ATN Channel 7 1956 to 1987
'The Golden Age of Television'
You're welcome to contribute to this website with images, anecdotes and your story.ContactATN commenced transmission on 2 December 1956.
My employment started almost a generation later in 1966, as a stagehand. The years prior can be considered the 'pioneering days' or more of a progression from radio and stage to moving pictures. In fact, most of the 'stars' of that time were established in radio and theatre. Prime examples would be Jack Davey, Bob and Dolly Dyer. Howard Craven, Eric Baume. In fact, many of the original tech and production crews from the station's opening were still there a decade later at the start of my employment! From the sixties on, it was down to business, not so much in money terms but in the production and programming of some great shows. Revue 61, 62, with Digby Wolfe, The Mavis Bramston Show and the specialised outside broadcasts for car enthusiasts, Bathurst 500 (miles back then) and tennis and rugby for sports fans. It set the pattern for another generation of highly skilled production crews. All in glorious black and white! Such an amazing time to be part of what is now television history. Mal Hamilton Follow and contribute to whatever generation you worked at Seven - onward to the sixties!
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The 50s from 1956
THE PIONEERS
Many in this category have passed. There's bound to be a lot to be added, please send images and information to [email protected]
Dawn Kenyon 1932-2024 Producer/Presenter - Sydney Morning Herald Obituary
Max Drummond (passed) Technical Director Studio and OBs
Ailsa McPherson Ailsa McPherson (1936 - 2015) Director's Assistant, Director.
Philip Berry (passed 2017) Cameraman, Director
Doug Hampson (passed 2018) Senior Cameraman
Kevin Sanders (passed 2024) Newsreader Obituary TV Tonight
Other names that require information and images. Please send to [email protected] Please ID the decade of images.
John Dease, Bob Dyer, Eric Baume, Marconi OB van, Graham Ware, Peter Grey, Murray Stevenson, "Dutch" Alexander, Gordon Flint, opening of Studio A, John Culliton, Johnny Marco, Hugh Taylor, Alan MacKnight, Peter Macfarlane, Jim Oswin, Len Manger, Brian Wright, Tommy Tycho, Reg Robinson, Tommy Spence, Leonie Goosens, kine recording unit, Marconi tv camera, John Innes, Brett Porter, Chris Beard, George Greely, Tony Culliton.
Max Drummond (passed) Technical Director Studio and OBs
Ailsa McPherson Ailsa McPherson (1936 - 2015) Director's Assistant, Director.
Philip Berry (passed 2017) Cameraman, Director
Doug Hampson (passed 2018) Senior Cameraman
Kevin Sanders (passed 2024) Newsreader Obituary TV Tonight
Other names that require information and images. Please send to [email protected] Please ID the decade of images.
John Dease, Bob Dyer, Eric Baume, Marconi OB van, Graham Ware, Peter Grey, Murray Stevenson, "Dutch" Alexander, Gordon Flint, opening of Studio A, John Culliton, Johnny Marco, Hugh Taylor, Alan MacKnight, Peter Macfarlane, Jim Oswin, Len Manger, Brian Wright, Tommy Tycho, Reg Robinson, Tommy Spence, Leonie Goosens, kine recording unit, Marconi tv camera, John Innes, Brett Porter, Chris Beard, George Greely, Tony Culliton.
The 60s
Pick A Box - Studio A - June 1967
photographs by Victor Johnston (State Library NSW)
Familiar Faces of the 60's
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Doug Hampson often appointed nicknames to some members of the crew, I recall being 'teeba' as in TBA on the roster. Here's a few that you might be able to put the real names to: 'Buster', 'Rocker', 'Darby', 'Prima', 'Spud', 'Tyre', 'Marbles', 'The Brain', 'Mother', 'Fruity', 'Jacko', 'Red', 'Clem', 'P.O.B', 'Jimbo', 'the big tart' (I don't think he was referring to a canteen cake). |
The 70s
The first concert at the Sydney Opera House - January 1970.
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YouTube link from tech Kevin Riley (he worked on the OB) https://youtu.be/9nnW0FzKifE?si=0zhs8hlSfkBFJQCS
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Familiar Faces of the 70's
The 80s - to 1987
