Head of Entertainment quits Nine
Channel Nine’s Head of Entertainment, Asif Zubairy, has quit the network to start his own production company, Terebi Productions. He leaves the network in June.
Zubairy, who has 25 years experience in television, replaced Cos Cardone in the role last year.
This year, Nine has struggled with new entertainment formats including Monster House, My Kid’s a Star, Power of Ten and a modest performance by The Chopping Block. Meanwhile it is pinning its hopes on Hole in the Wall and Million Dollar Wheel, both shooting in Melbourne and the return of Temptation. It has also talked up a local show for Gordon Ramsay.
“Right now, in Australia, there’s a need by networks for reliable, creative production companies to execute some of the bigger overseas formats that aren’t owned by the likes of FremantleMedia or Endemol,” Zubairy said. “It feels like an opportunity too good to miss. Of course I’ve got new program ideas like everyone else but my first priority will be to service the networks in shows they’ve identified and licensed.”
Zubairy was executive producer on Dancing on Ice, and also worked on Australia’s Got Talent, Big Brother, The CON Test as a freelance producer prior to the Nine role.
Press Release:
Australia’s Channel Nine Head of Entertainment Asif Zubairy is leaving the network to start up Terebi Productions - his own company. Sydney-based Zubairy, a UK ex-pat with 25 years program-making experience, will leave mid June.
“Right now, in Australia, there’s a need by networks for reliable, creative production companies to execute some of the bigger overseas formats that aren’t owned by the likes of FremantleMedia or Endemol. It feels like an opportunity too good to miss” said Zubairy. “Of course I’ve got new program ideas like everyone else but my first priority will be to service the networks in shows they’ve identified and licensed”.
“We have the experience and the ability to put together the best creative teams in Australia so I’ll also be aiming to use my contacts with production companies in the UK and US who have successful shows in their markets but who don’t have regional offices to pitch and produce shows in Australia”.
As a freelance Executive Producer Zubairy has made shows for all three Australian commercial networks. He is in discussion with them on a number of projects.
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Why is channel 9 even bothering with wheel of fortune it failed when it was bought back by seven and as for hole in the wall that will probably be another disaster for 9 it is good to see temptation coming back though and it would be great if they made did make a Ramsey’s kitchen nightmares Australia
So is Ch9’s H.O.E. Asif Zubairy leaving to start their own company and re-make original American productions/formats?
We are doomed, let just have a comeback for all old shows, lets just drop the colour picture too and only broadcast in black and white, it’ll make Channel Nine feel more comfortable?
I’m so bored with television in Australia, we have nothing worth seeing 99% of the time.
I think introducing a new free-to-air network might be a serious challenge to the current broadcasters!?
There’s nothing to indicate remaking US formats one way or the other. Branching out alone obviously allows more freedom than under a network umbrella.