It was launched on Tuesday 28 March 1989 as the successor to London Plus, the South East's previous news programme.

For all but the last two months, the programme was broadcast from the BBC Elstree Centre, in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

In August 2001 the future home of the successor BBC London News programme – a new and purpose built broadcast centre on the Marylebone High Street – was used alongside radio station BBC London Live.

To provide continuity to staff prior to the launch of BBC London News, the Elstree set was temporarily placed in the Marylebone Road studios for these few weeks, although the smaller space meant that there was only space for one presenter.

Main presenters included Mike Embley, Gwenan Edwards, Gargy Patel, Gillian Joseph, Tim Donovan, Heather Lima and sports presenter Rob Curling.