In an alternate universe, the transition from Television South West (TSW) to Westcountry TV in 1993 was marked by a remarkable continuity of tradition and legacy. Unlike in our reality, where TSW’s identity and brand were largely replaced, this universe saw Westcountry TV preserving and building upon many of the cherished elements of TSW, creating a hybrid that honored the past while embracing the future.

Historical Context:

As the franchise changes loomed in the early 1990s, the communities served by TSW were apprehensive about losing a familiar and beloved broadcaster. In this alternate timeline, Westcountry TV, recognizing the deep connection between TSW and its audience, decided to retain many of TSW’s signature features, viewing this continuity as both a strategic advantage and a nod to cultural heritage.

Logo and Branding:

Rather than introducing a completely new logo, Westcountry TV merged elements of its identity with iconic TSW imagery. The TSW sunburst remained a prominent motif, subtly integrated into Westcountry TV’s branding. The new logo featured the Westcountry name, but with the familiar glow of the sunburst radiating behind it, symbolizing a bright future grounded in a respected past.

Programming and Presentation:

Westcountry TV kept several of TSW’s most popular programs on air, understanding that these shows were more than just entertainment; they were rituals in the viewers’ daily lives. Local news programming, a staple of TSW, continued under the Westcountry name with much of the same staff, ensuring familiarity and trust. The flagship evening news program, now called “Westcountry Live,” maintained its TSW-era format, with long-standing anchors providing a seamless transition.

Children’s programming, such as the much-loved “Gus Honeybun,” also remained a crucial part of the lineup, continuing to entertain and educate the region’s young viewers. The continuity reassured parents and delighted children, reinforcing the broadcaster’s identity across generations.

Community Engagement:

Recognizing the importance of regional identity, Westcountry TV increased its investments in community engagement initiatives originally pioneered by TSW. Westcountry expanded the “TSW Telethon” into an annual event that paired live entertainment with community fundraising, driving both viewership and goodwill.

Local documentaries and regional interest pieces, once a hallmark of TSW, found a renewed focus under Westcountry TV’s stewardship. The broadcaster regularly featured in-depth looks at local history, environmental issues, and human-interest stories, thus maintaining an ongoing dialogue with its audience.

Technological Integration:

While Westcountry TV embraced new technologies and innovations, it did so in a way that felt evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The transition to digital broadcasting, interactive services, and online content was framed as enhancements to the already trusted TSW experience, rather than replacements.

Talent and Staff:

Crucially, Westcountry TV retained a significant portion of the on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staff from TSW. This strategic retention preserved institutional knowledge and fostered continuity, ensuring that the on-screen personalities remained recognizable and beloved. It also provided a sense of stability for employees during a period that could have been riddled with uncertainty.

Impact and Reception:

The decision to honor and preserve the TSW legacy paid off. Westcountry TV was embraced more readily by the community, achieving high ratings and strong viewer loyalty from the outset. The cultural and emotional bridge created by retaining these key elements made the rebranded station feel like a natural evolution rather than a disruptive change.

In this alternate universe, the essence of Television South West lived on through Westcountry TV, crafting a narrative of respect, continuity, and community commitment that resonated deeply with viewers and set a precedent for how regional franchise transitions could honor the past while innovating for the future.
What would the last remaining remnant of TSW/Westward be in this universe by 2016 (after all the ITV/Carlton ransackings, rebrandings, ITV1 generic branding, schedule consolidation, etc. merger with ITV West, ) And it happens during the break inbetween Emmerdale and The West Country News