Announcers working for Associated TeleVision were warned by Mr. Philip Dorté, ATV Midlands Controller, yesterday that if they did not dress sensibly for the cameras they might be faded out.

Mr. Dorté, who considers that both the men and women are trying to be too fashionable, said: “Announcers are there to do a serious job of work and their dress should in no way lead to distraction from what they are saying. Recently there has been a tendency for announcers to be too flashy in their appearances.”

Pat Astley, the announcer, said: “I quite agree that announcers should not be flashily dressed. I try to be discreet with my choice of clothes, but I have to keep an eye on the latest fashions.”

‘Stuffed Shirt’

Jean Morton said: “I believe that viewers expect me to be fashionably dressed and, without being flashy. I try to be discreet in choice of styles. Viewers are critically interested in fashion, hair styles and the jewellery we wear.”

Mr. John Taylor, editor of The Tailor and Cutter, said: “It seems to me a stuffed-shirt attitude. We might as well all go back to radio if the announcers on television are not to be allowed to look smart and fashionably dressed.”

A BBC television spokesman said there had been no complaints of their announcers wearing dress that was anything but correct.

No Restrictions

Mr. Ted Harris, Midland executive of ABC Television, responsible for the week-end ITV programmes in Midlands and North England, said: “Each week-end we have four male announcers – John Edmunds, John Benson, Mel Oxley and David Hamilton. We leave the question of dress to their own good sense, and we have had no occasion to reprimand them for their turnout.

“Our announcers are free to express their own sartorial personality, and we rely upon their good dress sense. As John Edmunds was recently voted the best male announcer on television, we do not intend imposing any restrictions.”

The post ‘No Flashy Dress’ ATV Announcers Warned appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.

1963

1964

1969

The post They keep you in the picture appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.

The post ATV starts the day appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.

The post Tele-snaps: DX appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.

He is a vigorous, exhilarating character whose bubbling enthusiasm registers immediately on the screen. And — typical of a war-time Commando — he will tackle any job, anywhere and at any time

He is a true enthusiast. He adds to his announcing duties reports and commentaries for news and magazine programmes. One of his hobbies is skin-diving, a pastime to which he has converted Noele Gordon. He has coached Noele in the instructional course she has undergone for the screen.

Pat came to ATV from the motor industry. He made an immediate hit, and remains a top favourite.

The post Any Job Anywhere appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.

There is such a diversity of tastes and interests that one TV channel cannot guarantee to please all the people all the time. But it can — indeed it must — plan such a range of output that its fare will appeal to the majority and still provide a comprehensive service to meet special demands and preferences.

ATV in the Midlands are well aware of these responsibilities. Audience research has proved conclusively the measure of our success in fulfilling them.

Yet audience research is not the only source of assessment. Letters from viewers pour into our Birmingham offices each week.

A local programme has attracted as many as 36,000 letters. “Lunch Box” has had an average monthly mail of 20,000 letters from midday viewers.

We welcome them all as evidence of public interest. All are studied. Many add helpful suggestions to their encouragement. Most letters express appreciation: naturally we find these heartening. But we welcome all suggestions, especially those which are constructive.

The personal link with viewers is invaluable.

Audiences come to see shows produced at the Alpha Television Studios, and ATV personalities go out to “meet the people”. Such favourites as Noele Gordon, Jean Morton, Pat Cox, Pat Astley and Caroline Lloyd are family friends in thousands of Midland homes.

Invitations pour in asking them to attend social functions and to make “personal appearances”. They accept as many as they can. If they accepted them all they would have no time to appear on TV!

Their engagement lists are heavily booked for a year ahead with attendances at garden fetes, parties and social events of all kinds.

The post The Link with the Viewers appeared first on THIS IS ATV NETWORK from Transdiffusion.