A few weeks ago, GO! stopped their two hour nightly infomercial / home shopping spot that would air at 2-4am weekdays.
Instead, GO! is showing The Bachelorette each night at around 2am. Between The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, they have a lot of seasons to catch up on – its one of those shows that fans love and should be aired as close to US time as possible. Continue reading »
The Killing fans rejoice! AMC’s The Killing is coming back for a third season!
After months of negotiations, AMC and Fox Television Studios have closed a deal to bring back previously cancelled The Killing to AMC for a third season. Negotiations with Netflix for a second window to the series are still ongoing. Continue reading »
Network Ten has
announced the appointment of Beverley McGarvey as Chief Programming
Officer, effective immediately. Continue reading »
Australia’s commercial television networks are spending little on Australian adult and children’s drama and documentary programs required by regulation, say Australia’s actors, writers, directors, and producers, despite claims this week by the networks. Continue reading »
Just when you thought it was safe to watch free to air TV live without being bombarded with ads reminding you of what free to air TV is and why you should keep on watching it, FreeView are about to hit us with a new campaign spruiking “the best things in life are free” – or – in other words, the best TV you can watch is free.
Some changes to ONE’s comedy night from next Monday with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Specials being replaced with specific specials focussing on one comedian.
Next Monday, January 23, ONE will air Jimeoin on Ice from 8.30pm.
From the magical world of Jimeoin comes this smash hit show Jimeoin on Ice. See him gracefully skate through brilliantly funny observations on the absurdities of everyday life.
The following Monday, January 30, it is Carl Barron – Walking Down the Street from 8.30pm.
As a first class comedian who plays off audience reactions with ease, Carl Barron’s topics jump from one to the other and back again, until you find yourself helpless with laughter.
As both shows are only 90 minute long, Blue Bloods moves forward to 10.00pm. The season finale of Blue Bloods now airs Monday January 30, at 10.00pm.
ONE’s revamped Monday nights has been giving the channel its highest general entertainment shares yet – reaching 4.9% last Monday night and ranking ONE close to the highest rating digial multi channel for that night. ONE was even ahead of its better rating network brother ELEVEN on Monday night. The Melbourne International comedy specials have ranked close to the most watched shows on digital multi channels on the nights they air.
ONE’s comedy night also features Who’e Line Is It Anyway from 7.30-8.30pm.
The new-look ONE is already hitting significant home runs with viewers. In its first three days of prime-time general entertainment programming, ONE has reached 3.27 million viewers.
With the addition of male skewing general entertainment programming in the prime-time schedule, ONE has already grown its audience by 156% on the same week last year.
This week ONE is averaging 3.4% commercial share in total people and 6.2% commercial share in its target demographic of males 25-54.
Chief programming officer, David Mott said: “We’ve been trialling a general entertainment line-up on ONE since the start of the year. We’re delighted that ONE’s combination of premium sport and prime-time general entertainment programming is already resonating with viewers and advertisers.”
ONE’s Top 5 Programs of the Week
1. FIA Formula One World Championship (Turkey) – 320,000 viewers
2. Cops Adults Only – 173,000 viewers
3. Monday Night AFL – 137,000 viewers
4. Best of Extreme Fishing with Robson Green – 129,000 viewers
5. Ice Road Truckers – 124,000 viewers
This is just the start. There’s plenty more to come with tonight’s premiere of Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round at 7:30pm, followed by a movie-length episode of the Golden Globe winning, Sons of Anarchy at 9:30pm. Next week Ricky Gervais returns to prime-time with An Idiot Abroad airing at 8:30pm on Monday nights.
Network Ten have made another investment in online media, this time taking a minority stake in sports fan community The Roar.
The Roar’s content will be republished on onehd.com.au and provide a further audience to the more than quarter of a million visitors currently visiting the site each month.
2009 was the year the second digital channels launched: ONE HD, SBS TWO replacing SBS News, GO!, 7TWO and ABC’s third channel ABC3.
2010 was the year we saw the HD main channel simulcasts of ABC1, Seven and Nine given up to make way for even more digital channels – none of which could be described as an ideal use of each network’s available HD stream.
In 2011, the only new channel that we know for sure will be launched is ELEVEN.
Will there be any more free to air channels or have we reached as far as it will go prior to the switch off of analogue in 2014?
When ELEVEN launches, there will in fact be 15 distinct free to air digital channels (plus community TV in some areas).
Seven, Nine and Ten are currently only allowed to provide two standard definition channels and one high definition channel. The ABC are able to have one extra standard definition channel than the commercials, while SBS remain the only network with an HD channel that simulcasts their main channel.
What the ABC are doing with three standard definition channels and one high definition channel is the most you can get out of the current available bandwidth to each network – although some would argue that even this is pushing it too far and the quality of each of the individual channels within the multiplex are poor.
But it stands to reason, that if the ABC can have four channels, with one being HD, why can’t the others? Technically they can, but it does come down to licensing. The only way we would see more channels comes out of Seven, Nine or Ten would be if licensing conditions changed to allow them to do the same as the ABC.
In talks relating to the anti-siphoning list during 2010, the suggestion was raised of the commercial networks being allowed to have a 4th digital channel to help cover more sporting broadcasts without sacrificing regular programming content. Therefore there is a possibility of 4th channels.
If this was to happen – Seven, Nine and Ten – were allowed to have a 4th channel, I believe the provision of such should be highly conditional. Given that the third channels for Seven and Nine have effectively removed ALL main channel HD content, and ONE did the same for Ten nearly two years ago, any suggestion of a 4th channel should re-instate the HD content that we are now missing out on.
New conditions for HD content should go FAR beyond the 20 hours per week that was put in place nearly a decade ago, when hardly anyone owned or could even afford an HD TV.
The way I would like to see the 4th channel work is as per the following rules, which would revent a network from using it as a 4th unique channel and income stream. Keep in mind, this is all opinion based, and hypothetical – there is nothing anywhere at this stage that suggests 4th channels will actually happen any time soon, if at all.
1. The 4th channel will be the HD channel. The first three channels all revert to SD.
2. The HD channel must show HD content for at least 18 hours a day. In 2011, there is no reason why the networks could not easily fill this amount of HD content daily. Just about every TV show in the US is made in HD, most locally are as well.
3. The HD channel should provide an HD simulcast of the main channel during specified prime time hours – say 6pm – 10.30pm nightly.
4. The HD channel cannot be used as a distinct 4th channel. It must be either simulcasting the main channel or broadcasting HD content seen on the other digital channels the network owns. This rule gives the flexibility for Ten for example to still show HD sports when available while showing Ten content in HD during prime time. The only possible exception would be if sport runs over time and the network chooses to return to normal programming on the main channel while leaving the HD channel to continue with the sport.
5. In some cases, HD shows could be time shifted. If, for example, a network has two or even three shows airing in one night that they own in HD, they could opt to show the main channel HD shows live (by rule 3, it has to be the main channel programming during specified prime time hours), then play shows seen on their other channels in HD at different times.
6. The reverse of point 5, a show would be allowed to air on the HD channel before it airs on one of the SD channels so long as it occurs within a 7 day period. This would allow HD premieres to come before they air in SD on other channels. The result of points 5 and 6 do cause there to be four different shows on at once but it does mean that anything seen on the HD channel is also seen on an SD channel even at a different time.
The fourth channel scenario, coupled with these rules in fact will benefit everybody.
It would mean, that all of a network’s content is seen over their three SD channels, while most, if not all of a network’s content available in HD would be seen on their HD channel. It would mean prime time main channel content is seen in HD again, while other content available in HD that may be seen on other channels can also be seen in HD as well as SD.
It would mean that sport would be able to be seen in HD without impacting on the regular programming of other channels. It would mean that all people with digital set top boxes whether they have HD or not can see all shows that a network offers.
Such a solution would surely please everybody over the next three years until analogue is switched off.
Then – later in the decade when we start using MPEG-4 and all three of a network’s channels can be upgraded to HD, the 4th channel would become redundant, and could then be used in reverse to provide an SD MPEG-2 signal of either the main channel or a mix of the three channels for those with old digital tuners.
Again – the only new FTA channel we know will happen for sure in 2011 is ELEVEN. While there is room for SBS THREE, funding issues will most likely mean it does not happen any time soon. SBS should focus more on revamping the offerings over their two channels in any case before they think of a third. SBS ONE is now regularly beaten in channel shares by one or more of the commercial digital channels from Seven and Nine.
Network Ten this week unveiled an expanded program slate for 2011. Offering something for everyone, the line-up features the cream of local and international television content for the Network’s three channels and multi-platform extensions. In 2011:
TEN will be the home of entertainment for under 50s with a line-up of proven Australian and international favourites, five new US series, three new ‘big event’ TV franchises, new Australian drama, as well as a dynamic line-up of News and Current Affairs.
ONE will be the place for Australia’s sports lovers, offering more live and exclusive sport than ever before.
ELEVEN will be the destination for a distinctly youthful audience with first-run Australian and international content and a line-up of some of the most-loved US series of all time.
Network Ten chief programming officer, David Mott said: “So far this year, we’ve delivered three big new hits with Glee, Modern Family and Undercover Boss. We also remain the leader in ‘big event TV’ with the most talked-about program in Australian television history, MasterChef Australia, surpassing all previous records.”
“Next year will be even bigger and better with more bold formats in store. In 2011, we’ll create more ‘big event’ TV moments, deliver more laughs with the best local and international comedies, we’ll screen the most exciting light entertainment formats and we’ll have the best mix of drama from Australia and around the world,” Mr Mott said.
NEW TO TEN IN 2011 – International Line-up
Hawaii Five-O – featuring Australia’s own Alex O’Loughlin, Hawaii Five-O is a contemporary take on the classic series about an elite crime-fighting task force. Set and filmed on the picturesque Hawaiian Islands, this action-packed series promises to hook a whole new generation of fans.
Blue Bloods – from the writers of The Sopranos, and staring Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, comes a multi-generational family drama about New York cops who’ll stop at nothing to see justice served.
The Defenders – a comedic drama staring Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell as two colourful Las Vegas lawyers who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients.
Raising Hope – after a one-night stand with a wanted felon, 23-year old Jimmy finds himself raising an infant daughter with the help of his flawed but quirky family.
Mixed Signals – a comedy about three friends and their attempts to reconcile the irreconcilable: to balance their relationships with their need for freedom. The series reveals how friendships and romances enhance – and complicate – the lives of these men and the women who love them.
NEW TO TEN IN 2011 – Local Line-up
Don’t Stop Believing – a spectacular entertainment show combining singing and dancing in a format never before seen on Australian television. Don’t Stop Believing will scour Australia for existing and first-time musical groups created by friends, colleagues, school mates or families. They’ll perform some of the greatest songs ever written in amazing never-before-heard arrangements.
The Renovators – a brand new ‘big event’ TV franchise. From Shine Australia comes the biggest home makeover show ever seen. Amateur home renovators, budding decorators and wannabe developers will battle it out through workshop and offsite challenges, skills tests and eliminations for the right to renovate one of six rundown houses. The ultimate winner will need to survive the Live Auction Finale to take the top prize.
Class Of – takes exemplary teachers and teams them with an underperforming class of kids to turn them into one of the best classrooms in the nation. This factual series will follow the kids as they deal with challenges and develop the skills that will equip them for future success. Class Of will be exciting, entertaining, engaging and definitely inspiring.
Inside Out – in the style of Bad Girls and Widows – this Australian thriller tells the story of an innocent woman thrown in gaol, who comes to realise getting even is the best revenge.
RETURNING TO TEN IN 2011
The darling of the cooking shows, MasterChef Australia returns in 2011 for its third and most exciting season yet. Matt Moran joins George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan in the kitchen as they lead a new set of cooking talents through their paces.
The 7pm Project is back for another ripper year. Dave Hughes, Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore and their guests will dissect, digest and reconstitute each day’s news.
Fans of comedy are in for another uproarious year with more Modern Family, the return of everyone’s favourite show-choir, Glee and home grown favourites, Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation and Good News Week.
TEN also welcomes back a winning line-up of light entertainment with the original beach rescue series, Bondi Rescue, more of Australia’s charismatic Bondi Vet, a third season of Recruits and a new and invigorated series of The Biggest Loser with The Biggest Loser – Families.
TEN confirms that 2011 will see the return of the must-watch Australian drama of the moment, Offspring as well as international favourites: NCIS and its successful spin-off, NCIS: Los Angeles. Also back for another season are Merlin, Lie To Me, Emmy award-winning The Good Wife and House. Fans of police dramas won’t be disappointed with all new episodes from the Law and Order franchise.
NEWS ON TEN IN 2011
In 2011, TEN will deliver a dynamic new News and Current Affairs line-up. At 5:00 pm TEN will continue to present Australia’s only hour-long commercial free-to-air evening news bulletin, TEN News at Five. With a mix of local, national and international stories, as well as the best sports coverage and the most detailed weather reports, TEN News at Five is set to continue its ride as an extraordinary ratings performer that consistently wins its timeslot in all key demographics and total people.
At 6:00 pm weeknights, TEN will introduce a 30-minute national news program targeting viewers seeking a smarter, more informed and insightful approach to the stories, issues, events and news-makers of the day. Stay tuned for news of our host in the not-too-distant future.
At 6:30 pm weeknights and 6:00 pm weekends, TEN will present a half-hour locally-presented and produced news service focusing on the day’s major news stories.
STILL TO COME TO TEN IN 2010
Junior MasterChef Australia – setting a record launch audience for the franchise of 2.2 million viewers, Junior MasterChef Australia is set to become appointment viewing for all Australians. Junior MasterChef showcases the outstanding cooking abilities of Australia’s best young amateur cooks. MasterChef judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston are joined by Anna Gare, as they face their most enthusiastic, gifted and unpredictable contestants yet.
Keeping up with the Joneses – Coming in October, this engaging new factual series is set on Coolibah cattle station, 600 km south-west of Darwin. It follows the daily lives of the Jones family as they muster cattle, fight fires, battle floods and even wrestle the odd croc or two. This raw and humorous snapshot of family life is a ‘must see’ for anyone who thinks they know what it takes to live in the outback.
Undercover Boss Australia – CEOs from some of Australia’s biggest companies take the opportunity to go on the ultimate undercover mission, working incognito in entry-level positions within their own organisations. Each week a different executive will leave the comfort of mahogany row to take up a job at the coalface within their own company’s operation.
Commonwealth Games – from October 3-14, TEN and ONE will broadcast all the colour, excitement and exhilaration of this year’s biggest sporting event, the XIX Commonwealth Games, live from Delhi. With commentators live on the ground in India and a team of Australia’s most experienced sports hosts anchoring the coverage from Melbourne, sports fans are in for more than 200 hours of non-stop sports action.
Following the Commonwealth Games, TEN has even more hits and big events lined up. Season two of Glee continues, Rush resumes with more breath-taking stunts and action than ever before and come November, television’s premiere music event, The ARIAs will be back on TEN. The ARIA Awards are the flagship event of the Australian music calendar and a fantastic celebration of Australia’s local popular music industry.
SAY HELLO TO ELEVEN
Launching in early 2011, ELEVEN will be the pre-eminent entertainment destination for a distinctly youthful audience. ELEVEN’s headline acts include Neighbours – the show that generations of Aussies grew up with, and The Simpsons – the world’s longest running comedy series. With its move to ELEVEN, Neighbours earns yet another place in television history as Australia’s first locally produced drama on a free-to-air digital multi-channel.
Unlike other entertainment multi-channels, the shows that play on ELEVEN will stay on ELEVEN. Network Ten confirms that from 2011, ELEVEN will be the home of all-new episodes of Futurama, The Cleveland Show, Supernatural, Stargate, Dexter, Smallville, The Office, Nurse Jackie and 90210.
ELEVEN will also become the home of some of the world’s best loved comedies and dramas including Everybody Loves Raymond, Sex and the City, JAG, Frasier, Judging Amy, Happy Days and MacGyver.
SPORT ON ONE
ONE has established itself as Australia’s leading sports network with exclusive and long-term rights for the sports Aussies love to watch. This summer, Australians will see more sports on ONE including more than 40 hours of Ironman action, the cream of international tennis with the Hopman Cup, matches from English Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal and the return of basketball to free-to-air television when the NBL season commences in October.
In 2011, sports fans can look forward to returning favourite shows MVP, One Week at a Time, World Football News, The Pro Shop and Before The Game. In 2011, sports fans can also look forward to more sports coverage including:
The AFL home and away season, finals and the 2011 AFL Grand Final
• all the action of the Formula One World Championship with every qualifying round and race live and exclusive
• the 2011 season of the ANZ Championship Netball, exclusively on ONE and TEN
• more domestic and international swimming events including the Australian Open Water Championships, the Telstra Australian Swimming Championship and the Australian Short Course Championships
• continued exclusive coverage of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship; and
• more golf tournaments than any other free-to-air network with the US Masters, US Open, Australian PGA, Australian Open and the Singapore Open.
DIGITAL MEDIA
In 2011, Network Ten will create an even bigger online hub where fans can immerse themselves in their favourite programs. There’ll be more purpose-built content, more interactivity, more video captured exclusively for the web and a whole host of extras like behind the scenes interviews, online applications, community forums, pictures and more.
Network Ten is the leading commercial network for catch-up TV, with the rights to stream over 60 programs. In 2011 we will expand on our catch-up TV service, www.ten.com.au/watchtv, giving fans even more opportunity to watch episodes they’ve missed or re-watch their favourite TV moments.
In 2011, the Network will launch onehd.com.au, building on the success of Australia’s leading sports channel. Onehd.com.au will feature all the latest news from the Network’s sports desks and will deliver live scores and stats for all major Australian and international sports.
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