The programme launched on 1 October 2001 as BBC LDN. After a major reorganisation of the BBC’s South East region, with the London area splitting away to form its own separate region. The previous programme, Newsroom South East, had gradually decreased in its coverage as certain areas were switched to receive over regional news programmes. A new programme for the new South East, South East Today launched shortly before Newsroom South East, effectively broadcasting solely to the London area, became BBC London News.