The bongs? This must be a reference to the bell, Big Ben, that strikes the hours at the Houses of Parliament.The TV company ITN used to have 'News At Ten' at 10pm . The opening sequence had each headline announced to time with the bongs of the clock: " Tony Blair has announced World War Three..BONG!...Manchester United win in France..BONG!..."
The programme was dropped from the schedules but has recently been restored, presented, as always, by Sir Trevor McDonald.