Continuity announcers in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, continuity announcers are people who are employed to introduce programmes on radio and television networks, to promote forthcoming programmes on the station, to cross-promote programmes on the broadcaster's other stations where applicable and, sometimes, to provide information relating to the programme just broadcast.
The six pre-digital terrestrial television channels in the UK (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, S4C and Channel 5) make use of continuity announcers, and for most of the time, continuity announcements are presented live. Continuity announcers can also be found on digital and satellite channels, but most of these channels make use of pre-recorded announcements.
BBC
The BBC mainly uses live announcers on its flagship television channels BBC One and BBC Two, and mainly uses pre-recorded announcements on its digital channels (apart from BBC News and BBC Parliament, which do not use announcers at all). Separate continuity for BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is provided by regional announcers who also double as transmission directors. BBC Wales announcers also direct Wales Today news bulletins during breakfast, mid-afternoon and late night.
Presently, the only national radio station to use continuity announcers is BBC Radio 4, where many of the announcing staff also act as newsreaders and also introduce the station's Shipping Forecast. Until about 1990, BBC Radio 2 used continuity announcers (separate from newsreaders) for its weekend and evening output, but these have since disappeared. Similarly, BBC Radio 3 has downgraded the former role of its announcers in favour of a new style of presenter. Continuity announcers played a much heavier role on the pre-1967 BBC Home Service, BBC Light Programme and BBC Third Programme (and other services on the last-named's frequency). Announcing staff for BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Wales double as newsreaders and technical operators.
Continuity announcements for BBC television channels are broadcast from Red Bee Media at the White City Media Village in West London, with regional continuity teams based in the regional broadcasting centres in Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow providing links for the regional variations of BBC One and BBC Two. CBBC and CBeebies continuity now airs from studios at MediaCityUK in Salford Quays – up until September 2011, CBBC presentation was broadcast from a small studio in the East Tower of BBC Television Centre while CBeebies presentation was pre-recorded at Teddington Studios. The announcing team for BBC Radio 4 work from a suite of studios on the 7th floor of Broadcasting House in London.
Historically, BBC announcers mostly spoke with Received Pronunciation, but the range of accents heard has widened considerably in recent years, and the general tone has become more informal.
In-vision continuity
Early continuity
Andrew Martin, an expert from the BBC archives, described continuity announcements as "an essential part of television," which "actually tell us quite a lot about the style, the kind of attitudes of television in their particular era."[1]
In-vision continuity announcers, who appeared on screen between programmes, were a staple part of television broadcasts from the very earliest days of television, because "there was a need for linking material between programmes just to kind of announce them." In the early days of television, it was almost like a variety bill in the theatre... [and when] an item would come on, somebody had to say what it was often listing an entire evening's up-coming programming in one link.[2][2]
The early announcers became "celebrities in their own right," often receiving considerable amounts of fan mail, as they were among the most recognisable on-screen individuals, appearing every day, at the start of an era when television celebrity was really invented. Early in-vision announcers included Jasmine Bligh, Elizabeth Cowell and Leslie Mitchell, formerly a newsreel announcer who famously re-opened the television service in 1946. The early continuity announcers were auditioned, as "they had to look good but they also had to speak well", not solely because of the class divide, but because clear speaking was crucial to their role.[2]
Later continuity
It is believed that in-vision continuity was last used during the peak viewing hours on BBC TV in the early 1960s, with a link into the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 the last-known example of the corporation's use of in-vision continuity (as well as existing out-of-vision continuity) across the national network.
Between the late 1960s and circa 1980, many of the BBC's English regions provided their own continuity on weekday evenings, including in-vision presentation – particularly at closedown. Regional in-vision continuity was still used by BBC South in Southampton, BBC Midlands in Birmingham and BBC North West in Manchester by the time English regional continuity was phased out. From 1998 to 2001, the Northern Ireland regional service on BBC Choice used in-vision continuity links.
Children's continuity
The presentation of children's programmes had in-vision continuity from its instigation until 1965. The best-known children's in-vision continuity face was that of schoolgirl Jennifer Gay, one of the Children's Hour announcers, who introduced such favourites as Muffin the Mule between 1949 and 1953.[3]
In-vision continuity was re-introduced as part of Children's BBC/CBBC) on 9 September 1985. From then until 1994, this came from the main BBC1 continuity suite itself, referred to as "the broom cupboard" and introduced by various presenters including Andy Crane, Andi Peters and Phillip Schofield; Since then, it has come from larger, specialised studios. As of September 2011, presentation for both CBBC and CBeebies originates from the BBC's MediaCityUK studios in Salford Quays, following the BBC Children's department move from London.
Modern continuity
In February 2008, BBC Three introduced in-vision continuity links, in the form of live links with presenter Jose Vanders and recorded links with BBC Three viewers. For a time, the BBC Three website offered viewers the opportunity to record links for programmes. The live in-vision links were dropped after only a few months although live out-of-vision continuity during peak time returned in September 2011.
On 19 September 2008, the Scottish Gaelic-language digital channel BBC Alba launched with in-vision continuity from the channel's sole announcer, Fiona MacKenzie. A second in-vision announcer, Moira MacDonald, was appointed in July 2009. All continuity links are pre-recorded in Stornoway and transmitted from BBC Scotland's headquarters in Glasgow.
Current announcers
Television
| Station/Network | Announcers |
|---|---|
| BBC One/BBC Two Network | Ruth Barnes, Emily Chiswell (freelancer), Delroy Haynes, Louise Hulland, Matthew Jackson, Natalie Jaque (freelancer), Dean Lydiate, Duncan Newmarch, Alyson Slorach, David Vickery (BBC Two only), Phil Vowels, Ashleigh Whitfield, Becky Wright, Lynsey Young |
| BBC Scotland (BBC One/BBC Two) |
Graham Anderson, Alison Cairney, Kirsty Campbell, Maura Currie, Tony Currie, Morag Irvine, Tamara Kennedy, Gillean McDougall, Andrea McNeill, Ken Mitchell, Amanda Niven, John Phillips, Anne Scott, Steve Urquhart |
| BBC Alba | Moira MacDonald, Fiona MacKenzie, Kerry Anne MacLeod |
| BBC Wales (BBC One/BBC Two) |
Steve Allan, Tim Cooper, Eleri Davison, Al Dupres, Steve Dutfield, David Harper, Glyn Lewis, Catrin Morgan, Russ Stroud, Enfys Thomas |
| BBC Northern Ireland (BBC One/BBC Two) |
Aaron Alexander, Pamela Andrews, Elaine Ayre, Jennie Browne, Paul Buckle, Gavin Healey, Michael Higgins, David Olver, Paul Reid, Michael Selby, Mark Simpson, Ruth Sloan, Roy Willighan, Tina Campbell |
| BBC Four | Tegwen Tucker, Becky Wright |
| CBBC Channel | Warrick Brownlow-Pike (as Dodge T. Dog), Phil Fletcher (as Hacker T. Dog), Lauren Layfield, Ceallach Spellman, Katie Thisleton, Karim Zeroual |
| CBeebies | Katy Ashworth, Cerrie Burnell, Andy Day, Cat Sandion, Alex Winters |
Radio
| Station | Announcers |
|---|---|
| BBC Radio 4 | Chris Aldridge (senior announcer), Viji Alles, Charles Carroll, Kathy Clugston, Corrie Corfield, Mairead Devlin, Jim Lee, David Miles, Caroline Nicholls, Neil Nunes (freelancer), Howard Philpott, Susan Rae, Dalya Raphael, Vaughan Savidge, Neil Sleat, Alan Smith, Zeb Soanes, Diana Speed, Jane Steel, Luke Tuddenham |
| BBC Radio 4 Extra | Kathy Clugston, Wes Butters, Jim Lee, David Miles, Joanna Pinnock, Susan Rae, Neil Sleat, Alan Smith, Zeb Soanes, Luke Tuddenham |
| BBC Radio Wales | Kim Marks, Geraint Pickard, Sian Howell, David Woodward |
Former announcers
Television
| Station/Network | Announcers |
|---|---|
| BBC One/ BBC Two Network |
B.W. Adams, Dave Adey, Nana Akua, Ian Aldred, David Allan, Glen Allen, Patrick Allen, Michael Aspel, Dan Austin, Roger Bailey, Jenni Bale, John Ross-Barnard, Piers Bishop, Guy Blackmore, Jasmine Bligh, Peter Bolgar, Lucy Bolger, Stephanie Bower, Penny Bowles, Alison Bowman, John Braban, John Brand, Tim Brinton, Peter Brook, Rosemary Brooks, Michael Birley, Christine Burn, Alma Cadzow, Alison Cairney, Douglas Cameron, Amanda Carlton, Duncan Carse, Andy Cartledge, Kay Cavendish, Pauline Cavilla, Judith Chalmers, Mark Chapman, Maggie Clewes, Crispin Clover, Kathy Clugston, Charles Colville, Jim Colvin, Jayne Constantinis, Elizabeth Cowell, Carol Crawford, Dan Damon, Rachel Darcy, Chris Denning, Mark Devlin, Ben Edwards, Polly Elwes, Brian Empringham, John Escolme, Martin Everard, Malcolm Eynon, Pauline Eyre, Jumoke Fashola, Adrian Finighan, Arlene Fleming, Michael Gamble, Jennifer Gay, Sarah Gentry, Claire Gibb, John Glover, Peter Gourd, Donald Gray, Anne Gregg, Monica Grey, Peter Haigh, Bruce Hammal, McDonald Hobley, David Hoffman, Olga Hubiczka, June Imray, Nikki James, Kenneth Kendall, Martin King, Halyna Kozak, Adrian Lacey, Sally Lawrence, Chris Loosemore, Francis Lyne, Heather Lynn, Alex MacIntosh, Roseanne MacMillan, Kenneth MacOnochie, Steve Madden, Stephanie Madison, Michael Maine, Mary Malcolm, Manju Malhi, Vicki Marriot, Keith Martin, Trevor Maskell, Alex Mason, Roger Maude, Andrea McDowell, Vera McKechnie, Bernard McNab, Noelle Middleton, David Miles, John Mills, Leslie Mitchell, Allis Moss, Martin Muncaster, Tim Nichols, Charles Nove, Yvonne O'Grady, Meryl O'Keffe, Peter Offer, James Orlando, Paul Owen, Mel Oxley, Mary Parker, Isla Paton, Sylvia Peters, Ian Phillips, Nicola Phoenix, Valerie Pitts, Tony Raymont, David Reed, Rachael Robertson, Liz Robinson, Clive Roslin, Reg Sanders, Michaela Saunders, Phillip Schofield, Avis Scott, Hannah Scott-Joynt, Brian Sharpe, Clem Shaw, Peter Shoesmith, Winifred Shotter, Valerie Singleton, Mary Small, Zebedee Soanes, Michael Speake, Nick Spilman, Ian de Stains, Lorna Stevens, Cathy Stewart, Michael Stirrup, Richard Straker, Vivien Stuart, Juliet Stubbing, Andy Taylor, Russell Taylor, Guy Thomas, Linda (lu) Thomas, Pauline Tooth, Sheila Tracey, John Trevor, Sasha Twining, Simon Vance, Mark Waddington, Patrick Walker, Sarah Ward, Colin Ward-Lewis, Gillian Webb, Colin Weston, Jane Westrop, David Wheal, Robin Whitting, Nan Winton, Jane Wymark |
| BBC Scotland (BBC One/ BBC Two) |
Anna Maria-Ashe, Craig Austin, Douglas Brock, Ken Bruce, Alma Cadzow, Bob Christie, Jane Copland, David Findlay, Mike Gower, Harry Gray, Alasdair Hutton, Paul Jamieson, Ken Lindsay, Robert Logan, Colin MacIntyre, Carole MacLean, Rob Matheson, Andrea McDowell, Alec Monteath, Charles Nove, James O'Hara, Pamela Patterson, Iain Purdon, Gordon Roddick, Pam Ross, Alister Smith, Mark Stephen, Arlene Stuart, Pam Tibbetts |
| BBC Wales (BBC One/ BBC Two) |
Dawn Adams, Dan Austin, Roger Bailey, Sian Bassett-Roberts, Steven Beaven, Ceri Berrington, Alun ap Brinley, Rob Brydon, David Canham, Alan Christopher, Ian Cresswell, Steve Dewitt, Ceri Evans, Adrian Finighan, Rob Finighan, Mari Griffith, Mark James, Steve James, Geraint Jones, Nia Wyn-Jones, Robin Jones, Frank Lincoln, Steve Lloyd, Lyn Morgan, Jamie Owen, Gary Price, Richard Rees, Deloni Roberts, Mike Sweet, Peter Twist |
| BBC Northern Ireland (BBC One/ BBC Two) |
Pamela Andrews, John Ashe, Lynda Bryans, Kathy Clugston, Peter Dickson, Martin Everard, Steve le Fevre, Michael Fieldhouse, David Gamble, Jacqui Godfray, Duncan Hearle, Alasdair Hutton, Roy Larmour, Walter Love, Edgar Martin, Stephen Montgomery, Michael Nunan, David Olver, Ann Osborough, Gillian Porter, Judith Rebbick, Kerry Turner, Linda Wray |
| BBC Choice/ BBC Three |
Lola Buckley, Emily Chiswell, Collette Collins, Kieron Elliot, Louise Hulland, Gavin Inskip, Jen Long, Jayne Sharp, Jose Vanders, Ainsleigh Whitfield |
| BBC Four/ BBC Knowledge |
Sarah Gentry, Nicola Phoenix, Hannah Scott-Joynt, Zebedee Soanes |
| CBBC Channel | Toby Anstis, Zoë Ball, Angellica Bell, Ana Boulter, Warrick-Brownlow Pike (as Oucho T. Cactus), Simeon Courtie, Crab E. Crab, Andy Crane, Josie D'Arby, Matt Dolan, Matt Edmondson, Adam Fleming, Philippa Forrester, Anne Foy, Jennifer Gay, Simon Grant, Dani Harmer, London Hughes, Jake Humphrey, Gemma Hunt, June Imray, Richard McCourt, Sophie McDonnell, Sam Nixon, Kirsten O'Brien, Simon Parkin, Andi Peters, Ed Petrie, Mark Rhodes, Philip Schofield, Andrew Hayden-Smith, Iain Stirling, Michael Underwood, Holly Walsh, Steve Wilson, Dominic Wood |
| CBeebies | Eva Alexander, Nicole Davis, Pui Fan Lee, Justin Fletcher, Sarah-Jane Honeywell, Chris Jarvis, Sue Monroe, Sidney Sloane |
Radio
| Station | Announcers |
|---|---|
| BBC Radio 4 |
David Anderson, Alice Arnold, Bill Bingham, Louise Botting, Carolyn Brown, Louise Bruce, Pauline Bushnell, Harriet Cass (senior announcer), Edward Cole, Andrew Crawford, Susan Denny, Peter Donaldson, Arlene Fleming, Charlotte Green, John Hedges, Anna Hill, Peter Jefferson, Astley Jones, Jonathan Lampon, Jenny Lane, Pennie Latin, Laurie MacMillan, Bryan Martin, Kate Moon, Rory Morrison, Patrick Muirhead, Daphne Neville, Hilary Osborn, Jamie Owen, Piers Burton-Page, Brian Perkins, Alison Rooper, Clive Roslin, Andy Rushton, Moira Stuart, Catriona Young |
| BBC Radio Wales |
Alan Christopher, Mari Griffith, Nia Wyn-Jones |
ITV
All announcements for ITV plc-owned stations on ITV and Channel Television, and for ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 come from the company's main transmission facilities at Technicolor in Chiswick, with separate teams of continuity announcers based at STV's headquarters in Pacific Quay, Glasgow and UTV's headquarters at Havelock House, Belfast.
Most announcements broadcast on ITV are conducted live, while overnight announcements, occasional regional continuity on ITV and continuity for ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 are usually pre-recorded. All of ITV plc's announcers work on a freelance basis.
STV uses live continuity during the evening (between around 5pm and midnight) with daytime announcements pre-recorded by the duty prime time announcer during their shift. STV-branded presentation is utilised throughout the station's broadcast hours with transmission manned by technical staff in Glasgow 24 hours a day.
UTV continuity is broadcast live during prime time, typically from 7pm to midnight. In-vision continuity links often feature during the evening. No daytime continuity is provided, except for emergency situations. Some of UTV's announcing staff also present late night and weekend news bulletins. Overnight, UTV transmission is handed over to ITV's overnight service.
The consolidation of ITV companies during the 1990s and 2000s led to the closure of transmission and continuity facilities at some ITV company studios:
| ITV region | ITV company at time of last known announcement | Date of last known announcement |
|---|---|---|
| The Borders | Border Television | Late 1999/early 2000 (regional continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds). |
| Central Scotland | Scottish Television | Still has regional continuity (also heard in Northern Scotland). |
| Channel Islands | Channel Television | 28 October 2002, when continuity moved to London. |
| East of England | Anglia Television | Circa 2000 (regional continuity moved to Meridian Broadcasting in Southampton). |
| London | ITV London | Still has regional continuity (now networked on ITV). |
| Midlands | Central Independent Television | 28 October 2002 (regional continuity moved to The London Studios). Transmission moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds in 2004. |
| North Scotland | Grampian Television | July 1998 (regional continuity moved to STV in Glasgow). |
| North East England | Tyne Tees Television | 16 March 1996 (regional continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds). Transmission moved to Leeds in early September 1993 (probably September 4); All non-live presentation fed from Leeds starting 1 January 1993. |
| North West England | Granada Television | 1998 (regional continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds). |
| Northern Ireland | UTV | Still has regional continuity. |
| South and South East | Meridian Broadcasting | 28 October 2002 (regional continuity moved to The London Studios). |
| Wales and West | HTV Wales/HTV West | 15 January 2006 for Wales (regional continuity moved to The London Studios), 2000 for West (regional continuity moved to Meridian Broadcasting in Southampton). |
| South West England | Westcountry Television | 28 October 2002 (regional continuity moved to The London Studios). |
| Yorkshire and Lincolnshire | Yorkshire Television | 28 October 2002 (regional continuity moved to The London Studios). |
In-vision continuity
The use of on screen continuity announcers was common on ITV when each region had a distinct identity and their own transmission and continuity facilities. During the 1980s and 1990s, many regional companies abandoned the use of in-vision continuity announcers:
| ITV region | ITV company at time of last known in-vision announcement | Date of last known in-vision announcement |
|---|---|---|
| The Borders | Border Television | Still in use in 1999, believed to have been dropped when continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds. |
| Central Scotland | Scottish Television | Dropped January 1989 for general continuity, retained for Scottish Through the Night only. Believed to have been dropped in October 1991.[4] |
| Channel Islands | Channel Television | Still in use in late 1990s. |
| East of England | Anglia Television | Still in use in 1990 for Anglia Through the Night only, dropped in September 1991. |
| London | Thames Television/London Weekend Television | Thames: probably the end of 1987 in the evenings, 1988 in daytime and 1991 for overnights. LWT: around the end of 1982. |
| Midlands | Central Independent Television | Still in use in April 1987, dropped soon afterwards.[5] |
| North Scotland | Grampian Television | Dropped early 1998, shortly before continuity moved to STV in Glasgow. |
| North East England | Tyne Tees Television | Dropped on 16 March 1996, when continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds. Previously dropped in 1970 (at the same time as Yorkshire following the Trident takeover), reintroduced in 1971. |
| North West England | Granada Television | Still in use in 1996, dropped before continuity moved to Yorkshire Television in Leeds.[6] |
| Northern Ireland | UTV | Still uses in-vision continuity. |
| South and South East | Meridian Broadcasting | 1995 - Meridian only used IVC during Nighttime at weekends. Their predecessors, TVS dropped in-vision in the daytime and evening in September 1987, but in-vision links continued for Late Night Late until September 1991.[7] |
| Wales and West | HTV Wales/HTV West | Wales: 31 December 1992. West: circa 1994. |
| South West England | Television South West | 31 December 1992. |
| Yorkshire and Lincolnshire | Yorkshire Television | 1970. |
The only ITV companies which have never used in-vision continuity are Carlton Television (London) and Westcountry Television, who both began broadcasting on 1 January 1993.
Current announcers
| Network/Station | Announcers |
|---|---|
| ITV | Stephanie Bower, Andrea Fox, Dominic Green, Christine Hewitt, Jason Milligan |
| STV | General continuity: Toni Frutin, Maggie Lavender, Flora Munro, Donald Pirie, Derek Smith After Midnight: Liam Dolan, Alan Edwards, Donny Hughes, Josie Smith, Jim Symon |
| UTV | Aidan Browne (freelancer), Rose Neill (freelancer), Gillian Porter, Julian Simmons |
Former announcers
| Station | Announcers |
|---|---|
| ABC | Jill Bechley, John Benson (1957–1966), Sidonie Bond, John Braben, John Duncanson, John Edmunds, Philip Elsmore, David Hamilton, Sheila Kennedy, Keith Martin, John McGavin, Mel Oxley, Owen Oyston, Bill Steel (1967–1968), Juliet Stevens, Clifford Swindells |
| Anglia | Patrick Anthony (1976-1989), John Bacon, Earle Bailey (1968), Greg Bance, Richard Barnes (1983), Graham Bell (1966–1969; 1988–1997), David Bennett, John Benson, Colin Bower, Malcolm Brown, David Clayton, Richard Crowest (1990–1998), Tom Edwards, Adrian Finighan, Phil Fothergill, Liz Fox, Katie Glass (1977–2000), Dick Graham, Sharon Gray, Susan Hampshire, Fiona Honan (2000-2002), Graham James, Chris Kelly, Linda Kennedy, Paul Lavers (1987–1991), Verity Lines, Peter Marshall, Keith Martin, Helen McDermott (1979-c. 1989), Sandy Newman Sanders, Tracy Norris, Valerie Oldfield, Caroline Oldrey, Simon Prebble, Gordon Radley, Caroline Raison, Pam Rhodes, Christopher Robbie, Graham Rogers, Drew Russell, Paul Seed, Clem Shaw, Peter Shoesmith, Michael Speake (1975–1989; 1999–2000), Vivien Stuart, Paul Thompson (1994–1998), Christine Webber, Colin Weston |
| Associated Rediffusion | Anne Avery, John Benson, John Charlton, John Edmunds, Robert Gladwell, Tom Glazer, Redvers Kyle (c. 1956-1968), Keith Martin, Leslie Mitchell, Dick Norton, Christopher Robbie, Bill Steel, Muriel Young (1955-1968) |
| ATV | Arthur Adair, Pat Astley (late 1950s-early 1970s), Greg Bance, Simon Bates, David Bennett, Lesley Blair, Jill Bletchley, John Braben, Avril Carson, Peter Cockburn, Patricia Cox, Peter Davies, Su Evans (late 1970s-1981), Tom Edwards, Dick Graham, Donald Gray, Derek Hobson, David Jamieson, Maurice Kanarek, Trevor Lucas, Caroline Lloyd, Jim Lloyd, Peter Marshall, John McCalvin, Ray Moore, Kevin Morrison, Jean Morton, Dick Norton, Mel Oxley, Antony Parker, Mike Prince (1966–1982), Michael Speake, Shaw Taylor, Peter Tomlinson, John Toye, Norman Tozer, Noel Trevarthen, Stewart White (1979–1981), Peter Wilson |
| Border | Helen Aitken, Craig Austin (1988–1997), Derek Batey, Susanna Boccaccio, Colin Bower, Andrew Burns (1989–1996), Allan Cartner (1961–1988), Clive Champney (1962–1987), Tracey Crawford, Fiona Cunningham, Neil Didsbury (2001-2002), Pat Doody, John Duncanson, Tom Edwards, Jenny Farish, Kerrie Gosney (2000-2002), John Harkins, Pete Haslem, Colin Lamont (1988–1989), Heather Larcombe (1994-2002), Carole MacLean, Lesley Manners, Mary Marquis, Keith Martin, John Myers, Daphne Neville, John Phillips (1990-1995), Sue Radford (1988–1995), Karen Roberts, Clem Shaw, Bill Steel, Mark Thornton (late 1990s), Roger Tilling, Colin Weston |
| Carlton | David Allan (1995-2002), Samantha Balshaw, Graham Bannerman (1993-2002), Mike Cooper (1994-1996), Adrian Finighan, Fiona Goldman (1993-2002), Hilary Holden (1994-1997), Mark Lipscomb (1993-2002), Erica Longdon (2000–2002) Andrea McDowell, John McKenzie (2000-2002), Peter Tompkins (2000-2002), David Vickery (2000–2002), Colin Weston, Stephen Westwood |
| Central | David Allan, Kevan Brighting, (1982-c. 2002), John Caine, Avril Carson, Mike Cooper (1993-1997), Linda Cunningham, Su Evans (1982-c. 2001), Evadne Fisher (1984–1989), Tasneem Gates (1980s), Hilary Holden, Helen Lloyd, Andy Marriott (1991–2002), Verity Martindill, Ted May (1985–2002), Daphne Neville, Terry Pearson (1988–2000), Mike Prince (1982-1991), Pam Royle, Allan Sherwin, Vivien Stuart, Gary Terzza (1982–1987), Alan Turton (1988-1998), Paul Veysey (c. 1985-2002), Jo Wheeler, Stewart White (1982-1984), Simon Willis, Amanda Youngs[8] |
| Channel | Jane Bayer, Sharon Campbell, Gordon de ste Croix, Francis Hamon, Russell Hookey, Russell Habey, Alastair Layzell, Liam Mayclem (1989-1994), Kevin Pamplin, Charles Pitter, Tony Scott-Warren, Jane Stuart |
| Grampian | Anna Maria-Ashe (mid-1980s), Craig Austin (2003–2004), David Bennett, Lesley Blair, Colin Bower, Anne Brodie (1971-1975; early 1980s), Scott Brown (c. 1993-1998), Christine Burn, Tracey Crawford (c. 1989-1995), Lynn Cunningham (1971-1979), Margaret Donald (1980–1988), Anne Duigid (1980s), Kay Duncan (1985-1992), Kate Fraser (1993–1998), Robin Galloway (1987–1995), June Imray (1960s), John Jason (1980s), Douglas Kynoch, Colin Lamont (1984–1985), Elizabeth MacKenzie (1960s-1970s), Lesley MacLeod (1977–1984), Kate Matheson (late 1970s), Jack McLaughlin (late 1960s-early 1970s), Daphne Neville, James O'Hara, Maggie Palmer, Barrie Redfern, Rachael Robertson (mid-1990s-1998), Anne Scott, Jimmy Spankie, Diana Speed (1986–1998), Gary Stein, Arlene Stuart (1988–1993), Jim Symon (1983-2000), Kennedy Thomson (1970–1996), Alan Todd |
| Granada | Helen Aitken (1998-2002), Beverley Ashworth (c. 1987-mid-1990s), Greg Bance, Andrew Brittain (late 1980s-late 1990s), Malcolm Brown (1972-1982), Tracey Crawford, Bill Croasdale (1960s), Neil Didsbury (2001-2002), Pamela Dodd (1989–1994), Charles Foster (early 1970s-c. 1994), Kerrie Gosney (2000-2002), Pete Haslem, Philip Hilton, McDonald Hobley, Bob Holness (1961-1964), Graham James, Jan Leeming, Chris Kay, Lynette Lithgow, Maggie Mash (1998-2002), John McKenzie, J.M. Mead, Michael le Mohigan, Ray Moore, Don Murray-Henderson (early 1960s-1971), Nick Oliver, Jim Pope (mid-1970s-early 1990s), Bob Preedy (1998-2002), Sue Robbie (late 1970s-mid-1980s), Phil Sayer, Norman Somers, Roger Tilling (1997-1999), Peter Tomlinson, Colin Weston (1968; c. 1971-1998), R. Williams, Bernard Youens |
| HTV Wales | Greg Bance, Philip Banks, David Bennett, Colin Berry (1971), Polly Boyes, Malcolm Brown, Liz Carse, David Charles (late 1980s), Edward Cole, Vincent Daniels, Rhodri Davies, Terry Dyddgen-Jones (late 1970s), Endaf Emlyn, Arfon Haines Davies (1974–1992), Hywel James, Leighton Jones (2003-2006), Monette Lee, Dan Lewis (1993-2000), Sara Llewellyn, Don Moss, Jenny Ogwen, Eiry Palfrey, Gwyn Parry, Su Porter, Sue Powell-Reed (late 1970s-1992), Mike Prince, Margaret Pritchard (late 1970s-1992), Liz Scourfield, Lorna Stevens, Alan Taylor, Peter Tomlinson, Colin Weston, Jonathan Wheatley (1993-1994), Margaret Williams, Dilwyn Young Jones (early 1980s-1992; 2000-2003) |
| HTV West | Sally Alford (1968–1984), Philip Banks (1994–2000), David Bennett, Colin Berry (1971), Malcolm Brown (late 1960s-early 1970s), Liz Carse, Peter Crawford (c. 1987-1994), Victoria Crawford, Sara Edwards, Tom Edwards, David Fitzgerald, Fiona Honan (2000-2002), Jenny Hull (early 1980s), Russell Hurn, Gill Impey (c. 1987-1994), Graham James (2000-2002), Annie St John (1981-1983; 1987-1990), Michael St John, Peter Lewis, Peter Marshall, Sam Mason (c. 1989-1994), Annie McKie, Diana Moran, Daphne Neville, Susan Osman, Jim Pope, Su Porter (c. 1989-1994), Mike Prince, Elise Rayner (c. 1988-1991), Graham Rogers, Peter Rowell, Paul Seed, Lorna Stevens, Alan Taylor, Peter Tomlinson, Colin Weston, Jonathan Wheatley (1993-1998), Patricia Yorston (1980s) |
| LWT | Ruth Anders (early 1980s-mid-1990s), Greg Bance, Jill Bechley, Trish Bertram (1982–1987; 1989–1990; 1991–2002), Mike Carson, Gayle Coleman, Pat Doody, Adrian Finighan, Sharon Gray, Keith Harrison, Barri Haynes (late 1970s-early 1980s), Robin Houston, Annie St John, Sarah Kennedy, Peter Lewis (1968–1996; 1998), Andy Marriott (1992–2002), Keith Martin (1970-1980s), Verity Martindill, Hilary Osborn (1979-1981), Sue Peacock (1981-1984), Pam Rhodes, Andrea Simmons, Alec Taylor (1968–1977), Glen Thompsett (1987–2002), Roger Tilling (1998-2002), David Vickery, Colin Weston, Nigel Williams |
| Meridian | Samantha Balshaw, David Bradford, Malcolm Brown, Keith Butler, Mike Carson, Pauline Eyre, Fiona Honan (2000–2002), Graham James (2000-2002), Hilary Osborn, Howard Pearce, Graham Rogers, Paul Seed (1995–2002), David Vickery, Jonathan Wheatley |
| Scottish | June Andrews, Clem Ashby (early-mid-1970s), Craig Austin (2003–2004), Arthur Boreland (mid-1970s), Raymond Boyd, Anne Brodie (1975-1978), Gerry Burke, Douglas Cameron, Bob Christie, David Chalmers (mid-late 1970s), Paul Coia, Jay Crawford, Bryce Curdy, Tony Currie (1976–1987), Nick Doherty (1980s), John Douglas (late 1980s-early 1990s), Brian Durkin, Brian Ford (late 1980s-2006), Alison Forsyth, Kate Fraser, Mike Gower (1980–1990), Kenny Gregory (1994-1997), Denise Guthrie (late 1980s), Steve Hamilton (1970s-mid-1980s), Morag Hood, Hazel Irvine, Liz Kristiansen (1980s–1994), Colin Lamont (1985–1988), Suzie Maguire, Dave Marshall, Kate Matheson (late 1970s), Fiona McGrady (1980s-1990s), Jack McLaughlin (late 1960s-early 1970s), Alec Monteath (1964–1969), Arthur Montford, Pauline Muirhead (early 1980s-early 1990s), Jimmy Nairn (1950s-1960s), Michael O'Hallaron, Maggie Palmer, Ivor Phillips, Gordon Roddick (1961–1973), Drew Russell, Anne Scott, Clem Shaw (1974-1975), Bill Simpson, Jimmy Spankie, Alan Todd, Pat Trevor (late 1960s-early 1970s), Elaine Wells, Marion White (mid-1970s), Hamish Wilson (early-mid-1970s) |
| Southern | Michael Alexander, Philip Ashley, Greg Bance, John Benson, Guy Blackmore, Sidonie Bond, Peter Brook, Jane Criddle, John Crosse, Ian Curry, Richard Davies, Clifford Earl, Adrian Edwards (1976-1980), Tom Edwards, Philip Elsmore, Su Evans, Bill Flynn, Liz Fox, Sharon Gray, David Hamilton, Gill Hewitt, Aline James, Lesley Judd, Martin King, Peter Marshall, Keith Martin (1959-1961), Verity Martindill, John McGavin, Diana Moran, Martin Muncaster (1958-1960), Brian Nissen (1958-1981), Meryl O'Keefe (1958-1960), Mel Oxley, Julian Peffier, Simon Prebble, Mike Prince, Christopher Robbie, Peter Shoesmith, Clifford Swindells, Vanessa Thornton, Nicholas Tresillian, Christine Webber, Colin Weston, Muriel Young |
| Teledu Cymru | Iris Jones, Robin Jones (1962–1964), Ivor Roberts |
| Thames | John Benson, Guy Blackmore, Victoria Crawford (c. 1986-1989), Tom Edwards, Philip Elsmore (1968–1992), Evande Fisher (mid-1980s–1991), David Hamilton (1968–1980), Gill Hewitt, Hilary Holden (1980s), Bob Holness, Robin Houston (late 1970s-1992), Sheila Kennedy, Mark Lipscomb (1980s-1992), Mark Longhurst, Sarah Lucas (late 1970s-early 1980s), Peter Marshall (1976–1992), Sally McClaren (mid-late 1980s), Jenny Ogwen, Denise Palmer, Laura Penn (1989-1990), Mike Prince, Christopher Robbie, Bill Steel, Lorana Stevens, Vivien Stuart, Patricia Yorston (1980s) |
| TSW | Samantha Balshaw, Jilly Carter, Jeremy Curry, David Fitzgerald (1985–1992), Jennifer Gavin (1983–1988), Sally Gilbert, Jenny Hull (mid-1980s), Stuart Hutchison, Ruth Langsford (1986–1992), Dinah Lawley (early 1990s), Sally Meen (late 1980s-1992), Gillian Miles (1980s), Caroline Oldrey, Tris Payne, Lawrie Quayle, David Rodgers, Mark Seaman, Roger Shaw (1982–1989), Judi Spiers (1982–1985), Ian Stirling (1982–1992) |
| TVS | Anna Maria-Ashe (mid-1980s), John Benson, Trish Bertram, Malcolm Brown (1982–1992), Keith Butler, Mike Carson, Jennifer Clulow, Clifford Earl, Fiona Goldman (early 1990s), Guy Hornsby (1980s), John Jason (late 1980s-early 1990s), Mark Lipscomb, Heather Lynn, Keith Martin, Verity Martindill, Sally McLaren, Richard Mitchley, Brian Nissen (1982–1987), Hilary Osborn, Laura Penn, Gordon Radley, Christopher Robbie (1982–1988), Graham Rogers (1987–1991), Alison Rooper, Olumide (Lu) Thomas (late 1980s), Glen Thompsett, David Vickery, Colin Weston, Jane Wyatt |
| TWW | Sally Alford, Earle Bailey, Colin Bower, Adrian Cairns, Liz Carse, Linda Lee, Bruce Lewis, Peter Lewis, John Mead, Jon Pepper, Ivor Roberts, Maureen Straffer, Alan Taylor, Guy Thomas |
| Tyne Tees | Andy Archer, Helen Aitken (1996-2002), Greg Bance, Colin Bower, Malcolm Brown, Adrian Cairns (1959–1964), Allan Cartner, Tom Coyne, Andy Craig, Tracey Crawford, John Crosse (1996-1998), Neil Didsbury, (2001-2002), Pat Doody, Liz Fox, Kerrie Gosney (2000-2002), David Hamilton, Pete Haslem, Jane Jermyn (1980-early 1990s), Annie St John (1983-1987), Jon Kelly, Judi Lines (c. 1984-1992), Jim Lloyd, Lesley Manners, Phil Martin, Maggie Mash (1996-2002), Ray Moore, Jonathan Morrell, Sally Morton, John Mundy, Mike Neville (1962-1964), Valerie Oldfield, Nick Oliver, Karen Petch, Valerie Pitts, Bob Preedy (1996-2002), Pam Royle, Kathy Secker (1976–1984; 1990–1996), Clem Shaw, Lyn Spencer (1975–1979; 1989–1993), Susan Spencer, Bill Steel (1980–1996), Roger Tilling (1998-1999), Neville Wanless, Colin Weston, Stephen Whitlock (1992-1994) |
| UTV | Bernard Baird, Pamela Ballantine (1984-1993; 2009-2010), Alan Brady, Keith Burnside, Lynda-Jane Caithness (1975-1978), Tina Campbell, Audra Cunningham, Denise Dearsley (1962-1963), Sarah Dobson (2007–2009), Janet Donaghy (1983-1984), Brian Durkin (1959–1968), Liz Fox, Lynda Fulford (2007–2009), James Greene (1959–1965), Anne Gregg, Tracey-Anne Griffiths (1991–1996), Keith Hayes (mid-1970s-1980s), Alyson Hogg (early 1980s), Gillian Levers, Marc Mallett (2007–2009), Peter Marshall (1967–1969), Edgar Martin, Raymond Maxwell, Diane McGladdery (late 1970s-early 1980s), Adrienne McGuill (1959–1969), Ivor Mills, Frank Mitchell (1987–1993), J.J. Murphy (1970s), Rosie Neill, John O'Hara (c. 1975-1984), Barbara Palmer Bradley (1980-1992), Patricia Robie, Lata Sharma (early 1990s), Bill Smyth, (1978-1987), Ernie Strathdee, Robin Taylor (1993–2009), Audra Thomas (1997–2007; 2008–2009), Even White, Joanne Woods (c. 1978-1987) |
| Westcountry | Trish Bertram, Malcolm Brown, Philip Elsmore (mid-1990s), Peter Griffin (1993–2002), Bruce Hammal, Chris Langmore (1994–2002), Lorna Stevens (1993–1994), Roger Tilling (1996-1997) |
| Westward | John Benson, Colin Bower, Penny Bowles, Fern Britton (1980–1981), Jennifer Clulow (late 1970s-1981), Guy Corey, Jane Criddle, Susan Denny, Linda Goodman (late 1960s), Colleen Gray, Alison Holloway, Stuart Hutchinson, Sheila Kennedy, Jan Leeming (1965–1966), Helen McDermott, Audrey Reebey, Ian Richie, David Rodgers, Roger Shaw (1961–1981), Judi Spiers (1977–1981), Ian Stirling (1976–1981), Jane Turner |
| Yorkshire | Helen Aitken (1995–2002), Tracey Crawford, John Crosse (early 1970s-1998), Neil Didsbury (2001–2002), Brian Durkin, Kerrie Gosney (2000–2002), Pete Haslam, Paul Kaye (c. 1970s-1980), Redvers Kyle (1968–1993), Paul Lally (c. 1968-1990s), Peter Lewis (late 1960s), Keith Martin, Maggie Mash (1988–2002), Nick Oliver, Karen Petch, Bob Preedy (1988–2002), Earl Richmond (1968-c. 1970s), Graham Roberts (c. 1970s- 1993), Ian de Stains (1968-1970), Roger Tilling (1998–1999), Colin Weston, Stephen Whitlock (1992-1994) |
Channel 4
Channel 4 employs continuity announcers on its network of stations; 4seven, Channel 4, E4, Film4 and More4. All announcements come from Red Bee Media at White City Media Village in West London. Since 2009, Red Bee have provided playout facilities for Channel 4. On 4seven, E4 and More4, announcements during evening primetime are now commonly broadcast live, with recorded announcements at other times; most announcements on Channel 4 are live. Announcements for 4Music programming, where used, are usually pre-recorded.
In-vision continuity
Channel 4 used links featuring the announcer on-screen for a brief period following its launch in 1982, mainly at closedown. The station briefly reprised the use of in-vision continuity links for a short period from 1996, used mainly in evening transmissions.
Current announcers
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Channel 4
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E4
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Freelance announcers
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Former announcers
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S4C
S4C announcers provide live out-of-vision continuity links from the channel's headquarters in Llanishen, Cardiff.
In-vision continuity
S4C used in-vision continuity throughout broadcast hours from launch in November 1982 until around 1991.
In-vision presentation continues to be utilised during S4C's children strands, Cyw (for young children) and Stwnsh (for older children). Stwnsh links are mostly conducted live whereas Cyw links are mostly pre-recorded. Characters and presenters from S4C's Cyw output occasionally appear as guest announcers.
Children's presentation is produced by independent production companies Boomerang (Stwnsh/Cyw in-vision links) and Cwmni Da (Cyw).
Current announcers
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S4C
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Stwnsh
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Cyw
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Former announcers
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S4C
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Planed Plant (now Stwnsh)
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Planed plant Bach (now Cyw)
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Channel 5
Channel 5 use announcers on its network of stations; 5*, 5USA and Channel 5. All announcements come from Channel 5's headquarters in London.
In-vision continuity
Channel 5 has only used on-screen announcers as part of its children's strand, Milkshake!.
Current announcers
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Channel 5
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Milkshake!
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Former announcers
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Channel 5
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Milkshake!
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Sky1
Sky1 out-of-vision continuity is broadcast live in the evening with pre-recorded links broadcast during the day and overnight.
Current announcers
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Former announcers
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Sky Living
Sky Living out-of-vision continuity is live, as of January 2016.
Current announcers
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Sky Movies
Sky Movies out-of-vision continuity is live, since January 2016.
Current announcer
References
- ↑ Andrew Martin - The bits in between... at the BBC archive.
- 1 2 3 Andrew Martin - The bits in between...: "Announcers" at the BBC archive.
- ↑ Andrew Martin & Jennifer Gay - The bits in between...: "Children's announcers" at the BBC archive.
- ↑ Scottish Television in-vision & Blue thistle ident; Accessed 4 January 2009.
- ↑ YouTube: Central continuity & adverts - 8 April 1987; Accessed 19 June 2008.
- ↑ YouTube: Maggie Kirkpatrick Granada TV interview; Accessed 19 June 2008.
- ↑ YouTube: Meridian TV nighttime, 1 January 1993; Accessed 28 May 2008.
- ↑ Turton, Alan. "alanturton.com". Retrieved 12 November 2012.