BR
I said when they moved they should have gone for a 1999 style complete overhaul and personally I do think it's time for the theme to change or at least radically evolve. The openings are a bit of a mess now too - I would now just completely drop the animated part and just use the wide shot of the news room and then studio, perhaps adding an outdoor shot of Broadcasting House at the very beginning, but not really necessary.
BA
I think that the fact we have three very strong news brands in this country (BBC News, ITV News, and Channel 4 News) skews some people's sense of perspective. The BBC News theme tune may not have evolved much since 1999, but the Channel 4 News theme hasn't evolved much in 30 years. All three are strong pieces of music and instantly recognisable.
Moving away from the beeps could be a very poor move - if we look at ABC News in America, they moved from a highly recognisable, strident, and memorable theme tune (and by far and away the best US news theme tune), to a horrid morass of orchestral instruments that is forgettable and unauthoritative. Hans Zimmer clearly reached his peak with the Going for Gold theme tune.
This may have been mentioned in other threads but, with the move to New Broadcasting House, is it time for a new opening theme for BBC News? The current opening music has been used/rehashed constantly since 1999 and in my opinion is now sounding a little tired. In that same time ITN has had no less than five title changes. The move to NBH in my opinion constitutes a new start, what do you guys think?
I think that the fact we have three very strong news brands in this country (BBC News, ITV News, and Channel 4 News) skews some people's sense of perspective. The BBC News theme tune may not have evolved much since 1999, but the Channel 4 News theme hasn't evolved much in 30 years. All three are strong pieces of music and instantly recognisable.
Moving away from the beeps could be a very poor move - if we look at ABC News in America, they moved from a highly recognisable, strident, and memorable theme tune (and by far and away the best US news theme tune), to a horrid morass of orchestral instruments that is forgettable and unauthoritative. Hans Zimmer clearly reached his peak with the Going for Gold theme tune.
NI
Agreed 100%. One thinks of ITV News and images of Big Ben and the bongs immediately come to mind. Those elements have been fixed for decades (if initially only for News at Ten). How is that a weak branding?
BBC News could still utilise the beeps, globe and red colours in a completely new and different way and still be recognisable and authoritative to the global audience... but they seem to have got into a "rut" (for want of a better term) in which only tweaked versions of the last branding should exist. Perhaps in some years from now they will take all those familiar, recognisable elements (beeps etc) and use them to develop an exciting new on-screen identity.
I don't like all these assertions that the frequency of ITV News's rebrands constitutes a weak brand.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Agreed 100%. One thinks of ITV News and images of Big Ben and the bongs immediately come to mind. Those elements have been fixed for decades (if initially only for News at Ten). How is that a weak branding?
BBC News could still utilise the beeps, globe and red colours in a completely new and different way and still be recognisable and authoritative to the global audience... but they seem to have got into a "rut" (for want of a better term) in which only tweaked versions of the last branding should exist. Perhaps in some years from now they will take all those familiar, recognisable elements (beeps etc) and use them to develop an exciting new on-screen identity.
GE
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
SW
Agreed 100%. One thinks of ITV News and images of Big Ben and the bongs immediately come to mind. Those elements have been fixed for decades (if initially only for News at Ten). How is that a weak branding?
BBC News could still utilise the beeps, globe and red colours in a completely new and different way and still be recognisable and authoritative to the global audience... but they seem to have got into a "rut" (for want of a better term) in which only tweaked versions of the last branding should exist. Perhaps in some years from now they will take all those familiar, recognisable elements (beeps etc) and use them to develop an exciting new on-screen identity.
I agree with you on the ITV News branding, though my only gripe (and it is a minor one) is that I would use the bongs on News at Ten only, because that is the only one starting on the hour. Like many have said, the BBC beeps are essentially the BBC, they have been for many years, and I think this year's refresh is the best one since they were introduced 14 years ago. The main reason I started this thread is because I have seen BBC News titles from the 1970s and 80s and compared to them, these titles don't sound as good in my opinion, but that is just my opinion. Having also seen many ABC, CBS and NBC News bulletins, I feel the themes there are more dramatic.
I don't like all these assertions that the frequency of ITV News's rebrands constitutes a weak brand.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Agreed 100%. One thinks of ITV News and images of Big Ben and the bongs immediately come to mind. Those elements have been fixed for decades (if initially only for News at Ten). How is that a weak branding?
BBC News could still utilise the beeps, globe and red colours in a completely new and different way and still be recognisable and authoritative to the global audience... but they seem to have got into a "rut" (for want of a better term) in which only tweaked versions of the last branding should exist. Perhaps in some years from now they will take all those familiar, recognisable elements (beeps etc) and use them to develop an exciting new on-screen identity.
I agree with you on the ITV News branding, though my only gripe (and it is a minor one) is that I would use the bongs on News at Ten only, because that is the only one starting on the hour. Like many have said, the BBC beeps are essentially the BBC, they have been for many years, and I think this year's refresh is the best one since they were introduced 14 years ago. The main reason I started this thread is because I have seen BBC News titles from the 1970s and 80s and compared to them, these titles don't sound as good in my opinion, but that is just my opinion. Having also seen many ABC, CBS and NBC News bulletins, I feel the themes there are more dramatic.
BR
Bring back the lightening! 
Not saying anything I haven't posted here before but I think the 2008 revamp was a huge mistake - the swirls which preceeded that were a fantastic refresh of the 1999 branding back in around 2003 or so, but then Lambie Nairn just completely disregarded that and launched a new look which basically went back to the 1999 concept rather than move the current branding forward. That branding has now been around five years (with minor tweaks) which is a fairly long time now for news branding - and the move to Broadcasting House should have been the catalyst to really refresh the look at least. Generic branding undoubtedly holds it back too - if they didn't have the regional news bulletins to consider as well I suspect they'd have been more willing to do something with the national look when they moved.
P.S. As recognisable and familiar as the current branding is I don't think it's any better than the theme and look it replaced from the 90s - and just like that branding it is probably reaching the end of it's life span and time to move on. If done correctly there is no reason any new branding couldn't be as successful as what it replaces.
Not saying anything I haven't posted here before but I think the 2008 revamp was a huge mistake - the swirls which preceeded that were a fantastic refresh of the 1999 branding back in around 2003 or so, but then Lambie Nairn just completely disregarded that and launched a new look which basically went back to the 1999 concept rather than move the current branding forward. That branding has now been around five years (with minor tweaks) which is a fairly long time now for news branding - and the move to Broadcasting House should have been the catalyst to really refresh the look at least. Generic branding undoubtedly holds it back too - if they didn't have the regional news bulletins to consider as well I suspect they'd have been more willing to do something with the national look when they moved.
P.S. As recognisable and familiar as the current branding is I don't think it's any better than the theme and look it replaced from the 90s - and just like that branding it is probably reaching the end of it's life span and time to move on. If done correctly there is no reason any new branding couldn't be as successful as what it replaces.
Last edited by Brekkie on 29 August 2013 11:46pm
NG
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
Yes. It is a News programme. It isn't an opening titles programme.
To use an analogy, the titles and music are the window dressing. The news reports are the things for sale in the shop. Once you're in the shop you don't really notice the window dressing... And more people are going into the BBC shop than the ITN shop...
noggin
Founding member
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
Yes. It is a News programme. It isn't an opening titles programme.
To use an analogy, the titles and music are the window dressing. The news reports are the things for sale in the shop. Once you're in the shop you don't really notice the window dressing... And more people are going into the BBC shop than the ITN shop...
JA
Also, two of ITV News's rebrands were forced on them by a change in the corporate ITV logo.
I don't like all these assertions that the frequency of ITV News's rebrands constitutes a weak brand.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Also, two of ITV News's rebrands were forced on them by a change in the corporate ITV logo.
CA
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
Yes. It is a News programme. It isn't an opening titles programme.
To use an analogy, the titles and music are the window dressing. The news reports are the things for sale in the shop. Once you're in the shop you don't really notice the window dressing... And more people are going into the BBC shop than the ITN shop ...
Indeed The BBC One O' clock news is now watched by more than ITV News at Ten.
That's embarrassing given it's heritage. The collapse of the ITV news brand has also had knock on effects for the network. Look at Daybreak's ratings!
Delusional, the constant rebrands, revamps and updates are all the hallmarks of a failing brand. I don't see Coca Cola change colours 5-6 times in a decade. PUT your ITV fanboyism aside and deal with the facts and figures.
Indeed the disconnect between the general public and this forum seems to grow bigger every day.
I know what you mean Cando, I have spoken to several members of the public who haven't even noticed the change of studios. All they seem to care about is the presenter MCU and the content.
C
Yes. It is a News programme. It isn't an opening titles programme.
To use an analogy, the titles and music are the window dressing. The news reports are the things for sale in the shop. Once you're in the shop you don't really notice the window dressing... And more people are going into the BBC shop than the ITN shop ...
Indeed The BBC One O' clock news is now watched by more than ITV News at Ten.
That's embarrassing given it's heritage. The collapse of the ITV news brand has also had knock on effects for the network. Look at Daybreak's ratings!
I don't like all these assertions that the frequency of ITV News's rebrands constitutes a weak brand.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Actually, ITV News has the longest and strongest branding of all the news networks. The association with Big Ben, the Bongs, the Awakening theme tune has been a constant since 1967. The BBC beeps, colour palette and place names only date from 1999 - a mere baby when compared to ITV News.
People seem to be missing the point that ITV has kept these branding elements and tweaked them over the decades to suit changing tastes and I think they have done this extremely well on a tiny budget - the current ITV News branding is very clean, modern and is light years ahead of the BBC's dated branding.
And let's not forget that BBC News has had just as many rebrands/refreshes this century as ITV News. The first post-1999 refresh came in 2003, then 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. And many other programmes and channels have had tweaks in between - for instance you can add 2002 for BBC World.
So I think it's unfair to say that ITV News has had more rebrands and refreshes than BBC News as it's simply not true.
Delusional, the constant rebrands, revamps and updates are all the hallmarks of a failing brand. I don't see Coca Cola change colours 5-6 times in a decade. PUT your ITV fanboyism aside and deal with the facts and figures.
CA
Why would we want to totally change one of the strongest and most iconic pieces of music and brand in the history of BBC News which is recognised around the globe.
It's globally recognised and trusted and helps reinforce the solid work that our journalists do day in and day out.
This. As I said previously TV forumers would advise Coca Cola to drop the red and embrace teal. They would tell the International Olympic committee that the 'rings' looked tired .
This may have been mentioned in other threads but, with the move to New Broadcasting House, is it time for a new opening theme for BBC News? The current opening music has been used/rehashed constantly since 1999 and in my opinion is now sounding a little tired. In that same time ITN has had no less than five title changes. The move to NBH in my opinion constitutes a new start, what do you guys think?
Why would we want to totally change one of the strongest and most iconic pieces of music and brand in the history of BBC News which is recognised around the globe.
It's globally recognised and trusted and helps reinforce the solid work that our journalists do day in and day out.
This. As I said previously TV forumers would advise Coca Cola to drop the red and embrace teal. They would tell the International Olympic committee that the 'rings' looked tired
.