TV came to Northern Ireland in early-1953. At first, regional programming was limited to a monthly filmed series, but by autumn 1957, the BBC was ready to go ahead with live daily regional news bulletins. The first ‘Northern Ireland News’ was presented by veteran radio announcer, Maurice Shillington.

Over the next few years, the five minute regional news slot developed into a twenty-five minute programme known variously as ‘Today In Northern Ireland’, ‘Six O’Clock’ and ‘Six-Five’ before the catch-all ‘Scene Around Six’ title came into use. Early presenters of ‘Scene Around Six’ included Michael Baguley and Larry McCoubry; Barry Cowan became a familiar figure during the 1970s on the local programme and through contributions to ‘Nationwide’.

No clips in our archive at present. Can you help with a 70s recording?

The launch of the national Six O’Clock News led to Scene Around Six being relaunched as Inside Ulster in September 1984. On Tuesday 7 May 1985, the programme was moved to an earlier timeslot of 5.35pm. The theme music is “Press on 1” by Brian Bennett and Dave Lawson as featured on the album Bruton Music – Music Machine (1981 – BRL7).

Incidentally voted the “best BBC Region News theme” by viewers of the BBC’s “Points of View”! Same theme kept Press on 1 by Brian Bennett and Dave Lawson as featured on the album Bruton Music – Music Machine (1981 – BRL7).

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics

The current Newsline brand was introduced on 12 February 1996 when the main evening programme returned to a 6.30pm timeslot.

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics

Monday 4th October 1999 saw the new BBC regional corporate look arrive in Northern Ireland.

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics

Examples of studio presentation and content graphics

In 2016 BBC Newsline relaunched with a brand new set featuring the skyline of Belfast.

Examples of studio presentation and graphics

On 14th November 2022 BBC Newsline relaunched with a new studio matching the network design in London. Finally the tired old Lambie Nairn standard definition titles were put to bed and a new glossier HD title sequence and stings were introduced.

Examples of studio camera angles and in-programme graphics.