We reach into the heart of the community. Northern Ireland’s rural traditions, farming industry and communities have always been important. The first documentary produced by BBC Northern Ireland, in 1955, was called Family Farm. Later there were series: Country Window led to Land ‘n Larder, then Farm View and more recently, the broader-based Country Times. And we got a bird’s eye view of landscape and people in Sky High. Family life, the work of local hospitals, doctors and fire-fighters have all featured in documentary programmes. Northern Ireland The digital age began for local television in 1998 with BBC Choice. It was followed in 2001 by BBC TWO NI. Its programmes for, and about, Northern Ireland can be watched by digital viewers everywhere. Technology has made the local, global. The BBC’s local Digital service has been joined by BBC Three and BBC Four.And let’s not forget CBBC and Cbeebies. At the beginning of 1999, the number of ‘digital homes’ was 1%. Today, almost 40% of us have access to digital television on satellite, cable and Freeview. One channel has been replaced by many, and television has become interactive, with viewers being able to choose their own camera angles and programme schedules. Television has changed from a tiny and experimental affair to a mass medium watched by millions. Much has changed in the journey from black and white to digital wide-screen. But the BBC’s commitment to putting audiences first, and to making the best of everything available to everyone, has remained constant. Informing, educating, entertaining and connecting with audiences are as important now as when it all began. Here’s to 50yrs of innovation and achievement, and to making good the promise of public service television for a new generation. Other traditions such as Ulster Scots have been recognised in documentaries. And our programmes continue to reflect the changing multi-cultural nature of life in Northern Ireland. We learn about each other from each other. BBC television has allowed us to explore, and better understand, the world around us. Arts and music programmes have celebrated and nurtured local artistic talent. From thoughtful documentaries on Seamus Heaney and T.P.Flanagan to breathtaking spectaculars like Proms In The Park, and from Gallery to Musical Traditions and First Stop, BBC television has reflected the diversity and changing nature of the arts in Northern Ireland. BBCNI has a unique role at the heart of community life and creativity. It works hard to understand, and be responsive to, the needs of local audiences. Constant research, public meetings, telephone calls and letters all keep programme-makers in touch with what viewers think.The BBC Governors ensure that the public interest is at the heart of everything that the BBC does.Their work in Northern Ireland is assisted by the Broadcasting Council. It monitors BBC output, performance and expenditure and helps to make the Corporation properly accountable to local licence-fee payers. The BBC has made a significant contribution in a great many ways to Northern Ireland life over the past 50 years. We reach the community in all sorts of ways, and do so live, every night. In 1957, the first permanent outside broadcast facilities arrived. In 1994, the first satellite van made its appearance. Now, live links from anywhere in Northern Ireland are a vital part of news coverage. A television studio is an integral part of BBCNI facilities in Foyle. In addition, there are BBC Newsline correspondents in Coleraine, Londonderry,Armagh and Enniskillen. BBC Northern Ireland’s Drama Department is one of the most vibrant and productive in the UK. Since the first locally produced drama in the 1970s, Stewart Parker’s Catchpenny Twist,output has expanded enormously. BBCNI now develops, finances and produces 17 hours of drama each year for Network audiences. Ballykissangel, Messiah and Eureka Street have all attracted critical acclaim. Local writers, actors and technicians have all benefited. As have our audiences. Schools’ programmes, have been a defining feature of BBC television in Northern Ireland. Generations have grown up in the company of Ulster in Focus. Today’s youngsters continue to learn about the world through Primary Focus and a range of interactive educational resources. Now You’re Talking was a unique project, our first Irish language learning series on television. 1983 – BBC Northern Ireland creates a Youth Programmes Unit, aimed at young people aged 15- 21.And Breakfast Time starts. 1984 – Inside Ulster replaces Scene Around Six. 1986 – At The Edge of the Union, a documentary about Gregory Campbell and Martin McGuinness, causes political controversy. 1988 – The Government introduces the Broadcasting Ban. Actors’ voices replace those of Gerry Adams and others. 1992 – BBCNI and RTE co-produce Go For It, a new talent series. 1994 – First satellite van for news-gathering in Northern Ireland. 1996 – Newsline 6.30 replaces Inside Ulster.Town Challenge begins. 1999 – BBC celebrates 20 years of Children in Need. 1998 – There is marathon coverage of the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement.The digital television service begins. 1995 – The Hole In The Wall Gang make their television debut with the satirical Two Ceasefires And A Wedding.There is a massive outside broadcast operation as the Clintons come to Northern Ireland. Patrick Kielty is given his own programme, PK Tonight. 1989 – Television from the House of Commons begins. The Broadcasting Act is introduced. It requires that 25 per cent of programmes should be made by independent producers. 1990 2000 2003 A BBCNI documentary on the Rev Dr Ian Paisley is the most watched television programme in this year, with almost 60% of the viewing population. 2002 – The launch of FREEVIEW,the BBC’s free to air digital service, which includes Northern Ireland’s own digital channel, BBC 2NI. Give My Head Peace celebrates its 50th episode. Children in Need stages its largest concert event for 10,000 people in the Odyssey Arena and Proms in the Park comes to Belfast. BBC Three begins.And BBCNI marks 50 years of television with a special series of programmes. MONITOR MONITOR