The South East had always been treated badly by the BBC. During the 1970's and early 80's Nationwide presenters were used, such as Laurie Mayer and Sue Cook. There were no short bulletins, it was back to News Afternoon for the financial news, whilst the rest of the country saw news in their area.
All that changed in 1984 with the introduction of London Plus. In came the short bulletins and a dedicated set of presenters for the South East.
On Monday September 3rd 2001 with the creation of the new BBC South East Region for Kent and East Sussex, BBC London and South East became BBC London, or simply BBC LDN.
South East at Six (Nationwide)1981 South East at Six - with Laurie Mayer and Maggie Nelson.
South East at Six was presented from the Nationwide studio at BBC Lime Grove in London. It utilised for the most part Nationwide presenters.
South East at Six (Nationwide)1982 South East at Six - with Sue Cook and Laurie Mayer.
A new set of titles in 1982 (same music though).
South East (Sixty Minutes)1984 South East - with Sarah Kennedy.
The South East news magazine was incorporated into Sixty Minutes (as were the other regions). It was simply called South East. Again, the presenters were utilised from the main programme.
London Plus1984 London Plus - with Sally Magnusson and Guy Michelmore. At last, the South East gained it's own programme (although the title seemed a tad biased!) and presenters. Great set of titles and just listen to that music.
London Plus1984 Left clip - another edition (lower quality)
right clip - A sound only file from the Friday edition of London Plus, presented by Bob Wellings. Can anyone remember this version of the music?
London Plus1985 London Plus - with Jeremy Paxman and Sue Carpenter.
A fine example of how to murder a perfectly good piece of music! Why? Back to the plot, Sally had left and short term replacements included Sue Carpenter and Sarah Greene (yes, from Blue Peter!).
London Plus1988 London Plus - with Steve Clarke and Rob Curling. A new look for London Plus and the first sight of Rob Curling in the South East. This edition marked the departure of Steve Clarke to Thames Television.
Right clip - higher quality capture with Richard Bath presenting
Newsroom South East1991 / 1992 Newsroom South East - with Guy Michelmore and Deborah Hall. A complete new look for BBC South East in 1990, along with a move to Elstree in Hertfordshire. In came the newsroom, just as well since the new programme was called Newsroom South East.
Right clip - higher quality capture from 1992 with Louise Batchelor
Newsroom South East1992 / 1993 Newsroom South East - with Guy Michelmore and Louise Batchelor.
Newsroom South East from 1993. The Newsroom has had a bit of a facelift but the format remained the same.
Right clip - from 1992 a late news bulletin with Alison Jack
Newsroom South East1995 Newsroom South East - with Tim Ewart and Gwenan Edwards. OK, who stole the Newsroom? Somehow the title would never seem the same anymore. Guy left the programme to be replaced by Tim Ewart from ITN.
Newsroom South East1996 Newsroom South East - with Tim Ewart and Gwenan Edwards.
Another new set of titles for Newsroom South East in 1996. These titles somehow seem familiar, ah yes it's the music!
Newsroom South East1997 Newsroom South East - with Mike Embley and Gwenan Edwards. A very colourful set of titles introduced in 1997. Tim had returned to ITN, replaced by Mike Embley (who had previously reported for BBC Wales Today. Gwenan had previously presented for HTV Wales!), giving the programme a Welsh feel.
Newsroom South East1999 Newsroom South East - with Mike Embley and Gwenan Edwards.
The corporate look arrived at Newsroom South East in October 1999, complete with a view along the River Thames in the window. Note that despite what the announcer says it's definitely Gwenan presenting!
Newsroom South East2001 Newsroom South East - with Mike Embley. Monday 6th August 2001 saw the move of Newsroom South East to Central London and the programme broadcast in 16:9 Widescreen.
Right clip - Nina Hossain, it's the end, but the moment has been prepared for.... Sunday 30th September 2001 saw the very last bulletin from Newsroom South East.
