GMTV Today

Infobox Television
show_name = GMTV Today


caption = Titles; introduced in September 2006
format = News
presenter = Ben Shephard
Andrew Castle
Fiona Phillips
Kate Garraway
runtime = 100 minutes
producer = GMTV
country = United Kingdom
first_aired = January 01, 1993
last_aired =
network = GMTV (ITV)
website = http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=2885

"GMTV Today" is the breakfast programme on the British breakfast station, GMTV. The station is broadcast on, and part of, the ITV Network.

The programme is a 100 minute broadcast. Including national and international news stories, regional news, weather, human-interest features and competitions. Weekdays from 07:00.

Overview

First airing in 1993 is "GMTV Today" with its main rivals being BBC Breakfast and Sky News' "Sunrise", which are more news orientated, therefore GMTV airs a lighter alternative.

As of 2007, "GMTV Today" began airing on Bank Holidays. Previously, children's programming aired from 6-9.25am, however due to low ratings this was dropped, with all kids' shows airing as normal at weekends.

During summer periods and bank holiday's, the running time of the programme changes, to 145 minutes, Monday-Thursday. With "LK Today" not airing.

pecial features

The programme runs many special features, two of which are listed. Since 2004, Fiona Phillips has been sponsoring a child, whilst progress has been made in many African countries towards achieving universal primary education, Phillips visits the country each year, with the project being called "Finding Neema". [http://www.plan-uk.org/gmtv/] GMTV has a dedicated award for the Pride of Britain titled "GMTV's Emergency Services Award". [http://www.prideofbritain.com/contentPages/AboutUs/gmtv-emergency-services.aspx]

Current presenters

*Ben Shephard, presents Monday-Wednesday, he joined the programme in 2005
*Andrew Castle, presents Thursday-Friday, he joined in 2000
*Fiona Phillips, presents Monday-Thursday, previously a correspondent, she was promoted as a presenter in 1996
*Kate Garraway, presents each Friday, she joined in 2000
*Penny Smith, presents news updates daily, since it's launch in 1993
*Priya-Kaur Jones, is a stand-in for Smith, although she was previously a correspondent when she joined in 2007

Controversy

The programme caused controversy when it cut from the Summer 2007 UK floods to go to Paris Hilton being released from prison.

In November 2007, Heather Mills gave an emotionally-charged interview on the show, fighting back against the media onslaught against her. Fiona Phillips was the interviewer. [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/11/01/exclusive-heather-mills-and-the-hate-tape-89520-20042461/] [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article2777973.ece]

The programme is known for interviewing controversial guests, such as Mills and Jade Goody. [http://www.itv.com/PressCentre/Pressreleases/Programmepressreleases/JadeGoodytalkstoGMTV2/default.html]

References