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Why did the BBC start to try to hide the date that programmes were made?
Richardcoulter
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I remember that programmes made in the 1970's used to end with something like "copyright BBC 1976".
At some point, they tried to make it harder to work out at a glance (meaning most people wouldn't bother) by using roman numerals instead.
Why did they do this? (At the time some people said that they were doing it to try and hide the fact that old programmes or repeats were being shown.)
Did any other broadcaster start to do this as a result of the decision made by the BBC?
Thanks.
At some point, they tried to make it harder to work out at a glance (meaning most people wouldn't bother) by using roman numerals instead.
Why did they do this? (At the time some people said that they were doing it to try and hide the fact that old programmes or repeats were being shown.)
Did any other broadcaster start to do this as a result of the decision made by the BBC?
Thanks.
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I doubt it was to "try and hide the date that the programme was made", rather it looked "smarter", and as a way of hiding the date it would suck, given that Roman numerals have been in fairly constant use for over 2000 years before the first broadcast, and from memory used to be taught in school
And the quality of the programs diminished. x.
Does knowing the age make a difference then?
M = 1000
CM = 1000 - 100 = 900
L = 50
XX = 10 and 10 = 20
VII = 5 and 1 and 1 = 7
so 1000 + 900 + 50 + 20 + 7 and you get back to 1977 easy!
And how do you come to that conclusion, that one year meant the sudden drop in quality?
Not really when at the time they were introduced, roman numerals were, and still are, commonly taught in schools.
It looks more professional, is the real reason.
the move to Roman numerals was in part to stop you working out the year
but also Audience research found that having a number you could read
detracted from the end of the Programmes -
IT was something that you eye caught on
- even when the only other thing was BBC Logo ....
.. and the audience did not like this effect!
Say what??
Granada were using roman numerals in the credits long before the 1970s.
That's not hiding.
BBC started dating all programmes in 1972; ITV companies around the same time although filmed productions might have them earlier. Some earlier programmes have had them added on retrospectively on remastering.
Yes, clear deception by the Beeb. Designed to hide the age of a programme from thick people. :rolleyes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0cSIU_u0aE
And this full episode of Generation Game, presumably from autumn 1972 with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=curoUNDYjw8
Yeah but wouldn't it be easier just to use numbers rather than Roman numerals? How would the average viewer know what they meant?
thats to do with copyright and overseas / video dvd sales - its all online if you want to read why...
If most people don't know what they mean, why should the BBC change their dating system just because other people have problems that are none of the BBC's fault nor concern?
Most people did and do know what they mean anyway, or at least were taught it.