Look, please stop this pathetic speculation, the show is not affected, the presenting line-up is not affected, what is affected is the way the staff are treated and the way the editorial team is supported.
I applaud the sentiments here that time is needed to bed a show and team down, of course it does, but what happened at Daybreak was a disgrace – and ITV management had had enough of it.
Long-serving, loyal and hugely talented staff were ruthlessly sacked because Mr Kermode didn’t like them. One moment they were doing their jobs, the next they were ‘hauled up to the 14th floor’ for dismissal – except they weren’t dismissed, they were offered a ‘compromise deal’ to go away quietly and not speak about their ordeal in return for 3 months salary. People with families, children and mortgages who were doing good jobs - junked because a man didn't like the way you looked.
From the moment he arrived he dismissed and rubbished staff, many of whom successfully built GMTV – the very show he was trying to emulate. He created a climate of utter fear. People didn’t know if they had jobs from day-to-day, and were too scared to challenge him and his ideas in editorial meetings. Is that an environment that nurtures creativity?
His master plan of revitalising Daybreak was to copy GMTV – the music, the format, the main slots, and the writing style. Hell – he even copied the graphic sequence and logo. Ask the companies he commissioned the music and graphics from.
Hardly a new and innovative approach? Except he didn't copy the soul of GMTV.
And this from someone who supposedly turned around BBC Breakfast? Although it’s clear now that the changes were applied by another BBC manager.
The man made no attempt at learning anyone’s name, publically humiliated staff, and brought in his own flunkies from 5 News (with their belief that they had re-invented news far superior to the likes of anything on broadcast telly now or in the past), or installing his best friends as programme Editors.
Can anyone reveal how many RTS awards 5 News produced by Sky won?
Those ‘mates’ will be seriously thinking about their own positions, there are few people running to their defence.
There are no tears being shed for David Kermode. I’m told staff cheered when they heard of his demise and Karl Newton's appointment. I also hear at the end of the announcement staff clapped. So much for making an impact. So don’t believe a word from his spin-doctors in the Media Guardian. There was no interference from ITV management.
Karl Newton. A decent and funny human being. He has empathy, a common touch, pleasant management style, and staff love and respect him. He leaves them smiling and proud to work for ITV.
