*Please note an earlier version of this story contained information about the appointment of Andrew Backwell as Seven’s new Chief Content Officer. That information was incorrect.
Steve and Kevin used that information as provided by me. Full apologies – Rob McKnight
New Seven CEO James Warburton has wasted no time in implementing his restructure of the network, which changes the executive-level positions that report directly to him and included the announcing of the axing of SUNDAY NIGHT.
The restructure will result in a ‘flatter’ organisational chart, and the creation of eight new divisions.
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Content (A new appointment overseeing all Programming and Production, including News and Sport)
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Revenue (lead by Kurt Burnette)
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Marketing (includes publicity)
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Digital
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Commercial (lead by Bruce McWilliam)
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Finance
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HR
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Western Australia
Explaining the restructure, new CEO James Warburton said:
“With the new organisational structure, we have focussed on simplifying the SWM organisation to enable our content led growth strategy. This new flatter structure will cement our position as Australia’s leading media group with content at the heart of the business, digital growth maximised, duplication of roles removed in all areas and operating efficiencies implemented.
“We have had to make some tough decisions in order to build the network for the future. I take very seriously any decision that impacts our people and I am grateful for the loyalty and commitment shown by our team over many years. Anyone impacted by changes will have dedicated support and respect throughout the process of transition”.
In the last month, Seven’s Head of Sport Saul Shtein & Head of Corporate Affairs Stephen Browning have been announced as leaving the network.
The announcement of a management restructure comes as Seven also confirms Sunday Night will not return in 2020. The expensive format has struggled to secure significant audience over the past two years.
TV Blackbox understands the production team were informed of the axing this morning. The bulk of the production unit will finish working on the show this week, however a reduced team will continue working on stories currently in production.
Craig McPherson, Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs said of the end of Sunday Night:
“After 11 years at the forefront of our Public Affairs offering it is with much sadness I announce the closing down of the day to day operations of Sunday Night: True Stories.
It has been a very tough decision in a very challenging TV landscape.
I want to thank the exceptional team of reporters; producers; camera operators; editors and many others who have helped produce more than 500 hours of quality public affairs programming over its lifetime.
The program itself will remain on-air until the end of the year. A small production team will stay on to produce existing product over this time.
I wish all those leaving us nothing but the best for the future.”
Industry speculation is rife with regard to who will fill the new executive-level positions, and what new role Sunday Night host Melissa Doyle will now take on.
The Daily Telegraph has this morning suggested the return of Today Tonight to the Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne markets.
TV Blackbox can confirm this report is false. Additionally, we can confirm the future of Today Tonight editions airing in Adelaide and Perth are currently being reviewed, as part of wider-report on all network programming.
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I wish the uk one would return any chance of watching in the uk