8. Close Downs With The National Anthem
The advent of 24 hour television means that the major broadcasters - BBC and ITV do not have formal close downs anymore. Lots of digital channels have a close down, but they are rarely elaborate - just 'Ta for watching, see you tomorrow'. Back in the day, ITV regions and BBC 1 had elaborate close down rituals - giving you a précis of what would be on TV the next day, maybe a spot of weather forecasting - and they would generally tuck you into bed at night. The day's TV business was capped off by the national anthem. For some reason it really frightened me. I can't explain it properly but it felt as if the world was ending. The only station that has retained the National Anthem is BBC Radio 4 which signs off before handing over to the World Service. I still find it freaky so I switched to Radio 2.
Clare Simpson
Contributor
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
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Clare