on Sky. 1991 in British television – Regular programming is abandoned in order to bring live coverage of the Gulf War after Allied Forces launch Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. Over the duration of the war there is extended coverage of events in the Persian Gulf. ITV also broadcasts news and discussion programmes about the war throughout the night. Some broadcasting, particularly in the earlier part of the war, comes from CNN. Also this year the ITV franchise auction results are announced and take effect starting midnight GMT on 1 January 1993. 1992 in British television – The controversial one-off drama Ghostwatch is broadcast on BBC One, a 'live' investigation into a haunted North London house. UK Gold is launched, a joint venture between the BBC and Thames Television. The ITC invites bids to run a fifth UK television channel but rejects the sole application amid concerns about its business plan and investor commitment to the project. The hugely popular BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous makes its debut, as does the popular Channel 4 morning show The Big Breakfast. 1992 also sees University Challenge, Thunderbirds, Stingray and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons all move from ITV to the BBC. Live coverage of top flight English football transferred from ITV to Sky Sports meaning that viewers had to pay a subscription fee to watch the newly formed Premier League. 1993 in British television – Carlton Television takes over the ITV London Weekday franchise, replacing Thames Television after 24 years. Additionally, Meridian Broadcasting takes over the South of England franchise from TVS, Westcountry Television takes over the South West England franchise from TSW, and GMTV takes over the breakfast television franchise from TV-am. 1993 also sees Teletext Ltd take over the ITV and Channel 4 teletext franchises from ORACLE. 1994 in British television – The 1988–1994 broadcasting ban is lifted when the Provisional IRA declares a ceasefire. Following an earlier attempt to award the broadcasting licence for a fifth UK terrestrial television channel, the ITC readvertises for bids. After an absence of 7 years University Challenge returns along with Play Your Cards Right, BBC One airs the first National Lottery draw and BBC Two celebrates its 30th birthday. 1994 also sees Wipeout appear along with Pets Win Prizes and Small Talk. 1995 in British television – This year sees the launch of several new satellite TV channels, as well as the first National