Yorkshire Television

On July 29, 1968, Yorkshire Television commenced broadcasting from its newly constructed studios on Kirkstall Road in Leeds. Although the facility was state-of-the-art, designed specifically for colour production and outfitted with £2.2 million worth of equipment, most of the initial broadcasts were in monochrome. Colour broadcasting on the ITV network didn’t officially begin until November 15, 1969. The station’s launch was marked by an opening ceremony presided over by The Duchess of Kent. The inaugural programming featured live coverage of the Test Cricket match between England and Australia at Headingley.

Additional highlights from the station’s debut day included the premiere of ‘Calendar’, its regional news programme, as well as its first networked production, a ‘Playhouse’ drama titled ‘Daddy Kiss it Better’, and the light entertainment special, ‘First Night’ hosted by Bob Monkhouse.