Launch
From the launch of their bid for the London Weekday licence, Carlton had established its model as a 'publisher-broadcaster'. Unlike incumbent franchise holder Thames, Carlton did not own its own studios, or plan to produce its own programming.
It would buy it in, or commission other production companies to create it. This approach had worked for Channel Four, who had launched just 10 years prior, and had helped to establish and grow a number of independent production companies, and independent television studios. |
Crossroads (2001), being filmed at Studios in Nottingham.
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Carlton themselves were well established within the production industry, operating Carlton Broadcast Facilities, offering Studios, Post Production and Outside Broadcast facilities. The company also owned a 20% share in Central, a production company and ITV franchise holder in the Midlands.
Local news output would also be outsourced, with Carlton and LWT jointly owning London News Network (LNN), which would broadcast local news 7 days a week for Carlton and LWT. Transmission Facilities were also shared, with Carlton broadcasting from LWT's studios on the Southbank.
Local news output would also be outsourced, with Carlton and LWT jointly owning London News Network (LNN), which would broadcast local news 7 days a week for Carlton and LWT. Transmission Facilities were also shared, with Carlton broadcasting from LWT's studios on the Southbank.
Gameshows
Carlton made a number of gameshows,
Aquiring Central Television
In 1994, Carlton Communications acquired Central Independent Television, a year after Central had successfully retained their ITV franchise for £2000. At the time of the takeover, Carlton's original plan to run itself as a publisher broadcaster quickly changed. In buying Central, Carlton also acquired its production arm and studios.
This led to Carlton (through Central) producing popular programmes, such as Catchphrase, Supermarket Sweep, Inspector Morse, Kavanagh QC, Cadfael and Peak Practice.
This led to Carlton (through Central) producing popular programmes, such as Catchphrase, Supermarket Sweep, Inspector Morse, Kavanagh QC, Cadfael and Peak Practice.
A Production for Carlton
Carlton contributed a number of programmes to the ITV Network. The majority of their more successful programmes were launched/owned by Carlton after their Central takeover in 1994, with the new studio facilities allowing for the launch of programmes such as Catchphrase (1994-2004) and Crossroads.