Early Risers

L.A.’s time zone is proving difficult for national TV’s morning shows. The “Today” show had to persuade former President Jimmy Carter to arrive by 5 a.m. so his interview would hit the East Coast for breakfast at 8. Less cooperative interviewees must be taped the day before. It was even worse for British broadcasters at the Republican convention in Philadelphia. Their live morning interviews had to happen at 2 a.m., said a BBC producer, an impossibility when newsmakers “were all out partying.” *

Compiled by MASSIE RITSCH / Los Angeles Times