Meridian Weather

So then, I hear Granada are at it again, stealing the regional feel from the companies they now have under the Granada Banner.
The weather forcast from today on Meridian Tonight will now be tucked away after the commercial break at the END of the programme, doing away with that little flirtation that the main presenters have, which sort of lightens up the end of the show.
I suppose in this world of dwindling finances within ITV, any way of grabbing a few pennies is all important, so the weather will now be sponsored as a stand alone item. Having said that, the weather person will still pop into the main show to promote the weather....crazy....
Just think its a pity that with the 'so called' corporate look that is becoming so evident within ITV's presentation, the only way a region can remain a little bit different is with the news programme. Hey ho!!

PS.. staying with friends in Folkestone last night, I saw Glenn Thompsett (the LWT announcer) doing the news....very good.

What does he look like? I always imagine he looks like the late, great Jim Pope (probably because Jim Pope sounded like him).

BTW I notice that Gary Tezza (previously of Central, then Channel 4) is now announcing on Granada Plus.

Does this mean no more Carl Tyler - Fred Dineneage Talks, surely not? I mean a, weather highlights isn't enough time.

BTW - I was talking to Garry Tezza the other day. Not literally, but it was his voice (or someone who has an identical voice.) on an automatic thingy.

(Edited by Ben at 1:22 pm on Feb. 11, 2002)

glen thomsett wasn't on london weekend yesterday was he? when ever i watched this weekend it was the funny trish woman. he must be on from next friday as he's on every other week as far as i can work out. i'll be watching because he's my favourite.

How do you know this is to happen?

We've had the weather before the news programme and during it for years here in the North East, it certainly hasn't stopped the friendly banter!!!

I just hope this hasn't stopped today with the new look though :/

BTW Meridian don't use the same weather graphics as the new YTV/TTTV/Granada ones do they?

They use the same ones now - ever since the new look.

> The weather forcast from today on Meridian Tonight will now be tucked away after the commercial break at the END of the programme, doing away with that little flirtation that the main presenters have, which sort of lightens up the end of the show.

Yup, I see what you mean now. Tyne Tees now has the same system. Wouldn't be such a problem, but all the quirkiness has gone now. There is no proper weather forecast during the show, just some slides giving out sunset times etc which are meaningless without a weather map to go with them, Bob's weather phrases have disappeared, as have the sub-regional forecast at 6.00pm.

Why do I get the feeling all the regions are being prepared for all weather forecasts within GMG stations to be coming out of Leeds with the Leeds presenters in the same style?

A report in today's Guardian suggests that Granada is planning to shut the Meridian studio in Newbury, Berks, as part of its cost-cutting drive.

The ITC will discuss this proposal, apparently, on Thursday.

BTW, pics of Glen Thompsett are online at ...


The Continuity Booth - Glen Thompsett Page

Yep, and from what I've been told it's going to happen, that's just speculation though. To think I thought that G.M.G. was mildly better than Carlton.