According to Wikipedia,
In the 1970s, TV was typically used to provide [Open University] lectures, and the image of the OU lecturer in brown ‘kipper-tie’ and flared corduroy trouser became something of a national icon. OU programmes are generally now much more innovative, using documentary styles.
That’s not what I’ve seen tonight. The brown ties are alive and well on BBC2 in the early hours of the morning.