The 1970s

This was a violent decade during which Northern Ireland remained the focus of international media attention. A generation of young journalists, many of whom went on to become household names on the BBC and elsewhere, learned their craft covering some of the most horrific events of the Troubles. At the beginning of the decade, the BBC broadcast the first Nine O'Clock News.

Later came Ceefax, the world's first teletext service. BBC Radio Ulster began broadcasting in 1975 and BBC Radio Foyle followed in 1979. Also in 1979, a team from Panorama filmed an IRA roadblock at Carrickmore. The footage was never shown but it led to a political row and to a tightening by the BBC of managerial referral on issues relating to Northern Ireland.