Awards coup for Foxtel

The Golden Globes, the Emmys, the Grammys, the Tonys -they're all staying put on Foxtel, following the subscription TV leader firming itself as the 'award network.'

Foxtel has secured exclusive rights to all, alongside the American Music Awards. It already screens the VMAs and AVMAs for MTV, plus the Helpmann Awards for the Aussie theatre industry.

Several of these, including the Tonys and Emmys, have been screened live to air.

Next week the Bio Channel has the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards live at 10am, with TEN having to settle for a highlights package later in the evening. Nine still retains the Oscar Awards.

Press Release:

FOXTEL today announced that it has entered in to a long term agreement as the holder of the exclusive television rights to the world’s leading Award shows.

FOXTEL has secured the exclusive television rights to the coveted GOLDEN GLOBES, the GRAMMY AWARDS, the TONY AWARDS and the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS and exclusive live coverage of television’s night of nights, the EMMY AWARDS.

FOXTEL also announced the signing of a new three year agreement to become the official broadcaster of the local HELPMANN AWARDS, which recognise excellence in live performance in Australia.

The Helpmann Awards, held each August, will also be exclusive to FOXTEL.

‘FOXTEL has secured a virtual clean sweep of the Awards shows’, said FOXTEL’s Executive Director of Television and Marketing, Brian Walsh.

‘This landmark deal is unprecedented and will provide FOXTEL subscribers with a front row seat to the most glittering Awards shows in the world of entertainment.’

The 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will screen live on the BIO channel on Monday, September 17 from 8.00am EST. Read more...

Bionic Woman, Heroes, Prison Break soon

Seven has announced it will premiere Bionic Woman shortly after its US premiere of September 26.

It will also announce airdates for new seasons of Prison Break (US Sept 17) and Heroes (US Sept 24) shortly.

So keen is Seven to advance episodes of these new shows it is branding some of its programming as "Fasttrack" including sporting a logo in its publicity material. All three commercial networks are now keeping their eye on the programming ball to offset illegal downloads and fluctuating audiences.

An early cut of the pilot of Bionic Woman was leaked on torrent sites in July.

Press Release:

The hotly anticipated re-imagining of Bionic Woman will be fast tracked to Seven soon after it’s September 26 US premiere. Seven previously announced it would also be fast tracking the new seasons of Prison Break and Heroes which start in America September 17 and 24 respectively. Timeslots for all three programs will be announced by Seven in coming weeks.

Filmed in Vancouver, Bionic Woman stars Michelle Ryan (Eastenders) as Jaime Sommers who, struggling as a bartender and surrogate mum to her teenaged sister, didn’t think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death’s door, Jaime’s only hope of survival is through a cutting edge, top-secret technology that comes with a hefty price.

With a whole new existence and a debt to repay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it’s Jaime’s journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman.

From the brilliant minds that re-invented the Battlestar Galactica franchise, comes this modern and relevant update of one of television’s most iconic female characters.

Also starring are Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan) as Jonas, the man who employs Jaime’s boyfriend; Molly Price (Third Watch) as Ruth, Jonas’ second in command; Chris Bowers as Jaime’s boyfriend, Will, who performs the operation; Will Yun Lee as Jae, the specialised operations leader; and Lucy Kate Hale as Jaime’s sister Becca.

Bionic Woman is produced by Universal Media Studios and executive-produced by David Eick (Battlestar Galactica) and Jason Smilovic (The Wrong Man).

Kindly link to this website when sourcing or posting in messageboards, thanks! Read more...

Seven wins 18-49 for 2007

The Seven Network has claimed victory in the 18 - 49 demographic for 2007, after taking out 20 of 28 weeks so far. With only 12 remaining, Seven claims TEN cannot win the demographic it actively sought to pursue.

At the end of 2006 TEN said it was shifting its focus from 16-39 to 18-49, noting it would take time to achieve.

Seven has enjoyed a bumper year while some of TEN's products have not met expectations, notably a lacklustre year for Big Brother.

Seven has also won 26 of 28 weeks in overall viewers.
Read more...

Security beefed up for journos

Channel Seven will upgrade security measures for its journalists following a live on air attack on reporter Ben Davis during his report on Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.

Davis (seen centre in an unrelated photo) received an injured wrist after confronting a man who had been heckling him during his report.

"All of a sudden there was three or four guys around me and a scuffle broke out," he told AAP.

The attack occurred in Melbourne, where Seven News has also been trying to win back local support following a mishandled news story on the medical records of AFL Players.

Seven's Head of News, Peter Meakin, criticised the behaviour saying, "You tend to run into people in their worst moments and they tend not to appreciate it." Meakin was himself the subject of unwelcome news coverage following his drink driving charges.

Police are still looking for two men in relation to the assault.

Source: The Age. Read more...

Gladiators fight back

In 1995 they had names like Tower, Vulcan, Commando, Glacier and Fury.

In 2008 will they recycle the same monikers for Seven's new version of Gladiators?

Yep, Seven has decided to revisit this testosterone game show (after all TEN brought It's a Knockout back via BB's Friday Night Live right?). Maybe they've just been inspired by the fact that NBC announced they were bringing it back next year too?

“We’re extremely excited about re-launching this massive show which was such an audience favourite, “said Brad Lyons, Seven’s Head of Program Development.

“It will have a new look but will still retain the classic battles between Gladiator and Contender. We are currently on the hunt for a new bunch of Gladiators and those prepared to step into the arena to take them on.”

No hosts are yet announced, but Mike Whitney was back this year on Last Chance Learners for Seven, could he return to the fold? Hope not....

And while we're at it, that swimming pool is still at Seven's old studios, now home to Global TV. Any chance of a new version of Man O Man?

Press Release:

Channel Seven today announced television phenomenon Gladiators will return to our screens in 2008.

Seven’s Head of Program Development, Mr Brad Lyons, said the search begins this week across Australia for a new generation of Gladiators.

“We’re extremely excited about re-launching this massive show which was such an audience favourite, “Mr Lyons said.

“It will have a new look but will still retain the classic battles between Gladiator and Contender. We are currently on the hunt for a new bunch of Gladiators and those prepared to step into the arena to take them on.”

Gladiators premiered on Seven in 1995 – and launched to massive ratings.

The show pitted everyday contestants in a variety of physical events against the ‘Gladiators’. The likes of Predator, Commando, Vulcan, Storm, Glacier and Flame presented a spectacle of human endurance each week as they battled an inexhaustible procession of challenges such as hang tough, pyramid, powerball and swingshot.

Seven will announce the Gladiators line-up, plus hosts at a later date.

Photo: Unnofficial Gladiators Homepage.
Read more...

Footy Show grand final drags up

Are you looking at the cast of Priscilla the Musical or The Footy Show here?

Actually you're looking at both.

The cast of the stage musical will make an appearance in the AFL Footy Show Grand Final Edition on Nine, Thursday September 27. The production is moving to Melbourne, so it's a natural fit. I guess it saves the footballers frocking up for once (doesn't it?).

Other guests will include American Idol's Kelly Clarkson, Birtles, Shorrock and Goble (who legally cannot call themselves the Little River Band), Shannon Noll and Noiseworks.

Press Release:

The entertainment spectacular live from a packed Rod Laver Arena featuring the annual Players' Revue, plus performances from international star Kelly Clarkson, Birtles, Shorrock and Goble - the original members of the Little River Band, Noiseworks, Shannon Noll and the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the musical. The biggest names in football join Garry Lyon, James Brayshaw, Sam Newman and Trevor Marmalade, and we get the final word from the coaches as we count down to the Grand Final. Read more...

Airdate: Burke's Backyard Spring Special

No surprises here.

Nine will air its Don Burke special at 6:30pm Sunday September 23 following the final appearance of Backyard Blitz in the previous week.

Old mates Jamie Durie and Don Burke will go head to head, as opposed to Durie competing with himself via Australia's Best Backyards!

Don Burke returns to our screens with a bumper eco-focused spring special.

With fun ways to tread lightly on the planet, it’s good news for you, your family & your garden! Don will be joined by Scott Cam, Giaan Rooney & Dr Chris Brown Read more...

Ratings Week 37

Friday:
1 Seven's AFL: West Coast V Collingwood Seven 1,636,000
2 Seven News Seven 1,396,000
3 Better Homes And Gardens Seven 1,281,000
4 Nine News Nine 1,180,000
5 A Current Affair Nine 1,097,000
6 Today Tonight Seven 1,040,000
7 Home And Away Seven 996,000
8 Temptation Nine 995,000
9 ABC News ABC 942,000
10 Motorway Patrol Nine 898,00

Thursday:
1. Today Tonight Seven 1.449
2. Seven News Seven 1.426
3. Home and Away Seven 1.423
4. Sea Patrol Nine 1.265
5. Getaway Nine 1.181
6. Ghost Whisperer Seven 1.131
7. So You Think You Can Dance Ten 1.111
8. ABC News ABC 1.080
9. National Nine News Nine 1.069
10. A Current Affair Nine 1.026
11. Temptation Nine 1.012
12. The Footy Show Nine 0.997
13. The 7:30 Report ABC 0.914
14. Deal or No Deal Seven 0.851
15. The Human Mind ABC 0.840

Nine: 28.5
Seven: 27.9
Ten: 23.9
ABC: 14.8
SBS: 4.8

Wednesday:
1. The Chaser’s War on Everything ABC 2.245
2. Thank God You’re Here Ten 1.785
3. Spicks and Specks ABC 1.653
4. RPA Nine 1.448
5. Seven News Seven 1.442
6. Today Tonight Seven 1.396
7. Home and Away Seven 1.394
8. Summer Heights High ABC 1.375
9. McLeod’s Daughters Nine 1.181
10. ABC News ABC 1.175
11. National Nine News Nine 1.172
12. A Current Affair Nine 1.170
13. Temptation Nine 1.107
14. Most Shocking Seven 1.106
15. Without A Trace Nine 1.056

Nine: 27.1
Seven: 24.0
Ten: 23.8
ABC: 21.7
SBS: 3.4

Tuesday:
1. Medical Emergency Seven 1.882
2. RSPCA Animal Rescue Seven 1.782
3. Home and Away Seven 1.477
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.462
5. Seven News Seven 1.449
6. All Saints Seven 1.390
7. National Nine News Nine 1.170
8. A Current Affair Nine 1.148
9. ABC News ABC 1.132
10. The Simpsons – 7:30pm Ten 1.091
11. NCIS Ten 1.088
12. Temptation Nine 1.087
13. Crime Investigation Australia Nine 1.036
14. 20 to 1 Nine 1.010
15. The Simpsons – 8:00pm Ten 0.991

Seven: 32.2
Nine: 25.4
Ten: 22.5
ABC: 14.5
SBS: 5.3

Monday:
1. Border Security Seven 1.892
2. The Force Seven 1.776
3. Seven News Seven 1.575
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.503
5. Home and Away Seven 1.408
6. City Homicide Seven 1.401
7. National Nine News Nine 1.308
8. Australian Idol Ten 1.235
9. A Current Affair Nine 1.175
10. ABC News ABC 1.118
11. Temptation Nine 1.091
12. Law and Order: SVU Ten 1.048
13. Californication Ten 1.040
14. Futurama Ten 0.983
15. Australian Story ABC 0.965

1 vs 100 0.922m
Criminal Minds 0.921m
Enough Rope 0.862m
CSI 0.752m
I Caught 0.600m

Seven: 32.7
Ten: 22.3
Nine: 21.9
ABC: 16.7
SBS: 6.5

Sunday:
1. Kath & Kim Seven 2.045
2. Seven News Seven 1.694
3. National Nine News Nine 1.601
4. Australian Idol Ten 1.544
5. My Name Is Earl Seven 1.421
6. 60 Minutes Nine 1.389
7. Australia’s Best Backyards Seven 1.361
8. Hot Property Seven 1.338
9. Backyard Blitz Nine 1.324
10. ABC News ABC 1.141
11. Rove Ten 1.042
12. Movie: King Arthur Seven 0.987
13. The Einstein Factor ABC 0.923
14. AFL: Qualifying Final Seven 0.906
15. Under The Greenwood Tree ABC 0.844

Seven: 28.3
Nine: 27.3
Ten: 24.4
ABC: 15.6
SBS: 4.4 Read more...

The eye of the storm

The eye of the programming storm, otherwise known as the non-sweeps time in the US, again saw local product wow audiences. With slim pickings of hot American shows, only one show in the top ten was an international (and that was British), and two in the top thirty. New episodes and new programming from the US is about to hit here soon.

All of this meant Seven again won the week, 28.9% over Nine's 27.2% and TEN's 22.1%. The ABC had 16.7% and SBS 5.1%.

Seven won all cities except Sydney which went to Nine.

It was Border Security that moved back into top place for Seven, and top spot for the week, ahead of Kath & Kim, The Force, RSPCA Animal Rescue, City Homicide, Medical Emergency, Seven News, Home and Away, All Saints and Today Tonight. In its second week City Homicide 1.7m was a great figure. More disappointing were the returns for Wednesday's Las Vegas and Air Crash Investigations.

RPA took out Nine's crown for the week in front of 60 Minutes, Sea Patrol, Nine News, A Current Affair, Things to Try Before You Die and Without a Trace. Mondays remain problematic for Nine, with the Secrets of the Crocodile special falling flat and ER now pulled from Nine's schedule entirely. 1 vs 100 was under the 1m mark, is bringing Eddie back to 7pm wise? How Nine can continue to underperform in the 7:30pm Monday slot is a mystery -or just bad programming. Constant changes have alienated the audience. And as football finals heat up, Friday was also a poor return.

As usual Thank God You're Here was strongest at TEN. It was followed by Australian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and NCIS. Rove was down to 810,000.

Media darling The Chaser's War on Everything came back with a vengeance for the ABC (and wait until this week!) and Midsomer Murders again gave the commercial networks headaches. The premiere of Summer Heights High was next best for the public broadcaster, with a terrific return. ABC News, The Human Mind and How To Make The Most of It, 7:30 Report and Four Corners followed.

Sunday night had a rare win as SBS' best night over its favoured Mondays.

Ratings Week 36. Read more...