BBC South History
BBC South began life in 1961, from the former South Western Hotel, down by the docks in Southampton. The original news programme was South at Six. Martin Muncaster (who had been poached from Southern Television) presented the first programme on 5th January 1961. The programme was then renamed South Today.
By the late 1980s the BBC decided to move to a purpose built studio complex in Southampton city centre. The last transmission from South Western House was on 7th Semptember 1991.
The following clips featured on South Today in March 1991.
Replay Part11991
This clip gives us a background to South Western House and the launch of BBC South in 1961. It describes some of the early production techniques and compares them to those in 1991.
Replay Part 21991
This clip features the announcement made by the then Director General of the BBC about the launch of BBC South. It also features a brief look behind the scenes at South Western House.
40th Anniversary
During BBC South's 40th Anniversary week Bruce Parker presented 4 special items on the history of the BBC in Southampton, covering a decade each night.
The 1960s02.01.2001 In the first installment Bruce revisits South Western House and discusses the launch of 'South at 6' with Peter Marshall, the first producer and Martin Muncaster, the first presenter.
The 1970s03.01.2001 In this clip former presenters Kate Adie and Michael Buerk share their memories of BBC Southampton.
The 1980s04.01.2001 Debbie Thrower meets up with Bruce at South Western House to recall a few of her memories of them presenting together.
The 1990s05.01.2001 On the anniversay day itself Bruce introduces us to BBC Southampton receptionists Diane Lowden and Moira Leece. He goes on to talk to Sally Taylor about her time on South Today. The piece ends with a few words from the then Director-General of the BBC, Greg Dyke.
