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Post by Richard Hunter on Nov 5, 2003 13:26:41 GMT
As this site is frequented by TV industry experts I would like to ask if anybody knows the exact reason why the BBC or any of its other outlets (UK Gold) refuse to show complete archive editions of TOTP's.
The show is coming up for its 40th anniversary and it doesn't look as if they are going to show any complete shows from the archives (although I would be delighted to be proved wrong on this).
UK Gold were the only subsiduary who I am aware screened complete editions of the show in the early to mid 90's and since then nothing has happened in terms of screening any shows in their original format.
Some of us (myself included) have written to UK Gold asking if they could show complete editions of the show again only to receive a very curt reply saying they only show comedy and drama now and that there are lots of other music channels to choose from. However they do admit they frequently receive requests from viewers asking if they can repeat the show!!!!
It has mystified me for a long time now as to why the BBC can frequently repeat Fawlty Towers, The Good Life etc. but not repeat a single complete TOTP from their archives. It's almost like saying a dirty word.
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Post by William Martin on Nov 5, 2003 16:36:46 GMT
we have asked the same question many times  but perhaps if a bbc type person reads this and the other postings, they may |
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Post by Ian on Nov 5, 2003 17:26:22 GMT
A dirty word, yes. Although so many are missing from the early days, there are a huge number of complete TOTP to dip into. I get sick of clip compilations and TOTP2 etc. It's far more interesting to see the stuff in it's original context. It's no wonder they drag their feet at retreiving missing material as they can't even make use of the valuable resource they already DO have!
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Post by Paul Cooksley on Nov 5, 2003 19:53:32 GMT
I think I am correct in saying (and I am sure if I am wrong someone will put me right) BUT - the last time a complete edition of 'Top of the Pops' was actually repeated was during the BBC2 Christmas Past season when the whole of the Christmas 1973 edition was repeated one Saturday afternoon circa December 91/92ish? If so, this means that there hasn't been a single edition of the show repeated on terrestrial television in over 10 years.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the chart rundowns etc are dated and not current and maybe references to "next week's show" etc are not, of course relevant?? I really don't know. There is of course the Noel Edmonds rumour flying about (ie that he won't let any of his surviving editions be repeated - perhaps bourne out by the lack of his editions re-run on UK Gold when they were doing their TOTP repeat run)
Obviously, as most of us are fully aware the sixties and early seventies fare extremely badly in the BBC archives (the sixties only being represented by 4 complete editions - one of which has 'mute dj links' meaning that only 3 are transmittable in their complete state - a survival rate of only around 1% - awful) - but there are many many classic shows from Sept 1976 onwards that of course do fully survive which many of us would welcome seeing again, in their original, unedited format.
Shows like TOTP2 are all very well, but I often wish for a complete edition to be re-broadcast to try and capture some of that 'magic' from years ago. Individual performances sometimes don't do this.
I have a great many shows, recorded off air since 1987 which I am currently transferring to DVD and re-watching some of these shows, complete with chart rundowns and links makes excellent viewing - far better than TOTP2 on some occassions !
So, I hope many of you reading this, will agree, that with the show's 40th anniversary fast approaching, isn't time for the BBC to celebrate this fact by reshowing some complete classic shows - there are so many from the eighties I would personally love to see again.
As far as I know, the only TOTP birthday retrospective will be "Stars Re-united" recorded earlier this year which is being broadcast in January - apart from this, I hear that there are no other specials planned - absolutely awful considering what a powerful and influencial show TOTP is - everyone, everywhere seems to know TOTP all around the world - so come on BBC ! Be proud of it and celebrate it in style !!!!!
Hope you all agree !
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Post by Harry on Nov 5, 2003 21:01:15 GMT
It is a very long-running and notable show, as you say. The BBC are fond of celebrating TOTP anniversaries these days (one every five years or so, it seems). Just more clips though, not whole shows. It just sticks in my throat somewhat that they couldn't care less about the TOTP archive back in the days when classic acts were tripping over each other week after week on the show. What an incomparable archive that could be today.
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Post by Richard Hunter on Nov 6, 2003 9:00:02 GMT
I think I am correct in saying (and I am sure if I am wrong someone will put me right) BUT - the last time a complete edition of 'Top of the Pops' was actually repeated was during the BBC2 Christmas Past season when the whole of the Christmas 1973 edition was repeated one Saturday afternoon circa December 91/92ish? If so, this means that there hasn't been a single edition of the show repeated on terrestrial television in over 10 years. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the chart rundowns etc are dated and not current and maybe references to "next week's show" etc are not, of course relevant?? I really don't know. There is of course the Noel Edmonds rumour flying about (ie that he won't let any of his surviving editions be repeated - perhaps bourne out by the lack of his editions re-run on UK Gold when they were doing their TOTP repeat run) Obviously, as most of us are fully aware the sixties and early seventies fare extremely badly in the BBC archives (the sixties only being represented by 4 complete editions - one of which has 'mute dj links' meaning that only 3 are transmittable in their complete state - a survival rate of only around 1% - awful) - but there are many many classic shows from Sept 1976 onwards that of course do fully survive which many of us would welcome seeing again, in their original, unedited format. Shows like TOTP2 are all very well, but I often wish for a complete edition to be re-broadcast to try and capture some of that 'magic' from years ago. Individual performances sometimes don't do this. I have a great many shows, recorded off air since 1987 which I am currently transferring to DVD and re-watching some of these shows, complete with chart rundowns and links makes excellent viewing - far better than TOTP2 on some occassions ! So, I hope many of you reading this, will agree, that with the show's 40th anniversary fast approaching, isn't time for the BBC to celebrate this fact by reshowing some complete classic shows - there are so many from the eighties I would personally love to see again. As far as I know, the only TOTP birthday retrospective will be "Stars Re-united" recorded earlier this year which is being broadcast in January - apart from this, I hear that there are no other specials planned - absolutely awful considering what a powerful and influencial show TOTP is - everyone, everywhere seems to know TOTP all around the world - so come on BBC ! Be proud of it and celebrate it in style !!!!! Hope you all agree ! Well written Paul. You have endorsed my thoughts entirely. I am even considering some sort of campaign about this if I have time in the new year. |
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Post by Tim D on Nov 6, 2003 12:06:06 GMT
I've got a feeling that it's because in recent years TOTP has been developed as a brand by BBC Enterprises. By it's very nature it's a 'yoof' brand and so hauling out it's dirty laundry for all to see is probably seen as a bad thing. When you think about it, even TOTP2 sticks to brand values in it's graphic design elements. The BBC have started to market the TOTP brand internationally, so this may be a reason? Sorry to sound like some kind of marketing nut, but brands are a major part of daily life in the media business these days. And I speak from experience  I'd be interested to see a few full editions myself. |
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Post by William Martin on Nov 6, 2003 15:04:43 GMT
as its nearly xmass what about the earliest complete episode, the 2nd part of the 2 part xmass special 1967
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Post by ASM on Nov 6, 2003 15:07:45 GMT
I have asked the TOTP2 office if there's any chance of complete shows. They won't do it. The Noel Edmonds repeats - U.K gold stated he put a block on them showing any shows with him in, which is a pity as they were hoping to show xmas 72. Very sadly Mr Edmonds seems immovable (As far as I can tell) on old TOTP featuring him. ASM
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Post by Richard Hunter on Nov 6, 2003 19:54:30 GMT
ASM
Do you think it's vanity or greed on Mr Edmonds part??
I tried E-mailing him about this when he was filling in for Johnnie Walker, suprise suprise I received no reply.
Also can't the BBC technically overule him?? How did they get away with showing the Xmas 73 edition in 1991 with him presenting it with Tony Blackburn?
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Post by Neil Barker on Nov 7, 2003 9:46:15 GMT
Noel Edmonds actually made brief appearances on two of the shows repeated by UK Gold. One edition from 1976 (can't remember the date) featured both Tony Blackburn and Noel doing the intro before the chart. Also, Noel can be spotted in the background during a repeat performance of Osibisa's "Dance The Body Music" on 24/6/76.
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Post by David Brunt on Nov 7, 2003 10:55:03 GMT
ASM Do you think it's vanity or greed on Mr Edmonds part?? Also can't the BBC technically overule him?? How did they get away with showing the Xmas 73 edition in 1991 with him presenting it with Tony Blackburn? I rather suspect that it's to do with the "golden handcuff" contract Uncle Noel had with the Beeb, which prevented him appearing on shows for other channels. This was still peak "House Party" period. This would explain his appearance on the BBC2 repeat - and also as a BBC2 "DJ Heaven" subject of the same period. Obviously UK Old at that time was seen as another channel, even though Auntie had a 1/3 ownership of it. Maybe a small cameo in the Blackbum show was deemed okay, while the other slipped through unnoticed. Remember, DLT was also another no-show on the UK Old repeats for a long time - until his famous on-air resignation took him out of his BBC contract. He probably needed the money then... |
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Post by ASM on Nov 7, 2003 14:38:44 GMT
I personally feel Mr Edmonds might be Money wise, but i may be wrong. The 1973 show was screened before he laid down his conditions otherwise he would never have allowed it. Shame as the 1972 Xmas show is a beaut (Thank's Pete!) and most deserving of a repeat. ASM
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Post by mark on Nov 7, 2003 17:58:58 GMT
:DHere Here! I think we should bombared the BBC until they will.
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Post by Keith Brockway on Nov 7, 2003 20:22:55 GMT
I agree . The best Xmas TOTP were `72/`73/`74 and all existing editions deserve another airing.  |
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but perhaps if a bbc type person reads this and the other postings, they may
