Seven launches legal challenge against Nine over ratings as 2017 programming slate is released
CHANNEL 7’s catchy slogan for its 2017 programming slate reveal was ‘Seven, everywhere’ — but first there’s a real court room drama to play out.
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CHANNEL 7’s catchy slogan for its 2017 programming slate reveal was “Seven, everywhere” — but first there’s a real court room drama to play out.
The network ratings leader has launched a legal challenge against rival Channel Nine court over the Today show’s claim to be “Australia’s number one” breakfast TV show.
While Seven has conceded the opposition posted more weekly wins in the five-city markets, Sunrise will argue the national claim does not acknowledge Seven’s continued dominance in average audience figures for metro markets and regional viewers.
On that measure, Seven’s Sunrise continues to lead Today by about 80,000 viewers (545,000 to 475,000 people).
The latest legal battle between the fierce competitors was reported as Seven launched its programming slate for next year - ironically anchored around a new telemovie about Channel Nine cricket commentator Shane Warne.
The spin King’s hot sex life leads the drama offering; while the global appetite for true crime saw Seven announce two cold case formats, with a focus on solving some of Australia’s most puzzling killings and crime.
While the retired spin king and Channel 9 commentator has distanced himself from the TV tell-all, Screentime producers will base the story on Paul Barry’s controversial biography, Spun Out which was attacked by serious sports journalist for focusing too much on Warne’s sexcapades.
When News Corp Australia first revealed the telemovie was on Seven’s drama drawing board last month, Warne told Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast show he was “a little bit disappointed” by the unauthorised biography and TV project which will go into production early February.
“Put me on the record, it’s got absolutely nothing to do with me.
It goes up there with the musical and unauthorised biographies. I just don’t know how people can write unauthorised biographies ... how people can keep doing things without your permission? I’m not sure how that actually works. It’s a little bit disappointing but so be it, just another day, just another day.”
Seven boss Tim Worner said “auditions for the role are in full swing” the form Guide already has Offspring’s Eddie Perfect (who wrote and starred in Shane Warne: The Musical) as well as INXS: Never Tear Us Apart actor Andy Ryan as favourites for the part.
Seven will also air Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story, an Olivia Newton John telemovie, as well as the sequel to the controversial Roger Rogerson biopic, Blue Murder: Killer Cop.
Speculation has also started about who will play ONJ, with The Wrong Girl’s Christie Whelan Browne, who played the pop singer in the Peter Allen biopic, an early frontrunner.
Meanwhile, the worldwide obsession with true crime has prompted Seven to commission two new series, including Million Dollar Cold Case, where viewers will be offered a reward of up to $1m for fresh evidence leading to an arrest or conviction.
Murder Uncovered, to be hosted by new recruit Michael Usher, will also re-examine some of Australia’s most notorious killings and crimes.
The investigative series was a ratings hit for Seven when it explored the murder of Sydney nurse Anita Cobby and the 2013 thrill kill of Aussie baseballer Chris Lane in Oaklahoma.
Drama fans will also see the return of The Secret Daughter, Wanted and 800 Words, which were all renewed for new seasons; as well as viewer favourites, My Kitchen Rules and House Rules.
Taking on the Real Housewives of Melbourne and Sydney, Seven will film its own new observational documentary series, Yummy Mummies, which will follow the lavish lifestyles of new mums and their families.
The Aussie Property Flippers will also take a recognisable US and UK format and localise it, following Aussie couples who buy, renovate and try to get rick quick selling the homes in a few short weeks.
Angus Ross, Seven’s director of network programming said of the 2017 slate: ‘we are well-placed over the coming 12 months. We have great event and drama franchises and an extraordinary sports portfolio. We look forward to building on our 10 consecutive years of leadership in prime time as we launch 2017 with the Australian Open and Australia’s most successful program, My Kitchen Rules.”
Email: holly.byrnes@news.com.au
Twitter: @byrnesh
Originally published as Seven launches legal challenge against Nine over ratings as 2017 programming slate is released
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