The national newspapers also come from London (although in 1967, the Guardian was still largely Manchester-based) and the media world revolves around the newspapers.

The ITA was in London.  The Board, although drawn from every part of the country and advised by regional representatives, were also London-based.

So it should come as no surprise that London, of all regions, has had the most changes in ITV contractor.  The south, Yorkshire and Wales have had three companies (Southern, TVS and Meridian; Granada/ABC and Yorkshire Television; TWW/WWN, Harlech), the south-west and midlands, four (Westward, TSW, Westcountry, Carlton; ATV/ABC, Central and Carlton).

But London is king of the heap with no fewer than six - Associated-Rediffusion, ATV London, Rediffusion London, Thames Television, London Weekend Television and the ubiquitous and never-welcome Carlton.

In 1967, London was more peaceful, companywise, than this list suggests.  Only one change had occurred (not counting Associated TeleVision becoming ATV Network in 1966, which had little or no on-screen effect) when Associated-Rediffusion became Rediffusion, London in 1964.

But Lord Hill changed that.  Out went the 5 day/2 day split, in came a Monday morning to Friday evening/Friday evening to Sunday night divide.  Out went Rediffusion, London and ATV London.  And in their place?  Well, time would tell what the true definition of a London contractor was to be.  But as we join the action, the dust still hasn't settled around London's television...