How can I track down whether a particular old programme still exists?
For most kinds of programmes, the KALEIDOSCOPE guides are the definitive reference works to British-produced programmes; they are used by the archives themselves. You could also approach the archive owners but some of these, the BBC in particular, do not release catalogue information to outsiders as a matter of policy. The British Television Drama Research Guide 1950-1997 A reference work covering all the major drama series, serials, plays and soaps on all terrestrial channels, including Armchair Theatre, The Bill and Upstairs, Downstairs – includes archive holdings. ISBN 1 900203 04 9; £25.00 The British Television Music & Variety Research Guide 1950-1997 Overview of British television music and variety shows commissioned by the light entertainment departments of the BBC and ITV companies (such as Wogan and The Old Grey Whistle Test) with full archive holdings. ISBN 1 900203 06 5; £25.00 The British Children’s Television Research Guide 1950-1999 Now spanning two volumes, this is an up
