opt-out

Opt out, (or opt-out) is a term used in broadcasting when a nation or region splits from the main national output. In the United Kingdom, BBC ONE Scotland often opts-out of the main BBC One schedule in favour of locally relevant programming.

In a similar manner local television newsrooms present regional news following national news bulletins — the practise having been popularised by current affairs programme Nationwide — after which they would opt into the national programme again. Opting out was also common throughout telethons, such as Children in Need, where regions separate to transmit local coverage.

When Phillip Schofield presented Children's BBC, he had to overtly say goodbye to BBC Wales viewers, before completing the programme for a further minute or two for other regions.

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