Early Years Of Ulster Television 'Exposed'

A new book exposing the early years of Ulster Television has just been launched.
Broadcaster and journalist Anne Hailes (pictured) - who has 50 years experience in broadcasting and print journalism in Northern Ireland - has written Standby Studio, which covers fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of UTV from the morning she joined the company in October 1959 through her early career to the high tech operation of the 21st century.
The book was published to coincide with the golden anniversary of the company which began broadcasting 50 years ago on Hallowee'n night 1959.
Anne's book allows the memories and reminiscences of her interviews and her own experiences to unpack like a Russian doll so one story leads into another as a seamless and fascinating journey into recent history.
She relates her personal stories with such warmth and charm, that Standby Studio reads like a conversation with old friend reminding the reader of golden moments that they may have forgotten and invites young friends to glimpse into a fascinating time never to be repeated.
Anne said: "I was motivated to write this book having read A Life in Television by Dr. Brum Henderson, the former managing director and chairman.
"It was very much a view from the boardroom and I wanted to tell the story from the studio floor reflecting the exciting people who made and took part in the programmes and to set the impact of the new station in a wider social context."
But Standby Studio is about much more than the technicalities of the beginnings of a television station as Anne has created an engaging mix of her own memories, starting work as a 17-year-old clerk typist to her appointment as a production assistant a couple of years later.
This brought her in contact with the celebrities of the day and her book includes recent interviews with stars who appeared on Ulster Television - Bruce Forsythe, Patrick Moore, hero rally driver Paddy Hopkirk as well as musician Liam Clancy and two generations of musical legends The McPeakes and their friendship with John Lennon.
"My most memorable moment was meeting Adam Faith at Nutt's Corner Airport. He was at the height of his fame and I was sent to meet him and accompany him to the studios in Havelock House," she enthused.
As a master storyteller, Anne cleverly interweaves the fabric of the social history of the time, both at home and abroad, into and around the story of how Ulster Television's broadcasting foundations were laid.
She also looks at the relationship between the brand new independent television station and the established broadcaster BBC and the growing friendship with RTÉ.
As the television station held up a mirror to the society it was serving, so Anne has managed to reflect back the rich tapestry of Irish society, both north and south, during the early 1960s.
Standby Studio is also packed with photographs showing some very young looking celebrities at the start of their careers.
Published by Shanway Press. £10. Phone 02890222070 for copies, post free.
(BMcC/KMcA)