ITV Regional TV

Originating as a network of independent regional franchises, Independent Television (ITV) was a unique blend of broadcaster and content creator. Each station boasted its own branding, scheduling, and advertising, though peak-time shows were often broadcast universally. The pioneering companies from London, the Midlands, North West England, and Yorkshire, launched in 1955 and 1956, and spearheaded the majority of national programmes. They were dubbed the ‘Big Four’ initially and later the ‘Big Five’.

ITV’s journey began with London in 1955, and by 1962, all stations were broadcasting. The network saw expansion in the 1960s and 1970s with more transmitters and franchise shifts. From 1993, ITV companies began merging to streamline and expand operations. By 2004, ITV plc owned all franchises in England and Wales, with Scottish TV, Grampian TV, UTV, and Channel remaining distinct. In 2006, the Scottish and Grampian regions underwent a rebrand, adopting the STV brand universally.