The Seven Network has been forced to implement backup broadcast plans today after a member of its Ashes broadcast team tested positive to COVID-19 on Sunday evening.
Commentators for the Seven Network including Ricky Ponting, Lord Ian Botham, Damien Fleming, Mel McLaughlin, James Brayshaw, Tim Lane and Alison Mitchell are understood to now be in isolation awaiting further test results after a member of the team recorded the positive test result.
At this stage the identity of broadcaster whom has tested positive has not been publicly revealed. It is also unclear if the issues at Seven will affect additional broadcasters. A number of cricket commentators work across multiple broadcasts on TV and Radio for both Australian and international audiences.
TV Blackbox understands the issues at Seven are not expected to impact the Fox Cricket host broadcast of the 3rd Test. Foxtel implemented further COVID protocols after the Adelaide test with its commentary team now working out of isolated facilities at the MCG and the Fox Sports Artarmon studio.
Channel 7’s Network Head of Sport, Lewis Martin confirmed the positive result on Monday morning telling TV Blackbox:
The Seven Network confirms it is responding after a member of staff working on the Ashes broadcast at the MCG tested positive to COVID-19 on Sunday night.
The staff member was asymptomatic at time of testing and has been in self isolation since the moment the positive result was returned.
Seven is activating its COVID measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. We are working closely with the MCG operational team and Cricket Australia.
Just as the broader community is experiencing, we have COVID response scenarios in place to ensure the impact on Seven’s broadcast is limited. There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes.
Seven’s number one priority is the health, safety and welfare of all staff and the community.
This post updates.
