TV3 relaunches early morning news service

3 NEWS MORNING BULLETINS TO CONTINUE
FIRSTLINE LAUNCHED

Rachel Smalley will present 3 News: Firstline, which will remain on air permanently from tomorrow, Monday March 7.

Smalley will bring viewers the bulletins every weekday morning from 6.00am-8.30am.

3 News first went to air with a morning bulletin on Wednesday February 23, a day after the devastating quake hit Christchurch, and has continued to keep New Zealanders informed and up-to-date ever since.

With plans already in place to launch an early morning news service in April, the decision was made to stay on air.

Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings says he believes there is a demand for a serious, no frills, early morning news programme.

“Firstline will concentrate on the important stories that happened overnight and what is likely to make news in the day ahead,” he says. “When major stories break the programme will have the resources and journalist fire power to provide major coverage.”

Senior reporters from 3 News will file for the programme and provide context and analysis of major issues, and our correspondents in London and Sydney will be regular contributors.

Jennings adds: "Rachel Smalley will bring considerable journalist clout to the anchor's role. She is a talented interviewer and reporter, who has covered many big international and domestic stories for us. Since returning from London she has made her mark as the host of Nightline. She is the perfect combination of warmth and authority."

Mediaworks TV Chief Executive, Jason Paris says this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to news and current affairs and the strength of our team of journalists at TV3.

“Many New Zealanders don't have a lot of time in the morning. There won't be any coffee mugs on the anchors desk or stories about how to look after your pets. We want this to be a show for serious news viewers who have limited time in the morning but want to be fully informed.”

Sacha McNeil will replace Rachel Smalley as the new Nightline presenter from tomorrow.

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