A look at what’s happening in the world of television.
It’s been a strange few weeks, that’s for sure.
Probably one of the strangest moments was an early phone call from a journalist asking what I thought of being named in a concerns notice. The notice had only been served to Seven the night before and I had no idea about it, but I guess that’s how things go in the media!
Obviously, I can’t talk about it at the moment but I look forward to sharing my views about it in the future.
GOODBYE JAMES, HELLO JEFF
A big personality left the Seven Network this week – James Warburton. To say I’m a fan would be an understatement.
Warburton reclaimed the number 1 spot and has been the driving force behind the new VOZ ratings system – he certainly leaves his mark.
That leaves new CEO Jeff Howard as the new boss of one of the most talked about companies in Australia.
I’ve only met Howard once – that was at the launch of Hubbl – and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. His knowledge of the industry was quite impressive too.
As an employee of Seven, I received the company-wide email from Howard and was surprised that some in the media called it ‘bizarre’.
I seriously don’t understand that commentary.
The email introduced the new boss and set the tone of what he expects from employees. What exactly is the issue here?
NOT HAPPY ALBO
There are rumblings in the industry about the Labor Government’s proposed media reforms.
Of concern is the length of time before ‘prominence’ rules are put into place.
The legislation will give Free To Air Broadcasters standout positions for their apps on smart TVs, making them ‘prominent’. The networks say the Government’s time frame is way too long, despite adoption time being reduced from 18 to 12 months.
The broadcasters are also concerned about the transition of the anti-sophining list to apps.
While the linear services will be protected, the networks have no such assurances for their digital offerings such as 9Now, 7Plus, 10Play etc.
And that has the networks VERY worried.
It means Nine could have the NRL State of Origin rights but Netflix could snap up the digital rights.
The networks say more viewers are using these apps to watch their favourite sports and the Government should be making sure they remain free.
Nine’s CEO Mike Sneesby has already been out advocating for this and it’s just a matter of time before the networks become very vocal on this issue.
Watch this space.
IS 10 THE FROG BEING BOILED ALIVE?
The Australian dropped a bombshell this past week with news 10’s profit margin has been slashed dramatically.
The paper reports – and 10 hasn’t denied the claims – that profits have dropped from $324.3m to $42.2m for the 12 months ending December 31, 2022.
In fact the article says ‘Ten was shocked to discover (the documents) had been obtained and was ill-prepared to discuss”.
Ouch.
I’ve always gone against the narrative that Australia can’t sustain three commercial networks, but maybe we’re now at that point.
How did it come to this?
Answers on a postcard.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
There’s been a lot of hypocrisy this week after Seven named the wrong person in its coverage of the Bondi Tragedy. The fact is there’s not too many publications that haven’t made that mistake.
It’s unfortunate but mistakes do happen during rolling coverage.
I was called down to Sydney from the Gold Coast last Sunday week to produce Seven’s late special (that was a mad dash to the airport, let me tell you). There’s a lot of information you have to get across very quickly and I feel sorry for the person/people who made this mistake.
As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, the media loves a scalp but those same journos should be careful – pray it never happens to you!
THE PIERS MORGAN OF PODCASTING
That’s the title I’ve given myself after leaving the TV Blackbox Podcast mid-show a couple of weeks ago.
During a heated discussion over the Spotlight program, I decided it was time to hang up the mic for a while.
As such I’ve left the podcast for a much needed break and left it in the capable hands of Molk and Robbo.
Where on Earth will I impart my thoughts on television that everyone must hear?
I’m sure you’ll all survive.
WHERE IS ROB THIS WEEK?
Monday 2.30pm – 4BC AFTERNOONS WITH SOFIE FORMICA
Tuesday 7.50am – 2AY Breakfast with Kylie and Matt
Tuesday 10pm – 11pm – 2GB/4BC Nights with John Stanley
Friday 2.30pm – 4BC AFTERNOONS WITH SOFIE FORMICA
If any other network had pulled the kind of rubbish 7 has over the last few months and weeks re the Lehrmann trial most media commentators would rightfully give them a whack. Tough one given the role but one thing that would maybe get the public trust up, admit they did it, got it wrong and vow to do better…but that won’t happen
https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/tv-networks-have-lost-83pc-of-young-viewership-to-tiktok-youtube-20240419-p5fl9q