch until the following evening, when Denis Tuohy, another presenter, opened proceedings by blowing out a candle, in a humorous reference to the power cut debacle.
The problems were caused by a fire at Battersea power station shortly before the new channel was scheduled to go on air.
Seventy fireman were needed to tackle the blaze, which left serious damage. Back-up supplies also failed, wiping out power to west and central London.
Dick Fiddy, who heads the British Film Institute's Missing Believed Wiped initiative, said the tape was a significant find. "It's important for the moment that it captures – the opening of Britain's third television channel. And it's doubly important in terms of social history – it went wrong because of the power cut."
James Insell, the employee who spotted the spool and alerted the BFI, said: "After what seemed like hours of test signal, the picture went black. Then, miraculously, video appeared of a man at a desk with a large '2' in the top right corner of the screen. I knew instantly that we had a result."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments