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Big Changes for Morning TV
In a surprising turn of events, ITV recently announced significant adjustments to its morning show lineup. One of the casualties of this restructuring is Lorraine Kelly’s beloved morning program on ITV. The show, which has been airing for an hour every weekday morning, will soon be slashed in half to just 30 minutes. This decision comes as part of a broader plan that involves cutting over 220 jobs across various daytime shows on the network.
A Shift in Programming
Starting from January 2026, viewers can expect to see changes in their daily morning routine. The popular Good Morning Britain (GMB) will be extended by an extra 30 minutes, now running from 06:00 to 09:30 every day. This extension is aimed at filling the gap left by Lorraine’s shortened time slot.
The Impact on Lorraine and Other Shows
Lorraine’s reduced airtime means that it will only be broadcast for 30 weeks out of the year instead of the current almost year-round schedule. During the weeks when Lorraine is not on air, GMB will continue its broadcast until 10:00. Additionally, other daytime favorites like Loose Women and This Morning are also set to undergo changes in their broadcasting schedules.
Reactions and Rationale Behind the Decision
Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s media and entertainment division, emphasized the importance of daytime programming while explaining these strategic changes. He highlighted that while difficult decisions were made regarding job cuts and show durations, they were crucial for maintaining quality journalism and discussions that viewers value.
Lygo stated, “Daytime is a really important part of what we do… [the changes] enable us to continue delivering news [and] debate… our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever.” These alterations are not solely about budget cuts but about reinvesting resources into different genres while consolidating news operations for enhanced coverage.
A New Era for Daytime TV Production
ITV Studios responsible for producing daytime content is contemplating merging production teams handling editorially distinct shows like Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women under one roof starting in 2026. Such consolidation aims at streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency.
Furthermore, Good Morning Britain will transition from ITV Studios to ITV News at ITN as part of an initiative to centralize national news reporting efforts within a single hub.
Facing Industry Challenges
The television industry has been grappling with financial pressures due to declining advertising revenues amid fierce competition from streaming platforms. Networks like ITV are compelled to adapt their strategies to remain viable amidst this rapidly evolving landscape.
As traditional broadcasters seek ways to stay relevant alongside streaming giants dominating the market share globally…
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This expanded narrative delves deeper into how pivotal decisions impacting popular TV programs reflect broader trends reshaping the television industry landscape.
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