Granada didn’t just make great TV - it looked unforgettable doing it. In the latest episode of our #ITVat70 podcast, we chart the evolution of its iconic branding, from northern arrows to its final bow under the ITV banner.

From its glitzy variety shows to its shaky business deals, ATV was a company that helped shape ITV and gave us some of the most iconic entertainment of the 20th century. But how did it go from a weekend London station to a full-blown Midlands empire—and why did it all come crashing down?

Join Rob Francis as we uncover the story of ATV, the showbiz, the scandals, and the legacy it left behind.

A preview of Episode 3 of the ITV at 70 podcast, going live on Saturday 5th April.

TV Live is celebrating 70 years of ITV with a special series exploring every regional company that has shaped the network since 1955. From pioneering broadcasters to beloved local institutions, each company has played a unique role in the evolution of British television.

Among its early pioneers was ABC Weekend Television, a station that played a pivotal role in bringing entertainment to millions across the Midlands and the North. Though its era was relatively short-lived, its impact on the industry was anything but. Join us as we take a journey through ITV’s rich and diverse history, one region at a time.

CREDITS

Presenter: Robert Francis

The intro and outro music was composed by David Dundas.

TV Live is celebrating 70 years of ITV with a special series exploring every regional company that has shaped the network since 1955. From pioneering broadcasters to beloved local institutions, each company has played a unique role in the evolution of British television. We begin with Associated-Rediffusion, the very first ITV franchise, which launched on September 22, 1955. As the company that introduced commercial television to the UK, it set the stage for a new era of broadcasting—one that would challenge the BBC’s monopoly and forever change the way Britain watched TV. Join us as we take a journey through ITV’s rich and diverse history, one region at a time.

CREDITS

Presenter: Robert Francis

The intro and outro music was composed by David Dundas.