'Neighbours' celebrates 25 years.

Did you know?

• ‘Neighbours’ first premiered on the Seven Network on the 18th March 1985.
• Pin Oak Court is the name of the cul-de-sac which doubles as Ramsay Street, and is located in Vermont South, Melbourne.
• Since 1985 there have been six versions of the theme song, originally written by Tony Hatch and his wife Jackie Trent.
• Vivean Gray, who played acid-tongued Mrs Mangel, was forced to leave her role after she received abuse from people who were unable to separate fact from fiction. She is now a recluse.
• ‘Neighbours’ was presented with a Hall of Fame Award at the Logies in 2005.
• Several of the show’s writers have also appeared onscreen, including Alan Hopgood, Louise Le Nay, Chris Milne, Perri Cummings, Shane Porteous and Ian Smith.
• ‘Neighbours’ is the only TV show to have had its entire cast flown to the UK to perform in a Royal Command Performance in front of the Queen.
• Filming locations outside of Australia have included Kenya, the United States and the UK – which has been featured on three separate occasions.
• Erinsborough is a loose anagram of ‘Neighbours’.
• ‘Neighbours’ is the longest running series in Australian television. Worldwide it is beaten only by ‘Coronation Street’.

‘Neighbours’ kicked off its 25th anniversary tonight with the launch of new opening titles, which according to executive producer Susan Bower, features “a bit of bling” — in reference to the milestone anniversary.

“25 is the silver anniversary,” says Bower.

She calls the show “25 years young”, hinting at the big plans she has in store for the show during its 25th anniversary season.

“I’d like to celebrate the future as well as the present,” she says.

“We are planning a ‘family’ party in a couple of weeks to celebrate turning 25. This will be a celebration involving past and present cast and crew and will be featured on the Neighbours website for you all to see.”

The show’s renowned Lassiter’s Complex will undergo a huge makeover, with the village centre being completely upgraded inline with an upcoming storyline.

“The old back lot was bulldozed over Christmas and the new one built in its place. It’s not all that different to the eye, all the favourites are still there but everything is fresher and ‘modernised’,” says Bower.

New sets include a university campus, metropolitan police station and a new terrace cafe. Erinsborough News, Lassiters Hotel and Erinsborough Hospital will all receive new facades as part of the upgrade.

The updated sets will make their first appearance in May/June.

In regards to the show’s upcoming episodes, Bower wouldn’t reveal the specifics of any story lines, but says “We have fantastic stories leading up to the 6000th episode [in August] with a cliff-hanger you won’t believe. The consequences go on for ages.”

A few past ‘Neighbours’ stars will also return as a result, but before you start speculating, “it won’t be Charlene and Scott,” jokes Bower.

Bower does however promise a one-hour TV special which will take a look back at the show’s past and hint at what’s to come in the future.

Ten will screen a special later this year.

Check out the new opening credits below.

Matt Moran

Matt Moran will be returning to Ten’s ‘MasterChef Australia’, following a guest stint on rival network Seven’s ‘My Kitchen Rules’.

Producers called on Moran to step in as emergency guest-judge, replacing Gary Mehigan, who slipped at the end of a long day two weeks ago.

Moran joins several other guest judges who’ve been covering for Mehigan, while he recuperates from surgery to his knee and thigh.

The temporary loss of one of its judges couldn’t come at a worse time for the reality cook-off, as production ramps up on the final challenges of the season.

Mehigan will miss some crucial final cooking challenges, which were key to the success of the first season.

Some within the industry are already speculating that the second season of ‘MasterChef’ wont live up the first, with audiences appetites for cooking contests already fulfilled thanks to Seven’s ‘My Kitchen Rules’.

An unnamed rival executive said ‘My Kitchen Rules’ was partly designed to soak audiences appetites for cooking shows.

“We believe the viewers’ stomachs will be full so the questions is will MasterChef work after they’ve had their fix?” said the exectuive.

However, a ‘MasterChef’ source remains optimistic — confident that the hunger will remain.

“It’s good for us because it has got the viewers thinking about food again and people can wait for five weeks or so for us to come on,” said the source.

Mehigan is expected to return to the ‘MasterChef’ kitchen — on crutches — over the weekend.

‘MasterChef Australia’ is expected to go to air in late April on Network Ten.

Source: Perth Now

Earlier this year Ten promoted the new season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’ with the song “The Rhythm of Life” from the broadway musical ‘Sweet Charity’.

Now, Ten are wowing us with yet another show tune promo, this time “Food, Glorious Food”, the opening song from the hit musical and subsequent movie ‘Oliver!’.

Check out an extended version of the promo below.

Meanwhile, as the halo effect from the record breaking first season of ‘MasterChef Australia’ spreads internationally, TV networks around the world are taking cues from the Australian promos that kicked it all off.

Here’s a reminder.

Now here’s New Zealand’s take.

And from Norway.

"Glee: The Music - The Power of Madonna EP" out April 16.

The upcoming fifteenth episode of ‘Glee’ is set to be a musical spectacular, paying tribute to Queen of Pop.

The episode, which is set to air on April 20 on FOX, was directed by series creator Ryan Murphy.

Murphy describes the episode as “big…huge”, saying “it’s got like 10 numbers in it, and the production value is very big. We adore her and worship her, so when I’m directing, I’m always like, ‘Do it for Madonna.’”

The singer granted ‘Glee’ the rights to her entire catalogue of music, ten of which were covered by the ‘Glee’ team for the highly anticipated episode.

Sony Music Australia will release seven of the tracks as an EP, which is set to be released on April 16.

“Glee: The Music – The Power of Madonna EP” track-listing:

1. Express Yourself
2. Borderline / Open Your Heart
3. Vogue
4. Like A Virgin
5. 4 Minutes
6. What It Feels Like For A Girl
7. Like A Prayer

‘Glee’ returns with all new episodes in April on Network Ten.

The Bounce
The new AFl show with Peter Helliar begins on Wednesday March 24th at 7:30pm in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The show will air at 12:30am into Sydney and Brisbane. It only an assumption that this show is starting on a Wednesday night due to AFL Thursday night games for the first and second rounds with the show then moving to Thursday nights.
Host Peter Helliar will present four quarters of footy-flavoured action offering news, comedy and personalities of the sport to fans around
Australia, while AFL experts Matthew Richardson and Leigh Matthews will analyse the game and tackle the issues facing the sport.
Produced by Rick McKenna Productions, THE BOUNCE will have football fans talking. THE BOUNCE premieres on Channel Seven at 7.30pm, Wednesday, March 24.

The Matty Johns Show
What an awful title. Anyway, the show is making its debut on Thursday 25th March at 7:30pm into Sydney and Brisbane. Other states will get the show at midnight.
Johns will tackle the new season’s big issues as well as entertaining audiences with a family-friendly mix of sporting stars, special guests, live performances, music and comedy. Johns says he’s thrilled with the opportunity to expand rugby league’s audience.
“I grew up watching league on Seven with Rex Mossop,” he says. “Thirty years later for it to be me on Seven with a rugby league show is great.”
With several fun new characters to debut – including gardening guru Don Kirk, explorer Alby Sandals and 10-year-old Steven the Big Kid – there’s plenty of opportunity for Johns to let loose with his cheeky humour and incredible wit. But when joined by former Australian and Bronco lock Shane Webcke for Controversy Corner, the show will take on a more serious tone as they debate the biggest issues facing the NRL.
Clubs and players have been very supportive of the show by taking part in regular segments such as My Home Town and Home When You’re Away, giving them the opportunity to showcase towns around the country and surprise some adoring fans. High-profile stars will also lend their time for player challenges and to be part of the studio panel each week. “I think were heading into a fantastic era for the game,” says Johns.

NOTE: Sydney and Brisbane viewers will get a new RSPCA Animal Rescue on the Wednesday night and other states will get the same episodes on the Thursday night. So episodes are not skipped, just on different nights.

My Kitchen Rules
The grand final episode will air Monday 22nd March at 7:30pm and run for 90 minutes. ‘Desperate Housewives’ will follow at 9pm and ‘Brothers and Sisters’ at 10pm.

Private Practice
This show is back starting with the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ crossover episode on Tuesday March 23rd March on Seven.

Easter
Sunday 28th March marks the first week of the non-ratings period BUT these shows will continue with new episodes;

Scrubs
Royal Pains
Desperate Housewives
Brothers and Sisters
Ocean Force
30 Rock
Better Homes and Gardens
The Biggest Loser: Couples
Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation
The Good Wife
Good News Week
Bondi Rescue
NCIS: Los Angeles
So You Think You Can Dance
Burn Notice
Medium
White Collar
Domestic Blitz
60 Minutes
Survivors
V
CSI: Miami
Survivor
Top Gear
RPA
Getaway
Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
All of 7Two’s normal shows will continue with new episodes

If I have not mentioned a major prime time show here then it is most likely to be a repeat.

Lost
This series will have a double episode on March 30th on Seven’s main channel bringing them in line with 7Two.

Melbourne Special
The line-up for Friday 2nd April will be:

6:00 Sunrise
9:00 Larry the Lawnmower ®
9:30 SPECIAL 2010 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
12:00 Seven Morning News
12:30 SPECIAL 2010 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
6:00 Seven News
6:30 Today Tonight
7:00 Home and Away
7:30 SPECIAL 2010 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal

Supernatural
The show is back with new episodes on Monday 29th March at 9:30pm on Ten.

White Collar
The first season comes to a close on Friday 2nd April at 9:30pm on Ten.

Opportunity Wasted
Channel 10 could have run a new episode of ‘SVU’ on Thursday 1st April into Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth who missed the new episode the previous week due to AFL. Instead they will carry the same repeat as Sydney and Brisbane that same night.

RPA
Season finale already. The show will air Wednesday March 31st at 8:30pm.

Strikeforce
There are a few unaired episodes. The next episode will air 11:40pm on  Tuesday 30th on 7Two.

Heroes
The season (and possibly series) finale will air Thursday April 1st on 7two at 9:30pm. I have, from an excellent source, that all new Reaper will take this slot from the following week.

My Kitchen Rules

On Tuesday 16th March, ‘MKR’ will have a special 90 minute episode. That pushes ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to 9pm and ‘Brothers and Sisters’ to 10pm. On Monday 22nd March the slot between 7:30pm and 9pm is currently TBA, so I would assume another 90 minute episode will air there as well. Tuesday 23rd March between 7:30 and 8:30 is TBA and also between 8:30 and 10:30.

AFL Game Day

The show returns to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth at 10am on Sunday 21st March at 10am. Sydney and Brisbane viewers will see a repeat of the first season of ‘True Beauty’ in that slot.

According to Jim

This show goes under the radar, but it is interesting to note that even though this sitcom was canceled and last screened in America in June 2009, it did notch up an impressive 181 episodes. I would have noted the final episode date in Australia if it was uniformed across Australia. Sydney and Melbourne have completed the series already. Perth has played the final episode but missed a couple episodes, with the final new episode screening 27th March. Brisbane will get the final episode of the show on 21st March. That leaves Adelaide who fell a bit behind; the second last episode screens on the 27th March with the final episode still to be scheduled.

TBA’s for Seven

Sometimes these TBA slots create more talk than actual scheduled shows. Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm to 8:30pm on 24th/25th March are currently TBA. One of the slots would assumed to be the NRL/AFL shows that Seven is developing, with the AFL season due to kick off on Thursday 25th March on Ten.

Crim inal Minds / Gangs of Oz

In an interesting move, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth viewers will get a new episode as normal of Gangs of Oz on Wednesday 24th March, however, Sydney and Brisbane viewers will get a repeat of Criminal Minds. I am waiting on a reply from Seven as to why this is happening. You may notice an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ will be ’skipped’ by the network in the next couple of weeks if you take into account the episode order in America. This is not the fault of Seven. Once the episode is released by its distributors, it will go to air.

UPDATED – Due to legal reasons this episode of ‘Oz’ cannot be screened in Sydney and Brisbane at this time, which is the reason for the ‘Criminal Minds’ repeat in Sydney and Brisbane.

AFL

AFL action is back with Round 1 of the AFL season on Seven with ‘Friday Night Football’. Each week Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth viewers will see the action at 8:30 starting with a round 1 match between Geelong and Essendon on March 26th followed by repeat Scrubs. Sydney and Brisbane viewers will get a movie at 8:30pm followed by a Scrubs repeat and then AFL before midnight.

Band of Brothers

If you have been watching this again on 7Two then please take note of the final episode which screens on Tuesday 23rd March at 10:30pm.

Make Me  a Supermodel (US series)

It has been previously reported that the show will be having its FTA premiere this week with a special episode followed by the first episode on March 17th at 7:30pm on 7Two. On March 24th the second episode will air at 7:30pm. However, the third episode is a bit naughty for the early slot so that same evening at 10:30pm, the third episode will air there as a special adults only airing. ‘Kings’ (which is a great series) will be preempted for the night.

Stargate: Atlantis

Nothing special here but just letting you know that the series reaches the half way mark of the final season on March 25th at 8:30pm on 7Two. Last few months to watch this series before it bows out forever. For those keeping score, the show ended on the 9th January 2009 in America.

Last Comic Standing

One of my fave shows is back with the six season premiere at 10:45pm on Friday 26th March on 7Two. The show had been canceled but was recently picked up again and a seventh season will air on NBC in America this summer. This is actually the second resurrection for this show.

Melbourne International Comedy Gala

This will air at 8:30pm Monday 22nd March for a two hour slot, preempting ‘Good News Week’. Tvtonight did report that ‘Supernatural’ may be returning on the night, but this has not occurred. When I contacted Ten about ‘Supernatual’ they informed me that they had no idea where that rumour started and there was no plans to bring it back soon. However, there is a chance they keeping it under wraps and is why I have not mentioned ‘Supernatural’ on this site.

NCIS: Los Angeles

Is back with new episodes on Tuesday 23rd March at 9:30pm. I actually felt this was a bizarre move since the 2 week non-ratings period kicks off the following week, probably putting the orginal NCIS in repeat mood for two weeks. Would they not have been better off just starting of new eps of ‘NCIS’ with new eps of LA after Easter?

Thursday 25th March on Ten

Because of AFL, Ten will have a different schedule across the country:

Sydney and Brisbane
6:00 The Simpsons ®
6:30 Neighbours
7:00 The 7pm Project
7:30 The Biggest Loser: Couples
8:00 So You Think You Can Dance Results 10 – 8
9:00 Law and Order: SVU (ep 7 of 22 in Season 11)
10:00 Medium (ep 8 of 18 in Season 6)
11:00 TEN Late News with Sports Tonight
11:30 AFL Round 1 Richmond v Carlton
2:00 The Late Show with David Letterman

Melbourne and Adelaide
6:00 Neighbours
6:30 So You Think You Can Dance Results 10 – 8
7:30 AFL Round 1 Richmond v Carlton
11:00 The 7pm Project
11:30 TEN Late News with Sports Tonight
12:00 The Late Show with David Letterman
1:00 Cops ®

Perth
6:00 The Simpsons ®
6:30 Neighbours
7:00 The 7pm Project
7:30 So You Think You Can Dance Results 10 – 8
8:30 AFL Round 1 Richmond v Carlton
12:00 The Late Show with David Letterman
1:00 Cops ®

That means ‘The Biggest Loser’ will not air that week in 3 markets. It also means that Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth viewers will miss a new episode of ‘SVU’ and ‘Medium’. The simple thing to do since it is the non-ratings season the following week is to play a repeat of both shows in northern states and those new episodes into southern states. This would be the sensible thing to do. However, last year Ten did NOT do this and ‘SVU’ was played months out of order in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and ‘Medium’ was skipped altogether and to this day has still not screened.

White Collar

The second last episode screens 9:30pm on Friday 26th March. This would not normally be of any issue except the fact that the following week is Easter Friday. I would have thought a double episode would have been better on the 26th, rather than screening the season final on Good Friday or preempting it a further week.

Wide World of Sports

Returns with a new season on Sunday 21st March at 10am on Nine.

CSI: Miami

Sydney and Brisbane viewers will finally get to see the season final of the seventh season of this show on Monday 22nd March. Other states are five episodes ahead and therefore in season eight.

Survivor: Heroes v Villians

Still screening on March 23rd as normal at 8:40pm with the 9:40 slot TBA. If Nine once again changes that TBA slot to a double episode then that will bring the show within around 12 days of America.

Wednesday 24th March on Nine

Because of Thursday AFL on Ten, the  AFL Footy Show will air on Nine on Wednesday 24th in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in prime time. Sydney and Brisbane will still get new RPA and new Cold Case. No idea when Nine will screen missing episodes into those markets.

Guides have been added for wc 21st March except, of course, for Nine.

The AFL semi-finals are upon us and Tvauscast has the teams and telecast times for each market. The biggest programming change will be in Adelaide where many programs will be moved around to accommodate the earlier start on Friday night (see bottom of this post).

FRIDAY NIGHT AFL – SEMI FINAL 1: Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide on Channel 7
Adelaide @ 7pm
Melbourne and Perth @ 8:30pm
Sydney and Brisbane @ 12:50am (Saturday morning)

SATURDAY NIGHT AFL – SEMI FINAL 2: St Kilda v Fremantle on Channel 10
Perth @ 6pm
Adelaide @ 8pm
Melbourne @ 8:30pm
Sydney and Brisbane @ 11:30pm.

Here are all the programming changes that affect Adelaide -

Thursday 4th March

7:00 Home and Away - Double Episode
8:00 Ghost Whisperer – Ep 10 of 22 in Season 5
9:00 Cougar Town – Ep 4 of 22 in Season 1
9:30 How I Met Your Mother – Ep 4 of 22 in Season 5
10:00 Thank God You’re Here – RPT
11:00 Family Guy – Ep 5 of 22 in Season 8
11:30 Family Guy – RPT - Double Episode
12:30 Blue Heelers – RPT
01:30 Home Shopping

Friday 5th March

7:00 AFL NAB Cup: Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide
10:00 MOVIE: Species – RPT
12:10 MOVIE: Jeepers Creepers 2 – RPT
2:10 Auction Squad – RPT
3:05 Home Shopping
4:00 NBC Today

Saturday 6th March

6:30 Better Homes and Gardens
7:30 MOVIE: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit – RPT
9:40 MOVIE: Disturbia Premiere
11:50 MOVIE: Doctor Detroit – RPT
1:35 MOVIE: Farewell, My Love – RPT

The guide for Seven wc 28th Feb has now been updated.

Seven and Nine in a bidding war over 'The X Factor'.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Seven and Nine are set begin a bidding war over a new local version of ‘The X Factor’.

The show’s creator Simon Cowell called a summit in London last week, which Nine’s Director of Production and Development Andrew Backwell, Seven’s Head of Programming Tim Worner and Sony Music CEO Dennis Handlin all attended.

Despite producing a failed attempt in 2005 by Network Ten, Cowell hopes to overtake the current global success of the ‘Idol’ format and make the show a worldwide phenomenon.

Cowell told the reps an Australian version would have to be made “my way or the highway”, said one source.

“He said that any other version would have to match his production values and his uncompromising vision, which would cost at least $20 million for 21 hours of television.”

Seven is believed to be making a very aggressive bid for the format, while Nine, who is equally interested, were also quite conscious of the costs involved in producing the format.

“One way or another, expect it to be on air around February next year,” added the source.

‘The X Factor’ has become a massive hit in the UK, turning out one of the biggest names in pop, Leona Lewis.

US network FOX announced plans to bring the format stateside after Cowell leaves ‘American Idol’ next season, joining the other 21 local versions across Europe and the Middle East.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Adam Lambert

‘American Idol’ runner up, Adam Lambert, is set to visit Australia next week as part of a local promotional tour.

Lambert will visit Sydney and Melbourne, with live performances scheduled for Ten’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’ on March 5, as well as Seven’s ‘Sunrise’.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Australia and meeting my fans Down Under! I know it’s going to be so much fun!” said Lambert.

The trip will coincide with the Australian release of his debut album ‘For Your Entertainment’, which is out next Friday, March 5th.

The Australian version of the album will feature an exclusive bonus track ‘Voodoo’, which is a collaboration with ARIA-nominated singer, Sam Sparro.

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

The Mentalist

Repeats of the show will air at 8:30pm Thursdays from next week (March 4th) on Nine.

Adults only ‘20 to 1′ will air at 9:30pm for next week only and then ‘The Footy Show’ moves into that slot.

Dharma and Greg / Everybody Loves Raymond

‘Dharma’ comes to an end with its final ever episode on Tuesday March 16th with ‘Raymond’ repeats taking the slot the next day.

V

The new series has found a home at 8:30pm on Sunday 7th March on Nine. The time slot from 9:30pm to 11:30pm is currently TBA.

Survivor: Heroes vs Villians

This makes its 20th season premiere on Tuesday 9th March at 8:40pm right after a new episode of Top Gear. The first episode is two hours in length.

Identity

This 12 part reality show hits Ten on the Friday 5th March at 2am (Sat morning). The series started in America in 2006 and my guess is that the rights are about to expire.

Join Penn Jillette of the legendary magician/comedian pair Penn & Teller as he hosts this exciting new competition. Contestants must match up the 12 correct identities to 12 total strangers, but they must be careful not to judge a book by its cover because looks can be deceiving!

Media Release

IT’S A RUDDY GOOD NEWS WEEK

PM Kevin Rudd took time out of his busy schedule over the weekend to record a special guest appearance on tonight’s (Monday 22nd February) Good News Week.

With a renowned combination of razor sharp satire and rude words, the team at TEN’S really quite good current affairs show were really quite thrilled to welcome the top mover and sauce bottle shaker of Australian politics.

Chivalrously appearing as GNW panellist Claire Hooper’s political champion, the PM was part of a game called “Political Mastermind.” The PM tested his knowledge of the extraordinary people, history and facial hair that make Australian politics great, against the resident GNW political pundit Mikey Robins.

Taking his place opposite master of proceedings Paul McDermott to thunderous applause from the surprised studio audience, the PM said: “I’m pretty nervous to be here, my country beckons.”

“Don’t stuff it up for your team,” was the immediate response of fellow team-mate Corrine Grant. The PM faced a set of cheeky multiple choice questions, one of which was: Which Australian PM famously said, “Life wasn’t meant to be easy?

a) Malcolm Fraser, in a lecture, 1971
b) Harold Holt, underwater, 1967
c) KevinRudd, to a flight attendant, 2009

Revealing his answers would spoil all the fun, but with conversation touching on John Howard’s green and gold tracky dax, confirmation of gossip about a split in the Australian Labor Party, and conjecture about Prime Ministerial appendages, it’s a show not to be missed.

David Mott, Chief Programming Officer TEN said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin Rudd back to TEN as a guest on Good News Week. This promises to be the most unusual Question Time the Prime Minister has ever faced.”

Other guests on the show were the tall funny bloke Tom Gleeson; comedian and Triple J breakfast host Tom Ballard; Canadian stand-up star Stewart Francis; and to keep all that strange testosterone in check, the improvised explosive device, Corinne Grant.

Hosted by the inimitable acid tongued altar boy Paul McDermott, Good News Week transmits tonight (Monday 22nd February) at 8.30pm on TEN.

Source: Network Ten

Crash Investigation Unit

As mentioned in a previous post, ‘ICU’ has been removed from the Seven schedule effective after the next broadcast on February 24th. In its place will be ‘Crash Investigation Unit’ which premieres with season 2 on Wednesday 3rd March at 8pm.

Rosemary and Thyme

This series will get a repeat broadcast from episode 1 starting Monday 8th March at 8:30pm on 7Two, which replaces ‘Judge John Deed’ which has completed its run.

The Whistleblowers

This new 6 part series will air on 7Two at 9:30pm Mondays from 8th March on 7Two.

After witnessing an injustice abetted by government corruption, a couple abandon their previous legal careers to become advocates for those courageous individuals who are willing to expose the truth.

Make Me a Supermodel (US series)

This show makes its FTA debut on Wednesday 10th March at 7:30pm which replaces ‘I Survived a Japanese Game Show’ which would have concluded its first season the week prior. The show starts with a special casting episode to be followed by the official launch of the series the following week on 7Two.

NWA – On Fire

The wrestling show is back on 7Two from Thursday March 11th at 11:10pm.

King of the Hill

Fans of this show are always prepared for this show to fly around the schedule. There is an episode on Friday 12th March at 11:45pm; a new episode from Season 12.

Ross Noble’s Australian Trip

This 6 part series comes to a close on Monday 8th March at 10pm on Ten.

Burn Notice

The Americans had a 4 month break between episode 9 and 10 of ‘Burn Notice’ of this current season. Channel 10 viewers will wait just a week as they kick off the back end of season 3 at 10pm Wednesday 10th March with that episode 10.

NAB Cup Grand Final

This year the NAB Cup Grand Final will air on Ten at the following times around the country on Saturday March 13th:

Perth: 6:30pm

Adelaide: 7pm

Melbourne: 7:30om

Sydney/Brisbane: 10:45pm

The It Crowd

The current season comes to a close on ABC1 on Wednesday 17th March at 9pm.

Criminal Justice

The current season comes to a close on ABC1 on Friday 18th March at 8:30pm.

82nd Annual Academy Awards

Will air LIVE during the day on Nine on Monday 8th March and then repeated at 9:30pm.

The Footy Show NRL and AFL

These panel shows are back for 2010 on Nine from Thursday 11th March. Same as usual with Sydney and Brisbane getting the NRL version at 9:30pm and then the AFL version late night and Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth getting the shows in the reverse order. That means there will be two ‘dead’ weeks with the first AFL show only covering the NAB Cup Grand Final and the second week is a week off football as the official launch of the AFL season on March 25th. The NRL show is on track as the season starts the next night, March 12th.

TBA

The Sunday slot on March 7th from 8:30 and the Tuesday slot from 8:30pm on March 9th are still TBA. We are of course awaiting ‘Underbelly’ which is expected on Sunday March 7th.

Headland

The show will come to its conclusion on Wednesday 24th February at 11am on 7TWO. All 58 episodes have aired bringing the show to a close.

Dateline NBC

Due to IOC Olympic rights, Channel Seven has been forced to pull NBC Today for the duration of the Winter Olympics but will resume straight after. Repeats of Dateline and Room for Improvement will fill the slot.

Come Dine with Me

The show WILL return with new episodes on Monday March 1st at 3pm. In the meantime, Channel Seven will air all 15 episodes they have of the New Zealand version of  ‘10 Years Younger in 10 Days’ including two unaired episodes which will conclude on February 26th. That brings that show to a close.

Cougar Town/The White Room

These two shows will encore on Sunday February 14th at 8:30 and 9pm respectively on 7TWO.

Brothers and Sisters

The show will run twice a week starting  the week commencing the 21st of February with episodes on Monday and Tuesday nights at 9:30pm. This will happen only for about a month. ‘Private Practice’ will take the Tuesday 9:30pm slot once ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ reaches its crossover episode.

Burn Notice

This show will come to its midseason conclusion on Thursday 4th March at 10pm with episode 9 of the current season. In America, the show took a four month break between episode 9 and episode 10.  There is no word whether Channel Ten will jump straight into the backhalf of the season the following week which only began in the US this past January.

Saving Grace

This show that has already aired on pay tv will make its debut on FTA television with Channel Ten premiering the series on Monday 1st March (Tuesday morning) at 12:30am. The show completed its 3rd season in August 2009 in the US.

Cold Case / Without a Trace

Even though the show was pulled from its slot at 8:30pm in favour of RPA, it will continue on Wednesday nights at 9:30pm on Channel Nine from Wednesday 3rd March. Despite pulling in very healthy late night numbers, Without a Trace is out with a Cold Case repeat filling the 10:30pm slot the same night.

Domestic Blitz / 60 Minutes

Both return with new seasons on Sunday February 28th at 6:30 and 7:30pm respectively on Nine.

CSI: Miami

The show will return with new episodes and join ‘The Mentalist’ on Monday nights, airing at 9:30pm from Monday 1st March on Nine. Be aware of spoilers as different markets are showing different episodes.

Kerri-anne

According to the guide released by Nine, the show is called simply, Kerri-anne’ in 2010 with the ‘Mornings with’ part dropped from the title. The show returns on Tuesday 2nd March at 9am.

Whizz Kids: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Not many would have picked this timeslot, but the promised kids version of WWTBAM will air at 7:30pm from Saturday 6th March on Nine.

Kitchen Nightmares

The show will continue with new episodes from Tuesday 2nd March at 10:30pm. The 7:30 to 10:30pm time slots for the same night are currently TBA.

CSI: New York

This show will return to Nine at 10:30pm Thursday 4th March with new episodes starting with episode 5 of Season 5. Repeats of ‘The Mentalist’ will air at 9:30pm, but you would expect that to be a filler until Nine figures out what they are doing with The Footy Show due back in March.

I Survived a Japanese Game Show

This rather bizarre (but funny) show ends its first season for 7TWO on Wednesday March 3rd at 7:30pm. No word yet as to when the second season of both this and the previously aired American Gladiators will air.

Media Release

UNDERCOVER BOSS IS COMING TO TEN

Highest rating reality show premiere to call TEN home

10 February 2010 Network Ten is pleased to confirm that it has secured the tape and format rights to the new CBS reality series Undercover Boss.

Undercover Boss, which launched to 38.6 million viewers in the US, making it the highest rating* premiere of a reality show on record, follows high-level chief executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies.

Each week a different executive will leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their company.

While working alongside their employees, they will see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organisation and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their company run.

US companies whose chief executives will make the undercover journey include such corporate giants as Waste Management, 7-Eleven and Hooters.

David Mott, chief programming officer said: “We are thrilled to own such a great program. It is, without a doubt, an hour of feel-good television for workers from all walks of life.

“The concept of Undercover Boss is simple and brilliant, and it’s gratifying to see these CEOs learn how tough everyday work and life can be,” Mr Mott said.

Undercover Boss is a perfect addition to TEN’s program schedule and will air later in the year.

Source: Network Ten

Kes$ha is set to performance on Ten's 'So You Think You Can Dance Australia'.

Ke$ha is set to visit Australia from March 20 – 25 as part of a promotional visit which includes an exclusive TV performance on Ten’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’.

The worldwide pop sensation currently has two singles and one album in the Top 5 ARIA charts. Her debut single, ‘TiK ToK’, which spent 8 consecutive weeks at #1, has been certified 3 x platinum and spent 5 weeks at #1 on the National Airplay chart. Her current single ‘Blah Blah’ is currently at #4 and is certified gold.

Her debut album ‘Animal’, which was released just 4 weeks ago has already been certified Gold coming in at #4 on the ARIA album chart.

Ke$ha, whose single ‘TiK ToK’ is also currently featured on Seven’s ‘My Kitchen Rules’, will visit Sydney and Melbourne as part of her promotional visit.

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

In a major exclusive I can reveal through eBroadcast TVAUSCAST that regional Western Australia will finally get a third commercial television station. Prime Television CEO, Doug Edwards talked to me about multi channeling in Western Australia, why 7TWO was delayed in some parts of Australia and dishes the dirt on that ugly watermark that is appearing on screen.

NAME: Ten West

AVAILABILITY: This will be a DIGITAL only channel so viewers will need the set top box to access this channel.

PROGRAMMING: The channel will be a direct feed of Channel Ten in Perth.

AIRDATE: June 2010

NOTE: This is a rollout. So in June 2010 only some parts of the state will get the new service until it is eventually rolled out. I will be able to release a full roll out schedule for each region when it becomes available next month.

OWNER: This is a joint venture between GWN (Prime) and WIN Television

At this time, regional West Australian viewers have access to two commercial stations; GWN (owned by Prime) which carries Seven Network programming and WIN, which carries mostly Channel Nine programming with some Ten programming as well. All that is about to change with a third commercial station starting soon.

Freeview has been running campaigns for quite some time. Metropolitan viewers have been enjoying the benefits for some time now. Regional areas in most parts of Australia are catching up with 7TWO, One, GO!, ABC2, ABC3 and SBS TWO becoming available. However, regional viewers in Western Australia seem to miss the boat on almost everything with none of the extra channels being made available in the area.

Doug Edwards, CEO of Prime Television explains, “There is currently no legislative requirement for multi channels in regional Western Australia, however the broadcasters are now working with government to develop a time line for their inclusion prior to the scheduled switch off of analogue in that state in 2013.”

Under media law, Western Australia is actually considered a ‘remote’ area instead of a ‘regional’ area and therefore has not come under the same regional guidelines as other states. Doug adds, “the timeline should be finalised within 6 months” which is a real bonus to WA viewers. Whether it takes 12 months or 2 years, WA viewers will be appreciative of the fact that television in the state will grow enormously in such a short time.

At one stage, WA viewers had the choice of one commercial station which was GWN and the two public broadcasters. That increased to two commercial broadcasters only a decade ago when WIN was introduced. With a current total of just four channels, that is set to increase to the full metropolitan suite of channels including the multi-channels in the coming year or so after a timeline is worked out by the networks, in conjunction with the government.

Viewers bombarded the Prime switchboard after hearing that 7TWO would be delayed in most regional areas which meant that viewers would miss certain programs including the new season of ‘Heroes’ and ‘Ugly Betty’. Viewers poured their outrage onto media websites across Australia including eBroadcast itself. Doug Edwards says on this matter, “The delay between Metro and Regional was due to the need for a substantial
rebuild at our Broadcast Centre in Canberra to enable Prime to injest and
distribute this new program stream”.

In thinking that Prime must have known in advance that a new channel was in the works, I asked Doug why the network was not more prepared, “We had no guidance from the Seven Network as to a switch on date until very 
close to their launch date. This delay was similar to the delay in regional
 areas with One HD where Southern Cross television also had to develop their
 playout facility in Canberra.”

This interview would not be complete without asking Doug about that hideous watermark that appears on 7TWO in regional areas and he did respond with “Prime are currently installing further software that will enable the 7TWO watermark to be transparent in line with 7TWO watermark on the Seven Network feed. Most likely this will happen in February.”

To get the channel up and running, Prime are using a ‘dirty feed’ which basically means they are playing out the Seven Network feed of the show with Seven Network commercials and just slapping on the watermark. By February, the network will have its playout done through Prime in Canberra which enables them to change the logo, insert local commercials and so on. So when presented with the choice of starting before Christmas and having this ‘dirty feed’ until February or just not launching until February, Prime made the decision to appease viewers and get the channel up and running the moment they could.

In reference to whether Prime will run ‘catch-up’ episodes for shows like ‘Heroes’, Doug had this to say, “Most probably not, to play catch up programs requires the displacement of other programs, it is most likely that with very few sequential programs being missed we will now follow the network lineup and schedule”. Most of the major programs have not started so regional viewers will get ‘24′ and ‘Lost’ at the same time as metropolitan viewers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Prime CEO, Doug Edwards for talking with me about the new digital channel in Western Australia as well as answering those 7TWO questions that viewers have been asking me through our forums. After speaking with him via telephone you begin to see that the whole regional issue is not just about ‘flicking on a switch’ but rather a major process that involves the investment of millions of dollars in infrastructure and liaison between networks and the government on a regular basis.

A myriad of questions will now abound about how this will affect WIN’s schedule:

Will episodes of Channel Ten programs flow onto the new channel or will the new channel jump ahead?

Ten West will start transmission in June of this year and will be a direct feed of Channel Ten in Perth. This is a very complicated issue for WIN and after hearing detailed discussions of programming there is no way that the network can avoid viewers being disadvantaged. WIN cannot simply ‘catch up’ for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is not enough airtime to air the regular 2010 line-up as well as this. Secondly, viewers must appreciate that this is a roll out. So if WIN did catch up viewers before June, only one part of the state will approve that transition.

Viewers in another part of the state that have to wait a further six months would now need to be ‘caught up’ again. There is just no way of appeasing all viewers in the state. The only way to look at this is positively and that is that viewers in regional WA will soon have access to every free to air program that the metropolitan programs have, be up to date with episodes with the metropolitan states and have access to every multi channel the same as the rest of Australia within time. Almost everything is positive. The only one negative thing is that during that transition it is possible that viewers will see a ‘jump’ in episodes of their favourite shows. It is a one off disappointment with a long term positive effect.

The digital only channel will not program individually based on what WIN is up to. That means that whatever Channel Ten in Perth is airing in June will go to air as is on Ten West.

Will WIN become Channel Nine only from June?

No. From June WIN will begin to phase into a fully Channel Nine affiliate and you will see less Ten programs on WIN. However, WIN does understand that not all regions will have access to Ten West first up and not all viewers will have switched to digital. That means all major sporting events such as Ten games of AFL will screen on WIN until Ten West is FULLY rolled out. WIN will also continue to ‘cherry pick’ some major Ten programs so it is possible that WIN will continue to show programs such as ‘MasterChef’, ‘NCIS’ and others. That means some regions will see more up to date episodes of a show like ‘NCIS’, while older episodes screen on WIN.

As a media writer it is not my position to defend WIN. In fact, if I choose I can argue against their plans. However, I have been privy to a lot of information about how all this will happen, legislation, cost and so forth and the job for WIN is very difficult in terms of programming. If Ten West was appearing in all regions of WA in June the transition would be simpler. Everyone could get a set top box, Ten West would be Ten, WIN would be Nine and that is it. But since this is a roll out over time, it will be an almost impossible job for the WIN WA programming manager to appease all viewers. The strategy they are taking by keeping sporting events on WIN so all viewers can access and still cherry picking certain shows over a period of time seems the most logical.

The agreement though runs out in June 2012. WIN will no longer be able to cherry pick and the network will run a full Nine schedule with local WIN programming as they wish.

So technically WIN can run their cherry picks until then but because the roll out of digital in WA with the multi channels will be the fastest of any part of the world, it is more likely you will see separate channels in full much earlier. When I see the roll out schedule it will become more apparent.

What programs can I see on Ten West?

You will be able to see the full range of Ten programming. Some will make the transition from WIN to Ten West such as ‘NCIS’, ‘Law and Order: SVU’, ‘House’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Medium’, ‘Law and Order: Criminal Intent’, ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Rules of Engagement’, ‘Rush’, ‘Burn Notice’ and the return of the ‘Ten News’ service which will air at 5pm. All of the major franchises such as ‘MasterChef Australia’ will air in prime time and ‘Oprah’, ‘Dr. Phil’ and ‘Judge Judy’ will all come to daytime.

I would like to add that WIN, in particular Shirley Brown who took a lot of time out to speak with me about digital television. As mentioned above the rollout of digital in WA will be the fastest of anywhere in the world. Pre 2000, regional WA had access to GWN and the ABC with only some parts receiving SBS. The rollout of digital and HD services in metro areas has been a slow gradual process but regional WA will go from a small handful of channels including only two commercial channels to the full range of channels include all the multi channels and the new ones set to launch this year in a matter of around 18 months. It is a massive task costing tens of millions of dollars which requires close consultation with the government.

Author’s Note: I started this story whilst under contract with eBroadcast, hence the inclusion of the site in this article. However, I am now out of contract with eBroadcast and they have decided not to pick up this story and hence how it ended up on TVAUSCAST.

Google are set to compete with TV broadcasters this year, after securing a two-year global contract for the Twenty20 Indian Premier League.

The internet giant will begin offering live and on-demand video coverage of all 60 matches on YouTube when the competition begins on March 12.

Last year, the IPL averaged 40,000 to 50,000 viewers per match on Network Ten’s digital channel One HD, the Australian television broadcaster of the IPL.

With another four years left in their contract, Network Ten don’t seem to be too afraid of Google’s entrance into the game. The network believes that the YouTube deal will simply compliment their extensive coverage of the IPL.

“Online and mobile give sports fans the chance to follow the action regardless of where they are,” said Ten spokeswoman Jeannette McLoughlin. “Viewers prefer to see the broadcast in its full glory on a TV screen.”

Google’s deal with the IPL is believed to be just the beginning of a more aggressive push to make YouTube a premier online TV destination.

“We’re investing heavily in YouTube and look forward to making similar content more readily to YouTube,” said Google Australia’s head of business development Ryan Hall.

Last October, YouTube streamed a U2 concert live from the Rose Bowl, California — the largest event in the company’s history. The one-off show generated over 10 million streams across 7 continents, including Australia.

More recently, the video search engine partnered with Katalyst Films and advertiser Hewlett Packard, to host the unseen episodes of US TV network The CW’s cancelled drama series ‘The Beautiful Life’. The pilot episode has already seen over half a million hits in just over a month.

Online video content is expected to be in high demand this year, with the majority of new televisions, Blu-ray players and game consoles being sold having internet and YouTube connectivity.

Hall said Google was looking to buy all types of content including entertainment, music and live sport events to stream and provide on-demand via YouTube.

Source: The Australian

'The Circle' premieres 10am Tuesday, February 9 on Network Ten.

The ladies of ‘The View’ are about to get some Aussie competition.

Network Ten’s new morning panel show will bring together four diverse women, who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions. Denise Drysdale, Chrissie Swan, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan will host the new show, which is set to premiere 10am Tuesday, February 9.

Lets hope the series doesn’t go the way of Nine’s failed attempt at a ‘View’-type program — ‘The Catch Up’.

Media Release

TEN ANNOUNCES NEW MORNING SHOW – THE CIRCLE

Network Ten is pleased to announce the launch of The Circle, an exciting new morning program premiering on Tuesday, February 9th at 10am.

Entertaining, informing and inspiring, The Circle will be hosted by a very talented panel of four diverse women – Denise Drysdale, Chrissie Swan, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan – who will be joined by a special guest panellist each day.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience, The Circle will air from 10am till 12noon weekdays, following TEN’s one hour morning news bulletin at the new time of 9am.

Network Ten’s chief programming officer, David Mott said: “I’m delighted to welcome Chrissie, Yumi, Gorgi and Denise to the TEN stable. Smart and bold, each of these women bring a unique set of experiences to The Circle and I’m certain Australian audiences will embrace their warmth and vibrant sense of fun”.

Producer Pam Barnes said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting new show. All the issues that affect our busy lifestyles will be addressed daily on The Circle by four great women who will share what’s going on in their lives and yours”.

TV veteran Denise “Ding Dong” Drysdale has been making us laugh for decades following her debut on The Happy Hammond Show as a 10-year-old. Since the 1960’s, she’s been a magazine pin-up, entertained the troops in Vietnam and worked with legends of entertainment like Graham Kennedy, Ernie Sigley and Daryl Somers. She’s hosted her own television shows and guested on countless others including a regular role on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

Former copywriter and new mum, Chrissie Swan was Australia’s first female Big Brother runner-up, impressing the nation with her intelligence, wit, integrity and intriguing sense of humour. Clearly the only person in the country who actually enjoys getting out of bed before dawn, this self confessed pop culture addict spent four successful years on breakfast radio as well as taking out second place on Australia’s Brainiest.

Noted for her meticulous research and great sense of humour, the multi-talented Yumi Stynes has interviewed actors, comedians, directors and musicians all over the world as well as presenting on numerous awards shows. She’s in a band herself and has unparalleled access to the Australian and international music scene. With her continued role on MAX plus juggling being a single mum to two beautiful girls, Yumi is one of the busiest women in television and film.

With her background in news, current affairs, science, education and professional singing, Gorgi Coghlan has covered just about every area of entertainment. She was hand picked by Queen for the Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You, and has regularly pumped out the national anthem at major sporting events. She has worked as a travel, sports and lifestyle reporter, a television news journalist and is a qualified secondary school teacher. Recently married, Gorgi and her husband are enjoying putting the finishing touches to their new home.

Inclusive in nature, The Circle will actively interact with its audience through email, Skype, live crosses and old fashioned phone calls. The studio audience are also welcome to contribute as the hosts will be inviting their comments throughout each show.

The Circle is you and your four friends – Denise, Chrissie, Gorgi and Yumi – who listen to you, respond to you and react to what’s capturing your interest today.

Source: Network Ten

Julia Bowen, Courtney Cox and Patricia Heaton star in ABC's Wednesday night comedy block.

ABC Entertainment Group president Steve McPherson announced on Tuesday that the network had given early second-season orders to Wednesday night comedies ‘Cougar Town’, ‘The Middle’, ‘Modern Family’.

The three shows have helped the network to establish a much needed comedy block amongst it’s strong slate of reality and drama.

Variety reports that the news was so fresh that producers on the shows hadn’t even been informed of the renewals.

Together, ‘Cougar Town’, ‘The Middle’ and ‘Modern Family’ have been outperforming the network’s timeslot average of last season, which was home to ‘Pushing Daisies’ and ‘Private Practice’.

The network have yet to decide the fate of more challenged comedies ‘Scrubs’,
‘Better Off Ted’ and ‘Ugly Betty’.

Separately, ABC also announced the pickup of ‘Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution’ — which is set to air on Network Ten later this year. The series follows Oliver as he travels to Huntington, West Virginia, in order to change the way Americans eat and depend on fast food.

McPherson also confirmed that the network is working on a spinoff for the hugely successful reality series ‘The Bachelor’. The new show, ‘Bachelor Pad’, will similarly be hosted by Chris Harrison and will feature former ‘Bachelor’ contestants living in a house together — ‘Big Brother’ style.

The series will air mid-year, between ‘The Bachelorette’ and the new fall season.

Finally, another show which could see a late season premiere is the Alyssa Milano comedy ‘Romantically Challenged’ — which co-stars Australia’s Josh Lawson. The show is expected join the Wednesday night comedy block, at 8pm, the former timeslot of cancelled comedy ‘Hank’.

‘The Middle’ airs 8pm Mondays on Nine. ‘Cougar Town’ and ‘Modern Family’ are scheduled to premiere on Seven and Ten respectively in the coming months.

Source: Variety

Press Release

GLEEKS REJOICE! FOX PICKS UP SECOND SEASON OF “GLEE”

NATIONWIDE OPEN CASTING CALL FOR “GLEE” BEGINS FEBRUARY AND WILL AIR AS MULTI-PART SPECIAL THIS FALL ON FOX

Series Returns with All-New Episodes Tuesday, April 13, on FOX

FOX has ordered a second season of the genre-defying comedy GLEE, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. GLEE has become a bona fide cultural phenomenon boasting winning ratings, critical acclaim, a rabid fan base of “GLEEks,” two certified Gold albums and more than 4 million song downloads. The series has received four Golden Globe nominations, including one for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy; a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series; two Directors Guild of America Award nominations; and a Writers Guild of America nomination for Best Comedy Series and Best New Series. Additionally, the American Film Institute named GLEE one of the Top 10 TV Programs of the Year, and the series also recently won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy.

“We’ve loved GLEE ever since it was a pilot script, so it’s been an incredible thrill to watch the show take root and see audiences embrace these characters in such a huge way this season,” said Reilly. “The show is a true and rare gem in television. We couldn’t be more proud of what Ryan Murphy and the GLEE team have created so far, and can’t wait to see what they come up with for Season Two.”

GLEE has also launched the acting and singing careers of its young, talented cast, and turned them into international sensations. Replicating and expanding on the process used to discover the stars from Season One, the series’ executive producers will begin a nationwide casting search this February to fill three new roles that will be added to the show’s second season.

Building upon the show’s incredibly supportive community of GLEEks and with the hope of bringing fans even closer to the series, auditions will be open to amateur individuals as well as professionals between the ages of 16-26, and all hopefuls will be able to submit auditions online. Additional details to be announced soon, please check www.fox.com/glee for updates.

This unique casting search and process will be chronicled in a multi-part special that will air leading up to the premiere of the series’ second season in fall 2010 on FOX, and the new cast members will be revealed in the premiere episode.

“GLEE has always been about finding new fresh exciting voices. Our second season search for young talent will be in the vein of our first season. We launched a nationwide search for talent for our first season with great unexpected results, and Season Two expands that search in an even bigger way,” said executive producer and creator Ryan Murphy. He added, “Anybody and everybody now has a chance to be on a show about talented underdogs. No matter who you are – a Broadway talent or a struggling singing waiter with a dream in the Midwest – you now have an opportunity to make that dream come true by posting your talent video and showing us what you can do. ALL the roles will be chosen from the video audition process, which is exciting and unprecedented. We want to be the first interactive musical comedy on television, and the search is ON.”

“GLEE is the hottest new show of the season, and it’s amazing to look back at the audition tapes of those stars as they were being discovered,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX. “Just like GLEE, there’s never really been an unscripted program like this on television before. The stakes are real, and it’s going to be incredibly compelling to watch the lives of these unknowns transformed before our eyes.”

GLEE returns with all-new episodes on a new night beginning Tuesday, April 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

GLEE follows an optimistic teacher who – against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach – inspires McKinley High’s Glee Club to conquer the world one singing competition at a time. GLEE stars Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz.

GLEE is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk and Dante Di Loreto serve as executive producers, while Ian Brennan serves as co-executive producer.

Source: FOX Broadcasting Company

'Australian Idol' rested for 2010?

According to The Daily Telegraph’s Sydney Confidential, ‘Australian Idol’ may be rested in 2010, despite previously being announced as returning this season.

The article states that Industry insiders believe that the Network Ten reality series has been shelved and that the judges contracts have not been renewed.

The later has been confirmed by Ian “Dicko” Dickson.

It’s widely believed that the network are hoping to avoid another year of embarrassing ratings, following last year’s underwhelming season.

A mere 1.4 million viewers tuned in to watch Stan Walker crowned as the newest ‘Australian Idol’ last year, a long way from the 3.34 million who saw Guy Sebastian win in 2003.

Ten’s upcoming Commonwealth Games coverage have also been linked to the sudden reversal, with the Games running from October 3 to 14 — directly in the middle of the usual ‘Idol’ season.

It’s believed that the network will make their decision on whether to bring ‘Idol’ back in 2011 later in the year.

“[Ten] have asked [production company] Fremantle [Media] for ideas on how to relaunch in 2011,” said one source.

So what do you think? Are Ten making the right decision shelving ‘Idol’ this year? Will it return in 2011? Is this all just a big rumour?

Sound off in the comments.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Matt Bomer

There’s great news for Network Ten this morning, their hot new summer series ‘White Collar’ has been given a second season order from US cable channel USA Network.

The 20th Century Fox TV drama, which stars Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay, has been a solid performer for USA — garnering a 5.4 million reception for its series premiere and 5.55 million for its fall finale.

The show has similarly seen respectable results locally, with 774,000 tuning in for its summer premiere. The most recent outing took 728,000 viewers, winning its timeslot in the 50+ aud.

‘White Collar’ is scheduled to return January 20 for the remainder of its first season on USA.

The series airs 9.30pm Wednesdays on Network Ten.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Dave Hughes, Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore and James Mathison on Ten's 'The 7PM Project'.

Last night I managed to catch my very first episode of Network Ten’s sort of new news show, ‘The 7PM Project.’ I’ve watched a few clips here and there but why did it take me so long to actually sit down and watch a full episode of ‘The 7PM Project?’ a) It was on at an inconvenient time and I must congratulate Ten for showing some patience with this show – airing it right across the summer and even airing encores late at night, which was how I managed to catch it and b) I saw it as a tabloid show with childish humour and after my first viewing I wasn’t wrong.

Let’s start off with the positives, Carrie Bickmore and Charlie Pickering seem to both have a bright future, their presentation is smooth and they seem to be comfortable doing a daily show. Now to Dave Hughes, seriously with that sort of face who can treat him seriously? And with that annoying voice, I just wanna switch off the TV every time he speaks.

The show itself is direction-less, is it trying to be serious or is it trying to find the funny side of news? I think the later is true but it is not working. They focused on the Liberal leadership as Tony Abbott was elected as Liberal leader that morning replacing Malcolm Turnbull. Ten’s political editor Paul Bongiorno – who was referred to by Charlie Pickering as ‘Bonj,’ seriously? – joined the team as they discussed the day’s events. Paul Bongiorno looked out of place, he started off with a smirk and as Charlie and co questioned him with their usual childish humour, you could see he was trying to hold it together. Couldn’t they tone it down and act professional for one segment?

The opening sequence also seems to be trying too hard. They attempt to include funnies into news stories which aren’t working. I recommend trying an opening monologue in a similar mould to American talk shows or even better a daily version of ‘Carrie at the Newsdesk’ from ‘Rove.’

As for the guests, last night Ray Martin joined the crew to promote his new biography, but we didn’t learn much more than what has been reported in the papers. Perhaps, I have been Americanised with my comparisons to American talk shows such as ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,’ ‘The Lateshow with David Letterman’ and ‘The Jay Leno Show,’ but the hosts in the aforementioned shows actually spend a good 10 to 15 minutes with their nightly guests and we actually learn something new about the guest once the interview is done. I know ‘The 7PM Project’ doesn’t have the time to interview a guest for 10 minutes, but if they could ignore the tabloid stories, there would a lot more time for the guest.

‘The 7PM Project’ has potential to build an audience but the people behind the show need to be clear of which direction they are heading, keep it light without the silly jokes.

‘The 7PM Project’ airs nightly at 7pm on Network Ten and is repeated daily after ‘Ten’s Late News.’

2.5 out of 5 stars

The cast of 'Three Rivers'.

It took longer than everyone thought but medical drama ‘Three Rivers’ starring our own Alex O’Loughlin has been pulled from CBS’s schedule, effective immediately.

‘Three Rivers’ was plagued with criticism from critics and production retooling and it was inevitable the freshman drama would see the axe. The show premiered to below par numbers and despite stabilizing numbers, figures were not up to CBS’s standards.

CBS will air repeats in its place and the remainder of the episodes which are currently in production will air, according to CBS. You might remember something similar happened to’The Ex-List’ last year, CBS promised it would return but we haven’t seen it since.

‘Three Rivers’ was shortlived here as well with Ten axing it after one episode.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

The only network with year-on-year gains in total people share and audience – seriously!

TEN’s chief programming officer, David Mott:

“TEN’s 2009 line-up has delivered in spades, providing some of the year’s most memorable TV moments and significantly expanding the Network’s audience profile.

We have cemented our position as the clear leader in 16-39 and daytime and we end the year as the only Network with year-on-year gains in our total people share and audience.

This year, our strengthened line-up produced the three most watched programs of 2009, as well as a raft of hit new shows – including local productions of MasterChef Australia, the hilarious Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation and Recruits. We also introduced an exciting new international line-up headed by Merlin, Lie To Me, the musical comedy Glee and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Throughout the year, we continued to build our online audience, offering viewers more opportunities to connect with their favourite television brands. This year, we delivered more unique content than ever before and achieved impressive traffic growth across our suite of sites. In 2010, as more of our key franchises tap into the online market, TEN is well positioned to become the leading commercial network for catch-up TV with the rights to stream over 40 programs.

2010 is set to be another exciting year for Network Ten. All our favourite programs return together with the pick of new US shows including the hilariously funny Modern Family, the highly anticipated drama series The Good Wife and the new animated Family Guy spin-off, The Cleveland Show.

We also have a number of new local productions heading to the Network in 2010 including Junior MasterChef, dramas Hawke and Offspring, as well as 12 days of Commonwealth Games coverage live from Delhi.

Our strengthened domestic and international line-up of proven favourites and exciting new shows puts us in a strong position to deliver increased depth and consistency across the schedule, through to the Commonwealth Games and beyond.”

Network Ten Total (TEN + ONE):

• Network Ten Total (TEN + ONE combined) wins the year in prime-time in 18-49 with a 33.7% share
• Network Ten Total (TEN + ONE combined) wins the year in prime-time in 16-39 with a 37.0% share

TEN (primary channel):

• TEN wins the year in prime-time in 16-39 and under 50s
• TEN has commercial share gains in all key demographics (see 2009 v 2008 Shares: 6pm-10:30pm Commercial Primary Networks table on page 2)
• TEN is competitive in 18-49 with a 33.5% share; Year- on-year share in 18-49 is up by 2.9%; Year-on-year audience in 18-49 is up by 1.5%
• TEN wins 16-39 for 9th straight year; Year-on-year share in 16-39 is up by 2.7%
• TEN’s year-on-year share in 25-54 is up by 4.7%; year- on-year audience in 25-54 is up by 4.9%
• TEN’s year-on-year total share is up by 5.5%; Year-on- year audience is up by 4.0%
• TEN wins the year in daytime; TEN News At Five is the year’s top regular daytime program
• TEN delivers the top 3 shows of 2009: MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced, MasterChef Australia – Finale Night and The AFL Grand Final

Note: Network Ten Total is the combination of TEN and ONE across 5 mainland capital cities. Primary Network Figures exclude digital terrestrial channels. Network Total Figures include digital terrestrial channels.

Program Highlights:

• TEN delivers five hit new shows: MasterChef Australia, Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation, Merlin, Recruits and Lie To Me
• MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced is the year’s #1 show with 3.73 million viewers, becoming Australia’s most watched non-sporting event since OzTAM ratings began in 2001
• The AFL Grand Final is the most-watched sporting event of 2009 with 2.88 million viewers; highest rating AFL Grand Final in Melbourne on record
• Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation is Australia’s favourite comedy series with an average audience of 1.60 million viewers
• Merlin is Australia’s favourite new international drama with an average audience of 1.36 million viewers
• NCIS is Australia’s favourite US drama with an average audience of 1.45 million viewers
• TEN leads in ‘big event’ TV.
• Franchise finales peaked at:
  • MasterChef Australia – 4.11 million
  • The Biggest Loser Australia – 2.34m
  • Australian Idol – 1.71m
  • So You Think You Can Dance Australia – 1.67 million

2009 v 2008 Shares: 6pm–10:30pm

Commercial Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

6:00pm–10:30 pm (Zone 1)

Commercial Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

Commercial Network Totals (inc digital terrestrial channels)

Free to Air Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

Free to Air Network Totals (inc digital terrestrial channels)

6:00pm–midnight

Commercial Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

Commercial Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

Free to Air Primary Networks (exc digital terrestrial channels)

Free to Air Primary Networks (inc digital terrestrial channels)

2009 timeslot winners, 18–49 (CSHR)

• MasterChef Australia – Challenge (48.8%)
• Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation (47.7%)
• MasterChef Australia (46.9%)
• Ten News at Five (46.6%)
• Glee (41.8%)
• Rove (41.3%)
• So You Think You Can Dance Australia (40.5%)
• Ten News at Five Sat (40.3%)
• The Biggest Loser – Weigh In (39.9%)
• Celebrity MasterChef Australia (38.8%)
• Merlin (38.4%) Bondi Rescue (38.4%)
• Recruits (38.3%)
• The Biggest Loser (Tues –Fri) (38.0%)
• NCIS (37.7%)
• The Biggest Loser – Elimination (36.5%)
• Lie To Me (36.2%) House (35.7%)
• The All New Simpsons Fri (34.2%)
• Rules of Engagement (34.0%)

2009 top 20 programs (18–49)

2009 timeslot winners, 16–39 (CSHR)

• MasterChef Australia – Challenge (51.9%)
• Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation (50.9%)
• Ten News at Five (50.3%)
• MasterChef Australia (49.6%)
• Glee (47.9%)
• So You Think You Can Dance Australia (46.8%)
• Rove (46.6%)
• The Biggest Loser – Weigh In (44.1%)
• Ten News at Five Sat (41.9%)
• Celebrity MasterChef Australia (41.5%)
• Merlin (41.2%)
• The All New Simpsons Fri (40.8%)
• The Biggest Loser (Tues-Fri) (40.7%)
• Bondi Rescue (40.7%)
• The Simpsons Tues (40.6%)
• Rules of Engagement (39.7%)
• House (39.7%)
• The Biggest Loser – Elimination (39.5%)
• Neighbours (39.4%)
• The All New Simpsons Wed (39.3%)
• Supernatural (38.9%)
• The Simpsons (Mon-Fri) (38.4%)
• NCIS (38.3%)
• Rules of Engagement rpt (38.3%)
• Lie To Me (37.0%)
• The Biggest Loser US (36.8%)
• Sports Tonight Sat (36.3%)
• The Simpsons Wed (35.5%)
• Good News Week (35.5%)
• Little Britain USA (34.9%)

2009 top 20 programs (16–39)

2009 Total People Timeslot winners: Prime-time, Daytime and News (CSHR)

• Friends rpt (66.3%)
• Huey’s Cooking Adventures (63.9%)
• Dharma & Greg (63.7%)
• Everybody Loves Raymond rpt (63.3%)
• Judge Judy (52.9%)
• The Bold and the Beautiful (45.4%)
• Ten News At Five (42.6%)
• MasterChef Australia – Challenge (41.6%)
• MasterChef Australia (40.9%)
• Talking’ ’bout Your Generation (40.1%)
• Ten News At Five Sat (39.7%)
• Recruits (36.7%)
• Merlin (35.3%)
• Ten News At Five Sun (34.0%)

2009 top 20 programs (total people)

Commercial Share Percentage Variance –  Weeks 7 – 48 (2008 v 2009)

*(Excl Easter and Olympics) Sun-Sat 1800-2230

Australia’s no. 1 sports channel

General Manager, Sport, David White:

“Since its launch on 26 March, ONE has cemented itself as an important part of Australians’ viewing habits. In its first year, ONE has earned its position as Australia’s No. 1 sports channel, broadcasting some of 2009’s great sporting moments: from Mark Webber’s first Formula One Grand Prix Championship, to Cadel Evans’s victorious ride in the World Championship Road Race.

Without a doubt, the sporting highlight of 2009 was the AFL Grand Final match-up between Geelong and St Kilda. Broadcast on TEN and ONE, the Grand Final was watched by 2.88 million people and is Australia’s most-watched sports event of the year.*

In 2010, fans can look forward to even more sports action on ONE with the Formula One Grand Prix, the IPL Cricket tournament, the UCI World Cycling Championship, five weekly games of the ANZ Netball Championship and the MotoGP, which for the first time will be live and exclusive to ONE. 2010 will also see the return of our favourite locally- produced sports shows including the superb One Week At A Time and Thursday Night Live, as well as a nightly dose of Sports Tonight.

In 2010, Network Ten also has the year’s biggest sporting event on Australian television with the 2010 Commonwealth Games live from Delhi. Over 12 exciting days TEN and ONE will broadcast more than 30 sporting events, as well as live coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies.

ONE is in a strong position with these returning favourites and some exciting new events joining our line up, setting ONE on a course for further growth in 2010.”

Highlights of 2009:

• ONE is the No. 1 sports channel on Australian television, reaching 7.4 million people and over half of all households in our five-city metro markets
• ONE reaches 2.5 million people every week, higher than the combined reach of Fox Sports 1, 2 and 3
• ONE’s Netball coverage has reached 3.2 million people
• ONE’s Formula One World Championship coverage has reached 3.1 million people
• ONE’s IPL Cricket coverage has reached 2.7 million people
• ONE has developed a strong line-up of locally produced sports programs:
• Sports Tonight on ONE has an average audience of 34,000 viewers (with a reach of 117,000)
• One Week At A Time has an average audience of 80,000 viewers (with a reach of 245,000 )
• Thursday Night Live has an average audience of 59,000 viewers (with a reach of 337,000)

ONE’s Top 20 Programs (Total People):

ONE Audience Profile (All Day)

*Wks 16-48 2009

Cumulative Reach Percentage by Week

*Wks 16-48 2009 Total People 5 City Metro

• ONE has reached over half of all people and is still growing
• Fox Sports’ reach levels off due to lower penetration of Pay TV in metropolitan homes

Ten: OzTAM survey weeks 7-48, 2009 v 2008, excl Easter and Olympic Games. Metro commercial prime-time (18:00-22:30) share, Sun-Sat; Metro commercial daytime (09:00-18:00) share, Mon-Fri. Unless otherwise noted, all figures relate to metro (5 mainland capital cities).

One: OzTAM 5 City Metro survey weeks 16-48, 2009. Audience figures are reported for unique programming content. All simulcast programming (TEN and ONE HD) is reported solely as a combined number shown in TEN’s viewing figures. There is no separate ratings data available for ONE HD when programming is simulcast with TEN. Reach figures based on one minute reach.

Source: Network Ten

Seven is Number 1 in 2009

Seven is number 1 for total viewers, 18-49s and 25-54s in primetime.

Seven is number 1 for total viewers, 18-49s and 25-54s across the 6:00am-midnight broadcast day.

Seven dominates primetime for the third consecutive year.

Seven is number 1 on primary channels for total viewers, 18-49s and 25-54s across 6:00-10:30pm primetime in 2009.

With only two weeks remaining in the current television year, Seven leads Ten in its core demographic – 18-49s – and leads Nine in the primary demographic for advertisers: 25-54s.

Seven is number 1 for total viewers, 18-49s and 25-54s across 6:00pm-midnight primetime in 2009.
With only two weeks remaining in the current television year, Seven leads Ten in its core demographic – 18-49s – and leads Nine in the primary demographic for advertisers: 25-54s.

Seven dominates the most-watched regular programmes in 2009. Seven scores 6 of the top 10, 13 of the top 20 and 25 of the top 40 programmes on television. Importantly, 22 of Seven’s 25 programmes in the top 40 are Australian-produced.

Seven dominates overall across the 6:00am-midnight broadcast day for the fourth consecutive year.

Seven is number 1 for total viewers, 18-49s and 25-54s across 6:00am-midnight in 2009.

With only two weeks remaining in the current television year, Seven leads Ten in its core demographic – 18-49s – and leads Nine in the primary demographic for advertisers: 25-54s.

Seven’s Year on Year Results

Seven is number 1 in primetime 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 in news 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 in nightly public affairs2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 in breakfast television 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 overall 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 in weekly primetime wins 2007, 2008, 2009.

Seven is number 1 in nightly primetime wins 2007, 2008, 2009.

Top 40 Most-Watched Regular Programmes in 2009

1. Underbelly Nine 2.127
2. Packed to the Rafters Seven 1.868
3. Masterchef – Challenge Ten 1.735
4. Seven News – Sunday Seven 1.613
5. Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation Ten 1.602
6. Masterchef Ten 1.529
7. Thank God You’re Here Seven 1.516
8. World’s Strictest Parents Seven 1.510
9. Seven News – Monday-Friday Seven 1.504
10. Border Security – Sunday Seven 1.500
11. Find My Family Seven 1.479
12. The Zoo Seven 1.475
13. NCIS Ten 1.454
14. Nine News – Sunday Nine 1.442
15. RSPCA Animal Rescue Seven 1.441
16. Dancing with the Stars Seven 1.437
17. Midsomer Murders – Sunday ABC 1.421
18. Surf Patrol Seven 1.415
19. Last Chance Surgery Seven 1.398
20. Triple Zero Heroes Seven 1.389
21. Today Tonight Seven 1.385
22. Customs Nine 1.381
23. Australia’s Got Talent Seven 1.377
24. Highway Patrol Seven 1.376
25. Air Ways Seven 1.369
26. Merlin Ten 1.364
27. World’s Strictest Parents – UK Seven 1.357
28. Border Security – Wednesday Seven 1.342
29. Flash Forward Seven 1.342
30. Seven News – Saturday Seven 1.340
31. Better Homes and Gardens Seven 1.336
32. Sea Patrol Nine 1.332
33. The Force Seven 1.321
34. City Homicide – Monday Seven 1.312
35. So You Think You Can Dance Ten 1.279
36. Two and a Half Men – Monday Nine 1.276
37. Bondi Rescue Ten 1.273
38. Criminal Minds Seven 1.268
39. Midsomer Murders – Friday ABC 1.256
40. Two and a Half Men Nine 1.254

Programme averages: weeks 7-46, 2009

Network Ten and Foxtel are gearing up for next year’s Commonwealth Games with the announcement of their respective broadcast plans, plus joint cross-platform sponsorship opportunities to advertisers during the Dehli 2010.

Ten’s broadcast coverage will include exclusive rights to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as a daily roster of sporting events on Ten and 24-hour sports channel One.

Foxtel’s coverage will include 24-hour coverage of sporting events on its six high definition and six standard definition sports channels. Their Commonwealth Games coverage will be enhanced by live information and updating statistics via their interactive services. Foxtel will also have exclusive coverage on their online and mobile platforms.

The integrated sponsorship opportunities for advertisers will cover free-to-air broadcast on Network Ten and One; subscription TV on Foxtel; and online and mobile platforms through each broadcasters respective outlets.

“With Network Ten and Foxtel already sharing broadcast feeds and production facilities, it seems logical to offer clients cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. Through integrated sponsorships, we are able to support consistent campaigns across Ten, One and Foxtel, while extending opportunities for clients to reach the broadest possible Commonwealth Games audience,” said Network Ten’s chief executive officer, Grant Blackley.

The XIX Commonwealth Games which will be held in Delhi, India from October 3 – 14, 2010.

Media Release

NETWORK TEN AND FOXTEL TEAM UP FOR A FULLY INTEGRATED CROSS-PLATFORM PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 2010 DELHI COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Network Ten and FOXTEL today announced plans to broaden the scope of their joint venture to include the marketing of combined sponsorship packages for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Details of the landmark agreement were announced by Network Ten’s Chief Executive Officer, Grant Blackley, and FOXTEL’s Chief Executive Officer, Kim Williams AM.
Under the terms of the agreement, Network Ten and FOXTEL will extend their joint broadcast and production plans by offering clients integrated sponsorship opportunities across free-to-air, subscription TV, online and mobile platforms.

The venture between Network Ten and FOXTEL will allow clients to invest in ‘pre-Games’ and ‘in-Games’ sponsorship packages across the four platforms through a single point of contact, expanding clients’ access to the full spectrum of advertising platforms across free- to-air and subscription television.

As part of the agreement, the partners will develop and produce tailored creative and promotional activity which will be broadcast across TEN, the 24-hour digital sports channel, ONE, and FOXTEL’s six dedicated standard definition and six dedicated high definition channels delivered on subscription television, as well as online and over mobile platforms.

Commenting on the agreement, Network Ten’s chief executive officer, Grant Blackley said: “Shared broadcast rights mean that, for the first time, Australians will be able to access Commonwealth Games coverage when they want and in the format they want it. The shared broadcast rights will expand the total Commonwealth Games audience by offering sports fans a broader range of viewing options.”

“With Network Ten and FOXTEL already sharing broadcast feeds and production facilities, it seems logical to offer clients cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. Through integrated sponsorships, we are able to support consistent campaigns across TEN, ONE and FOXTEL, while extending opportunities for clients to reach the broadest possible Commonwealth Games audience,” Mr Blackley said.

FOXTEL’s chief executive officer, Kim Williams said: “FOXTEL is pleased to have teamed up with Network Ten to bring the Commonwealth Games coverage back to Australia. Now with this extension of our cooperation with Network Ten into the advertising area, Australian marketers will also share the benefits. We will offer clients the opportunity to run integrated sponsorship campaigns across four advertising platforms and also provide for the first time an opportunity for advertisers to run interactive advertising campaigns on both Network Ten and FOXTEL.”

Network Ten and FOXTEL together acquired the broadcast rights to the XIX Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Delhi, India from 3 – 14 October 2010.

Network Ten’s coverage will include exclusive live broadcast rights to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as a daily schedule of sporting events broadcast on channel TEN and simulcast on the Network’s 24-hour high definition digital sports channel, ONE.

FOXTEL’s coverage will include 24-hour telecasts of sporting events on its six high definition and six standard definition sports channels all enhanced by constantly updating statistics and Games information via its interactive services. FOXTEL will stream its coverage exclusively onto the online and mobile platforms.

Source: Network Ten

Network Ten

Network Ten held their 2010 program launch at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art last night, during which they confirmed plans for a ‘Junior’ edition of cooking comp ‘MasterChef’ and plans for a third digital channel.

“The strength of the MasterChef brand has bolstered the potential for stunt spin-off series as evidenced this year with Celebrity MasterChef and next year we will introduce something really special…Junior MasterChef,” said a Network Ten spokesperson.

Ten’s chief programming officer David Mott confirmed that the network would reveal a third digital channel within the next 12 months — no doubt as a response to the increased competition from GO! and 7TWO.

Ten are likely to replace their standard definition simulcast of sporting channel One, with the third digital channel.

Mott also confirmed that the network has given a commitment Roving Enterprises’ ‘The 7PM Project’, which will continue through the summer and into the new year.

It was announced just last week that Rove McManus would be taking time off from his talk show ‘Rove’ early next year, to focus on improving ‘The 7PM Project’.

Ten will hold similar program launch events in Sydney and Melbourne over the next two days.

Source: Courier Mail

Where we are in 2009

Thanks to the launch of multi-channelling in Australia, the options for free-to-air television watchers has increased dramatically. There’s never been more news, entertainment and sports to quench audiences appetites.

So with 16 channels (from December), there’s something for everyone, right? That’s what the networks and Freeview consortium want us to think. But is it really true?

While 16 channels sounds like a lot, when you really think about it, it’s actually only 11 unique channels and 5 simulcasts. And when you factor in the amount of time-shifted and repeated content, it’s probably more like 9.

That’s not to say Australian television hasn’t made huge strides as of late. Shows that previously disappeared into the television void following cancellation, now have a new home in primetime on these secondary channels. Great news for those watching smaller, cult status programs that just don’t rate.

Australia’s digital television history

2001

01 January – Australia’s free-to-air television goes digital
01 August – ABC Kids Channel launches
21 August – Nine Guide launches
01 November – Fly TV launches

ABC2 - Australia's first permanent multi-channel launched on March 7, 2005.

2002

12 June – SBS World News Channel launches
06 September – Seven Guide launches
14 October – SBS Essential launches

2003

30 June – ABC Kids Channel closes / Fly TV closes

2004

01 July – Ten Guide launches
04 July – Seven Guide closes

2005

07 March - ABC2 launches
25 January – SBS Essential closes

2007

15 October – Free-to-air television goes high definition / Seven HD launches
20 November – Ten Guide closes
15 December – Ten HD launches

2008

02 February – ABC rebranded ABC1
17 March – Nine HD launches
13 November – Nine Guide closes

2009

The first Freeview roadblock advertisement aired on April 26, 2009 across all free-to-air channels.

25 March – Ten HD closes
26 March – One Digital and One HD launch
26 April – Freeview’s first advertising roadblock
01 June – SBS World News Channel closes / SBS TWO launches
09 August – GO! launches
01 November – 7TWO scheduled to launch
04 December – ABC3 scheduled to launch

2013

31 December – Deadline for analogue transmission switch off

Where we can improve

For starters, Network Ten “seriously” need to scrap either One or One HD. 1 channel is more than enough for sports fanatics to get their fix. Together, they’re taking up valuable airtime for the remainder of Ten’s much larger content library and it’s generally just a waste of broadcasting bandwidth.

In order for Ten to compete in the ratings arena, they need to admit to defeat and realise that sport is just too much of a niche category to pull in consistent ratings. Particularly when GO! has proved itself to become such a formidable ratings force — edging Nine’s overall figures into the number 1 position, on more than one occasion.

Ten have an equally large back catalogue of programs like Nine, which would be nice to see on the air once again — including ‘Smallville’, ‘Friday Night Lights’, ‘90210′, ‘Psych’, ‘Monk’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica’.

While it’s too early to tell, Seven will really need to make huge strides to establish 7TWO as a completely unique channel. Having branded themselves as Seven “TWO”, viewers will still associate the channel with Seven and therefore have preconceived notions as to what’s on offer. This is likely part of the reason why GO! has become so successful. It was branded and marketed as an independent channel from launch.

The same goes for the public broadcasters, ABC2 and SBS TWO. It’s still pretty unclear, at least from a branding and marketing perspective, as to what each channel is about; what they offer; and why they are unique.

A quick look at the Freeview offerings in the UK, you will see that quite a few of the more successful channels have branded themselves independently from their original channel, including Channel 4’s “Film4” and “E4” and UKTV’s “Dave”. Even their names give you an insight into their content.

Film4 – obviously focuses on feature films and genre programs. E4 (short for Entertainment 4) – focuses on younger viewers in the 15 – 35 age group, with shows like ‘Skins’, ‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘Scrubs’. Dave – targeting a male audience, with shows like ‘Top Gear, ‘Red Dwarf’ and ‘Little Britain’.

On top of our Australian networks developing more unique and clear distinctions between each channel, I think the biggest improvement that could be made (for Australian television as a whole) would be the shift online.

All channels have made some effort to embrace the web — some taking greater steps than others. But the lack of one unified place online makes things incredibly complicated for audiences.

Unlike a television, it’s not quite as simple as flipping to another channel. Instead, you’re forced to scour through all the networks various websites and online portals to find their respective catch-up television services.

A place like the iTunes should be a one stop shop for audiences to purchase television content. But no, only a few of the networks have embraced the online store as an distributor. Why haven’t Seven and SBS signed on yet? Why is Nine so incompetent when it comes to keeping episodes up to date?

The Australian Government's digital TV switchover initiative "Get Ready For Digital TV".

As great as all these new free-to-air digital channels are, there really needs to be more of a focus online and to the future of broadcasting. Conventional methods of viewing content won’t be around forever. Online and on-demand is the future and it’s about time we started to become more familiar with it.

Where we should be in 2010

As we move forward into 2010, we should hope to see even more movement in the Australian television arena. By the end of next year, there should be even more channels from the ABC, SBS and the commercial broadcasters; a single online catch-up portal from Freeview; and a range of internet connected devices, for enjoying online content from the comfort of our couch. Bring on 2010.

The 16 Australian free-to-air digital channels (from December 2009)

Your opinion

So, do you think Australian television networks are doing enough to keep up the changing landscape of television?

Where else do you think we can improve?

What other new channels would you like to see on free-to-air television?

Should we just skip digital TV all together and focus solely on the web?

Rove McManus

According to the Herald Sun, Rove McManus has decided to delay the return of his show next year.

The reason behind this delay is unclear, however it has been speculated that the Logie award winner will not return until the second half of the year, so he can focus on improving the struggling panel show, ‘The 7PM Project’.

This year, ‘Rove’ will air a total of 36 episodes, with the final episode airing on November 15.

Next year, the total number of episodes will likely be far less.

‘Rove’ has struggled in the ratings ever since cooking comp ‘MasterChef’ went off the air. The show dipped to a mere 851,000 viewers this past Sunday, well below the favoured one million viewer mark.

Surprisingly, ‘Australian Idol’, which has also struggled in the ratings, finally managed to crack one million viewers on  Sunday, when Kim Cooper was sent packing.

Source: Herald Sun

Julianna Margulies is 'The Good Wife'.

CBS has given full-season pickups to the its Tuesday-night rookie duo ‘NCIS: Los Angles’ and ‘The Good Wife’.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, co-created by Aussie Shane Brennan, consistently ranks among the top 15 in adults 18-49 (4.1 rating/11 share) and has become the highest rated new series of the season, averaging 17.5 million viewers overall.

Meanwhile, ‘The Good Wife’ which follows ‘Los Angeles’ in the 10 pm slot, ranks No. 2 among new series in viewers, averaging 13.7 million overall (3.0/8 in adults 18-49).

Network Ten seem to have hit a running streak here, scoring all three series currently on order for a full-season. The network’s underdog musical comedy ‘Glee’, was the first series of the season to receive a full-season pickup last month.

Other shows expected to receive the nod are ‘The Vampire Diaries’ currently airing on GO! and ‘FlashForward’ on the Seven Network.

‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ airs 8.30pm Wednesdays on Network Ten.
‘Glee’ airs 7.30pm Thursdays on Network Ten.
‘The Good Wife’ has yet to premiere on Network Ten.

Source: Variety

Ten is set to mix things up on Thursdays, with two new premiere specials.

Network Ten is set to premiere two new specials on Thursday nights.

‘Jon & Kate Plus 8: Surviving Sextuplets & Twins’ premieres Thursday August 13th at 7:30pm.

This one hour premiere special  follows the lives and challenges of two Pennsylvanian parents who fell pregnant with sextuplets after already having 3-year old twin girls. This special was followed by a reality cable series in the US.

The week after at 7:30, Ten airs the premiere special ‘The 45 Stone Virgin’. This one-hour special presents the journey of a 31 year old man who lost 29 stone.

These two new specials take over repeats of Rules of Engagement, with Network Ten’s aim of providing a  larger lead in to ‘Rush’.

'NCIS: Los Angeles' will be fastracked from the US.

TV Tonight have revealed some major details for several new shows set to launch on Network Ten over the coming weeks.

• A new local pop-culture quiz show, ‘The Spearman Experiment’, will likely replace ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’ on Tuesday nights. The show will launch in September with “an iconic host” - UPDATE: It’s Magda.

• The celebrity edition of Ten’s monster hit ‘MasterChef’ will air on Wednesday nights, over 10 weeks.

• ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ will be fastracked from the US, also on Wednesday nights.

• ‘Glee’, which saw it’s advanced screening last month, will also be fastracked from the US, airing on Thursday nights.

• The new Showtime drama ‘Nurse Jackie’ will air on Sunday nights.

• ‘Little Britain: USA’ will see its free-to-air premiere on Ten, also on Sunday nights.

TV Tonight notes that, as the network did at the start of the year, Ten’s strategy appears to be to “claim” the nights early and make other networks work around their schedule.

Not a bad move, considering how successful the network’s year has been so far.

Source: TV Tonight

'MasterChef' judge Matt Preston.

According to B&T, the Seven Network are set to launch a cooking program aimed as a direct competitor to Network Ten’s ‘MasterChef’.

Details of the new series are being kept tightly under wraps, however a Seven executive confirmed that the network would launch something very competitive to challenge Ten’s smash hit by the end of the year.

The Nine Network are also believe to be looking into a ‘MasterChef’ competitor, though Nine’s sales director, Peter Wiltshire, wouldn’t confirm whether the program would be food related. He stated that cooking shows were “nothing new” and that the success seen in the ‘MasterChef’ format was due to the program’s drama, not the cooking.

But despite all the rumblings of potential competitors, Ten’s chief programming officer, David Mott, remains unfazed.

“It’s not a fear for Ten but I would say that it’s a desperate fear for them”, he said.

“It would be a very brave network to take on another food franchise and to spend that money. The risk is that people smell a me-too format, they smell a rat.”

Network Ten will launch a celebrity version of ‘MasterChef’ later this year in a reduce format and are also considering their options for a possible kids’ version or a professionals spin-off.

Source: B&T

With the second season of ‘Rush’ set to premiere this Thursday, Network Ten are really hoping to gain as much exposure for this hot action series as possible.

Having held back on selling Australian shows on the iTunes store until now, the network have finally eased up and have posted the entire first season for download. At $2.99 per episode, or $31.99 for the entire season, it makes for an easy way to catch up before the second season begins.

‘Rush’ Season 1

Also hitting the iTunes store is the second second of ‘Good News Week’, also for $2.99 an episode. For a whopping $99.00, you can get a season pass, which includes all past episodes and upcoming episodes for the current season.

‘Good News Week’ Season 2

Network Ten's environmental initiative "Marking Your Mark".

MEDIA RELEASE

Network Ten marks World Environment Day with “Green” programming line-up

4 June 2009 - Network Ten today announced plans for its second annual Making Your Mark long weekend of environmental programming, kicking off with World Environment Day celebrations on Friday June 5.

Starting on Friday, and continuing over the June long weekend, Network Ten will support World Environment Day with a green-themed programming line-up. It will feature environmental segments in 9am With David and Kim, TEN News At Five, Ready Steady Cook, Toasted TV, Good News Week, Video Hits and Test Drive, as well as environmental story-lines in Neighbours and The Simpsons.

Network Ten chief executive officer, Grant Blackley said: “Network Ten has a significant opportunity and, we think, responsibility to educate, influence and inform people about one of the most important issues facing Australians.”

“On average the Network reaches six million Australians every day. If we inspire even a fraction of our viewers to make a small change in their daily lives, we will have made an enormously positive impact on the environment,” Mr Blackley said. The long weekend of programming kicks off with an environmentally themed episode of 9am with

David and Kim on Friday, featuring a live cross to the Australian launch of World Environment Day at Melbourne Zoo.

Viewers will also have the chance to see TEN’s new on-air environmental education campaign. Featuring environmental campaigners Ian Kiernan and Aaron Wood, musicians Diesel and Old Man River, Network Ten personalities and members of the community who are each making their own environmental mark, the campaign will be broadcast on the Network’s channels TEN and ONE-HD over the next 12 months.

On Saturday, TEN will broadcast the first-run screening of the Australian Conservation Foundation’s environmental documentary, Telling The Truth. This follow-up to the Academy Award-winning An Inconvenient Truth tells the story of seven Australians who joined Al Gore’s Climate Project and embarked on a mission to educate communities about climate change.

The long weekend of environmental programming is part of Making Your Mark, TEN’s broader environmental initiative. Making Your Mark is based on the principle that everyone can make a difference to the environment and that, as a media entity, Network Ten can positively influence others to take action on climate change.

“Network Ten is committed to reducing its energy consumption, minimising water usage and significantly cutting waste sent to landfill, as well as educating viewers to do their bit. Since announcing our environmental goals in April 2008, Network Ten has set an industry-first milestone by reducing its carbon footprint by 18 per cent in the first year, more than any other commercial free-to-air television network,” Mr Blackley said.

“Network Ten has positioned itself as an industry leader on environmental issues. This year, the Network is again included in the FTSE4Good Index, the leading global responsibility investment index and our News Unit’s environmental reporter, Emily Rice, is a finalist in the media category of the United Nations’ World Environment Day Awards,” Mr Blackley said.

Viewers who want to take action on climate change can visit www.ten.com.au/makingyourmark for more information.

Gabrielle Crittenden
Corporate Communications
02 9650 1471

Catherine Donovan
TEN publicity
02 9650 1254

Australian network executives are returning from the States after picking up a number of series at the annual Los Angeles screenings.

David Mott, Network Ten’s head of programming, described the slate as “the best season I’ve seen in about seven years”.

Network Ten’s pick ups include:

• ‘The Good Wife’
• ‘Modern Family’
• ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’

The Nine Network will try to reinvigorate their schedule with:

• ‘V’
• ‘Eastwick’
• ‘Past Life’
• ‘The Forgotten’
• ‘Miami Trauma’
• ‘Hank’
• ‘The Middle’

Joining the Seven Network’s already strong line-up are:

• ‘FlashForward’
• ‘Cougar Town’
• ‘Day One’

Other potential pick ups have yet to be announced.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Eliza Dushka as Echo in Joss Whedon's 'Dollhouse'.

Without giving too much away, here is my preview/review of drama ‘Dollhouse’ which has its Australian premiere on FOX8 June 9.

From the producer who brought you ‘Angel’, ‘Firefly’ and ‘Buffy’ comes Joss Whedon’s new project ‘Dollhouse’. ‘Dollhouse’ follows ordinary citizens who have volunteered to work for the Dollhouse, also known as ‘Actives’ or ‘Dolls’, whereby their personalities from the outside world have been wiped clean so they can be imprinted with personas demanded by clients. These personas range from crimes to fantasies to the occasional good deed. Outside of these personas, these dolls are stored away in a mysterious yet futuristic laboratory, named the Dollhouse. The Dollhouse is an illegal facility and is constantly under threat from FBI agent Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett).

The lead Echo (Eliza Dushku) is joined by Sierra (Dichen Lachman) and Victor (Enver Gjokaj) who all play dolls. When ‘Dollhouse’ first premiered it had a lot of potential, however due to Eliza Dushku’s limitations, the procedural nature of the show seemed very bland. It wasn’t until the sixth episode (‘Man on the Street’) where they delved more into the Dollhouse the show realised this potential. Ironically, this is when Sierra and Victor received more screen time. However, after that episode, the show headed south as it focused more on standalone episodes with Dushku. It wasn’t until the penultimate episode where I felt grateful for toughing it out during those boring periods.

Perhaps, Whedon chose the wrong lead with Dushku but that is an argument for another day. If you haven’t heard, ‘Dollhouse’ has been renewed for a second season, which might I add was one of the most surprising renewals of the last decade, especially given it was on a downward spiral (sinking from 2.0 rating in the key A18-49 demo to 1.0 for its finale). However, if the show did end on that episode, I wouldn’t mind as it was almost a perfect finish to a show which had so much potential.

As for the sophomore season, I can only hope Whedon focuses more on serialized episodes as the the show finished on such an awesome note. If it returns to standalone episodes, it will lose me.

If you are tight on time, I would recommend DVR-ing all the episodes and just skip to the Dollhouse scenes. Although I’d definitely recommend watching episode 6 (‘Man on the street’), 11 (‘Briar Rose’) and 12 (‘Omega’) from start to finish.

3 out of 5 stars

‘Dollhouse’ has its Australian premiere on FOX8 and if your lucky Ten Network will air it sometime in the future perhaps 12am Friday night.

From Ryan Murphy, the creator of “Nip/Tuck,” comes ‘Glee’, a one-hour musical comedy that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the school’s Glee Club and inspire a group of ragtag performers to make it to the biggest competition of them all: Nationals.

The series will most likely make its local debut on Network Ten as part of their output deal Twentieth Century Fox Television who co-produce the series; and with a core focus of music, I can see the series being a strong companion to ‘Australian Idol’, which will return in a rejuvenated format later this year.

A super advanced preview of ‘Glee’ airs tonight in the States (Monday, May 19) on FOX, following ‘American Idol’. It’ll be available as a free download on the U.S. iTunes store tomorrow (May 20).

The series officially begins in September on FOX. Hopefully we’ll see the show make an appearance locally on Network Ten later this year.

The Daily Telegraph is today reporting that James Mathison has left ‘Australian Idol’, after six years as co-host on the Network Ten series.

The 31-year-old hopes to pursue his own music interests as the guitarist for his band, The Punisherz.

“There is a part of me who has a little bit struggled with being ‘that guy from that thing’ and taking a step back totally allows you to do what you want to do without that scrutiny,” he said.

” [Music] is my main interest at the moment.”

“That is why I did the audition all those years ago and when I had a break after Idol last year I just had a real pull towards that initial love of working in music and interviewing bands, doing reviews. I love that stuff,” he said.

“For six years ‘Idol’ has been my life.

“You really don’t have time to do anything else. I might not have been the greatest friend to people because I had no time, so it would be cool to change that.”

One of the first people Mathison told of his departure was Andrew G, who he has worked closely with for over nine years.

“I had to follow my gut and I wanted new challenges,” he says.

The presenter also had to convince Network Ten, that he wasn’t planning to jump ship and sign with a rival network.

“I am not going to be on TV for a while now, not ‘Dancing With The Stars’ or anything like that. I just want to explore other music opportunities while I am here in New York and at home.”

Well, all I can say is, look forward to lots of boring awkward moments from Andrew G on ‘Idol’ this year, when it returns later in 2009.

UK-based media conglomerate FremantleMedia Enterprises, best know for their reality TV formats, ‘Idol’, ‘X-Factor’, ‘Got Talent’, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Project Runway’, are currently looking to expand their drama catalogue.

While at the MIP TV conference in Cannes, FremantleMedia announced that they had secured a number of first-look programming deals with international drama producers, including Mike Tollin (‘Smallville’) and Australian producer Roger Simpson (‘Satisfaction’, ‘Answered By Fire’ and ‘Stingers’).

CEO David Ellender said Fremantle would be targeting US cable networks for the shows that emerge from the first-look deals, meaning some Australian produced series could end up on US cable networks.

Cable TV’s financing “models are a bit more fluid than the network model,” Ellender said.

FremantleMedia already own the distribution rights to long running Australian soap ‘Neighbours’, which they acquired when they bought Grundy Television.

Fremantle plan to deficit-fund part of the series’ budgets, via its own funding and co-financing brought in via international co-production and foreign pre-sales, which he Ellender adds is ”an interesting ingredient given that everybody’s looking at budgets, the cost of programming.”

Ellender also said that they are currently looking for “probably three to four other deals with showrunners.”

FremantleMedia Enterprises already have several similar deals set up in the UK, in which their drama properties include the BBC’s ‘Merlin’, which has been sold in 113 territories including Network Ten in Australia.

Esther Anderson stars as Charlie Buckton on Seven's 'Home and Away'.

Stories concerning the upcoming kiss between Charlie Buckton (played by Esther Anderson) and Joey Collins (Kate Bell) on Seven’s ‘Home and Away’ were dominating media outlets today, with several sources claiming that conservative lobby groups had forced the network into cutting the kiss between the two female characters.

According to ‘Home and Away’ fan site, BacktotheBay.net, these rumours are completely false. The fan site citing a source on the show had contacted them directly to set the record straight.

“The articles are completely unfounded and that the kiss will be airing on Tuesday night as originally planned.”

This wouldn’t be the first time that a same sex relationship had been portrayed on Australian television.

Network Ten’s soap ‘Neighbours’ shared a similar storyline between Stephanie McIntosh’s character Sky and Lana (Bridget Neval) in 2004.

‘Home and Away’ even featured an on screen kiss between two female characters last month with Nicole (Tessa James) and Freya (Sophie Hensser).

So now that we have a 24-hour sports channel, you can watch sport any time you want, right?

Well this Sunday, try and avoid it!

All you going to be able to watch is sport, no matter which channel you’re on!

In fact the only channel which isn’t showing sport is ABC.

Here’s what to expect this Sunday with solid blocks of non-stop sports programming.

SBS / SBS HD

12.00 pm – Cycling: Paris – Nice

1.00 pm – Speedweek: Roundup of Motor Sport

3.00 pm - 2010 FIFA World Cup Program

3.30 pm – UEFA Champions League Program

4.00 pm – World Cup Qualifier: Spain vs. Turkey

5.00pm – The World Game

Seven

11.00 am – 2009 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships

1.00 pm – AFL: Melbourne vs. North Melbourne

Seven HD

10.00 am – AFL Game Day

11.00 am – 2009 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships

1.00 pm – AFL: Melbourne vs. North Melbourne

Nine / Nine HD

10.00 am – The Wide World of Sports

11.00 am – The Sunday Footy Show

12.00 pm – The Sunday Roast

1.00 pm – WWE Afterburn

2.00 pm – Super League: Wakefield Wildcats vs. St Helens

4.00 pm – Sunday Night Football: St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sharks

Ten

12.00 pm – Forumula 1: ING Grand Prix

One / One HD

10.00 am – AFL: St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans

12.00 pm - Forumula 1: ING Grand Prix

7.30 pm – Sports Tonight

Seven Network boss David Leckie.

While Network Ten kicked off One HD last night, the Seven and Nine Networks are still yet to make any formal announcements over their multi-channelling plans.

While speaking at Seven’s half year results briefing, the network’s boss, David Leckie said Seven has exciting plans for two new digital channels but won’t be taking any pages from Ten’s book. He believes the rival network has spent too much on its digital initiatives.

“Channel Ten’s gone out there and paid a friggin’ fortune,” said Leckie.

“Obviously Ten’s trying to run away with the game at the moment but we’ll get it back there pretty quickly and we’ll do it very, very well.”

Like Ten, Seven plan to have three digital channels (including its current channel), with the aim to get the others up and running around mid-year.

“Right now in these conditions we can’t spend much but we have enough product in this company,” Leckie said. ”We’ve got some wonderful producers; we can go very, very well from the standing start.”

While admitting it would be ”a hard start-up,” Leckie said he was confident of success. ”It’s very exciting,” he said.

“Eventually having three networks rather than one is going to be fantastic for Channel Seven, so I view it as a positive.

“The whole point is free TV ain’t dead. It’s quite the opposite. – Free TV is alive and it’s really alive.”

Now the only question is, will they be saying the same thing in three months time?

Come on Seven! The Freeview momentum will only last for so long…

'Thank God You're Here' jumps ship to Seven after Easter.

Seven is set to up their game with the launch of the new season of ‘Thank God You’re Here’ after Easter.

Watch the promo

The Working Dog production, which Seven pinched from Network Ten late last year, has move into its new home at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds pavilion, which also houses the ABC1 sitcom ‘The Librarians’.

Tom Gleisner, the host of ‘Thank God’, says the team were rapt with their new digs.

“We needed something big to accommodate our audience and this is perfect here,” he said. “It’s turning into a bit of a studio lot.”

When the show launched on Network Ten, back in 2006, it was an instant hit. By 2007, it was one of the highest-rating shows with an average of around 1.86 million viewers a week.

The pick up by Seven will no doubt help the network boost their younger demographic while helping them make 2009 their third consecutive win in the ratings war.

It’s believed that Seven are paying more than $1 million an episode for the comedy series.