Career Timeline of Piers Morgan: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Piers Morgan made an impact.

Piers Morgan is a prominent English broadcaster, journalist, writer, and media personality. His career began at The Sun, and he rose to become the youngest editor of a British national newspaper in over 50 years when he took the helm at News of the World in 1994. He later edited the Daily Mirror but was dismissed in 2004. He also served as editorial director of First News and became the editor-at-large of MailOnline's US operation in 2014.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1985: Joined Surrey and South London Newspaper Group

In 1985, Piers Morgan joined the Surrey and South London Newspaper Group after studying journalism at Harlow College.

1988: Began Career at The Sun

In 1988, Piers Morgan began his career at The Sun, a tabloid newspaper.

1988: Began Working as Freelancer at The Sun

In 1988, Piers Morgan began working as a freelancer at The Sun and dropped his double-barrelled name.

January 1994: Became Editor of the News of the World

In January 1994, Piers Morgan became editor of the News of the World after being appointed by Rupert Murdoch.

December 1994: Recruited for 'Bizarre' Column at The Sun

In December 1994, Piers Morgan was recruited by Kelvin MacKenzie to work on The Sun's show business column "Bizarre", becoming its main writer.

1994: Appointed Editor of News of the World

In 1994, Rupert Murdoch appointed Piers Morgan as the editor of the News of the World, making him the youngest editor of a British national newspaper in over 50 years.

1995: Edited the Daily Mirror

In 1995, Piers Morgan became the editor of the Daily Mirror.

1995: Left News of the World After Publishing Controversial Photographs

In 1995, Piers Morgan left his position as editor of News of the World after publishing photographs of Catherine Victoria Lockwood, then wife of Charles, Earl Spencer, violating the editors' code of conduct.

February 1997: Dropped "Daily" From Daily Mirror Masthead

In February 1997, under Piers Morgan's leadership, the Daily Mirror dropped "Daily" from its masthead as part of a £16 million rebranding project, but this was later reversed.

August 1999: Roy Greenslade Commented on Morgan's Editorship

In August 1999, Roy Greenslade commented that Piers Morgan's editorship of the Daily Mirror had made a huge difference due to his enthusiasm, determination, and focus.

2002: Daily Mirror Attempted to Move Mid-Market

In 2002, the Daily Mirror, under Piers Morgan's leadership, attempted to move mid-market and appointed Christopher Hitchens as a columnist, but sales declined.

2003: The Importance of Being Famous

In 2003, Piers Morgan presented a three-part television documentary series for the BBC titled The Importance of Being Famous, which explored fame and media coverage of celebrities.

May 2004: Sacked as Editor of the Daily Mirror

On 14 May 2004, Piers Morgan was sacked as editor of the Daily Mirror after publishing fake photographs alleged to show Iraqi prisoners being abused by British soldiers.

2004: Fired from the Daily Mirror

In 2004, Piers Morgan was fired from his position as editor of the Daily Mirror.

May 2005: Gained ownership of Press Gazette

In May 2005, in partnership with Matthew Freud, Piers Morgan gained ownership of Press Gazette, a media trade publication, and the British Press Awards in a deal worth £1 million.

May 2006: First News Launched

On 4 May 2006, First News, a weekly paper aimed at seven to 14-year-olds, was launched by Piers Morgan, who served as the editorial director. He called it "Britain's first national newspaper for children".

2006: Editorial Director of First News

From 2006, Piers Morgan served as the editorial director of First News.

2006: Judge on America's Got Talent

From 2006, Piers Morgan was a judge on the television talent show America's Got Talent.

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2007: Judge on Britain's Got Talent

From 2007, Piers Morgan was a judge on the television talent show Britain's Got Talent.

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2007: Comic Relief Does The Apprentice and Britain's Got Talent

In 2007, Piers Morgan appeared as a celebrity contestant on Comic Relief Does The Apprentice and was fired after his team lost. Also in 2007, Morgan appeared as a judge for the second season of America's Got Talent and on Britain's Got Talent on ITV with Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell.

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2007: Left First News

In 2007, Piers Morgan left his role as the editorial director of First News.

January 2008: Piers Morgan on Sandbanks

In January 2008, Piers Morgan fronted a three-part documentary about Sandbanks for ITV entitled Piers Morgan on Sandbanks.

2008: Won The Celebrity Apprentice US

In 2008, Piers Morgan won The Celebrity Apprentice US, where he appeared alongside Donald Trump.

2008: Winner of The Apprentice

In 2008, Piers Morgan won the U.S. celebrity version of The Apprentice, being named Celebrity Apprentice by host Donald Trump.

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February 2009: Piers Morgan On...

In February 2009, Piers Morgan began a three-part series, Piers Morgan On..., which saw him visit Dubai, Monte Carlo and Hollywood.

2009: Hosted Piers Morgan's Life Stories

In 2009, Piers Morgan began hosting the ITV talk show Piers Morgan's Life Stories.

2010: Ended Being Judge on Britain's Got Talent

In 2010, Piers Morgan was no longer a judge on the television talent show Britain's Got Talent.

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January 2011: Replaced Larry King on CNN

On 17 January 2011, Piers Morgan replaced Larry King in CNN's evening line-up with his show, Piers Morgan Live.

May 2011: Banning Hugh Grant from CNN and ITV Shows

In May 2011, Piers Morgan banned actor Hugh Grant from his shows on CNN and ITV after Grant spoke out against the tabloid press. Morgan announced the ban on Twitter, calling Grant a "tedious little man."

2011: Hosted Piers Morgan Live on CNN

In 2011, Piers Morgan started hosting the CNN talk show Piers Morgan Live.

March 2012: MTV Reports on Morgan's Bad Relations with Madonna

On March 28, 2012, MTV reported on the strained relationship between Piers Morgan and Madonna, noting that "Morgan has apparently felt slighted over the years by Madonna...he claims he was lied to by the singer's publicist."

September 2012: Banning Kelsey Grammer After Photo Incident

In September 2012, Piers Morgan reportedly banned actor Kelsey Grammer from his show after Grammer saw a photo of his ex-wife Camille during the show's opening and left. TVGuide reported that Grammer saw footage that included a picture of his ex-wife. Fox 11 Los Angeles called it an ambush, while The Huffington Post noted Grammer's request not to show images of his ex-wife.

February 2014: Piers Morgan Live cancelled

In February 2014, after poor ratings, Piers Morgan Live was cancelled and ended its run in March 2014.

February 2014: Dispute with Janet Mock Over Interview Description

In February 2014, transgender advocate Janet Mock appeared on Piers Morgan Live to discuss her memoir, Redefining Realness. After the initial interview, Mock criticized Morgan for describing her as "formerly a man" through tweets. On February 5, 2014, she reappeared on the show to debate the dispute.

September 2014: Editor-at-large of MailOnline

In September 2014, Piers Morgan became the first editor-at-large of the MailOnline website's US operation, where he wrote several columns a week.

2014: Piers Morgan Live ended

In 2014, Piers Morgan Live on CNN ended.

2014: Editor-at-Large of MailOnline US

In 2014, Piers Morgan became the first editor-at-large for the MailOnline website's US operation.

April 2015: Guest-hosted Good Morning Britain

From 13 to 17 April 2015, Piers Morgan guest-hosted five episodes of Good Morning Britain on ITV.

November 2015: Permanent co-host of Good Morning Britain

In November 2015, Piers Morgan became a permanent co-host of Good Morning Britain on ITV, appearing alongside Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins.

2015: Ofcom Criticism for Language on Air

In 2015, Ofcom criticized Piers Morgan for laughing when a guest repeatedly used the word 'fucking' live on air. Although no formal action was taken due to an apology from his co-presenter Susanna Reid, the watchdog expressed concern about his behavior.

2015: Co-presented Good Morning Britain

In 2015, Piers Morgan began co-presenting the ITV Breakfast programme Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid.

March 2016: Interviewed Donald Trump on Good Morning Britain

In March 2016, Piers Morgan interviewed Donald Trump on Good Morning Britain.

April 2016: Ofcom Complaints Regarding Comments on Gay Marriage

In April 2016, Ofcom received 70 complaints regarding comments made by Piers Morgan during an interview with Richard Page about gay marriage, where viewers felt his comments implied Christians were homophobic. However, on April 13, 2016, Ofcom confirmed that Morgan would not be investigated for his comments.

2016: Killer Women with Piers Morgan

From 2016 to 2017, Piers Morgan interviewed female murderers on the TV series Killer Women with Piers Morgan.

January 2017: Controversy Over Women's March and Ewan McGregor's Boycott

In January 2017, Piers Morgan criticized the Women's March on Washington, leading Ewan McGregor to cancel his appearance on Good Morning Britain. Morgan then accused McGregor of being a "paedophile-loving hypocrite" due to McGregor's support of Roman Polanski.

January 2018: President Trump – The Piers Morgan Interview

In January 2018, Piers Morgan presented President Trump – The Piers Morgan Interview for ITV, which was viewed by many as sycophantic.

July 2018: Piers, The President and Air Force One

In July 2018, Piers Morgan interviewed Trump again on Air Force One during his official visit to the UK, resulting in a TV special entitled Piers, The President and Air Force One.

October 2018: Hollyoaks cameo

In October 2018, Piers Morgan appeared as a cameo on Hollyoaks.

June 2019: Interviewed Trump at Churchill War Rooms

During Donald Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom in June 2019, Piers Morgan once again interviewed Trump, this time at the Churchill War Rooms.

January 2020: Accusations of Racism over Chinese Dairy Advert Comments

In January 2020, Piers Morgan faced accusations of racism and received 1,095 Ofcom complaints for comments he made on Good Morning Britain relating to a Chinese dairy advert, including using phrases that were considered mocking of the Chinese language. Specifically on January 21, 2020, he was accused of using language to antagonize Chinese people.

May 2020: Admission of Personal Vendetta

In May 2020, Piers Morgan conceded to Decca Aitkenhead of The Sunday Times that his criticism of Meghan Markle might have been too personal and indicated he would moderate his approach going forward. He acknowledged that it was probably not wise as a columnist to make things too personal.

2020: Piers Morgan's Life Stories ended

In 2020, Piers Morgan's Life Stories on ITV ended.

2020: Criticism of Harry and Meghan

In early 2020, after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties, Piers Morgan harshly criticized them, labeling them "the two most spoiled brats in history." He also accused Meghan of influencing Harry to abandon his family and responsibilities. In January 2020, during a Good Morning Britain segment, Morgan defended against accusations of racist media treatment towards Meghan, leading to calls for an advertiser boycott due to his perceived disrespect towards women.

March 2021: Left Good Morning Britain After Criticism of Meghan Markle Interview

In March 2021, Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain after criticizing the Oprah with Meghan and Harry interview. Ofcom received over 57,000 complaints, but Morgan was cleared of wrongdoing.

March 2021: Left Good Morning Britain

In March 2021, Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain following controversy over his remarks about Oprah with Meghan and Harry.

March 2021: Doubting Meghan Markle's Account and Subsequent Exit from Good Morning Britain

In March 2021, following the Oprah interview with Meghan and Harry, Piers Morgan publicly doubted the accuracy of Meghan Markle's statements about her mental health struggles and allegations of racism within the royal family. On March 9, 2021, a heated on-air exchange with Alex Beresford, who criticized Morgan's persistent negative comments about Meghan, led to Morgan storming off the set of Good Morning Britain and ultimately quitting the show later that day. The mental health charity Mind expressed disappointment in his comments.

March 2021: Ofcom Investigation into Remarks About Meghan Markle's Mental Health

On March 9, 2021, Ofcom launched an investigation after receiving 41,015 complaints about Piers Morgan's remarks on Good Morning Britain regarding Meghan Markle's mental health. On March 12, 2021, it was confirmed that Meghan Markle had also complained. By March 17, complaints reached 57,000, breaking Ofcom's record. Despite this, Morgan remained defiant.

September 2021: Ofcom Clears ITV over Morgan's Remarks but Criticizes 'Apparent Disregard'

In September 2021, Ofcom cleared ITV of any wrongdoing regarding Piers Morgan's remarks about Meghan Markle's mental health. Ofcom stated restricting Morgan's views would be a "chilling restriction" on free speech but criticized his "apparent disregard" for the subject of suicide. Morgan hailed the ruling as "a resounding victory for free speech".

September 2021: Announcement of Piers Morgan Joining TalkTV

On September 16, 2021, News UK announced the launch of TalkTV in 2022, with Piers Morgan as the first major signing.

2021: Left Good Morning Britain

In 2021, Piers Morgan left the ITV Breakfast programme Good Morning Britain.

April 2022: Premiere of Piers Morgan Uncensored and Audience Decline

In April 2022, Piers Morgan began presenting Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV, featuring an interview with Donald Trump. However, within a week, the show's viewership declined significantly.

April 2022: Interview with Donald Trump

In April 2022, Piers Morgan interviewed Donald Trump, telling him that he had lost a free and fair election. Trump responded by calling Morgan a fool and walking out of the interview.

November 2022: Interview with Cristiano Ronaldo

In November 2022, Piers Morgan interviewed Cristiano Ronaldo, which later earned him the Scoop of the Year award at the British Sports Journalism Awards in March 2023.

2022: Hosted Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV

In 2022, Piers Morgan began hosting the program Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV.

March 2023: Scoop of the Year Award at the British Sports Journalism Awards

In March 2023, Piers Morgan won the Scoop of the Year award at the British Sports Journalism Awards for his interview with Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2022.

June 2023: TRIC Award for Interview of The Year

In June 2023, Piers Morgan won the TRIC award for the Interview of The Year for his November 2022 interview with Cristiano Ronaldo.

November 2023: Naming Royal Family Members Allegedly Involved in Racism Discussion

On November 29, 2023, Piers Morgan revealed on his show Piers Morgan Uncensored the names of two British Royal Family members who allegedly discussed Meghan Markle's baby's skin color, which was initially mentioned in the March 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview. This followed Omid Scobie's book 'Endgame' identifying the royals in its Dutch version, leading to the book being pulled from sale. Morgan defended his actions, asserting they were lawful.

Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival: A Gripping Investigative Report with a Personal Touch, Witness the Turmoil of the British Monarchy

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February 2024: Piers Morgan Uncensored Moves Exclusively to YouTube

In February 2024, Piers Morgan announced that Piers Morgan Uncensored would no longer be broadcast on TalkTV and would instead be shown exclusively on YouTube.