30 years ago today (17th Jan) it was the BBC (Frank Bough, Selina Scott, Debbie Rix, Nick Ross, Francis Wilson and the “green goddess” that started “Breakfast TV”.

Two weeks later ITV had TVam with The “Famous Five” of David Frost, Anna Ford, Michael Parkinson, Angela Rippon and Robert Kee.

TVam lost out to BBC in viewers, until….Roland Rat!

About BBC Breakfast Time

BBC Breakfast Time, often known simply as BBC Breakfast, is a leading British morning news program that first aired on January 17, 1983. The show broadcasts live from 6 am to 9 am on BBC One, offering viewers a comprehensive mix of breaking news, weather updates, sports coverage, and feature stories.

The program originally featured presenters Frank Bough and Selina Scott, who set the tone for the show’s engaging and informative format. Bough was known for his charismatic and authoritative style, while Lawley brought a warm and approachable presence. Their partnership established the show’s reputation for combining serious journalism with an accessible presentation.

BBC Breakfast Time has evolved significantly over the years, with the presenters rotating to include notable figures such as Sian Williams, Bill Turnbull, and more recently, Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt. The current team continues the legacy of providing a well-rounded morning news experience, blending current affairs with light-hearted features.

The show remains a staple of British morning television, adapting to changes in the media landscape while maintaining its commitment to high-quality journalism and engaging storytelling. Its blend of news, interviews, and updates has made it an essential part of many viewers’ morning routines.

The BBC Breakfast Time and TVAM rivalry

The rivalry between BBC Breakfast Time and TVAM (Television AM) was a notable aspect of British morning television in the 1980s. BBC Breakfast Time, which launched in 1983, was the BBC’s flagship morning news program, known for its comprehensive coverage and established presenters like Frank Bough and Sue Lawley. TVAM, launched by the Independent Broadcasting Authority in 1983, offered a competing breakfast show with a more dynamic, commercial approach, featuring presenters like Anne Diamond and Mike Morris. The competition between the two programs highlighted the evolving landscape of morning TV, with TVAM’s innovative style challenging BBC Breakfast Time’s more traditional format.