What a promise!  However, Granada was right - they're still there more than 30 years later.

Granada's boast in the Liverpool Echo of 29 July 1968 was that it was taking over (in one half of the region) from ABC.  Whilst this meant the original compilers of the Transdiffusion archives were distraught, it was actually to be the making of Granada's presentation.

Granada's reputation for being dour and 'northern' in everything they did was fairly well - and hard - earned.  Their presentation was also dour, without pizzazz or sparkle.  That's not to say it was bad - it was just reflective of a certain view of the north.

When ABC's overshadowing presentation disappeared from the region in July 68, it was as if a great weight had been lifted off the presentation department's shoulders.  Whilst they did not immediately turn into anything as highly-polished as, say, Sky One, they suddenly began to let their hair down.  The presentation became less formal, more friendly, the announcers more knowing and jokey.

Although Granada's presentation changed after ABC was gone, it still held on to some of the reserve of the former times.  But without the rival in their own area, they were visibly more comfortable.