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| Central Television | |
|---|---|
| Name | Central Television |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Launched | 1982 |
| Replaced | ATV |
| Owner | ITV plc (successor entities) |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Birmingham |
| Area | Midlands |
| Former names | ATV Midlands |
| Key people | Lew Grade, David Frost |
Central Television
Central Television was a regional television franchise serving the English Midlands, known for broadcasting drama, light entertainment, and regional news. It succeeded ATV and operated within the Independent Television (ITV) system, contributing to national schedules and regional identity. The company commissioned programmes that engaged audiences across urban centres such as Birmingham, Nottingham, and Coventry, while participating in network-wide initiatives with companies like Granada Television and Thames Television.
Central Television emerged from the restructuring of Associated Television (ATV) after the 1980 franchising process overseen by the Independent Broadcasting Authority. Its formal launch replaced ATV Midlands in 1982, following decisions influenced by figures including Lew Grade and regulators from the Independent Television Commission. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Central negotiated network shares with peers such as Yorkshire Television and Border Television, adapted to ownership changes involving Carlton Communications and later ITV plc, and responded to mergers shaped by the broadcasting consolidation culminating in the creation of ITV Network Centre.
Central produced and commissioned a diverse slate spanning drama, comedy, factual and children's output. Notable drama and serial titles were broadcast alongside contributions from producers associated with Euston Films and writers who had credits with BBC Television and Channel 4. Light entertainment offerings featured presenters who also appeared on Blue Peter and variety shows linked to venues like the Hammersmith Apollo. Children's strands were scheduled opposite those from Tyne Tees Television and benefited from collaboration with independent producers that worked on series for the CITV strand. Central's catalogue circulated through sales to broadcasters including BBC Enterprises and international partners such as ITV Studios distribution channels.
Regional news output formed a core service, produced from studios in Birmingham and transmitted to the Midlands audiences in competition with services from BBC Midlands Today. The newsroom covered local institutions including Birmingham City Council, industrial centres like the Black Country, and events such as coverage of parliamentary proceedings at Westminster. Current affairs programming followed formats similar to shows produced by Granada Television's investigative teams and collaborated with producers who had worked on World in Action and other network investigations. Presenters and reporters moved between outlets including Sky News and national newspapers, and Central's archives contributed material to retrospective documentaries on subjects such as the Mineral industry and regional transport developments like the M6 motorway upgrades.
Central's regional remit encompassed the East Midlands and West Midlands, delivering opt-outs for areas served by transmitters such as The Wrekin and Sutton Coldfield. The company maintained district offices in cities including Nottingham and Leicester, and engaged with local arts institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and sporting clubs such as Aston Villa F.C. for location filming. Transmission strategy was coordinated with engineers who liaised with broadcasters at Ofcom (successor regulatory context) and with terrestrial transmission networks operating from sites such as Emley Moor.
Central invested in studio complexes, outside broadcast units, and post-production suites that adopted innovations from suppliers connected to the broader industry, including kit used by BBC Engineering divisions. Facilities in Birmingham included colour and later digital broadcast capability, linked to the national network via fibre and microwave chains comparable to those used by Thames Television. Outside broadcast coverage for events at venues like Wembley Stadium relied on OB trucks and satellite uplinks, while film and videotape archives were managed using preservation standards similar to those employed by British Film Institute collections.
The company's on-screen identity evolved from modified liveries inherited from ATV to distinctive idents created by designers with credits for regional franchises such as Granada Television and Yorkshire Television. Central used straplines and endboards to signal regional opt-outs, and marketing tied into cultural touchstones including partnerships with institutions like the Birmingham Hippodrome and festivals in Nottingham. Presenter-led continuity and promotions linked personalities who also appeared on networked schedules for ITV and in national programmes alongside figures from BBC One.
Central faced scrutiny over scheduling decisions and franchise compliance reviewed by the Independent Television Commission, and was criticised in some quarters for perceived network centralisation similar to disputes involving Carlton Television. Complaints to regulators concerned regional news resources and production relocations that echoed controversies in franchise transitions experienced by Tyne Tees Television and Westcountry Television. Editorial disputes occasionally led to coverage in trade publications and debate in fora frequented by unions such as Equity and industry bodies like the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union.
Category:Television in the West Midlands Category:ITV franchises