Seven have been very coy about these two programs, especially since they should be screening in just two weeks time. They have not even released the name of the NRL show. Here is what we know so far.

AFL

Name: The Bounce (confirmed)

Producer: Rick McKenna (confirmed)

Host: Peter Helliar (confirmed)

Time slot: 7:30pm (confirmed)

Day: Unconfirmed. ‘The Daily Telegraph’ is reporting that the show will air at 7:30pm Thursdays, which in some respects is the most logical slot for the show. However, I am hearing from multiple sources that the show could air 7:30 Wednesdays, which makes more sense in terms of schedule flow. On Wednesdays, the show would lead into ‘Criminal Minds’ whereas on Thursdays the show would lead in to the more female skewing ‘Cougar Town’.

Market Variations: This show will air at 7:30pm in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and will be aired late night in Brisbane and Sydney, whatever night it is on. (confirmed)

NRL

Name: Untitled NRL show

Host: Matthew Johns (confirmed)

Timeslot: 7:30pm (c0nfirmed)

Day: Unconfirmed (see above)

Market Variations: This will air at 7:30pm into Sydney and Brisbane and will be screened late night in other states. (confirmed)

Stay tuned for more details.

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.

Better Homes and Gardens

A special 90 minute episode will air on Friday the 12th March at 7:30pm followed by the network premiere of the movie ‘Atonement’ in all states at 9pm on Seven.

TBA

Sometimes a TBA can be  just as interesting to write  about. On Tuesday March 16th, Seven has a TBA between 7:30 and 9pm and also between 9pm and 10pm. ‘Brothers and Sisters’ airs at 10pm that night and the final part of ‘Super Skinny Me’ airs at 11pm.

The Benny Hill Show / What a Carry On

‘Benny Hill’ comes to an end on Thursday 18th March at 7pm on 7Two. Taking its place will be ‘What a Carry On’ from the next night.

Bandit FM: Friday Night Jukebox

A late night music video show will air on 7Two on Friday nights at 12:10am (Saturday morning) beginning March 19th right after a new episode of ‘King of the Hill’.

The Bachelor

The new season was to begin next week, but now Go! is slotting in ANOTHER repeat of ‘Seinfeld’ on Tuesday nights from March 2nd at 8:30pm.

The Big Bang Theory (repeats) / ER / Top Gear (repeat)

How many times can you muck around with ‘ER’? From next Thursday 4th March, Go! will now continue to air ‘The Big Bang Theory’ in repeat mode at 7:30pm, “Top Gear’ encores at 8:30pm and now just a single episode of ‘ER’ at 9:40pm. There is now quite a number of repeats filling the Go! schedule which is becoming something of annoyance to viewers expecting new programming.

CSI: Miami

Just an update on the episodes screening around Australia on March 1st at 9:30pm on Nine:

Sydney/Brisbane: ep 23 of 25 in Season 7

Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth: ep 3 of Season 8

This means that southern states are 5 episodes ahead of their northern counterparts. From the following week a new episode will screen at 9:30pm with a repeat at 10:30. It is surprising that Nine don’t run a new episode at 10:30 in northern states for just 5 weeks to catch up. Actually this is Nine, so I am not that surprised.

TBA

There is a TBA for Tuesday 16th March at 9:30pm after ‘Top Gear’ and ‘Survivor’. I am hoping that Nine will run a double ‘Survivor’ as the network will be running about one month behind America.

The White Room

Just an update about this program. An insider at Seven says there is unaired pilot on the shelf but no other episodes were filmed. Other websites have 1 or 2 episodes being reported as filmed but that is the information I have at hand.

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

Kylie and Dannii Minogue

Kylie Minogue will take over Dannii’s judging seat on the ‘The X-Factor’ this season, while her younger sister takes time off to have her baby.

“I’ll be at home in Australia while the early stages of this year’s show are being filmed,” said Dannii.

“I really need to be near my family at such an important time.”

Fellow judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh are all expected to return for the new season and will be joined by a number of guest judges, including big sis Kylie.

“There will be American Idol-style guest judges to fill her vacant seat, one of whom will be Kylie,” one source told the Daily Star newspaper.

Dannii will return to the show later in the season, during the final stages of the contest.

“She will be back for the live shows,” said the source.

Meanwhile, Dannii is currently working on the new season of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, which began the audition process earlier this month.

This season, Minogue will be joined by former ‘Australian Idol’ judge Kyle Sandilands and singer Brian McFadden, who are replacing Red Symons, who’s defecting to Nine’s ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’, and Tom Burlinson.

The series will return soon on Seven.

Royal Pains / Border Patrol / Ocean Force

Channel 7 has moved the underperforming series ‘Royal Pains’ to Sunday nights. The show will not air next Monday night (March 1st) and instead will be replaced by repeats of ‘Border Patrol’ at 10:30 and a similar type new series called ‘Ocean Force’ at 11pm. ‘Royal Pains’ will return to a new day and time of Sundays at 11pm beginning March 7th, right after ‘Scrubs’.

Sony's Emmy Award winning XMB (XrossMediaBar) interface.

Things are really heating up in the IPTV arena. Today, Sony unveiled its new lineup of Bravia televisions, most of which include internet connectivity for IPTV.

As part of the unveil, Sony also announced a partnership with Yahoo!7 to deliver content from the Seven Network and other providers directly on Bravia Internet Video capable sets.

18 of Seven’s top television shows will be available, including ‘30 Rock’, ‘Border Security’, ‘City Homicide’, ‘Heroes’, ‘Sunrise’, ‘Seven News’ and some of those already available on PLUS7. More shows are expected to join the lineup over time.

Yahoo!7 will also provide a number of TV widgets including weather, news, and Flickr, with select Bravia models including additional widgets for Facebook and Twitter.

Other content providers, include SBS, Billabong, Wired, Golflink, eHow, Epicurious, Style.com, Blip and YouTube.

Content will be accessed via Sony’s Emmy Award winning XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface, which PlayStation 3 customers will already be familiar with.

Sony said that they’re in talks with other TV networks and content providers to bring to the service later this year.

There will be 15 channels available from launch, with plans for pay-per-view movies and content in the future.

They also promised that more devices (presumably Blu-ray players and set top boxes) will come with the Bravia Internet Video service in the future.

Source: Gizmodo Australia

Ghost Whisperer

Channel 7 has pulled the plug on ‘The White Room’. A spokesperson for the Seven Network has told TVAUSCAST that no more episodes were filmed and the series will not return to the network. In its place, Seven returns ‘Ghost Whisperer’ to the schedule that had already been ‘fast tracked’ last year. This is effective immediately with the Jennifer Love Hewitt series returning this Thursday night (Feb 25th) at 7:30pm. The episode screening a couple of weeks later (March 11th) is the episode screened in the USA back in January this year, so the episodes are not that far behind.

I believe this is the first Australian series to be officially axed this year.

Specials

Channel 7 will drop the repeats of ‘Ghost Whisperer’ from the 10:30pm slot and replace it with a series of specials.

Tuesday March 2nd: The Diet That Time Forgot

In a unique experiment, four convenience food addicts swap diets with an ancient tribe whose eating rituals date back thousands of years. They travel to Northern Pakistan to live and dine with a remote herding community and in return the tribe samples some of the Brit’s fast food favourites. What will the Shimshal people make of the great British fry up and will serving up the greasiest food to their clean-living hosts make the Brits rethink their diet?

Tuesday March 9th: Super Skinny Me

In a experimental study about the extreme lengths some women will go to lose weight, two average-sized journalists accept a challenge to whittle themselves down to a size zero within five weeks. With everything short of surgery and drugs at their disposal, the effects of the rapid weight loss and extreme dieting on these two women has to be seen to be believed.

The advanced guides on this website have now been updated with these changes and can be downloaded once again.

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.

Wicked Love: The Maria Korp Story

As predicted, Channel 9 will air the Australian premiere of this telemovie on Sunday 28th February at 8:30pm.

The true story of Maria Korp, a loving wife and mother left for dead in the boot of her car in 2005. As Maria lay dying, Australia was gripped by a bizarre tale of suburban secrets, a cheating husband and the ultimate price paid by all involved. Stars Rebecca Gibney, Vince Colosimo, Maya Elliott.

Top Gear

This show will air in the no brainer time slot of 7:30pm Tuesdays from March 2nd. The 8:30pm to 11:30pm slots are still TBA for Nine.

Jeremy, Richard and James attempt to save the planet by building their own electric car out of sport’s cars chassis and car batteries. The electric car is then driven through the streets of Oxford, before being put through the rigours of the new car testing process. Guest stars Michael Sheen.

Two and a Half Men (repeat) / Making of Michael Jackson, ‘This is It’

The US comedy plus the premiere special will air at 7:30pm and 8:00pm on Friday 5th March on Nine. These are fillers as the NRL will start later in the month. The premiere movie ‘Michael Clayton’ will air at 8:30pm.

ICU

This show will air next week as planned but will then be pulled by Channel 7. The ratings dipped about 100k from ‘RSPCA Animal Rescue’ last night. The slot is TBA for March 3rd.

Beat Squad

This new New Zealand series will air at 11pm Wednesdays on Seven replacing just repeats of ‘SCU: Serious Crash Unit’.

Follow some of New Zealand’s best police as they tackle the issues found on the beat.

Media Release

Brian McFadden joins the judging panel on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’

Channel Seven today confirmed singing sensation Brian McFadden will join the judging panel on the new season of Australia’s Got Talent.

Brian will sit alongside fellow judges Dannii Minogue and Kyle Sandilands as they search for Australia’s next big superstar. Grant Denyer will return to host the fourth series.

“I am beyond excited to be joining Channel 7 and Australia’s Got Talent – I have always been a massive fan of the show and am looking forward to sitting alongside my respected friends and peers Dannii and Kyle.”

Beginning his music career with the Irish boyband Westlife – selling more than 50 million albums around the globe – Brian is now an established solo artist, with two albums – Irish Son and Set In Stone. His anticipated third album will be released in April.

Last year, the UK version of ‘Got Talent gave birth to international success story Susan Boyle while at home, winner Mark Vincent established himself as Australia’s youngest opera virtuoso at just 15 years of age with a top-selling album on the ARIA charts.

The competition in Australia’s Got Talent is open to everyone from solo acts and group performances to comedians and dance troupes – and there is no age limit. Auditions around the country have just wrapped, and there has been an incredible amount of talent on display. It promises to be the biggest series yet.

Australia’s Got Talent is coming soon to Channel Seven.

Source: Seven Network

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.

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

‘Weekend Sunrise’
As reported last week in the media, a Saturday edition of ‘Weekend Sunrise’ begins this weekend (Feb 13th) at 7am.

‘Saturday Disney’ will move to a new regular timeslot of 9am.

‘CSI: New York’
Channel Nine had scheduled a new episode at 9:30pm this week (Feb 11th) and a repeat at 10:30pm.

Instead they will air a repeat of ‘The Mentalist’ at 9:30pm with the new episode of ‘CSI: New York’ at 10:30pm. Only the repeat is out.

Don’t look at this as a trend as the Winter Olympics begin next week and ‘The Footy Show’ NRL and AFL editions should return in March.

‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’
The first season aired on Channel Nine some time ago and then was repeated on GO! late last year.

The second and final season will make its FTA debut after ‘Fringe’ each week beginning on Wednesday 24th February at 9:30pm.

A full 22 episode season aired in America and was completed in April 2009.

David Goyer

‘FlashForward’ is set to get yet another new showrunner.

David Goyer is stepping down from the top job to focus on feature films and directing.

“As my feature projects have started ramping up again, I felt I was being pulled in too many directions,” said Goyer in a statement. “I’m proud of the show and excited about the relaunch. It’s in great hands.”

Goyer will still remain involved with the show, but will pass his day-to-day showrunning duties on to another yet to be announced producer.

Production is currently taking place on episodes 17 and 18 of the 23-episode season order.

‘FlashForward’ returns March 18 on ABC. Seven have yet to announce a return date.

UPDATE: Dateline Hollywood reports that Goyer, who co-wrote ‘Batman Begins’, and penned the story for ‘The Dark Knight’, is working on the third ‘Batman’ installment with director Chris Nolan’s brother Jonah.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Zach Braff and Donald Faison

‘Scrubs’ returns 10.30pm Sunday, February 14 on Seven for its ninth and possibly final season.

The long running comedy performed well for Seven in the demos last year but the major cast changes this season, the lack of enthusiasm among American fans and the impending cancellation sees the show move to a 10.30pm time slot.

Only Donald Faison and John C. McGinley return as series regulars. Zach Braff and Sarah Chalke return as special guest stars for six episodes each.

Media Release

KYLE SANDILANDS RETURNS TO TELEVISION

Kyle Sandlilands

Kyle Sandilands will have a new television home in 2010 – joining Channel Seven as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.

Sandilands will bring his unique, no-nonsense style to the fourth season of Seven’s nationwide talent search.

Currently host of Sydney’s top-rating Kyle and Jackie O breakfast radio program on 2DAYFM and heard around Australia through the Austereo Network, Sandilands made his mark on our TV screens as a judge on four seasons of Australian Idol.

“I am thrilled to be joining Channel Seven – so Australia, you think you’ve got talent – I am going to be the new judge of that,” Sandilands said today.
“Singers, dancers, comedians – if you have an act worth watching or think you have what it takes to be a star – we want you. I have always been a massive fan of the show and can’t wait to get behind the desk of Australia’s only free-for-all talent show.”

Last year, the UK version of ‘Got Talent gave birth to international success story Susan Boyle while at home, winner Mark Vincent established himself as Australia’s youngest opera virtuoso at just 15 years of age with a top-selling album on the ARIA charts.

The competition in Australia’s Got Talent is open to everyone from solo acts and group performances to comedians and dance troupes – and there is no age limit. Now, this season’s recruits will have Sandilands on hand to tell them if they’ve ‘got talent’.

Auditions begin this weekend in Sydney and will travel around the country over the next month on the lookout for Australia’s next big superstar. Full details on the auditions are available at yahoo7.com.au/talent.

Australia’s Got Talent is coming soon to Channel Seven. Further announcements regarding the upcoming season will follow in the coming weeks.

Source: Seven Network

iiNet wins. Case dismissed. AFACT to pay.

The film and television industry giants have lost their case against internet service provider iiNet. The landmark decision was handed down in the Federal Court today.

“I find that iiNet simply can’t be seen as approving infringement,” said Justice Cowdroy.

The 200 page judgement did confirm that iiNet users had infringed copyright by downloading films via BitTorrent, however the number of infringements was far less than alleged by The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft.

AFACT, who represented Village Roadshow, Warner Bros., Sony, Walt Disney, Paramount, 20th Century Fox and the Seven Network, has been ordered to cover iiNet’s legal costs.

A significant finding by the court was that the provisioning of internet access is not the means to infringement.

“Copyright infringement occured as result of use of BitTorrent, not the Internet,” said Justice Cowdroy. “iiNet has no control over BitTorrent system and not responsible for BitTorrent system.”

The landmark case had attracted interest across Australia and overseas, with it being the first trial of its kind in the world to proceed to hearing and judgment.

The outcome of the iiNet case has potential to influence similar cases around the world.

AFACT have yet to decide whether they will appeal to the High Court of Australia.

Forest Whitaker

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is believed to be in final negotiations to headline a potential ‘Criminal Minds’ spinoff.

The project, which is current in development at CBS, would be a back-door pilot episode of ‘Criminal Minds’, following a new group of criminal profilers who work outside the FBI bureaucracy.

The episode could air as early as March.

Whitaker would play Cooper, the squad leader, who’s described as dynamic, mysterious, charming and a father figure to the rest of the team. He is a former star profiler in the Behavioral Unit who has been off the radar for the past eight years.

‘Criminal Minds’ executive producer Chris Mundy penned the spinoff episode, based on a story by him and executive producer/showrunner Ed Bernero. Richard Shepard who’s previously directed an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ and also the pilot for ‘Ugly Betty’ is set to direct the upcoming episode.

ABC Studios, The Mark Gordon Company and CBS Studios will produced the episode, and series, should it be given the green light next season.

Whitaker will receive a producing credit as part of the deal.

The new season of ‘Criminal Minds’ begins 8.30pm Wednesday, February 3 on Seven.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Phil Keoghan

Reality fans are in for a shock…not. CBS have picked up both ‘Survivor’ and ‘The Amazing Race’ for the 2010-2011 television season.

‘Survivor’ has been renewed for two more editions with host Jeff Probst, making it the longest-running reality series on US television.

The Emmy-winning reality series ‘The Amazing Race’ will return for a seventeenth season, with host Phil Keoghan.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains’ premieres on Thursday, February 11 on CBS. The series will air later this year on Nine.

Season 16 of ‘The Amazing Race’ premieres on Sunday, February 14 on CBS. The series is expected to air later this year on Seven.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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.

HAVE YOU GOT THE TALENT TO BE AUSTRALIA’S NEXT SUPERSTAR?

Australia’s favourite entertainment program, Australia’s Got Talent, is back bigger and even better in 2010.

Auditions are underway for this exciting series. With the incredible international success of the UK’s Susan Boyle, and at home our own Mark Vincent, the winner of this series will have the world at their feet.

Solo acts, group performances, comedians, dance troupes; our doors are open to anyone who feels they have a special talent.

Here are the details of our open auditions:

SYDNEY
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2010
The Tea House
Royal Randwick Race Course
Off Alison Rd
Randwick NSW 2031
Registration: 8.00am – 3.00pm

BRISBANE
Tuesday 9th February 2010
University of Queensland Union
Level 2, Union Complex (Building 22)
Union Rd St Lucia QLD 4072
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

ADELAIDE
Thursday 11th February 2010
Ridley Centre
Adelaide Showgrounds
Goodwood Rd
Wayville SA 5034
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

MELBOURNE
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February 2010
The Forum Melbourne
154 Flinders St
(Corner Russell & Flinders Streets)
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Registration: 8.00am – 3.00pm

PERTH
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Regal Theatre
474 Hay St
Subiaco WA 6008
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

If you are unable to make one of our open auditions, you can still apply to be on the show by completing the application form and sending it in with a DVD of your performance to:

Australia’s Got Talent
Po Box 901
Crows Nest NSW 1585

DVD entries must be received no later than Friday 26th February 2010.

For more information contact us at gottalent@fremantlemedia.com.au

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE OPEN AUDITIONS

• Remember to bring your music – and it must be on CD
• Bring everything you need for your audition such as instruments, shoes, costume etc
• You will have less than 3 minutes to audition to make sure you choose the best part of your act, and have your music cued and ready to go
• Due to time restrictions, you may be stopped during your audition
• Unfortunately there may be a lot of waiting around, so you may want to bring a book or magazine
• If your act has any special requirements such as fire, animals or dangerous stunts, please make us aware of this upon arrival
• Do not post registration and release forms, please bring them with you and make sure they are completed before you arrive

Click to download application form.

The Seven Network, in partnership with Yahoo!7, have followed through with their plans to launch a new catch-up TV portal. The service launched today, under the name PLUS7.

The service, similar to ABC’s iView, will allow viewers to catch-up on all Seven’s most popular television shows online.

The shows will be free and ad-supported with an estimated 3-4 mid-roll ads per episode. The latest episodes will become available immediately after broadcast and remain online for 7-28 days (depending on online delivery rights).

Shows currently on offer are 30 Rock, Airways, Better Homes and Gardens, Border Security, Brothers and Sisters, Castle, Cougar Town, Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives, Flash Forward, Gangs of Oz, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, Home and Away, LOST, My Kitchen Rules, Parks and Recreation, Private Practice, RSPCA Animal Rescue and Ugly Betty.

Seven have yet to partner with any ISPs (unlike ABC iView), so viewers should take note of the expected data requirements per episode. A 22 minute episode will consume between 45mb and 160mb, while a 42 minute episode will consume between 90mb and 370mb.

PLUS7 can be accessed from yahoo7.com.au/plus7

Media Release

SQUABBLING COUPLES: COMEDY GOLD FOR MARRIAGE REF

The celebrity panel for the show each will comprise of sports stars, entertainers and comedians, who will all offer their own unique take on household bickering.

Seinfeld says his latest creation will have equal appeal for both men and women in this modern day battle of the sexes. “The aspect of it that I think will appeal to men is that we’re applying the sports simplicity to marriage complexity,” he says. “Women love relationship problems, can’t get enough of them.”

Jerry Seinfeld and Channel Seven have put the call out for Australian couples with a domestic score to settle to feature on the new comedy panel show, The Marriage Ref.

The show, created by Jerry Seinfeld, will make the most of the comedy goldmine that is marriage as couples mount their arguments about issues both big and small to a celebrity panel.

Parenting, in-laws, bad habits or petty squabbles, no issue is off limits on The Marriage Ref.

For the Australian version of the show, Channel Seven is looking for couples with character, who aren’t afraid to speak their mind regarding their pesky disagreements. Such lovers’ tiffs, which form part of any healthy relationship, will be the centrepiece for this new format. But don’t be fooled, this is all about fun, not therapy.

“It’s just the fun of the arguments, that’s what the show is about. There’s nothing in the show that’s really too heavy or serious,” says Seinfeld.

“I think anytime you have a man and a woman trying to get along, it’s funny. But what’s different about
this show is you’re seeing the actual arguments and some are very unusual, things that a writer couldn’t
make up.”

All couples keen to participate in The Marriage Ref should visit www.yahoo7.com.au and follow the links to The Marriage Ref. The Marriage Ref is produced by Southern Star Entertainment for Channel Seven.

Source: Seven Network

Media Release

Seven and Yahoo!7 to launch new Catch-up TV destination

Sydney, Monday 14 December, 2009 – Yahoo!7 and the Seven Network are poised to launch a new Yahoo!7 Catch-Up TV destination in January 2010. The new site will provide full-length episodes of Australia’s favourite television shows including 21 of the top 30 shows in Australia such as Home & Away, FlashForward, Greys Anatomy, LOST, Desperate Housewives, Heroes and the highly anticipated My Kitchen Rules.

According to Rohan Lund, CEO Yahoo!7: “Australians have already embraced Catch-Up TV with nearly two million streams of full episode TV shows each month on Yahoo!7 and we expect this to quadruple with the launch of the new Catch-Up TV destination. We’re privileged to have access to Seven’s stable of programs and the dedicated Catch-Up TV destination site will allow us to extend the range of shows we can make available while making it even easier for users to access the TV shows they love.”

The new site will launch with mid-roll advertising, an Australian first for online video.

According to James Warburton, Chief Sales & Digital Office, Seven Media Group, the new offering will mean even greater opportunities for SMG Red to deliver cross platform solutions to Australian advertisers.

“Catch-Up TV is a huge opportunity for advertisers to increase their audience reach across both TV and online and we’ve already had a lot of interest. To date the challenge has been for advertisers to access enough premium online video inventory which the new Catch-Up TV destination on Yahoo!7 will deliver. Our ability to provide advertisers with sponsorship and advertising campaigns across TV and video online is now magnified,” he said.

The site will be browser-based streaming video which requires no special software, is easy to use and does not require the user to wait for a download to complete.

Source: Seven Network

Lisa Kudrow joins Courtney Cox on ABC's 'Cougar Town'.

Here’s your first look at Lisa Kudrow’s guest appearance on Courtney Cox’s new comedy ‘Cougar Town’.

Kudrow plays Jules’ (Cox) horrible but brilliant dermatologist in the January 6 episode on ABC.

“They didn’t want to play friends,” said executive producer Bill Lawrence. “She plays a dermatologist who is a horrible, horrible person, but [Cox] goes to her because she’s the best. The [sight] of them playing people who dislike each other intensely was very funny for me to watch.”

‘Cougar Town’ premieres next year on the Seven Network.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Media Release

Seven signs ‘Richo’

Richmond champion and crowd favourite Matthew Richardson will join Seven’s AFL team in 2010.

Matthew Richardson

The Tiger legend will work with AFL callers Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti on Sunday Football, and is also set to add to the fun on AFL Game Day, joining the crew on a regular basis.

Channel Seven Melbourne general manager Lewis Martin commented on the star signing:

“We’ve all come to love Richo for his passion, warmth and humour both on and off the field. He’ll bring a great knowledge and insight into the game that we know fans will love.”

Richardson has been a hero on the field for the Tigers winning three All- Australian selections, a Best & Fairest award and 13 club goalkicking awards. His legend will now grow bigger off the field as he joins the best AFL commentary team in the land and cements his place as one of the most popular figures in the game.

Source: Seven Network

According to B&T, ratings provider OzTAM, who will introduce time-shift TV viewing from December 27, are now exploring how they could measure the networks’ online catch-up TV services.

Discussions have already taken place with stakeholders to include catch-up TV as part of their television ratings, as well as mobile TV consumption, however these services are not expected to roll out for another two or three years.

“Prior to introducing time-shift viewing, we talked with our stakeholders about the priorities they had for enhancements of the service, and time-shift viewing was the top priority so we acted on that first,” said Kate Inglis-Clark, CEO of OzTAM.

“But when we were preparing our systems for the change to time-shift viewing we were mindful of the changes to traditional TV consumption, including watching on a PC, and are now looking at how AGB (Nielsen Media Research) may further adapt its measuring equipment for those future opportunities.”

“So it’s definitely on our horizon and once we put our time-shift viewing into place that, of course, will take more of our focus.”

Making the shift to measure online TV consumption is not just a “technology issue”, it would also require OzTAM to review how their data is reported so that it accurately reflects the medium.

“We need to consider how we design our panels so we can capture the viewing of the person watching television on their computer, because that is a different style of watching television, and then there’s the reporting aspect in terms of how will this data be used and how it might be folded into a service such as ours,” said Inglis-Clark.

Television networks in Australia have openly welcomed the move to introduced time-shifted ratings on their reports. From December 27, networks will begin to receive two separate sets of data released daily, one reporting “live” and “as live” (recorded and viewed on the same broadcast day) data, and the other including a combination of “live”, “as live” and “time-shifted” (within 7-days of broadcast) data.

“The ability to capture data which reflects the true viewing of TV programs can only be of benefit to free-to-air television,” said Simon Francis, a Seven Network spokesman.

“We’ll see it with the time-shifted viewing data, with the uplift in viewing for FTA programs which will make them even more valuable than they are now for advertisers, and the move to capturing viewing that’s not on your traditional television set, will further enhance the sector.”

Time-shifted reporting has seen significant gains for a number of television programs in the United States. Some programs even saw gains of up to 50% in their target demographics.

The US are also looking into monitoring and reporting online TV consumption.

Source: B&T

UPDATE: The new season of Australia’s Greatest Athlete premieres 4.30pm Saturday, February 6 on Seven.

Media Release

BILLY SLATER BACK TO DEFEND HIS TITLE IN REXONA AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST ATHLETE – SERIES 2

Defending champion Billy Slater.

Rugby league superstar Billy Slater will return to take on a fresh field of tough competitors in series two of Rexona Australia’s Greatest Athlete on Channel Seven.

The series one champion will be up against some of our country’s most prominent athletes, each elite within their sporting profession. They include duel international Wendell Sailor, V8 Supercar legend Craig Lowndes and current World Champion ironman Shannon Eckstein. The remaining athletes competing will be announced in the coming weeks.

Australian sports fans will witness these awesome athletes compete in 15 different gruelling sporting challenges over eight episodes to determine who is Rexona’s Australia’s Greatest Athlete 2010.

Australian Cricket Captain Ricky Ponting will return to give viewers a real insight into athletic performance and what it takes for these sportsmen to be the best in their field.

Hosted by Mark Beretta and Tom Williams, Rexona Australia’s Greatest Athlete Series 2 will be aired on Channel Seven in early 2010.

Source: Seven Network

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

Mitch Ryan

Australian actor Mitch Ryan is joining the cast if The CW’s ‘One Tree Hill’ in a recurring role.

Ryan, who guest appeared on Seven’s ‘City Homicide’, will play Alexander, a handsome pro surfer-turned-young mogul in the show’s seventh season, currently airing in the US.

Ryan next appearance will be in the HBO/Seven’s upcoming multimillion dollar miniseries ‘The Pacific’, from executive producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

‘One Tree Hill’ airs 3pm Saturdays on Network Ten.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Media Release

PETER EVANS AND MANU FEILDEL TO JUDGE MY KITCHEN RULES

Peter Evans and Manu Feildel

Renowned executive chefs Peter Evans and Manu Feildel will be dishing out their expert advice to a new crop of culinary apprentices in My Kitchen Rules, which premieres on Channel 7 in 2010.

The My Kitchen Rules’ judges are respected, talented and successful restaurateurs and chefs who are passionate about food. With a palate for fine food, they’ll be critiquing every dish served up with a view to helping each team improve their culinary skills.

My Kitchen Rules – an original Seven production from the makers of My Restaurant Rules – will search the country to find the best home cooks who can successfully transform regular Aussie homes into instant restaurants for one pressure-cooker night.

The teams-of-two will do battle from the comfort of a home kitchen, bringing not only their enthusiasm and gusto for food, but an array of unique and local produce that Peter and Manu are excited to be tasting and exploring as they travel around the country.

Peter says, “To be honest with you I love people’s home cooking; that excites me more than restaurant meals sometimes. Y ou can taste people’ s passion when they’ re cooking for you in their own homes.”

Manu adds, “Cooking is only a part of the dinner. Designing the menu is just as important so I hope they use all the great local seasonal ingredients around them.”

The best teams will move forward to the My Kitchen Rules finals in which they’ll compete in a custom-designed restaurant space. The top two teams will battle it out as they each serve up their best three course meal to a full restaurant.

Source: Seven Network

What is 7TWO ?

It is Seven’s new digital channel. Seven already have one main channel in both analogue and digital, plus 7HD in digital high definition. 7TWO is a new digital channel and it’s free.

How do I get it ?

To receive 7TWO, you’ll need to tune into channel 72 on a your digital TV, PVR or set top box.

If you have an analogue television you will need to connect your TV to a digital set top box, PVR, or digital recorder and tune in to channel 72.

If I haven’t got a Digital TV – what should I do to see the channel ?

Your old TV, in most cases, can connect to a digital set top box or PVR via standard composite cables, check the Freeview website for more help.

What is an EPG ?

The EPG stands for “Electronic Program Guide” and is automatically transmitted with the 7TWO signal. The EPG allows viewers to get information on programs, start times and finish times and allows you to plan your viewing in your own home. The EPG will also be available in Freeview capable homes.

Why is 7TWO called a standard definition channel ?

7TWO is being transmitted at the same quality as Channel 7 – that is called “standard definition”. For viewers who prefer higher quality viewing, Channel 7 is also available in high definition, however 7TWO will not be in HD as it is purely a standard definition channel.

What is 7TWO going to offer me ?

7TWO is a new entertainment channel delivering more great shows for free.

What sort of programs does 7TWO show ?

7TWO is more of what audiences love about Seven. More drama, more lifestyle, more reality, more comedy, more movies . . . more first class entertainment, free for everyone.

You can see brand new episodes of international hits ‘Lost’, ‘24′, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Ugly Betty’ alongside popular dramas ‘The Sopranos’, ‘Six Feet Under’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘A Touch of Frost’ and ‘Prime Suspect’.

You can also catch new cooking programs from the world’s best chefs including Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, Rick Stein and Gary Rhodes.

There will also be plenty of daytime entertainment including ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Emmerdale’, ‘Shortland Street’, ‘The Martha Stewart Show’.

How do I find out about what’s playing  and when?

You can go to yahoo7.com.au/seven-two for a comprehensive program guide.

You can view the first week’s primetime schedule here.

What hours will it be running ?

7TWO will run 24 hours, 7 days a week.

When does it start ?

7TWO starts on Sunday, November 1, at 12.00pm for all digital free-to-air viewers.

What is happening to Seven’s high definition Channel 7HD ?

Seven will continue to run its high definition channel, 7HD on channel 70.

Will 7TWO be available on Foxtel ?

Yes the channel will be re-transmitted on Foxtel just like Seven’s main channel. It will be available on channel 127 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane from November 24.

Source: Seven Network

CarriageWorks

Move over Fox Studios Australia, the Redfern Waterloo precinct is the new home of film and television production in Sydney.

George Miller’s upcoming film ‘Mad Max 4′ will move into a new production facility next door to CarriageWorks. The creative arts centre where Network Ten films ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

Miller’s production company, Kennedy Miller Mitchell, will convert the existing warehouse space into the new Digital Film Making Studio, with a motion capture stage, art department workshops, a visual effects studio and production offices.

ABC News was there as Miller talked about his upcoming film and the future of Australian cinema.

The former railway carriage and blacksmith workshops will house the upcoming sequel ‘Fury Road’, as well as pre-preduction on Miller’s ‘Happy Feet 2′, the sequel to smash hit animated film.

Australian Technology Park retrofitted for 'MasterChef Australia' heats.

A rendering of the Seven Network's new production offices and sound stages.

Sydney's new film and television hub (front center).

CarriageWorks is just across the train line from Australian Technology Park, which has similarly become a popular spot for film and television production.

‘Australian Idol’, ‘MasterChef Australia’ and ‘Top Gear Australia’ have all used its industrial surrounds for filming.

‘Idol’ holds its Sydney open call auditions at ATP, while ‘MasterChef’ shoots the top 100 heats inside ATP’s expansive carriage bays.

But that’s not all, the Redfern Waterloo precinct is also the future home for the Seven Network and Global Television.

Seven are in the middle of constructing 4 purpose built sound stages and a state-of-the-art broadcast facility within Technology Park’s grounds.

Shows currently filmed at Seven’s Epping studios, including ‘Home and Away’ and ‘Packed to the Rafters’, will move into the sound stages at the new facility in the near future.

Meanwhile, over at Moore Park’s Fox Studios Australia, things aren’t quite as bright.

The studio recently lost the major Hollywood feature ‘Green Lantern’, which director Martin Campbell (‘Casino Royale’) and actor Ryan Reynolds were scheduled to film in Australia. Just last week, Warner Bros. announced that the project would be shift overseas for budgetary reasons — a result of the high Australian dollar vs the weak US dollar.

Fox Studios are however preparing for production to begin on Stuart Beattie’s smaller budgeted feature ’Tomorrow When the War Began’, which stars ‘Home and Away’ actor Lincoln Lewis and former ‘Neighbours’ actress Caitlin Stasey. Production will be based at the Moore Park studios and will also shoot in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

But despite the upcoming project, it doesn’t change the fact that Fox Studios has remained vacant for over a year — following the conclusion of production on Hugh Jackman’s ‘Wolverine’.

The same can’t be said over at Redfern/Waterloo, where it seems there’s no shortage of film and television productions.

With Seven/Global opening their new facility in the near future; Miller’s ‘Mad Max 4′ and ‘Happy Feet 2′ in for the long haul; and returning series ‘Dance’ and ‘MasterChef’, it seems there really is a new film and television hub in Sydney — and it’s not likely to be slowing down any time soon.

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?

Media Release

RUSSELL CROWE IN DAMAGE CONTROL

Coming soon to Channel Seven

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe is the creative force behind a thrilling new show, DAMAGE CONTROL, which will air on Channel Seven next year.

Oscar‐winning actor Crowe is executive producer and presenter for the show which will give viewers a front row seat to the real life drama and cutting‐edge work being done by medical teams to keep Australia’s elite sports stars at the top of their game.

Australians thrive on the most brutal contact sports in the world. And every day Australia’s most gifted and committed athletes push their bodies to the limit.

From remarkable major surgical procedures to on‐the‐spot treatment techniques, DAMAGE CONTROL shows how far elite sports people will go to reach the peak of their sport and the key role medical personnel play in keeping them there.

DAMAGE CONTROL will feature exclusive and unprecedented access behind the scenes of Australia’s most popular sports, including AFL, NRL, A‐League, basketball, netball and more.

Seven’s Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner says:
“Australians love their sport and they particularly love their sport on TV.

“A compelling factor in the coverage of Australian sports, including rugby league and AFL, is the physical courage displayed in every moment of the game.

“Damage Control reveals the absolute courage of the player in a way not seen before.”

Mikael Borglund, Managing Director and CEO of Beyond International, adds:
“The access is unprecedented. Damage Control will take viewers to where they’ve never been before. It’s compelling viewing and a show Russell is extremely passionate about.”

Produced by Beyond International and South Sydney Media for Channel Seven, DAMAGE CONTROL is coming to Seven in 2010.

Source: Seven Network

Media Release

IT’S TIME!

(Friday, October 23, 2009) Channel Seven today unveiled its eagerly anticipated free-to-air digital channel 7TWO, a broad entertainment channel set to bolster Seven’s leadership in the Australian television market.

7TWO is more of what audiences love about Seven. More drama, more lifestyle, more reality, more comedy, more movies . . . more first class entertainment, free for everyone.

The new channel will launch on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 12noon on Channel 72.

Channel Seven’s Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner said 7TWO was created as a natural extension of Seven’s successful primary channel and would only increase Seven’s strong audience appeal.

“I am pleased to announce that 7TWO will be the new home for premiere episodes of our international hits including J.J Abrams’ Lost, Ugly Betty, Heroes and 24,” said Worner.

“We’ve been strategic in putting together a program schedule for 7TWO that allows us to grow our audience between our two channels, without sacrificing one for the other. It is a complementary relationship that will go from strength to strength maximising the opportunities for our audience and clients.”

Iconic programs including mob hit The Sopranos, much loved drama Six Feet Under and groundbreaking comedy Murphy Brown will screen on the channel alongside new, primetime episodes of The Jay Leno Show, five nights a week.

7TWO will feature the very best of British television from traditional, tried and true favourites A Touch of Frost, Prime Suspect, Judge John Deed, Rosemary & Thyme and Minder to premiere episodes of motoring hit Fifth Gear, Heartbeat, Holby Blue, Benidorm, Gavin & Stacey and Britain’s Best Dish.

Additional themed nights of programming include Action & Adventure, Lifestyle and Movies with the latter featuring an extensive catalogue of family titles from Disney’s studios.

Handpicked cooking programs from the world’s top chefs including Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, Rick Stein, Ainsley Harriott and Gary Rhodes will also feature on Monday to Friday afternoons.

A broad mix of new and classic programs – including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Shortland Street, The Martha Stewart Show, Home and Away: The Early Years, Sons and Daughters, Magnum PI and Moonlighting – complete the channel’s daytime schedule.

Channel Seven also announced popular television presenter Tom Williams as the face of 7TWO.

With Channel Seven since 2001, Williams has reported for The Great Outdoors, the Torino and Beijing Olympics and co-hosted Gladiators. In 2005, he was crowned Series 2 champion of Dancing with the Stars.

Williams says 7TWO will have “something for everyone” catering to a range of TV tastes “from the weekend rev-head to the aspiring chef.”

“What I love about 7TWO is the great mix of the new and classic. I’m a big Leno fan so it will be great to be able catch that on a daily basis. And I can’t wait to see how the last season of Lost unravels.”

“It’s fair to say I’ll be booking in some extra time on the couch. I can’t wait for it all to kick off.”

7TWO is part of Australia’s Freeview digital television service. To watch 7TWO, tune into channel 72 on a high definition digital television or on an analogue or standard definition digital television connected to a high definition set top box.

Source: Seven Network

According to MediaSpy, “Channel Mate” is believed to be the likely name of choice for Seven’s upcoming digital channel.

Five designs were registered for trademark by the network last Tuesday on IP Australia, each containing a variation on the word “Mate” or “Channel Mate”.

The final name and design still hasn’t been officially confirmed by the network with Seven’s head of corporate affairs, Simon Francis, saying “we’ll reveal our second channel shortly” when contacted by MediaSpy.

Should the name “Channel Name” become official at some point, it seems quite a peculiar choice for a new channel. Though, it could relate to something completely different entirely.

At this stage, all that seems to be confirmed is that the new channel will launch on digital channel 72.

The five designs submitted by Seven:

Source: MediaSpy

The 6-disc set will be released on December 2 and will contain all 22 episodes from the show’s first season.

Bonus features include a behind the scenes look at the show and interviews with the cast.

The series stars Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Michael Caton, Jessica Marais, Angus McLaren, Hugh Sheridan, Jessica McNamee, George Houvardas and Zoe Ventoura.

Here’s an exclusive first look at the cover art.

Packed to the Rafters tells the story of the Rafter family. Parents Dave and Julie Rafter are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, enjoying the comfort and privacy of their family home. When unforseen problems arise, their three children Ben, Rachel and Nathan all move back home. Follow the ups and downs of the Rafter family as they learn to live together again as adults.

Joseph Fiennes

ABC has given a full-season order to ‘FlashForward’ and extended the season from 22 episodes to 25.

The news comes after just three strong weeks on the air, with the series averaging 10.7 millions viewers in the US.

‘FlashForward’ is one of the top new dramas of the season in adults 18-34, with a 3.6 rating/11 share.

Locally, the show debuted to a nice 1.7 million viewers. It was down to 1.5 million last night, though up from previous week.

‘FlashForward’ is the seventh new series to receive a full-season pickup, following the ABC comedies ‘Cougar Town’, ‘The Middle’, ‘Modern Family’; CBS dramas ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and ‘The Good Wife’; and FOX’s musical comedy ‘Glee’.

Source: Variety