Moyles in anorak mode

Things were a lot less sophisticated back then and recording programmes off the Network feed was normal practice. These days of course, NI could possibly obtain the programme off a London-based server and run it locally. Or, again, they could just record off a clean Network feed. They can then transmit timeshifted programmes along the lines of the 'play chaseback' facility on a domestic DVD recorder. I'm not up-to-date with their current set-up, there are perhaps other options available.

I recall an evening in the early 1990s (possibly 1992), soon after a new continuity suite was installed in Belfast, 'Neighbours' ran as scheduled from 6.30pm. However, come 6.55pm, when we should've had the 'Inside Ulster News Update', the lunchtime tape recording ran on. We got all the trails that followed the lunchtime showing as well as the Network intro to the Cricket coverage that followed. Problems with the new equipment I guess.

I don't know what all this talk of staffing and rota issues is about. As far as I am aware, BBC NI were simply keen to get 'Inside Ulster' on air as soon as possible. Back in those days, 'Inside Ulster' wasn't short of content!

* Spooky* i had a dream about Chris Moyles last night. I don't wish to discuss it further as i find it disturbing that i actually dreamt about him <shudders>

Small or Lisa Gallagher often get emails from saddo...err... viewers that His Levyness got a mention by Moyles on R1, cue smug grin on Peeta's face.

I believe they worked on BBC Raairdio Leeeeeds [sic] together at one point, when his Levyness was entertaining blue-rinsers across West Yorkshire with his impressive collection of Perry Como and Frankie Laine records.

It's more likely to be Radio Aire. I don't think Chris has ever worked for BBC Local Radio

I had presumed that BBC NI simply opted out earlier given that it probably had the busiest local news patch, to put it politely. This would allow them to get on air first at half five, and have a five minute update on anything else that may have happened at 6.55pm, as Neighbours is only 25 minutes long. It did seem a bit odd at the time though, and I remember growing up how pissed off I would have been to be in Northern Ireland wondering what I was missing (when the answer for those who watched on was - normally nothing).

It's possible of course that the staffing issue was the official excuse given to the network for having to put this convoluted 'bye Northern Ireland' message in process...

Just another random thought - was UTV showing a variation of their one hour news programme at that point? I know you have UTV Life and UTV Life beside each other at the moment. It's possible BBC NI felt it had to compete with a higher level of local news from its commercial rival than any other area.

How long did the NI optout last btw? I'm sure I remember it in Phillip Schofield's time as well.

BBC One NI didn't leave CBBC five minutes early, as some are suggesting in this thread. 'Inside Ulster' began at 5.35pm. BBC NI merely left Network a minute or two before the end of CBBC, as it was usually filled with trails or broom cupboard chat. 'Neighbours' did not fill the twenty-five minute slot, so it often didn't start until around 5.37pm on Network.

There was no shortage of local news in NI in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Giving 'Inside Ulster' priority over one/two minutes of CBBC filler/drivel is the most likely reason for the slightly early NI opt-out.

I cannot believe there is any truth in this staffing issue explanation. Sounds like complete bunkum to me. Also, I'm pretty certain that BBC NI recorded the lunchtime edition of 'Neighbours', not the 5.35pm repeat. So, if the Network announcer was told not to clip the opening titles at 5.35pm, this must have been purely precautionary, in case BBC NI experienced issues with their lunchtime recording..

UTV's news programme didn't go out until 6pm during this period. 'Inside Ulster' was first with the early evening local news in those days. However, UTV's programme performed better on the ratings front.

Yes mea culpa, they have both worked at Radio Aire, but only His Levyness worked at BBC Radio Leeds <"self flagellation" emoticon>

Actually - Harry and Christa used to share a lunch-time slot on Radio Leeds a few years ago. They'd do every other day, then John Boyd would do Fridays IIRC...

Wasn't there "Goodbye Wales" at one point, so Wales Today was on at 5.35 because of the turnaround of the studio for Newyddion?

I heard Mr Moyles humming the theme to the LWT river ident on his show the other week as he re-created a Saturday night on ITV. He had to explain to his confused team what the LWT ident was!

On this weeks Podcast they have included the clip about regional BBC