Network 21 (television station)

Although there were (and are) 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,^[1]" 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 ^[2] 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. ^[3] Although it lasted a few months, it had a small but significant impact.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Pirate television
• pirate radio

References

1. ^ http://78.86.113.65/www.flowscout.com/publicity/pages/broadcast.html Broadcast magazine article 26/2/87
2. ^ http://78.86.113.65/www.flowscout.com/publicity/pages/standard.html London Evening Standard article 15/1/87
3. ^ http://78.86.113.65/www.flowscout.com/publicity/pages/broadcast.html Network 21 Press archive

External links

• Network 21 Archive