The first edition of Tonight went out on 18 February 1957. As one of the first programmes to fill the gap in broadcasting between six and seven - known as the "toddler's truce" – it promised something for all the family. Tonight's magazine format offered a mix of serious and light-hearted items, so discussion of the day's events mixed with calypsos by Cy Grant or humorous items. It was all anchored by Cliff Michelmore, whose ability to convey the varying tone of the programme soon earned him a loyal following of nine million viewers and the award of Television Personality of the Year 1958.
Tonight was put together by a young team with producer Donald Baverstock. Its informal style was at odds with the BBC's reputation and influenced many other programmes. The first episode included "England after Suez" by Ed Murrow, in which he questioned ordinary people to get a picture of contemporary Britain. Other reporters seen on Tonight included Alan Whicker, Fyfe Robertson, Trevor Philpott, Magnus Magnusson and Julian Pettifer.
Tonight ran until 1965, at which point Michelmore and many of the production team went to its late night replacement, 24 Hours. The template set by Tonight has been followed by many other early evening programmes – offering wide appeal to attract an audience who then stay with the channel. These include Nationwide and, most recently, The One Show.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971