That’s Media Group and Tony Blackburn to launch new TV channel dedicated to the ‘swinging’ 60s

He was the first ever presenter on Radio 1 and became known for describing his favourite songs as “sensational”.

Now, over 55 years later, Tony Blackburn will become the first presenter on That’s 60s, a brand new TV channel dedicated to the 1960s, which is being launched by Manchester outfit That’s Media Group.

“And good morning everyone. Welcome to the exciting new sound of Radio 1,” were the immortal first words spoken by Tony Blackburn when he launched Radio 1 in September 1967.

Now the TV and radio personality has agreed to present the first show on That’s 60s when it launches tonight (Friday, January 6) at 6pm.

Blackburn has chosen Flowers in the Rain by The Move as the first song to be played on That’s 60s in a nod to his historic first Radio 1 show, where Flowers in the Rain was the first single played on the station.

That’s 60s bills itself as the first ever TV channel in the UK focused on the music of the ‘swinging’ 60s.

That’s 60s will broadcast round-the-clock with performances from the artists of the era and some special curated shows hosted by legends who lived through the decade.

Whilst music videos were not always produced by recording artists until later decades, That’s 60s plans to show many live band performances made for TV shows around the world during the 60s.

That’s 60’s Head of Programming, Kris Vaiksalu, said: “We’re excited to be able to showcase some of the greatest bands in pop history.

"That’s 60s will tap into the 60s spirit with performances of the songs which we all grew up listening to.

"There was a real sense of hope and idealism in the 60s which is infectious when you watch the acts of the time.

"Many of these performances are of real historic interest, reflecting the 60s pop revolution.

"For those who were there, this is a chance to reminisce about their favourite acts and relive a time when love was in the air and flowers in the hair!”

Tony Blackburn, who celebrates his 80th birthday later this month, was quick to agree to be the launch presenter of That’s 60s.

He said: “I loved the 60s because I was young and I was having a ball.

"I was a singer in a dance band in Bournemouth, then I went on to be a DJ on Radio Caroline, Big L Radio London and Radio Luxembourg and I opened up Radio 1.

"On That’s 60s I’ll be playing some of the wonderful music we had and talking all about it.

"I mean it’s the 60s – what more could you ask! It’s the best decade ever!”

That’s 60s is targeting viewers who lived through the 60s, or were born in later decades and brought up listening to the music of their parents.

The new channel is being launched as a sister service to archive TV channel That’s TV, which also broadcasts nationally.

Other special show hosts on That’s 60s will include David ‘Diddy’ Hamilton, who was part of the Radio 1 presenting line-up alongside Blackburn in its first decade.

Hamilton has also compered live theatre shows by some of the best-selling artists of all time including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

That’s 60s has also signed-up ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris to present shows.

Harris presented the Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC Two where he met and struck up friendships with some of the biggest selling artists of all time.

That’s 60s will broadcast across the UK on Freeview channel 75, Sky channel 366 and Freesat channel 506.

That’s 60s will be funded by commercial advertising, with all of its breaks already fully-sold at launch.

That’s 60s parent company, That’s Media Group, will continue to broadcast its original channel, That’s TV, on Freeview channel 65, Sky channel 183 and Freesat channel 178.

That's TV also broadcasts in 20 regions of the UK on Freeview channel 7 or 8.

The network has grown to be one of the most popular nostalgic entertainment networks in the UK, regularly watched by around four million viewers per month (source: BARB).

Classic shows recently broadcast on That’s TV include The Benny Hill Show, The Goodies, The Kenny Everett Video Show, Till Death Us Do Part and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.