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7PM Project divides critics
This week Channel TEN’s 7PM Project notches up 8 months on air.
After repeated attempts at developing a show to fill the timeslot, including Taken Out and even the infamous Yasmin’s Getting Married, TEN has held its nerve with the Roving Enterprises show, despite figures which many assumed would sound the death knell.
Last week it averaged 653,000 viewers, and has doubtless impacted on TEN’s early evening schedule.
But has it found its feet? Has it improved its mix of news and comedy and is it time for audiences to revisit the show?
TV Tonight …
Special deal for Hamish & Andy
The Sunday Herald sun reports Hamish and Andy have signed a deal with Channel TEN for more specials.
“It’s no secret Hamish and Andy are the most keenly sought after television talent around,” TEN’s David Mott said.
“It’s great news for us and we can’t wait to see what they have planned.”
The tireless radio duo have proven just as popular on television with several of their former specials, many of which have been piggybacked onto radio events, including a recent roadtrip in the US. Whilst networks have been keen to utilise them more …
TEN chasing Matthew Johns
Channel TEN is said to be chasing Matthew Johns, on top of Channel Seven’s interest, according to a report today.
David Mott and Nick Falloon from TEN reportedly approached Johns late last week to front a league-based program and to have a light entertainment role with the station.
It follows earlier reports that Johns is hawking several projects, including a comedy vehicle, to Seven. That network is said to be keen on him with a view to bidding for future NRL rights.
A join production company between John Singleton and Johns was announced last …
Rove hints at more cast changes
On Sunday night Rove returns with new cast members Judith Lucy and newsreader Kristy Warner. They join Peter Helliar (pictured), Hamish & Andy and Ryan Shelton.
But Rove McManus says the cast changes may not be done and dusted.
“We’ve got two new faces we’ll probably be seeing before the year’s end as well,” he said.
And his enthusiasm for fronting the show after ten seasons hasn’t waned.
“I’ll gladly do another 10 if everyone will have me,” he said. “We’ll see how we go.
“When we started the show we were at 11 o’clock on …
MasterChef rights could revert to Shine
Updated: A spokesperson from FremantleMedia told TV Tonight that it has the rights to the next two series plus Celebrity MasterChef.
MasterChef could eventually have a new production company in 2012, shifting from FremantleMedia Australia to Shine Australia, the production company owned by Elisabeth Murdoch.
Shine will be helmed by Fremantle’s current bosses Mark and Carl Fennessy, launching in 2010.
Shine produces the UK MasterChef original, and Australian rights are expected to revert to the company after next year, according to The Australian. It will be interesting to look for opportunities here. Could other …
Community TV viewers plea to PM
Community television viewers are joining the campaign for government support to the sector, with TVS Sydney screening pleas directed at the Prime Minister.
The appeal was masterminded by the host and producer of television show Joy’s World, Joy Hruby OAM (pictured).
Twenty two viewers have recorded vox-pop appeals to the PM, asking for support for the inclusion of Community TV on digital television.
“All the other channels have been given digital spectrum except ours”, said Joy Hruby. “We just want TVS to be given the same opportunity as the others”.
TVS Chief …
Returning: The E.J.Whitten Legends Game
Hamish and Andy, Blair McDonough and jockey Damien Oliver will be playing (or possibly attempting) Aussie Rules in the annual The E.J.Whitten Legends Game with proceeds going to prostate cancer research.
Every year the match brings out some surprising celeb players.
Tony Modra, Mark Ricciuto, Anthony Koutoufides and Glenn Archer are just a few of the celebrated “rookies” who will participate.
James Brayshaw and Brian Taylor will call the action for Nine, with special comments from Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless. Shane Crawford will ride the boundary, and Brendan Fevola and Nathan Brown …
‘News-based’ format for TEN mystery show
EXCLUSIVE: Everybody wants to know. What -oh what- does Roving Enterprises have in mind for their mystery 7pm show due to air this year on TEN?
TV Tonight sat down with Executive Producer Craig Campbell, who was instrumental in bringing Rove McManus from community to commercial television in 1999, and twisted his arm -metaphorically, anyway.
Campbell was very obedient in holding firm the network line by simply saying what the show isn’t. But there are a few breadcrumbs here that help build a bigger picture.
“What was it again?” he smiled. “It’s not drama, …
Opening of an envelope
When it comes to opening nights and A list events, there are some celebrities who are prized by event organisers. They are selective about which invites they will accept, and their attendance can communicate a show or event to their fanbase.
“Dannii Minogue and her boyfriend (English model) Kris Smith are very hot property right now because – and I think this is true of most A-list celebrities – they aren’t at the opening of an envelope,” PR consultant Kate Keane told the Sunday Age.
“Dannii is overseas most of the year, so …
Gallery: Rove
Rove McManus was as relaxed as can be before, during and after his show when TV Tonight swung by for a visit last night. After all he’s close to racking up ten years of hosting commercial television.
In fact, the Rove team and crew ran a very smooth ship, knocking off the show from beginning to end without a hitch.
Now filming at the ABC’s Ripponlea studios after Global Studios became unavailable, the show featured Adam Hills, comedian Russell Kane, Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 and a pre-record interview with Hugh Jackman …
Community TV rallies for Logie invite
Following from media coverage earlier this week on the ABC, the push to recognise community television at the Logie Awards continues.
Now non-profit industry body The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) has called on Logie organisers to allow Channel 31’s The Bazura Project to compete for the award for peer-voted Outstanding Comedy Show.
“At a time when there are continuing calls for increased local content on Australian television we believe that this decision is unfair and unreasonable,” said Laurie Patton, ACTA spokesman and CEO of TVS (Television Sydney).
“Where will we find the next …
TEN orders new 7pm show from Roving Enterprises
It’s not a drama, quiz, reality or repeat sitcom.
So what does Roving Enterprises have in store for TEN’s 7pm timeslot? The company has won the approval of the network and Programming boss David Mott to develop a new show for the second part of 2009.
Presumably this leaves comedy, light entertainment, game show, music and news and current affairs at the top of the list. Or something that fuses several together.
Rove’s production house has landed the plum task of making something of TEN’s troubled 7pm slot, with the secret new show …