[lookoutwales]

Yes, the LNN transmission suite at LWT was pretty much fully operational about a month before the actual date and rehearsals were in full swing, as indeed were LNN News. GMTV were also rehearsing (in real time as I recall) a few weeks before coming on air.

Seem to recall some footage of those GMTV rehearsals went out on a Carlton show in 2002 - 'Screen Tests of the Stars' with Paul O'Grady (unfortunately, not on YT)

Think Eammon Holmes made mention that they were still not ready (in terms of format and content) by the time they launched.