TV3 launches morning news
Broadcaster looks to capitalise on its quake coverage; reverses "mistake".
TV3 will tomorrow launch "Firstline", two-and-a-half hour news bulletin that will run from 6.00am-8.30am.
Rachel Smalley will present the programme.
Sacha McNeil will replace Ms Smalley's Nightline presenter role.
3 News first went to air with a morning bulletin on Wednesday February 23, a day after the Christchurch quake, and has kept it on air since.
With plans already in place to launch an early morning news service in April, the decision was made to stay on air, the company said in a statement this morning.
Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings said he believes there is a demand for a serious, no frills, early morning news programme.
Senior reporters from 3 News will file for the programme and provide context and analysis of major issues, and our correspondents in London and Sydney will be regular contributors, Mr Jennings said.
Mediaworks TV chief executive, Jason Paris said "There won't be any coffee mugs on the anchors desk or stories about how to look after your pets. We want this to be a show for serious news viewers."
Mistake
TV3's own coffee mugs-and-pets breakfast effort, Sunrise, was canned in April last year, giving TVNZ's Breakfast an unopposed run.
Former MediaWorks boss Brett Impey told NBR it had been a mistake for his successor to axe Sunrise.
A premium should be placed on local content in today's fractured media environment, Mr Impey said.
NBR staff
Sun, 06 Mar 2011
Sun, 06 Mar 2011
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TV3 launches morning news
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