6-Net
From Network Six Wiki
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6-Net was the brand used by the set of channel 6 regional broadcasters between November 2005 and early 2006. Unlike its predecessor, APFS Network, many new rules and regulations were enforced which changed the whole outlook of the network. It consisted of the most strict and challenging franchise round of all channel 6 licence applications, with many companies being pushed away. Because of these new regulations, the network gradually fell apart until it rebranded as Network Six in early 2006. Legally, its franchise licences continued into the Network Six period although many companies left the network in transition.
[edit] Changes from APFS Network
The newly re-branded Network differed from the administration of its APFS predecessor. The most prominent changes included a new, more thorough bidding process in the 2005 franchise round, which although detailed and insightful, led to the loss of some franchise holders and the creation of a pseudo-generic system, whereby Network Control broadcast the 6-Net service itself in around half the franchises. This was the first time in Network history that Network Control itself operated any franchises, and the first and only service so-far that featured generic "6-Net" branding on a large scale.
Other controversial changes included the abolition of the Director of Television position, and the closure of the APFS2 channel and other associated spin-offs. Newly formed regulations on franchise ownership, branding and programming policy led to many well-established franchise holders losing their licenses to newer, unestablished organisations.
All in all, in the 2005 franchise round, 8 franchises were taken into Network ownership, which were Borders & Isle of Man, North East, East Scotland, Scottish Highlands, West, West Country, Yorks & Lincs and the Republic of Ireland. All of these franchises recieved "6-NET" generic ident packages, often branded in the format "6-Net West", "6-Net North East" and so on.
After a period of turbulence, the network's management changed hands, and one of the first changes on the agenda was a brand change after just six months. The chosen name was "Network Six", and the new "SIX" logo was created. The Network re-branded in April 2006, and all the operational, successful franchise holders from 6-NET's 2005 franchise round continued until the 2007 franchise round; the first of its kind under Network Six.
[edit] Original franchises
The franchise period starting November 2005 was originally licensed to the following companies:
| Area | Franchise holder |
|---|---|
| Central Scotland | Clydern Television |
| North West Scotland | (no operator) |
| East Scotland | (no operator) |
| Northern Ireland | SBC6 |
| Scotland/England border and Isle of Man | (no operator) |
| North East England | (no operator) |
| Yorkshire and Lincolnshire | (no operator) |
| North West England | Venture Television |
| Wales | Vision Television |
| The Midlands | Spectrum Television / Mercia Weekend Television |
| East Anglia | TVEast |
| London Weekday | Oracle Television |
| London Weekend | EWT |
| South and South East England | TeleSouth |
| South West England | (no operator) |
| The Channel Islands | CI/TV6 |
| The National News | ANN |
| National Breakfast | 6:AM |
