WNED-TV, Buffalo’s PBS affiliate, has been a cornerstone of public broadcasting in Western New York since its inception. For decades, the Wned Tv Guide was the essential companion for viewers seeking enriching and educational programming. Let’s delve into a historical look at WNED’s schedule, particularly highlighting its airing of the iconic British science fiction series, Doctor Who.
WNED’s Doctor Who Era: From Tom Baker to Sylvester McCoy
WNED’s relationship with Doctor Who began in the late 1970s, becoming a beloved fixture in the wned tv guide. Starting around September 1978, after concluding a run of Jon Pertwee episodes, WNED introduced Buffalo audiences to the Tom Baker era of Doctor Who. By 1979, Doctor Who was a weeknight staple at 6:00 pm, solidifying its place in the daily viewing habits of many.
The early 1980s saw WNED dedicate significant airtime to Doctor Who. In January 1980, they began two complete repeat cycles of Tom Baker stories, even if presented out of order. After a summer break in May 1980, the Tom Baker adventures returned in November 1982, this time airing in the correct narrative sequence.
As Doctor Who transitioned to Peter Davison, WNED marked the occasion with “Once Upon a Time Lord” in March 1983, an introduction to the new Doctor, preceded by the classic “Genesis of the Daleks”. Scheduling shifts occurred, moving to 11:00 pm in September 1983 before returning to the more family-friendly 6:00 pm slot in January 1984.
In March 1984, WNED innovatively presented Peter Davison stories in a “movie format” on Saturday afternoons, while weekday repeats of older serials continued. Tom Baker stories made another comeback in April 1984, followed by Jon Pertwee adventures in December 1984, showcasing the depth of the Doctor Who catalog available to WNED viewers through their wned tv guide.
Movie-Length Adventures and Fan Engagement
By October 1986, weekday episodic reruns concluded, transitioning to a “movie” format on Saturdays, starting with “The Ribos Operation”. This format continued into 1987, featuring William Hartnell stories and even “The Trial of a Time Lord” presented as four movie-length installments. Classic stories like “The Seeds of Death” and “The War Games” were also split into two-part “movie” presentations in June and July 1987.
WNED actively engaged its audience. During pledge breaks in August 1987, viewers voted for their preferred introductory Doctor Who story, choosing between “Spearhead from Space,” “Robot,” or “Castrovalva.” The winner, “Robot,” was revealed the following week, demonstrating WNED’s commitment to viewer interaction and making the wned tv guide a reflection of audience preferences.
Festival 88 and the End of an Era
March 1988’s “FESTIVAL 88” highlighted Doctor Who, featuring “Time and the Rani” with Sylvester McCoy and an interview with the actor. Sylvester McCoy’s first season then aired in August 1988. In 1989, William Hartnell stories returned for a second run.
Sadly, WNED’s Doctor Who journey concluded on February 24, 1990, with “The Making of Doctor Who.” This marked the end of an era for Doctor Who fans in Buffalo who relied on their wned tv guide to catch the Doctor’s adventures.
The Legacy of the WNED TV Guide
The wned tv guide of the 1970s and 1980s served as more than just a schedule; it was a window into a world of public television programming that enriched the lives of viewers in Buffalo and beyond. WNED’s commitment to showcasing quality programs like Doctor Who left a lasting impact, and the memories of those broadcasts are fondly recalled by many who grew up anticipating each week’s listings in their wned tv guide.
