Network 21 (television station)
Encyclopedia
Although there were many pirate radio stations in London, Network 21 was one of the few pirate television stations to operate in Britain. Despite only broadcasting for half an hour on a Friday nights in a part of the UHF waveband near the frequency occupied by ITV in the London area, it showcased what was happening in the then vibrant Avant Garde arts scene at that time. Among others, artists like Genesis P Orridge of Psychic TV
appeared in programmes documenting their work.
While the television industry was dominated by three companies (BBC
, ITV
franchise holders, Channel 4
), Network 21 was an attempt to break the triopoly of the broadcasting industry. In an article in Broadcast Magazine
, Network 21's aim was to "See a similar approach to TV as has been afforded to radio, for the BBC and ITV to release their monopoly on frequencies and make some available to the community," in the manner of low-power TV in the US. A press report by the London Evening Standard even claimed that the station had 100000 viewers and that although it was very much in keeping with the post-punk DIY ethic, it was "definitely professional". The DIY element was that programming was shot on 8 mm camcorders and transmitted on a domestic VCR connected to a UHF transmitter, but that it was staffed by freelance journalists and artists.
There was also a pirate radio
spin-off, which broadcast from 8 PM Friday night to early Saturday morning. The radio station generally played music from independent labels and discussion programmes.
While it received press attention, it was rarely raided. However, one raid occurred shy of its first birthday. Although it lasted a few months, it had a small but significant impact.
Psychic TV
Psychic TV or PTV, is a video art and music group that primarily performs psychedelic, punk, electronic and experimental music...
appeared in programmes documenting their work.
While the television industry was dominated by three companies (BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
franchise holders, Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
), Network 21 was an attempt to break the triopoly of the broadcasting industry. In an article in Broadcast Magazine
Broadcast magazine
Broadcast is a weekly magazine for the United Kingdom television and radio industry. It covers a wide range of news and issues affecting the professional broadcast market in the UK. Broadcast has regular weekly sections covering News, Commissioning, Facilities, Analysis, Opinion, Interview,...
, Network 21's aim was to "See a similar approach to TV as has been afforded to radio, for the BBC and ITV to release their monopoly on frequencies and make some available to the community," in the manner of low-power TV in the US. A press report by the London Evening Standard even claimed that the station had 100000 viewers and that although it was very much in keeping with the post-punk DIY ethic, it was "definitely professional". The DIY element was that programming was shot on 8 mm camcorders and transmitted on a domestic VCR connected to a UHF transmitter, but that it was staffed by freelance journalists and artists.
There was also a pirate radio
Pirate radio
Pirate radio is illegal or unregulated radio transmission. The term is most commonly used to describe illegal broadcasting for entertainment or political purposes, but is also sometimes used for illegal two-way radio operation...
spin-off, which broadcast from 8 PM Friday night to early Saturday morning. The radio station generally played music from independent labels and discussion programmes.
While it received press attention, it was rarely raided. However, one raid occurred shy of its first birthday. Although it lasted a few months, it had a small but significant impact.