1957 - 1984
Miscellaneous
BBC Northern Ireland News
TV came to Northern Ireland in early-1953. At first, regional programming was limited to a monthly filmed series, but by autumn 1957, the BBC was ready to go ahead with live daily regional news bulletins. The first 'Northern Ireland News' was presented by veteran radio announcer, Maurice Shillington.
Over the next few years, the five minute regional news slot developed into a twenty-five minute programme known variously as 'Today In Northern Ireland', 'Six O'Clock' and 'Six-Five' before the catch-all 'Scene Around Six' title came into use.
Early presenters of 'Scene Around Six' included Michael Baguley and Larry McCoubry; Barry Cowan became a familiar figure during the 1970s on the local programme and through contributions to 'Nationwide'.
Over the next few years, the five minute regional news slot developed into a twenty-five minute programme known variously as 'Today In Northern Ireland', 'Six O'Clock' and 'Six-Five' before the catch-all 'Scene Around Six' title came into use.
Early presenters of 'Scene Around Six' included Michael Baguley and Larry McCoubry; Barry Cowan became a familiar figure during the 1970s on the local programme and through contributions to 'Nationwide'.
Above: 'Scene Around Six' [1969].
By the early-1980s, 'Scene Around Six' was well established as part of the 'Nationwide' format on BBC One. The programme had one presenter each evening - usually Sean Rafferty or Diane Harran.
Above: 'Scene Around Six' opening title sequence. This example dates from 1982.
Above: behind-the-scenes shots of 'Scene Around Six' in 1982. Sean Rafferty presenting.
After fourteen years, 'Nationwide' came to an end in 1983. Its replacement was 'Sixty Minutes' - an hour long programme containing a national news bulletin, the regional programmes, weather and lighter items.
All the segments were heavily branded as part of 'Sixty Minutes' and a generic look was used for the regional programmes.
All the segments were heavily branded as part of 'Sixty Minutes' and a generic look was used for the regional programmes.
Above: 'Scene Around Six' opening title sequence [1983 - 1984].
Above: images of studio/presenters. Presenters: Sean Rafferty [left] and Jim Neilly with the sports news [middle].
