Granada Television

Granada Television was a major BBC competitor and one of the most successful ITV franchises, founded by Sidney Bernstein and Bernard Delfont. The company was named after the Moors' Alhambra in Granada, Spain, reflecting Bernstein's love of Spanish art and architecture. Granada Television was known for producing high-quality drama series, such as Coronation Street, which premiered in 1960 and was created by Tony Warren. The show was set in a fictional Manchester neighborhood and featured characters like Ena Sharples, Elsie Tanner, and Annie Walker.

● History

Granada Television began broadcasting on May 3, 1956, and was one of the first ITV franchises to launch in the United Kingdom. The company was founded by Sidney Bernstein and Bernard Delfont, with Lord Thomson of Fleet as a major investor. Granada Television's early success was fueled by its innovative programming, including the popular current affairs series World in Action, which was hosted by Derek Cooper and John Pilger. The company also produced documentary series like Disappearing World, which explored the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world, including the Inuit and the Aboriginal Australians. Granada Television's news programs, such as Granada Reports, were anchored by Tony Wilson and Gordon Burns, and covered major events like the Suez Crisis and the Apollo 11 moon landing.

● Programming

Granada Television produced a wide range of programming, including drama series like Coronation Street, Colditz, and Brideshead Revisited, which starred Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. The company also produced comedy series like The Comedians, which featured Frank Carson, Bernard Manning, and Roy Walker. Granada Television's current affairs programming included World in Action and This Week, which was hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby and Robin Day. The company also produced entertainment programs like The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, which was hosted by Bernard Manning and featured performances by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. Granada Television's sports coverage included football matches, such as the FA Cup and the European Cup, which featured teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.

● Studios and Facilities

Granada Television's main studios were located in Manchester, with additional facilities in London and Liverpool. The company's television studios were used to produce a wide range of programming, including drama series, comedy shows, and current affairs programs. Granada Television's post-production facilities were also used by other television production companies, including BBC Studios and ITV Studios. The company's archive facilities housed a vast collection of television programs and films, including classic series like Coronation Street and Colditz. Granada Television's training programs were also based at the Manchester studios, and provided apprenticeships and work experience for young people interested in pursuing a career in television production.

● Notable People

Granada Television employed many notable people, including television producers like Sidney Bernstein and David Plowright, who produced documentary series like The World at War. The company also employed television presenters like Tony Wilson and Gordon Burns, who hosted news programs and current affairs series. Granada Television's drama department was led by television producers like John Hawkesworth and Jack Rosenthal, who produced classic series like Coronation Street and Brideshead Revisited. The company also employed actors like William Roache and Barbara Knox, who appeared in Coronation Street, and comedians like Frank Carson and Bernard Manning, who appeared in The Comedians.

● Legacy

Granada Television's legacy can be seen in the many television programs and films that it produced over the years. The company's drama series, such as Coronation Street and Brideshead Revisited, are still widely popular today, and have been exported to many countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, and United States. Granada Television's current affairs programming, including World in Action and This Week, helped to shape the public discourse on major issues like politics, economics, and social justice. The company's training programs and apprenticeships also helped to launch the careers of many young people in the television industry, including producers, directors, and actors. Today, Granada Television is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential television production companies in the United Kingdom, and its legacy continues to be felt in the television industry around the world, with companies like ITV Studios and BBC Studios continuing to produce high-quality programming. Category:Television production companies