That was the question in 1991 in the last ITV Franchise Round.      

Two years later and 20 years ago, on 1 January 1993, the 16 winners began broadcasting across the UK with their shiny new commercial TV licenses, the first ever to be granted after a secret bidding process. These licenses had been awarded by the ITC, under the chairmanship of Sir George Russell, notionally to the companies that made the highest cash bids in each franchise region.

The whole process was contentious at the time, the results even more so. How could Thames with its proud record of distinctive programmes be ousted? How could TVS lose after bidding £59.8 million? Even more, how could Central and STV get away with paying only £2000 each? The Quality Threshold was given as one answer, unsustainable business plans another. These explanations were contested, even going to judicial review. But the decisions were upheld.

At this RTS lunch, Ray Snoddy, who seemed to know more than anyone else at the time, will chair a panel where two of the eventual winners will meet with two losers to get to the truth of what really happened and why, in the Fight for the Franchises.

Speakers

Chair: Ray Snoddy

Panel
David Elstein
John Gau CBE
Leslie Hill
Roger Laughton CBE
Sir George Russell

Booking Instructions

Booking form available to download in Word format here.

Applications should reach Head Office no later than 5 working days prior to the event - please telephone us if you are in any doubt that your form will reach us by this date.  If you do not receive your tickets a week prior to the event, please contact the Events Department. The Society regrets refunds for cancellations can only be made 5 working days prior to the event and a 10% administration charge will be applied. 

Forms should be returned to:
Jo Mitchell, Events Department, Royal Television Society, Kildare House,3 Dorset Rise, London EC4Y 8EN.  
Tel: 020 7822 2823  Fax: 020 7822 2811  E-mail: jo@rts.org.uk