BBC Breakfast

Yep, as much as I loved the Breakfast News theme music during that era, it, together with the grandness of the studio, was too much for that time in the morning. The 1997 relaunch was a slight improvement but then it felt like it was being presented from an office. Again, not very welcoming first thing in the morning. I remember the first day of Breakfast quite vividly - it truly was breathtaking. The warm oranges and reds and comfy sofas and armchairs were like nothing that had gone before on the BBC. Even David Lowe's music was soft, warm and understated (before he over-did it later in the decade, as he did with all his BBC News music).

I agree with the need for a desk, though. During the 2000-2002 period, the programme was presented from a desk from 6.00am until 8.30am. Only for the last half hour, or for interviews, did they move to the soft area. I think it worked quite well then.

Who could forget that giant 'BREAKFAST' logo lit up in red, orange and yellow each hour of the morning?

That definitely was the best time of Breakfast. I don't like the current studio or titles, even the music just doesn't seem fresh, like morning fresh, if you get what I mean, like in 2000.

Really lovely tribute to Sian this morning. It's only really hit home how much of a loss she is for the programme and I'll love seeing her on the Olympics coverage.

Anyway, it was the School Report today and I just thought it would be worth including some more shots of the new Salford studio used during the coverage. It really shows you how long and narrow the space is.

OK, I take those words back. I actually think Sian was a decent newsreader and interviewer. Was very good at being serious as that clip of her first day next to Darren Jordan shows - perfect opening sentence, took command and seemed like she'd been doing it years and Darren was the new boy.

But recently, in my opinion, she's just got a bit too self conscious and a bit of a diva.

Anyway, she's gone now and let's move on. Before we do though, this was the Breakfast News I meant, not the cut glass...

I think if you don't like Sian on Breakfast, you'll dislike her replacement even more.

Suzanna? I think she's OK.

Just in case anyone's interested there's the full tribute on the BBC website as well now - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/17378586

Very well summarized, Rob. Totally agree.

While it is a rather longer than wide, think the ceiling height is more of an issue. On all wide shots I've seen on North West Tonight, the ceiling has been very prominent in shot. It makes it look quite claustrophobic on screen (which I'm sure it isn't in actuality).

It's just horrendous. The grid and ceiling is taking up a third of the frame in that long shot. It looks like student telly.

I'm beyond surprised that they would have built this space with network programming in mind. Who were the consultants for this project?

30 minute bulletins followed by World Business Report and Sports Today I think. Simulcasting on the NC could be a good idea - it would be a good alternative to Breakfast

Yes. You're right! And we could rename it The World Today.

The combination of Tanya Beckett, Naga Munchetty, Martine Dennis, Sally Bundock and Big Komla would still make it "lively" enough, yet newsy enough for said target audience.

A rather good idea, Sir.