TSW – Television South West

Television South West (TSW), affectionately known as Television Simply Wonderful, secured the franchise to succeed Westward Television in 1982. Although TSW acquired Westward and began broadcasting on August 11, 1981, it retained the on-screen Westward identity until its official launch on New Year’s Day 1982.

In its formative years, TSW distinguished itself by veering away from conventional regional programming and introducing lesser-known shows, primarily from the United States. A standout moment came on Christmas Day 1982 when TSW aired the movie ‘The In-Laws’ while the rest of the network opted for Disney’s ‘The Black Hole’.

During the 1991 franchise auction, TSW lost its franchise to Westcountry Television, which had submitted the highest bid per viewer in any region – £10 per viewer. TSW mounted a legal challenge against the decision, taking the case all the way to the House of Lords, where their appeal was ultimately dismissed.

Following the loss of its franchise, TSW sold its Derry’s Cross studios and donated its complete back catalogue, including the Westward archives, to The South West Film and Television Archive.