There was no audio other than a buzzing noise.
His head was in front of a sheet of moving corrugated metal, which imitated the background effect used in the Max Headroom TV and movie appearances.
During highlights from the Chicago Bears’ 30–10 home victory over the Detroit Lions that afternoon in the sports report, the screen went black for 15 seconds, then returned with a person wearing a Max Headroom mask, moving around and jumping. He first occurrence of the signal intrusion took place during then-independent station WGN-TV (channel 9)’s live telecast of its primetime newscast, The Nine O'Clock News (now known as WGN News at Nine). Although, in 2010, an unknown user on the famous online platform Reddit claimed to personally know the people behind this act: in addition, he formulated a very detailed theory about the dynamics of this intrusion and its preparation, but he decided not to mention any names, in order to avoid any problems to his acquaintances. Neither the hijacker nor any known accomplices have ever been found, caught or identified, which leaves the incident unsolved. The intruder was successful in interrupting two broadcast television stations within the course of three hours. It is an example of what is known in the television business as broadcast signal intrusion. And even though federal and local authorities have long given up on the case, new efforts using the technology and reach of the internet could shed light and lead to the discovery of clues that were never explored at the time.īut as of now, it is a very cold case with nothing but two minutes of strange video as evidence for one of the strangest unsolved mysteries in the history of television broadcasting.The Max Headroom broadcast signal intrusion was a television signal hijacking that occurred in Chicago, Illinois, United States on the evening of November 22, 1987. However, the statute of limitations has long ended and the persons responsible could come forward now without any repercussions. People still discuss the bizarre intrusion on various online forums, but many believe the case will never be solved.
But it was later reported to be a false lead and faded among all other theories about who was behind the broadcasts. A bold theory was posted by a Reddit user in 2010 when a person indicated they believed they knew who was responsible for the hijack. Once the internet took off, especially YouTube and later Reddit, video recordings of the incident resurfaced and people began to speculate about the case once again. More: There's a Mysterious Pit in Southern Illinois that No One Will Talk About The Age Of The Internet Revives The Case The location of the taping or broadcast was never determined but is believed to have originated somewhere in the north or northwest area of Chicago. It is widely believed that at least two or three people performed the hijack between taping the video and then later broadcasting it. Many theorized that it was an inside job at one of the local television stations or executed by a recently fired or disgruntled employee. became involved with local Chicago investigators looking into the case, but it quickly became low priority since there really was no threat to the safety of the public. The capture of the culprits likely would have led to hefty fines and perhaps even time in jail. Investigations were launched by the F.C.C., but there wasn't much evidence to go on. And some simply found it hilarious or were indifferent about it. But there were others who applauded the successful hack, finding it impressive to pull off. Some were angry about it cutting into their programs with such creepy, and at times offensive footage. Many in the Chicago area who witnessed either or both of these interruptions were disturbed by it. Look Inside in Abandoned Waterpark in Rockford, Illinois Aftermath and Investigations The scream becomes a distorted drone and then cuts out with the video. "They're coming to get me! Come get me bi-!" He then gets spanked by the woman. it's dirty!" Takes off the glove and throws it aside.įrom the new angle.
"Oh, I just made a giant masterpiece for all the greatest world newspaper nerds" (The call sign of station WGN was an acronym for "World's Greatest Newspaper," a slogan borrowed from the early days of the Chicago Tribune.) Puts on a glove. Continues humming the Clutch Cargo theme song. "Your love is fading!" he shouts (possibly a reference to The Temptations song "(I Know) I'm Losing You") Hums the theme to the old TV cartoon Clutch Cargo. "Yeah!" Holding a Pepsi can, he yells the New Coke slogan "Catch the wave!". I think I'm better than Chuck Swirsky, frickin Liberal! (referring to the longtime Chicago sportscaster). Here is the most widely accepted transcript and some reasoning to what the character said during the video: