Access Network

Background

Founded in June 30, 1973, Access was owned by the Alberta Educational Communications Corporation, which also operated CKUA Radio. Prior to this point, English-language educational programs we're aired on Radio-Canada's TV station CBXFT, in Edmonton. For its first decade, Access was only available through cable, and did not broadcast over the air. It competed with PBS station KSPS-TV in Spokane, that was available on cable in most of the province. It was later renamed to CTV 2 Alberta in August 29, 2011.

1st ID (1973?-1979?)

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Visuals: On a black background, various transparent yellow rectangles, each with a different angle, start fading in one by one. The text "ACCESS" in an Art Deco font is being wiped below, aswell as the text "ALBERTA" in 90 degrees next to it.

Variant: A still version and a few in-credit versions exist.

Technique: Analog 2D animation.

Audio: A rather strange descending tune which leads to a fanfare, with an announcer.

Availability: The standard version of the logo is particularly lost, while there existed a spoof version spotted in their blooper reel from 1975.

2nd ID (1978?-1983?)

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Visuals: On a black background, there is two sliding yellow lines spinning inwards, whilst a trail effect is seen around them. Once they connect together, they get quite smaller, giving off a yellow glow that forms the text "ACCESS". An orange spark emits from the top of the text, leaving a small explosion and the logo's symbol zooming in. As "ACCESS" moves down, the text "ALBERTA EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION" zooms in below. They all zoom out.

Variant: A few in-credit versions exist.

Technique: Scanimation.

Audio: A deep synth whoosh mixed with computer beeps, then a horn fanfare when the text is being formed. Sometimes, an announcer is heard over saying "The following educational programming is brought to you by Access, the Alberta Educational Communications Corporation."

Availability: Seen at the beginning of documentaries by Access Network from the era, like Eureka and Landscapes. Sometimes, PBS airings of Eureka used the OET logo instead. It is currently unknown if this appeared on other programs/shows.

3rd ID (1985?-1996?)

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Visuals: Unknown.

Variant: A few in-credit versions exist.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: Unknown.

Availability: Seen on some shows from the period.

4th ID (1996?-2001)

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Visuals: It consists of a green or purple oval with the word "access" inside it in a fisheye-like effect, with "The Education Station" in a handwritten font underneath it.

Variant: A few in-credit versions exist.

Technique: CGI converted into a photo.

Audio: The closing theme of the show.

Availability: Seen on some shows from the period such as Biologix.

5th ID (2004-2008)

Visuals: On a segmented purple background with a light above, various curvy beams show up, forming the text "access". Some of the curvy beams rotate in a loop behind the text, with another one fading and rotating in the background.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A loud bang at the start which then lowers with siren-like muffled sounds with an announcer saying: You're watching Access, The Education Station.

6th ID (2008-2011)

Visuals: Unknown.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A soft guitar tune with other instruments.