Footy brawl returns between Foxtel, Seven, Ten

Well the love-fest didn't last long.

Less than a month after everyone was all-smiles at the Press Conference announcing that Foxtel was joining Seven and TEN in broadcasting AFL it seems there's been a fallout.

Sure the games are staying put. But don't expect to see any Foxtel ads on Seven or TEN.

According to The Australian, the 2 commercials are refusing to broadcast them.

Why? Because the ads boast their broadcasts are live and ad-free. And they have more games than any other network. Ouch.

Language like that was always likely to bite with the two biggies that have paid a pile of money. A lot more than Foxtel.

Meanwhile Foxtel is also annoyed the two networks remain out of re-transmission on its platform (as is just about anyone who subscribes to Pay TV).
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Ten grabs Torchwood (twice!)

Channel Ten has secured Torchwood after the ABC passed on picking it up.

The Dr Who spinoff was too racy for the ABC which couldn't find an available timeslot after 8:30pm.

"Torchwood is a thriller sci-fi cop show with a very human heart,” said Amber Knight, Senior Sales Manager for BBC Worldwide Australasia. “It’s sexy, clever, wild and perfect for TEN’s audience.”

"Torchwood brings a sexy new twist to the traditional cop show genre that we at TEN are thrilled to have as part of our 2007 slate,” added Beverly McGarvey, head of programming at Network Ten.

Whatsmore, TEN has committed to a second series, currently in production.

Some TV Tonight readers are divided over whether the series is any good or not. Check them out here.
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Vale: Billy Thorpe.

Sad news today with the passing of rocker Billy Thorpe.

Thorpe was a legendary singer-musician from the 60s and 70s best known for the song "Most People I Know (Think That I'm Crazy)".

He passed away early today after a heart attack in Sydney.

Thorpe's contribution to the Aussie music scene is vast, and in terms of television he appeared on every major music show in the past three decades including Bandstand, Countdown and Sounds Unlimited.

Nine will re-screen a Thorpe special edition of This Is Your Life tonight at 10:30pm.

Thorpe was also a pivotal motivator on the recent Long Way To The Top documentary and live tour, inspiring Producers to proceed with the project. It went on to become a huge hit criss-crossing the country and playing to packed houses.

I don't have any specific memory of Billy, but his version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was certainly individual. I'm sure you will hear it played over the next week...
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