T.m.t.’s 1000th Programme (Press, 23 October 1984)

On 23 October 1984, “The Mainland Touch” reached a significant milestone by airing its 1000th programme. The show first premiered on 31 March 1980, featuring an interview with the contentious priest Father Felix Donnelly. Initially, “T.M.T.” was a half-hour programme broadcast at 7.30 p.m. However, in 1982, the show was shortened and integrated into the 6.30 p.m. news hour. Simon Williams, the editor of “The Mainland Touch,” estimates that the programme has covered around 9000 stories since its inception. The success of the show can be attributed in part to the quality of the approximately 35 reporters who have contributed over the years. Some notable reporters, who have since moved on to work with national networks, include Rodney Bryant, host of 'On Line', Brett Dumbleton with 'Sunday', Alison Parr from 'Close Up', and Sandy Beverly, who became a prominent figure on 'Spot On'. The programme has experienced notable changes, especially in the past year, marked by the departure of Bob Sutton to Radio Avon and Rodney Bryant heading to TVNZ in Auckland. Since the beginning of the previous year, John Dunne has been a regular presence in the studio, and in April, Liz Grant joined him. For the 1000th episode, the show included segments from its past, with both Liz Grant and John Dunne in the studio, accompanied by many former contributors to the programme. This milestone highlights the show's enduring presence and influence in the realm of regional television.

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