Battle to save BBC TV's The Sky At Night

STARGAZERS in York have joined a national campaign to stop the BBC cancelling an iconic television show

Patrick Moore

Astronomy documentary The Sky At Night had the same permanent presenter, Patrick Moore, from its first airing in 1957 until 7 January 2013 after Moore’s death in December last year, making it the longest-running programme with the same presenter in television history.
But news that the popular monthly programme could be axed has caused dismay among fans and has led to an online petition.
Annette Newby, the secretary, of the York Astronomical Society, which has about 100 members, said: “The Sky at Night is a British institution and it is watched by astronomers everywhere.
There is very little science on the BBC and even less astronomy.
“This programme is the mainstay of information and education on astronomy and without it the BBC will fail their remit of being a Public Service Broadcaster.
“Our society chairman, Martin Dawson, has known Patrick Moore for many years and has visited his house on many an occasion.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The Sky at Night is on-air until the end of the year. Plans for subsequent series are being discussed.”
The petition called The BBC: Please do not axe The Sky At Night has more than 25,000 signatures and can be found at www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-bbc-please-do-not-axe-the-sky-at-night