The Southern Television Broadcast Interruption

On November 26, 1977, viewers of Southern Television in England experienced something unprecedented. During the evening news, a strange voice claiming to be “Vrillon” of the “Ashtar Galactic Command” interrupted the broadcast with a message about humanity’s future.

The Broadcast

Saturday, November 26, 1977:

• 5:10 PM
• Southern Television
• Hannington transmitter
• Hampshire, England
• Evening news on air

The Interruption

Suddenly:

• Audio cut off
• Strange voice began
• Deep, distorted tone
• Claimed to be alien
• Six minutes long

The Voice

Called itself:

• Vrillon (or Gillon)
• Representative of
• Ashtar Galactic Command
• Intergalactic association
• Here to help

The Message

Vrillon warned:

• Remove weapons of war
• Time is short
• False prophets deceive
• Listen to inner voice
• Spiritual awakening needed

The Content

The message said:

• Destroy evil
• Learn to live in peace
• Flying craft visible
• Coming to help
• But choice is yours

Technical Achievement

The hijacking:

• Very sophisticated
• Required equipment
• Professional execution
• Source never found
• Technically impressive

Official Response

Authorities:

• Investigated immediately
• IBA looked into it
• Police involved
• No arrests made
• Source unknown

Transmitter Location

Hannington transmitter:

• Remote hilltop site
• Difficult access
• Security in place
• How did they do it?
• Technical mystery

Public Reaction

Viewers:

• Confused
• Some frightened
• Others amused
• Wide discussion
• Media coverage

The Equipment Theory

Would have required:

• Significant equipment
• Technical knowledge
• Proximity to transmitter
• Or alternative method
• Professional level

Never Solved

Despite investigation:

• No culprit found
• No confession
• Hoax assumed
• But who?
• Still unknown

The Ashtar Connection

“Ashtar Command”:

• New Age concept
• Contactee lore
• George Van Tassel origin
• 1950s concept
• Still referenced

Similar Incidents

Broadcast intrusions:

• Max Headroom (1987)
• Captain Midnight (1986)
• But those solved
• This one not
• Unique case

Hoax or?

Most believe:

• Elaborate hoax
• Skilled prankster
• Technical expertise
• Good timing
• But never proven

Alternative Views

Some suggest:

• Genuine communication
• Real message
• Higher beings
• Warning humanity
• Believers’ position

The Recording

The intrusion:

• Was recorded
• Widely available
• Can be heard today
• Primary evidence
• Historical artifact

Cultural Impact

The event:

• Influenced culture
• Referenced often
• Urban legend
• Conspiracy interest
• Ongoing fascination

Significance

1977 broadcast significant for:

• Sophisticated hijacking
• Never solved
• Mass audience
• Historical oddity
• Technical mystery

Legacy

The Vrillon broadcast interruption remains unsolved after 45+ years. Whether elaborate hoax or something stranger, the sophisticated hijacking of a British TV station to deliver an alien message has never been explained.