Newsroom (BBC programme) Newsroom (BBC programme) Newsroom was the BBC2 channel's main news programme during the 1960s and early 1970s. The programme began on the day BBC2 started transmission, 20 April 1964 and continued until 1973. The programme was initially broadcast late at night (after 10.30pm) but was moved to a 7.30 - 8.00pm time-slot in 1968. The schedule change was followed by a switch from monochrome to colour transmission; "Newsroom" was, in fact, the first British news programme to be shown in colour. Until September 1969 it originated from BBC News Studio A at Alexandra Palace, and after this date from Studio
BBC Choice and Two programming as well as original programming such as "Backstage", which took viewers on a tour of the BBC every episode. The channel also provided exclusive coverage of music festivals such as Glastonbury and extended live coverage of sport, for when either BBC One or Two have to end their coverage early or their schedules are unable to provide live sport action. BBC Choice also introduced an innovative programme format known as 'Hotlink', which expanded on popular shows. Examples included "Watchdog Extra", where viewers could contact the show by phone or e-mail with either questions or feedback on the