LWT – London Weekend Television

Up until 1968, London’s weekend ITV audience was served by ATV, whose programming was often criticized as lacking in depth, notably by BBC personality David Frost. Motivated to bring about a change, Frost assembled a team of affluent, influential, and intellectually-minded colleagues to form the London Television Consortium. They submitted a bid for the weekend franchise, promising a diverse blend of timely entertainment, high-quality dramas, and arts programming. Impressed by this proposal, the Independent Television Authority (ITA) awarded the franchise to Frost’s consortium.

Operating under the name London Weekend Television (LWT), the company began broadcasting in 1968, initially from Associated Rediffusion’s former Wembley studios. In 1972, LWT moved to custom-built facilities on London’s South Bank, which were later renamed The London Studios in 1992. Regrettably, the iconic LWT building has been slated for demolition by ITV, a decision that has prompted questions and concerns among those who value its historical significance.