When did Westcountry TV end
Westcountry TV, also known as Westcountry Television, was the ITV franchise holder for the South West of England. It began broadcasting on January 1, 1993. In 1999, it was taken over by Carlton Communications, and it eventually lost its brand identity when ITV regional names were dropped in favor of a unified ITV1 brand. The branding transition occurred on October 28, 2002, so while Westcountry TV ceased to exist as a distinct brand name after that date, the regional news service and programming continued under the ITV Westcountry name until a further consolidation into ITV West in 2009.
I assume the Plymouth offices were decommisioned during the late hours of 13 February 2009, probs switched off when the handover to GMTV/Toonattik (it’s weekend) happened at 6am on 14th, The merged service probs kicked in at 9:25am
Your assumption about the timing of the switchover and decommissioning of Westcountry TV’s offices in Plymouth aligns with the timeline of events leading up to the merger with ITV West. The consolidation of regional news services was part of ITV’s cost-cutting measures. The unified ITV West & Westcountry service replaced the standalone Westcountry Live program starting on February 16, 2009. The handover and decommissioning processes typically align with the need to ensure a seamless transition and minimal disruption to broadcast services, so your reference to the overnight changeover leading into the early hours of the 14th makes sense logistically.

The merged ITV West & Westcountry service officially began on February 16, 2009, aligning with ITV’s organizational changes and restructuring. This new service aimed to maintain local news coverage while operating from a centralized hub in Bristol, with some news-gathering teams remaining in the regions.
Write a tweet where a technician is cuddling this plush of a character very close to Westcountry TV when the button is pressed to switch to GMTV for the last time. New staff coming back at 9:25
📡📺 Tech nostalgia moment: Holding tight to my beloved Gus Honeybun plush as I press the button for the very last time, switching from Westcountry TV to GMTV. Farewell, old friend! 🚀✨ New chapter starts at 9:25 with the new team. 📆 #EndOfAnEra #WestcountryTV #BroadcastHistory #ITV 📼🤗
Write a tweet saying Toonattik in 5 minutes, time to start decommissioning this incarnation of Westcountry
📺⏳ Toonattik in 5 minutes! Time to start decommissioning this incarnation of Westcountry TV. Farewell to an era, onward to new beginnings! 🚀✨ #WestcountryTV #NewChapter #BroadcastHistory 📼🔧
Write a exchange email between staff saying all of them are cutting power to this building, and guess what image flashes on all screens just after closedown, Also the user says the new merged service starts at 9:25, with news beginning on Monday
Subject: Final Shutdown and Transition to Merged Service

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From: John Smith, Technical Supervisor
To: Westcountry TV Staff
Date: February 13, 2009
Time: 11:45 PM

Hi Team,

As you all know, tonight marks the end of an era for Westcountry TV. We will be cutting power to the building shortly after the switch to GMTV/Toonattik at 6:00 AM tomorrow.

To ensure a smooth transition, please make sure all your tasks are completed by then. And guess what? Just after the closedown, an image of Gus Honeybun will flash on all screens—a fitting tribute to our heritage.

The new merged service officially starts at 9:25 AM tomorrow, with regional news beginning on Monday. Let’s all make sure everything goes seamlessly.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

Best regards,
John

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From: Sarah Johnson, Senior Broadcast Engineer
To: John Smith, Technical Supervisor
Cc: Westcountry TV Staff
Date: February 13, 2009
Time: 11:55 PM

Hi John,

It’s truly bittersweet saying goodbye to Westcountry TV. The plan sounds perfect. I’ll make sure all my tasks are completed before the power cut. The Gus Honeybun image is a lovely touch—what a great way to honor our legacy.

Looking forward to the new chapter starting at 9:25 AM and the regional news on Monday. Thank you for coordinating everything so well.

Best,
Sarah

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From: Emma Davis, Production Coordinator
To: Sarah Johnson, Senior Broadcast Engineer
Cc: Westcountry TV Staff
Date: February 14, 2009
Time: 12:05 AM

Hi everyone,

It’s been a privilege working with you all. I’ll be here to support the transition and ensure everything runs smoothly. The Gus Honeybun send-off is indeed a heartwarming gesture.

Here’s to a successful handover and a bright future with the new merged service starting at 9:25 AM.

Warm regards,
Emma

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Let’s make this last night memorable!

Best,
The Westcountry TV Team
Write a forum convo saying Nightscreen faded out at 5:59, 10 seconds of this, then the Toonattik titles rolled as usual
Forum Topic: End of an Era - Last Moments of Westcountry TV

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User1:
Posted at 7:00 AM
So, did anyone else catch the final moments of Westcountry TV last night?

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User2:
Posted at 7:05 AM
Yeah, I stayed up for it. Nightscreen faded out exactly at 5:59 AM. Then, for about 10 seconds, we saw a special tribute image of Gus Honeybun. 🐰 It was such a nostalgic touch!

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User3:
Posted at 7:10 AM
I saw it too! Immediately after those 10 seconds, the Toonattik titles rolled in as usual. It felt surreal watching the transition. End of an era for sure! 😢

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User4:
Posted at 7:15 AM
Absolutely! I can’t believe Westcountry TV has officially signed off. That Gus Honeybun image was the perfect farewell. Now, onto the new service starting at 9:25 AM. Anyone else curious about the new format?

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User5:
Posted at 7:20 AM
Totally! I’m really interested to see how the merged service will look and feel when it launches at 9:25 AM. And don’t forget, the regional news programs kick off on Monday. It’s a big change, but I hope it works out well.

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User6:
Posted at 7:25 AM
What a way to go out! I missed the 10-second Gus Honeybun tribute, though. Does anyone have a screenshot or video of it? I’d love to see it.

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User2:
Posted at 7:30 AM
I managed to record it, and I can share a clip shortly. It was a fitting tribute to our Westcountry heritage. 😊

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User1:
Posted at 7:35 AM
Thanks, User2! Looking forward to seeing that clip. It was definitely an emotional night. Here’s to new beginnings at 9:25 AM!

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User5:
Posted at 7:40 AM
Can’t wait for the new service and to see how they handle the regional news. It’s been an amazing journey with Westcountry TV. Cheers to everyone who made it possible! 🥂

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End of discussion.
Write a convo asking whats on itvlocal.com/westcountry now, before it redirects to itv.com/news/westandwestcountry later today, Has it been reduced to a tribute and the ITV1 schedule (and a icon for ITV Player)