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Max Headroom Broadcast Intrusion
Someone hijacked two Chicago TV stations wearing a Max Headroom mask. Bizarre ramblings. A bare buttocks spanking. Distorted laughter. Then it ended. Despite a massive FBI investigation, the hijacker was never caught. The signal remains unexplained.
1987
Chicago, Illinois, USA
100000+ witnesses
The Max Headroom incident was television’s strangest hack.
The First Intrusion
November 22, 1987:
- WGN-TV Chicago
- During news broadcast
- 30 seconds
- No audio
- Just the mask
The Second Intrusion
Same night:
- WTTW during Dr. Who
- 90 seconds this time
- Audio worked
- Bizarre dialogue
- Ended with spanking
The Content
What was broadcast:
- Max Headroom mask
- Sunglasses
- Distorted voice
- Random references
- Bare buttocks spanked
The Investigation
FBI and FCC:
- Major investigation
- Sophisticated equipment needed
- Estimated cost: $25,000+
- Multiple suspects
- No arrests ever
The Mystery
Never solved:
- Technical expertise required
- Seemed personal
- References unclear
- Perpetrators silent
- 35+ years later
The Legacy
Cultural impact:
- Cult phenomenon
- Internet obsession
- Documentaries made
- Still discussed
- Mystery endures