[Bluecortina]

Carlton and GMTV could be certain as it come from Kent house LWT operations where already in full swing. Meridian took over Southampton TVS offices so again they would be sure.

The one company which could appeal to this "Westcountry" as it was coming from outside the area.

Yes, the LNN transmission suite at LWT was pretty much fully operational about a month before the actual date and rehearsals were in full swing, as indeed were LNN News. GMTV were also rehearsing (in real time as I recall) a few weeks before coming on air. Carlton of course only had a promotions suite at LWT and TX their tapes were handed over to LNN for transmission or programming actually broadcast live as required (obviously).

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Bear in mind video recordings of these handovers are exaggerated - it wouldn't have been that obvious at the time on a TV set.

As to how long Thames kept "broadcasting" - probably no longer than they really had to, wouldn't be surprised if they ceased transmission at one minute past midnight.

There were a couple of videos posted on Twitter/X/whatever its called this week that was recorded on Thames's final night as viewed from the broadcast gallery, but as you can't do anything on X now without signing up, can't look to find them. I can't remember if the output screen was captured after midnight on those videos.

Thames could continue 'broadcasting' as long as they liked after midnight. Their legal licence/ franchise to broadcast stopped abruptly at midnight so it wouldn't have gone anywhere.