Wales (West and North) Television, known on screen as (, Welsh for "Wales Television") and often abbreviated to WWN, was the Welsh "Independent Television" (commercial television) contractor awarded the franchise area serving North and West Wales, from 1962 (franchise awarded 6 June 1961). It began transmitting on 14 September 1962, and ceased on 26 January 1964 through financial failure; the franchise area was soon combined with the South Wales and West of England area, operated by TWW. TWW retained the Teledu Cymru name in the former WWN franchise area, as did successor Harlech during their emergency transitional franchise, only retiring the name when they were able to officially take over.

History

The geography of Wales presented a daunting problem to the Independent Television Authority (ITA). The populous area of Wales in the South was already being served by TWW, which had begun broadcasting in 1958, while the north-east of the country and much of the north coast was served by the North of England weekday and weekend franchise holders, Granada and ABC, operating since 1956; the interior of north Wales could not receive ITV transmissions at all. and at the last minute, the Postmaster General insisted that the new station should, on its own, produce ten hours a week of programmes in Welsh, without relying on Welsh-language programmes produced by Granada, ABC and TWW.

TWW offered a generous package to WWN's shareholders to acquire their service, and WWN closed on 26 January 1964 and its studio was shuttered.

Programmes

Despite its short life, the station was able to produce some local programmes that was produced for its operational periods. Notable programs included Welsh and English language news bulletins, as well as weekly English language sports programme Welsh Sportlight and its weekly Welsh language sports programme Cip a’r Chwarae, Welsh children's programme Heno I’r Plant, and one nationally shown ballerina opera special entitled Swansea.

References

  • Harlech House of Graphics (unofficial fan site)
  • Television Wales and the West at TV Live