Broadcast between 1968 and 1980 and produced by Thames Television, Magpie was ITV’s challenge to the BBC’s long-running children’s show Blue Peter (1958- ).

 

A live magazine-style show, Magpie was originally broadcast once a week but, in 1969, eventually became broadcast on a twice-weekly basis, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

Famously, Magpie differentiated itself from its BBC rival by targeting a slightly older audience and including a greater focus on ‘hip’ subjects such as pop music. Magpie’s status as a show that aimed to be more in touch with its times was immediately signified through the show’s use of rock-based theme music (by The Spencer Davis Group) over its opening titles. 

 

There were 11 Annuas releaseed in total. The first was published in 1970 with the final annual released in 1980.