UNSOLVED: The Creepiest TV Hack in History

THE MAX HEADROOM INCIDENT. November 22nd, 1987 was a pretty normal evening for television viewers in Chicago. That night, like every night, Dan Roan was covering sports on WGN-TV, Channel 9.
Then suddenly, the signal was disrupted and screens across the city cut to black.
Engineers at WGN-TV thought their transmitters were failing.
They weren't. A few seconds later, something crazy happened.
WGN's broadcast signal had been hijacked in what is now known as "The Max Headroom Incident".
WGN-TV was able to act quickly and get their signal back. But, Two hours later, it would happen again to another TV station and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
What happens next remains one of the most bizarre unsolved crimes in television history.
Let's find out why.
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CONTENTS
00:00 - The Max Headroom Incident
00:30 - First Intrusion on WGN
01:09 - WGN Regains Control
02:22 - PBS Channel 11 Intrusion
04:34 - Who Was Max Headroom?
07:15 - Breakdown of the Video
09:55 - How The Signal Was Hacked
12:18 - Captain Midnight Hacks HBO
14:02 - Who Was the Hacker?
15:14 - Thanks For Watching!
#unsolvedmysteries #mystery #popculture

[@jotaele.44]

Dude, you are a genius. The format of your videos is impeccable, it is very objective and complete. Plus, I LOVE HeckleFish and he serves as a perfect voice for reactions and interjections (the human mouth inside the animation joke was amazing). Keep doing your thing! I've watched quite a few videos now and I definately subscribed.

[@rclc161]

THE FISH gets my 7 year old interested in watching

[@jotaele.44]

@@rclc161 amazing 😂

[@rclc161]

@@jotaele.44 isnt that the point of the goldfish?

[@Rtw941]

Pinned comment

[@zapperbunny1]

Hells yeah!

[@trentvlak]

The prankster is such a legend for never spilling the beans. Respect.

[@The_Bigot]

I hope one day he does spill the beans. Maybe on his death bed. Just be cool to know who the legend is.

[@apapz3245]

It was Theo von

[@billysunday7507]

Troll master level. I wonder how many people were in on it.

[@skullkidsid2418]

He's likely passed away at this point.

[@tureign]

Or im i mean hes still 😂laughing

[@mrwusss9126]

At least, the person behind this master prank didn't transmit something terrifying, like gore, insults, threats, or any kind of 18+ content, he just trolled everyone and go away. My hats off to this peaceful nonsense intruder.

[@Slorrn]

This is incorrect. Ass slapping and calling someone a bitch seems a little more towards 18+ content and on PBS nonetheless. But in the end it’s just comical and odd 😂

[@someoneout-there2165]

It might not be terrifying but it sure is creepy and bizarre. 🤣

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

Good point, I like your positive outlook ☺️✌️

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

The hacker pulled his pants down and a female spanked his naked butt.

[@justinclark216]

He showed his bare ass getting spanked with a fly swatter lol

[@AaronLehmannLoops]

The best kind of hack/prank. No one got hurt. It wasn’t meant to trick people in mean ways. And you beat the FBI trying to track you down. Legend

[@randomxnp]

Memories of Max Headroom for 80s kids is like a fever dream. Everyone recognised him but we did not know what he meant. Also his selling out to Coca Cola is really telling about what the establishment thinks of anyone not of the establishment.

[@audreym3777]

Yep! Same time Tron was the hot game at the arcades. …damn I’m old

[@cotati76]

@@audreym3777there was a pizza place where I used to play Tron. It was mind blowing when it came out. Same as that Journey video game. Geezus……..yeah we’re old.

[@Mordaris]

I thought the Coke commercials pre-dated the movie and series. Did it not?

[@RickPMandel]

I was working in TV in Detroit when this happened. I cannot begin to tell you the panic all the stations across the country were experiencing. We figured out pretty quickly how it was done, and did a proof of concept test at 3am a couple days after the event. To show how easy it was, we did the test using surplus ham radio equipment, and that there was no real way to prevent it. I wanted to use Max again for this test, but the station management and the FCC wasn't too keen on the idea.

[@apapz3245]

I like ham

[@AnthonyGoodley]

@@apapz3245 Ham is OK. I prefer bacon. 🥓

[@michealfreeman9714]

It's all pork..

[@michaelross1452]

​@@apapz3245I like turtles

[@Pinion512]

ya. HAM works good for screwing around with radio stations as well. Found this out on accident.

[@mad-pit3832]

The pirate radio scene was massive in London prior to dab. You could take the radio links from the top of traffic lights in order to bounce the signal 3/4 places before it hit the transmitter. That way they never found you, when i say transmitter i mean an old round biscuit tin with hand held radio parts and a car battery to power it. We used to put them on the highest tower block in the area. In fact kool fm has just shut down after over 30 years broadcasting without getting caught. It was one of the biggest pirate radios in the world.

[@nathandean1687]

are u shure they shut down or did they go digital. as far cheaper . and they couldve done it online.

[@pkf4124]

Used to listen to Kool Fm when working in London.

[@briandavies1910]

We sure need someone to do something like this now to get TV, media and government to improve

[@richbrake9910]

Back in 1987 television relied on primitive analog signals. Even the analog signals in the early part of the 21st century were better By the Digital signals were being used, and now stations solely use digital. I doubt someone could hijack a network today. Digital is far too safe for that.

[@MovieEnvy]

This didn’t improve or change anything though. The issue today is more about people not listening if they don’t agree with what’s being said. So even if something like this happened I’m not sure how much good it would do.

[@jchow5966]

Lol.

[@seetheworldfrommyharley]

Yup, sheep can only be herded. and too many wolves in sheep's clothing. Goodbye society.

[@GimmieCookie]

The answer used to be KZbin until it was bought out by Google, there will be a next phase

[@Taliesin-xd7ke]

This happened in the UK back in 1977 on the old ITV regional station Southern Television, the hacker called himself Vrillon of the Ashtar Galactic Command and called for peace and disarmanent as well as other positive esoteric stuff. Lasted approx 6 minutes and led to a lot of concerned phonecalls from the public. I found it pretty funny tbh.

[@Mr.Obongo]

You witnessed the event yourself? Or did you get your info from the numerous videos covering it? If you did actually witness I want to know since there is no official audio or video recording of the hack, which has made me somewhat skeptical about what it might’ve actually said.

[@Taliesin-xd7ke]

@@Mr.Obongo No I didn't witness at the time, different region. I have seen the footage though unfortunately I can't remember where.

[@TheRealEMURSE]

@@Taliesin-xd7ke the galactic council is real!

[@Taliesin-xd7ke]

@@TheRealEMURSE Na Nu, Na Nu!😄

[@MisterNiles]

You talk about it like it wasn’t a time traveler, who did the hack

[@jacquesdemolay5171]

I remember when this happened, and it's amazing to think that it's still unsolved. The one thing we know for sure is that there was more than one person involved. That some serious secret-keeping after all these years!

[@blackrazer22]

I heard the statue of limitation was over, so they could reveal themselves saftely.

[@piccolobella3945]

@@blackrazer22:: Ya , maybe so....but I wonder - - does our government ever change it's mind? At least we have a strong bond of trust between us, right ? ...

[@blackrazer22]

@@piccolobella3945 lol. Well I did say "could" not "should". Maybe after they pass away.

[@dr.matthewhertert310]

i'm old enough to remember this, but did not witness it. my sole claim to TV fame was watching live the night crispin glover was on letterman...

[@jenniferditman3788]

​@@dr.matthewhertert310I remember that. That guy is nuts. In high school my best friend and I crushed on him & called directory assistance in LA, & got his phone number. We left numerous 3 way messages. We'd ramble to each other sometimes forgetting that we were on his answering machine. He never called us back. 🤔

[@GambitArkana]

I was watching Doctor Who at the time in the dark when it happened. What you see online doesn't show how Live it looked when it broadcasted and was scary. Mind you I was 14 at the time.

[@Bobaganoosh68]

I could only imagine!

[@richbrake9910]

Wow...that's crazy

[@Moltar666]

U watched Dr who in the USA at that time?

[@Me-qp8vz]

@@Moltar666 Yes watch the video they even say that. Did you watch the video? Or google it it will tell what episode it was.

[@Dobviews]

@@Moltar666 Dr. Who first aired in the US in 1965, I know this because of my Vietnam Vet friend. One of his buddies who did not make it back from the war was huge fan. Now every time it comes on... he changes the channel.

[@jayrokky]

You're the best. Nicely done on every aspect. Love your work. Keep it up dude, this is quality content from start to end.

[@billybishop7030]

Your channel is quickly becoming my go to while I'm at work love the content and information on such a wide range of topics also would like to see an episode on either the show or subject of Ancient Aliens

[@chrischarge3129]

I witnessed the Dr. Who incident first hand. It's definitely something I'll never be able to unsee.

[@LazarusSlade]

No! Goatsee is something I'll never be able to unsee!!!!

[@scottchristofersen2367]

I have that on VHS somewhere. I was mad at the time. I really wanted that dr who episode.

[@uuuuNB]

The research you do and the presentation is extremely well done like the other videos I've watched from you. This is truly an under appreciated channel, the longer the videos the better.

[@dr-zieg]

Watched 20+ episodes of yours and I really enjoyed this one the most. Hope you cover more hacks in the future!!

[@cschleiger1991]

Awesome episode! Another great one. I always learn something new ;) Keep up the good work guys and gals.

[@annikkirahko6714]

I’ve heard of this, but this is definitely the most comprehensive video I’ve seen. Awesome work as always♥️

[@TheWhyFiles]

I'm glad you enjoyed. This was my favorite video so far. I know it's a bit obscure, but still... something about this story fascinates me.

[@Gentlemanclub5]

Suomalainen ? vau tää kanava on aika hyvä :) just löysin muutama päivä sitten .

[@Rtw941]

@@TheWhyFiles The Why Files

[@kirdot2011]

heard of this before as well but this is the only channel where he explains exactly what the hacker meant with the stuff he said, other channels just placed us in front of the fact that this did happen

[@illscarlettalex]

Infamously, THE “most bizarre, unsolved crime in television history” is who’s idea it was to have Fonzie jump the shark.

[@jasonmcalister5282]

Just started watching your channel and loving it so far! Love stuff like this! And like the sidekick! 😂

[@JohnBurhop]

Excellent episode. Thank you. I grew up outside Chicago in the 1970s. Please do an episode on Dan Burisch. If you are truly on the level, you need to address this man.

[@The4cp]

I wish someone could do this now and actually make the news tell the truth!

[@wirelessone2986]

Or the FBI sctually did a "good" job

[@ScratchinAway]

which “truth” tho…theres always multiple truths unfortunately, tho news without bias would be nice

[@Jason-xr7fh]

I was thinking the same

[@JargoniusMaximus]

ANONYMOUS

[@rudyschwab7709]

The trouble with that is society has come to believe multiple, competing truths coexist with each other. There's no fixing that.

[@garywatson3778]

I have seen clips of the MHI, but this is the first time I have seen any of it where he talks. I never knew it existed until 16 minutes ago. Another great one in the books!

[@TheWhyFiles]

Thanks, Gary. I'm glad we could bring something new to the story for ya!

[@mikeschmidt4800]

"Your love is fading." This is why the world is going mad.

[@paulwheaton1345]

There was a Max Headroom show in the UK in the 80's where he would show music vids, and talk incessantly about golf, and how he didn't have any legs.

[@LydiaStarz]

I remember the Max Headroom tv show! I waas in Dallas when it aired in the 80s.

[@LydiaStarz]

I watched it but never truly got it. Lol

[@garryrichardson4572]

Your old stuff is gold too. I can’t believe it’s taken this long to find you guys.

[@chadoliver9877]

I love the wide variety of content you produce. Thank you

[@MrGdgoodman]

I'm a big fan of Max Headroom. There was an episode of the series where network 23 is hacked, and blank Reg is framed for the crime. The entire series was very poignant in its social commentary. I absolutely loved it.

[@bauhausbastard]

Have you managed to find a release of 20 minutes into the future?

[@davem3048]

One of my favorites as well. Brilliant writing.

[@Zazzaro703]

You know there was at least one person out there that hit a crossroads when these broadcasts cut in especially the 2nd one. Melting into their couch tripping balls their trip either hit its peak or went completely off the rails when they saw Max cut onto the screen.

[@AnthonyGoodley]

Yep. Back then acid was the real deal too. Not the synthetic BS you find today.

[@trippyleaf4853]

Mannn... lmfao thats cruel

[@newjerseyjustin]

They could only be so lucky.

[@DJ-GASM]

Nice take, far out

[@sambrinn5606]

I thought the same thing🤣🤣🤣 that would have definitely changed that trip up🤣🤣🤣

[@angeladawn805]

You'll be hitting 3 million subscribers soon. I'm enjoying catching up with the back catalogue 😊

[@boydmanuel9257]

I had heard about this incident a couple of times, but you explained it perfectly and clearly explained the context. Also the Max Headroom story. I never hear that. I knew there was a reason I always liked Max and found him hilarious. Now I need to back and fully watch this show...um, maybe not, seeing that everything on that show is so prescient.😬

[@michelleelms9411]

I love your channel. With things the way they are, your take on just about everything under the sun is always 1) positive 2) informative and 3) entertaining. Good stuff! And I appreciate that very much , kudos 👍

[@markmiller489]

There was a Reddit post about this. A guy posted a pretty convincing story that he knew who did it. The basis of his story was he was at a party and met the 2 brothers that did it. They were college students at the University of Chicago I believe. His story was so detailed it was very believable.

[@bhaumikjani6159]

Link?

[@sdHansy]

He eventually concluded that it wasn't him

[@brokenpinkies3372]

I don't know why I haven't subscribed to you yet, you really love making these videos.

[@sarahgrundy2282]

Just stumbled across this. Brilliant stuff. ALso, I grew up in the 80s but never really understood who Max Headroom was, I also knew about this incident but not the details. Pretty fascinating!

[@vivek6230]

Max Headroom was the coolest dude in the 80's - way ahead of his time, satirical funny and prophetic

[@buschwacker5054]

we were all cool in the '80s

[@sallymay3643]

Do u recall 👀him on MTV?

[@buschwacker5054]

@@sallymay3643 Yes sure do, somewhere up up up in there 🤣🍻🇺🇲 The 80s was like cowabungally awesome...

[@fpartidafpartida]

The funny part I'd Max Headroom was originally pitched that Max should ba a dry boring talking head trying to connect with "the youth", but having no clue about how to actually do it. At the same time being arrogant and self confident. Well apparently that really connected with the youth 🤣

[@vinsgraphics]

Loved that show! Apparently my Technical Illustration instructor did too, and was quite annoyed when it was cancelled. (Yes, TI is a thing, it was my major. If you own a Kia, my work is in it).

[@Aegelis]

"...where the line between news and entertainment was getting more and more blurry", "That line is gone now" had me laughing out loud! Laugh or cry, those were my options. I remember hearing about this and am glad to see the story covered here. There's another video out there that goes through the suspects along with the possible motivations, I certainly recommend checking it out though can't remember the title. For those wondering, "Captain Midnight is a U.S. adventure franchise first broadcast as a radio serial from 1938 to 1949" Wikipedia

[@thebillykeith]

New subscriber. Very enjoyable, and informative. Quality content.

[@billoddiea]

Great content….straight into it, pithy and well paced.

[@jacob.schopp]

You weren't kidding! This was a super fun episode. I'd never heard of this before, but I expect these surprises by now. If you've never heard of the Eriksson Twins story, that might be something you'd be interested in. Keep up the great work!

[@TheWhyFiles]

I had never heard this story and you have now sent me down a whole rabbit hole! This topic is a worth inclusion, sir!

[@leebe8127]

Na boring, one just crazy swedes. Forgotten here anyways maye fun for teens to hear about it

[@Hexagonian]

Extremely well done. Very underrated channel!

[@TheWhyFiles]

Really happy you found the channel, OTAMC! (what does this username mean?? are you ok??)

[@ohkaygoplay]

I just knew about Max Headroom from Back to the Future. I didn't know there was a whole thing around it, or that someone had hijacked the airwaves. I was a very little kid at the time. Thanks for this video, AJ. :) It was honestly interesting - and very creepy. The tilting background was disorienting. The visual, the sound, and the clipping would have disturbed baby me so hard.

[@Mikegees]

It was a TV show on abc....

[@GZP1023]

Max wasnt in back to the future. Their was a homage to him in back to the future 2.

[@alive.off-grid]

Thanks a lot for this episode. Reminds me of when I was young. I remember when Max Headroom came on, it was awesome. Thanks again

[@theshadow2171]

I love that you covered this. Totally forgot about this incident until I saw it on your channel. Hecklefish's reaction to the first clip was hilarious! 🤣 🤣

[@randyj420]

Great work on this. Seen the footage before and knew of the incident - but didn't know about the earlier one and some of your details - so - thanks.

[@TheWhyFiles]

Happy I could bring something new, Randy. That's not easy to do on the internet.

[@charmeinecreations-zo3to]

Max Headroom was such an iconic character in the 80s.

[@TheoBlack777]

Another fantastic show. Keep um coming ❤

[@JayBelafonte]

I remember this as a child and it was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. Most people I know have never heard of it.

[@benhahn8065]

Mixing some nostalgia in there will always be a key to success for KZbin channels like this one. You guys rock. I freaking LOVE The Why Files!

[@alfredmani1461]

Superb episode!! Really enjoyed this one. ✌❤

[@tleezmatts8407]

I really enjoy your videos- Thanks! 😊

[@lindseyhatfield9017]

In Melbourne Australia back in the 1980's we had a similar incident, we had a radio transmitter at the same frequency as out uplink between the Studio's in town and the transmission tower, burried in front of the uplink receiver with a car battery. We had to fail back to our old land line circuit until we found it. Another incident we were transmitting the Tennis from the US when around midnight the feed switched to a pornography video, it only took minutes to sort this out, the incoming feed was accidentally patched over from the source. We had hundreds of calls, complaining and asking for the Porn to be put back on, none about the tennis going off.

[@MarkSmith-hb8mg]

Any more details on this? Which tower?

[@davidneal5046]

😂😂😂🤢🤮😂😂

[@Weirtoe]

Hahahaaaaaa gold!

[@mattferrigno9750]

That's great! No one was mad at tennis going down only that they wanted the porn back!

[@SlickArmor]

@@mattferrigno9750 yep, that's what he said.

[@anthonyruggiero1988]

3:48 is likely "looks like you got blood prints on it", said by someone off-camera. Listen to it again

[@vincehull2472]

Man I absolutely love this content! I can't stop watching these videos 😅

[@yendor2043]

Sir, you have the best content, format, delivery, show on the internet.

[@mitchellsmith3105]

Can we all take a second to thank AJ for all his hard work, which he puts into his writing, research and jokes for HF. Thank you AJ. I'm hooked on your channel.

[@BassRck50]

Way to cut my fish!

[@sdHansy]

Omg stop with these like-whore comments

[@jbroadbelt6]

Don't tell me what to do... chump

[@chazdixon8341]

37 seconds in and the first statement Hecklefish said has me absolutely rolling. 😂😂😂😂 It saddens me that I've just discovered your channel 3 days ago. But we're here now and I'm going f*n nowhere my man/fish! Your content is amazing. Combine that with your incredible delivery and the real intrest in whatever topic were on that we as viewers can clearly see and then Hecklefish to finish it off. Sir you are top 3 on all of KZbin easy! Subscriber until I'm gone by friend. Really appreciate your work my man. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@soniaramos91]

I remember this when I was little. It was weird, but over time, I ended up liking his appearances. The things that went down in the 80s. Good times

[@mattc3169]

One of the strangest yet fascinating incidents. The fact that after all this time the Max Headroom incident is still unsolved is part of what makes it such an interesting story. Also what makes it fascinating is just how bizarre the whole thing was. Trying to figure out who did it and why they did it will likely keep people revisiting this story for years to come. Keep up the great content. My family loves HeckleFish!

[@TheWhyFiles]

I agree! Looking at the old coverage, the FCC and FBI were soooooo confident they would catch the perpetrators. But fighting within and between the agencies got worse as the investigation floundered. This is one of those mysteries I hope remains forever unsolved.

[@mattc3169]

@@TheWhyFiles it’s definitely more fun not knowing who was responsible.

[@I.am.Sarah.]

My guess is that it was college or university kids, at least 3 and no malice intended. Then when they heard what the penalties are they just decided to never mention it.

[@Rtw941]

@@TheWhyFiles cheese

[@Me-qp8vz]

@@mattc3169 Hi!

[@Bootmahoy88]

I just love the fact this major hack went unsolved!

[@BLEACH366]

Ive written how it was pulled off using a 5kw kicker and why they had to do it on VHF because they are only allowed to broadcast at 3kw the waa waa pedal was a dead giveaway if you want to know check the comments above its not done because its hard its not done because you will get 20 years in the federal pen

[@johnphantom]

@@BLEACH366 It is not done now because of encryption. You ain't cracking it.

[@BLEACH366]

@@johnphantom you don’t have to

[@jus10lewissr]

"That line is gone now." 💯

[@trainwreck1998]

Presumably, whoever did this would more than likely be in their mid to late 60’s now. I’m hoping they will take credit in their latter years and give us some insight to their train of thought then and perhaps even do some interviews. I know the government will still want their pound of flesh, so I’m sure they’ll hold onto the secret until a time where any punishment would be futile due to age.

[@frankt7521]

Maybe an interview to be released after his/her death.

[@davidclark3603]

Brilliant! I remember this. It started lots of pirate radio stations doing exactly the same thing. They would get on the roof of a tall building and, "hack into" mainstream radio. It took ages to find the transmitter because it was right under the noses of the authorities. The pirate radio was good because it was what young people wanted to hear rather than forced control! Excellent video!

[@neilpatrickhairless]

I ran a pirate AM transmitter that was originally a transmitter for a drive-in movie theater with a tunable crystal that would oscillate at certain frequencies on shortwave. Would blast off of the top of a nearby mountain with the TX antenna tied to a bigger legit radio and TV mast. We never gave a station ID or took QSLs so I have no idea how far we got out but shortwave signals can stretch a ways even from a small transmitter

[@jamescheddar4896]

the teen drama series "Radio Free Roscoe" is about teens who do that

[@missq3989]

Information packed and comedic delivery. I like it .

[@Grrrfrend]

I laughed when Hecklefish said, "What the actual...[bleep!]?"

[@marksmith4878]

Loved your vid! I knew about these hacks years ago but never saw them, nor had the lowdown on them. Very good job! You might also dig into an incident from the early 70s when hackers took over channel 7 in the Syracuse metro area for an entire weekend. They called themselves "Lucky Seven" and aired rant-laden newscasts and some porn movies - then disappeared without a trace. Keep up the good work... Hecklefish is Da Bomb! :)

[@LinkRocks]

It's wild that he was able to do this twice and never got caught. He must have had all his bases covered unlike the HBO Captain Midnight guy. I'm fascinated by this event because it's so odd and no one ever confessed to doing it. Good video.

[@TheWhyFiles]

Thanks, JJ. I always liked this story.

[@painhasgotchyu7276]

Different times they didn't even have the tech to follow it. Must not be old enough to remember analog

[@gustavedelior3683]

Oh yeah, this guy had to be one of the best cable techs of his time.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

One of the greatest trolls of all time.

[@annother3350]

@@painhasgotchyu7276 They could catch radio pirates back then but it takes time

[@superflyherb]

Started watching when you did the one about Mel Waters. Love the content ❤

[@voyaristika5673]

This incident was a vague memory until now. I never knew the story. 36 years ago already. This is a great channel!

[@cd7071]

This is exactly how the nerds in the movie Used Cars were broadcasting their commercials, except they were breaking into nationally televised shows, not just a local station.

[@chrishaden4516]

Love this channel. Keep it up

[@user-xz4oq8qt4o]

Another great program my friend. Be well.

[@AnnieWarbux]

All of these years of watching WGN and I never knew that the call letters stood for World's Greatest Newspaper! 🙄

[@Larrys-88Keys]

I am so glad your channel came up as a recommendation! Subscribed immediately! Very well produced and keeps my attention to the end with each video!

[@TheWhyFiles]

So glad you found the channel, Larry! If you enjoyed the Max Headroom story, you're the perfect kind of weird. Welcome home!

[@travisdrum6760]

@@TheWhyFiles LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!! THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!!!

[@mikebar42]

@@TheWhyFiles do u have help with these?

[@borntoclimb7116]

Me to

[@davidschumaker8107]

I just came across this channel and immediately subscribed. This was my second video and I see that I have many to catch up on.

[@jayslabotsky462]

What you're hearing as a ring modulator is more likely the effect of the transmission frequency being a little off or an overloaded input signal to the transmitter. It produces a very similar sound with analog signals.

[@HaroldCrick84]

I just love your whole concept

[@kberken]

Hey, AJ and Hecklefish, I have learned something new from every one of your videos so far. I expect I won't be disappointed in the others! Thanks for your impeccable research. Such interesting stories!

[@raulmarin3506]

Man, you and your team (if there is one backing you up) are pure genius. Your story telling is impeccable, the topics are really interesting, and your English is really easy to follow, even though there is unknown vocabulary involved sometimes (yeah, I'm a non native speaker). During the last days I have spent hours watching your vids and I feel I have invested them in something really valuable. Thank you and keep the good work!

[@user-qp8uj1lc3j]

Whose last days? Yours?

[@shellbacksclub]

I love the touch of having that steel grate looking bg spinning behind him. Respect for going the extra mile.

[@asmrbroccoleader]

never heard of that incident. very weird, funny and informative. thanks AJ.

[@jasonkimes4981]

Love your content. Appreciate your hard work!

[@Name-lq3qv]

And he was never caught?!!! What a freaking legend

[@TheWhyFiles]

Right??? Love this guy!

[@lisasommerlad1337]

@@TheWhyFiles that was a child, he had hitting his bottom. that is not good. look at the proportions. that is not a short adult.

[@michellecrocker2485]

I wouldn’t be surprised if this was some high school senior pulling that last prank before graduation

[@bobblowhard8823]

I wonder what the real Max Headroom had to say about this.

[@hansshell6792]

I grew up during the 80's ... loved Max Headroom, he was the star of late Saturday nights TV .. back in the day when there were only 4 channels here in the UK

[@shilohjohnson6920]

Back in the day they were hijacking the old telephone lines too it was just a hobby. They hacked whatever they could. This guy was probably a legend among his peers.

[@smithjones3548]

I was stationed in the U.K. in the 80's, Max Headroom was one of the most fascinating TV shows I had ever seen, decades later it's even more eerie how much it got right about where we are now.

[@Squidbush8563]

Sounds like an 80's/90's hacker. You do it because you can. No other explanation necessary.

[@joshualopez9259]

Amazing video man, subscribed from the first video I seen from you, I already know all your other videos are just as good so I'm onboard, thanks.

[@TheWhyFiles]

Thanks for taking a chance on the channel, Joshua!

[@joshualopez9259]

@@TheWhyFiles no problamo thank u for making great videos.

[@samanthafairweather9186]

Being an Aussie, I'd never heard about this incident. I know who Max Headroom is, cause I used to watch his show on tv. Personally, I think it was a bunch of college students who had some type of knowledge on electronics, satellites, tv stations and the like. It really comes across as a college prank. Whoever did this is an absolute genius, and will go down in the history books for hacking into not one, but two tv stations. Good on them!! It's so funny!!

[@christygum3384]

You know Sam, I think you may be right..Give some college boys the right tools and God help the person or people they want to prank ! The old college hi jinx ! ☺️😆🤣😅😂😃

[@kieranhart5776]

No way. It wasn’t a bunch of anyone or someone we would have told someone else and they would have got caught. It was 2 brothers and that’s it. And they never told a soul.

[@christygum3384]

@@kieranhart5776 Can you be sure Kieran ? Hmmm ?

[@wasterangler]

@@kieranhart5776 oh gawd I hope they weren't in college!

[@Thor-Orion]

@@christygum3384 I suspect it was either two or three siblings as well, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t between the ages of 17-24.

[@_RobertOnline_]

Well put together 👍

[@louisbertaux5193]

Thanks Why Files, I remember Max Headroom, but I didn't know he was never identified! We could sure use him today!

[@bps3013]

That Max Headroom hack was a DEVO level incident... superb stuff!

[@zacsayer1818]

Great episode, which reminded me of the late 70’s or early 80’s hack of a UK TV channel news broadcast with a supposed message from an Alien entity. Which itself would be a great idea for one of your YT videos. Bravo again!

[@sports872]

Any more information on this?

[@zacsayer1818]

@@sports872 The video of it can be found with a search of YT or Google.

[@ianharrison6597]

@@sports872 It happened in the UK on 26 November 1977. The Independent Television station franchise holder was ‘Southern Television’. The UHF transmitter interrupted was Hannington in the south of England. Wikipedia has an article ‘Southern Television broadcast interruption’ for more details.

[@sports872]

@@ianharrison6597 I looked it up. It said it was quickly found out to be a hoax.

[@leakypussy9813]

I’m in the UK I think activists should do this to itv bbc etc

[@sydneyhalliwell2513]

I love that Back to The Future II has Max Headroom in the Cafe scene. Great stuff

[@Texscripter]

Awesome video...but it's your first where you go, "Why?" "Because." (roll credits) 🤣

[@danielmcgrath7519]

Very interesting and funny thanks mate, can't wait for the next one great work 👍

[@TheWhyFiles]

Glad you enjoyed it, DM!

[@allcatz]

We watched Max Headroom regularly. Was not happy when it was taken off the air. Love your channel!

[@TheWhyFiles]

I loved him too.

[@taleiduerks4605]

Same! loved it. My husband hated it So there was always a fight for dibs on the tv

[@geoff3103]

Only one type of personality who would pull a stunt like this AND not talk about it until they are 100% retired, and thats a radio personality. So which Chicago DJs back then would have the stones to pull this off??

[@CYI3ERPUNK]

2023 here ; this channel is quickly becoming one of the best on the platform , stay awesome dude and i hope that you have backups of all of your video on some alternative streaming platforms ; stay safe everyone =]

[@vertizon3036]

You neglected to mention that he held up a Pepsi can while repeating Coke's slogan. Love the videos!

[@BrianJNelson]

I actually remember when this happened. I was watching DR Who when that came on. Sadly, I was in my bedroom and the only VCR we had was in the family room so I wasn't recording it. That's a VHS tape that would have been worth having all these years later.

[@TheWhyFiles]

Amazing that you saw this live!

[@moejoe10000]

I remember it as well , seemed longer ago

[@supobostarman]

@@TheWhyFiles so did I. I remember it well. I was 26 and in college. Watching Dr Who the Sunday night.

[@akatripclaymore.9679]

I Remember this! 😆 I think I was about 15!

[@domdomdominoes6128]

What state where you in?