This pioneering study examines regional British television drama from its beginnings on the BBC and ITV in the 1950s to the arrival of Channel Four in 1982. It discusses the ways in which regionalism, regional culture and regional identity have been defined, outlines the history of regional broadcasting in the UK, and includes two detailed case studies - of Granada Television and BBC English Regions Drama - representing contrasting examples of regional television drama during what is often described as the 'golden age' of British television. The conclusion brings the study up to date by discussing recent developments in regional drama production, and by considering future possibilities.

Written in a scholarly but accessible style, the book uncovers a forgotten history of British television drama that will be of interest to lecturers and students of media and cultural studies, as well as the general reader with an interest in the history of British television.