Southern Television broadcast intrusion (lost real-time footage of television hijack; 1977): Difference between revisions

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|title=<center>Southern Television hijacking</center>
|title=<center>Southern Television hijacking</center>
|image=Hanningtontransmitter.jpg
|image=Hanningtontransmitter.jpg
|imagecaption=The Hannington transmitter, which was hijacked in 1977
|imagecaption=The Hannington transmitter, which was hijacked in 1977.
|status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
}}
}}
The '''Southern Television hijacking''' was a television intrusion incident that occurred on 26 November 1977, at 5:10 p.m. The hijack managed to override the UHF audio signal transmitted by the Hannington transmitter, while distorting the UHF video signal that was transmitting ITN News with news reporter Andrew Gardner.  
The '''Southern Television hijacking''' was a television intrusion incident that occurred on November 26th, 1977, at 5:10 p.m. The hijack managed to override the UHF audio signal transmitted by the Hannington transmitter while distorting the UHF video signal that was transmitting ITN News with news reporter Andrew Gardner.  


==Details==
==Details==
The pirate broadcast involved an individual (whose name is disputed, being known as “Vrillon” or “Asteron”) claiming to be a representative of an "Intergalactic Association", warning viewers to be at peace with each other, and to remove all “weapons of evil”. According to several initial reports, the transcript was as follows:
Following the hijack, there was no agreed-upon version of the pirate broadcast's content, save that it involved an individual claiming to be an alien - variously remembered as "Gillon", "Vrillon" or "Asteron" - calling himself a representative of an "Intergalactic Association" and briefly warning viewers that they only had a short time to either learn to live in peace and remove all "weapons of evil", or end up leaving the galaxy altogether.<ref>[http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Olive/APA/collegian/sharedpages/SharedView.Page.aspx?sk=F2A1959A&href=DCG%2F1977%2F12%2F02&page=18 'Galatic' hoax startles viewers]</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S6AFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BDMDAAAAIBAJ&dq=&pg=1860%2C4460747 Mysterious broadcast from 'outer space']</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KgkQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YY8DAAAAIBAJ&dq=&pg=5086%2C3662230 British viewers hear 'message']</ref>  
<blockquote>This is the voice of Asteron. I am an authorised representative of the Intergalactic Mission, and I have a message for the planet Earth. We are beginning to enter the period of Aquarius and there are many corrections which have to be made by Earth people. All your weapons of evil must be destroyed. You have only a short time to learn to live together in peace. You must live in peace... or leave the galaxy.<ref>[http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Olive/APA/collegian/sharedpages/SharedView.Page.aspx?sk=F2A1959A&href=DCG%2F1977%2F12%2F02&page=18 'Galatic' hoax startles viewers]</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S6AFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BDMDAAAAIBAJ&dq=&pg=1860%2C4460747 Mysterious broadcast from 'outer space']</ref><ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KgkQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YY8DAAAAIBAJ&dq=&pg=5086%2C3662230 British viewers hear 'message']</ref></blockquote>


However, in his 2009 book ''2012 A Family Brief: The Science is all in'', Robert Horton disputes this transcript, instead stating that the real transcript was much longer:
Ultimately, the message was much longer and (coincidentally or not) referenced several core tenets of the New Age spiritual movement, claiming that mankind was on the verge of entering a new Age of Aquarius if only they would eschew the evils of commerce and instead open their hearts and minds to the universe's 'cosmic truth and love.' <ref>Horton, Robert L. (2009). [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=HKIS-wQ0tXoC&pg=PA229&dq=2012+A+Family+Brief:+The+Science+is+all+in+vrillon&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh4fqWvvDfAhUGTBUIHWTPAusQ6AEIKjAA#v=onepage&q=2012%20A%20Family%20Brief%3A%20The%20Science%20is%20all%20in%20vrillon&f=false 2012 A Family Brief: The Science is all in]</ref> The speech lasted around six minutes, with the audio returning to normal during an episode of Looney Tunes. The hijacker’s identity remains unknown.  
 
<blockquote>This is the voice of Vrillon, a representative of the Ashtar Galactic Command, speaking to you. For many years you have seen us as lights in the skies. We speak to you now in peace and wisdom as we have done to your brothers and sisters all over this, your planet Earth. We come to warn you of the destiny of your race and your world so that you may communicate to your fellow beings the course you must take to avoid the disaster which threatens your world, and the beings on our worlds around you. This is in order that you may share in the great awakening, as the planet passes into the New Age of Aquarius. The New Age can be a time of great peace and evolution for your race, but only if your rulers are made aware of the evil forces that can overshadow their judgments. Be still now and listen, for your chance may not come again. All your weapons of evil must be removed. The time for conflict is now past and the race of which you are a part may proceed to the higher stages of its evolution if you show yourselves worthy to do this. You have but a short time to learn to live together in peace and goodwill. Small groups all over the planet are learning this, and exist to pass on the light of the dawning New Age to you all. You are free to accept or reject their teachings, but only those who learn to live in peace will pass to the higher realms of spiritual evolution. Hear now the voice of Vrillon, a representative of the Ashtar Galactic Command, speaking to you. Be aware also that there are many false prophets and guides at present operating on your world. They will suck your energy from you – the energy you call money and will put it to evil ends and give you worthless dross in return. Your inner divine self will protect you from this. You must learn to be sensitive to the voice within that can tell you what is truth, and what is confusion, chaos and untruth. Learn to listen to the voice of truth which is within you and you will lead yourselves onto the path of evolution. This is our message to our dear friends. We have watched you growing for many years as you too have watched our lights in your skies. You know now that we are here, and that there are more beings on and around your Earth than your scientists admit. We are deeply concerned about you and your path towards the light and will do all we can to help you. Have no fear, seek only to know yourselves, and live in harmony with the ways of your planet Earth. We of the Ashtar Galactic Command thank you for your attention. We are now leaving the planes of your existence. May you be blessed by the supreme love and truth of the cosmos.<ref>Horton, Robert L. (2009). [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=HKIS-wQ0tXoC&pg=PA229&dq=2012+A+Family+Brief:+The+Science+is+all+in+vrillon&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh4fqWvvDfAhUGTBUIHWTPAusQ6AEIKjAA#v=onepage&q=2012%20A%20Family%20Brief%3A%20The%20Science%20is%20all%20in%20vrillon&f=false 2012 A Family Brief: The Science is all in]</ref></blockquote>
The speech ended after six minutes, with the audio returning to normal during an episode of Looney Tunes. The hijacker’s identity remains unknown.  


==Availability==
==Availability==
Although recreations of the hijacking can be easily found on YouTube, the actual audio and footage of the event are lost<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/4dafoe/who_was_vrillon_the_southern_television_broadcast/ Who was "Vrillon"? - The Southern Television Broadcast Intrusion]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/59wgtq/is_this_the_original_vrillon_audio_recording_from/|Is this the original Vrillon audio recording from 1977?]</ref>. One recording of the actual event may exist, however. During an interview with Sir John Whitmore on LBC in December 1977, Whitmore claimed to have viewed a recording of the complete hijacking, stating:
There was some confusion regarding what media of this broadcast intrusion was missing. For years, it was assumed that both the audio and the footage of it occurring in real-time were publicly available, thanks to a frequently circulated video. However, the commonly seen video is a fake. Evidence confirming this includes how the reporter in the video is Cliff Michelmore during a report for local Southern television news, rather than Andrew Gardner reporting for ITN News. Additionally, a Cartoon Network logo can be seen in the Looney Tunes footage, despite the channel not even existing until 1992.<ref>[https://tvforum.uk/tvhome/40-years-1-day-43147 ''TV Forum'' post, which debunked the circulated video and provided further information regarding the intrusion.] Retrieved 18 Apr '21</ref> Ultimately, no known footage of the event occurring has been found.<ref>[https://reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/4dafoe/who_was_vrillon_the_southern_television_broadcast/ Who was "Vrillon"? - The Southern Television Broadcast Intrusion]</ref><ref>[https://reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/59wgtq/is_this_the_original_vrillon_audio_recording_from/|Is this the original Vrillon audio recording from 1977?]</ref>
 
<blockquote>I'd first like to refer to the recording itself of the complete message, one thing that struck me was that there was in fact nothing threatening whatsoever on the tape, and I was aware that most of the newspaper reports said it was threatening and frightening and so on, and so forth, and I just want to point out that that's sort-of a projection of the fears onto the material itself rather than the reality.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110825124949/http://radio.bufvc.ac.uk/lbc/index.php/segment/0018800437019 Space message on Southern TV]</ref></blockquote>


However, the recording, if it still exists, has never been accessible for public viewing.  
However, the broadcast intrusion's audio has been found. On August 16th, 2008, YouTuber ParaNormal uploaded both the intrusion and two news reports concerning the incident.<ref>[https://youtu.be/9Y9SxwbFK0w YouTube clip with the full audio.] Retrieved 18 Apr '21</ref> A higher quality version was also available on the MB21 website.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190129170825/http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/hannington/spacemessage-offair.mp3 Archived MB21 page, which provided a higher quality version of the audio.] Retrieved 18 Apr '21</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Videos===
{{Video|perrow  =1
{{Video|perrow  =1
   |service1    =youtube
   |service1    =youtube
   |id1          =l6Wpwvf7M_w
   |id1          =9Y9SxwbFK0w
   |description1 =Recreation of the hijack, utilising Horton's transcript
   |description1 =Audio of the hijack.
}}
}}
===Images===
<gallery mode=packed heights=500px>
File:Southernvrillontvguide.jpg|TV guide showcasing Southern Television's content on the day. The hijack occurred when Southern Television was broadcasting the London feed and ended during its Cartoons slot.
</gallery>
==See Also==
*[[Captain Midnight (partially lost test intrusion footage of television hijacks; 1986)]]
*[[Lucky Seven (lost TV intrusion footage for unused "Channel 7" TV channel; 1978)]]
*[[Max Headroom Television Hijacking (lost audio from first transmission; existence unconfirmed; 1987)]]
*[[Playboy Channel religious message (lost footage of television hijack; 1987)]]
*[[Telewizja Solidarnosc (lost footage of Polish television hijack; 1985)]]
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Lost audio]]
[[Category:Lost recordings of real incidents]]
[[Category:Lost recordings of real incidents]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category: Historic]]
[[Category:Historic]]
[[Category:Completely lost media]]

Latest revision as of 14:56, 23 October 2023

Hanningtontransmitter.jpg

The Hannington transmitter, which was hijacked in 1977.

Status: Lost

The Southern Television hijacking was a television intrusion incident that occurred on November 26th, 1977, at 5:10 p.m. The hijack managed to override the UHF audio signal transmitted by the Hannington transmitter while distorting the UHF video signal that was transmitting ITN News with news reporter Andrew Gardner.

Details

Following the hijack, there was no agreed-upon version of the pirate broadcast's content, save that it involved an individual claiming to be an alien - variously remembered as "Gillon", "Vrillon" or "Asteron" - calling himself a representative of an "Intergalactic Association" and briefly warning viewers that they only had a short time to either learn to live in peace and remove all "weapons of evil", or end up leaving the galaxy altogether.[1][2][3]

Ultimately, the message was much longer and (coincidentally or not) referenced several core tenets of the New Age spiritual movement, claiming that mankind was on the verge of entering a new Age of Aquarius if only they would eschew the evils of commerce and instead open their hearts and minds to the universe's 'cosmic truth and love.' [4] The speech lasted around six minutes, with the audio returning to normal during an episode of Looney Tunes. The hijacker’s identity remains unknown.

Availability

There was some confusion regarding what media of this broadcast intrusion was missing. For years, it was assumed that both the audio and the footage of it occurring in real-time were publicly available, thanks to a frequently circulated video. However, the commonly seen video is a fake. Evidence confirming this includes how the reporter in the video is Cliff Michelmore during a report for local Southern television news, rather than Andrew Gardner reporting for ITN News. Additionally, a Cartoon Network logo can be seen in the Looney Tunes footage, despite the channel not even existing until 1992.[5] Ultimately, no known footage of the event occurring has been found.[6][7]

However, the broadcast intrusion's audio has been found. On August 16th, 2008, YouTuber ParaNormal uploaded both the intrusion and two news reports concerning the incident.[8] A higher quality version was also available on the MB21 website.[9]

Gallery

Videos

Audio of the hijack.

Images

  • TV guide showcasing Southern Television's content on the day. The hijack occurred when Southern Television was broadcasting the London feed and ended during its Cartoons slot.

    TV guide showcasing Southern Television's content on the day. The hijack occurred when Southern Television was broadcasting the London feed and ended during its Cartoons slot.

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 'Galatic' hoax startles viewers
  2. ↑ Mysterious broadcast from 'outer space'
  3. ↑ British viewers hear 'message'
  4. ↑ Horton, Robert L. (2009). 2012 A Family Brief: The Science is all in
  5. ↑ TV Forum post, which debunked the circulated video and provided further information regarding the intrusion. Retrieved 18 Apr '21
  6. ↑ Who was "Vrillon"? - The Southern Television Broadcast Intrusion
  7. ↑ this the original Vrillon audio recording from 1977?
  8. ↑ YouTube clip with the full audio. Retrieved 18 Apr '21
  9. ↑ Archived MB21 page, which provided a higher quality version of the audio. Retrieved 18 Apr '21
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