The television ratings year kicks off today and the networks are rolling out the big guns to lure in viewers.
New locally-produced shows, fresh series of Australian reality programs and returning international dramas are leading the charge this week, with more big names to come later in the year.
Aussie TV will come down to three ingredients in 2010 - crime, cooking and sport.
The success of MasterChef in 2009 has led to a new wave of food programming across the networks, with new offerings such as My Kitchen Rules and Poh's Kitchen thrown into the mix.
In a very different flavour, the third series of Underbelly will lead a line-up of crime shows, while telemovies and mini-series based on real life events are set to bring in big audiences.
The year will also be big for sports viewers with the Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and soccer World Cup set to keep Aussies up well into the night.
And, for those wanting a laugh, there'll be no shortage of comedy entertainment shows.
FOOD
MY KITCHEN RULES - The Seven Network this week unleashed its cooking series featuring super chefs Pete Evans and Manu Feildel, but while the debut ratings were strong the show failed to beat the US sitcoms Two and A Half Men and The Big Bang Theory. Airing on Monday and Tuesday nights, time will tell if the program, featuring teams of two battling it out in their kitchens, will take off.
MASTERCHEF - Will make a return to Network Ten later this year in a new timeslot of 7.30pm aimed at attracting even more viewers. But whether it can replicate its 2009 success is yet to be seen. A second Celebrity MasterChef series is unlikely to be made, but a junior version of the culinary phenomenon will be added to the mix in 2010.
POH'S KITCHEN - Last year's MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow has scored her own show on the ABC, which begins on February 10. The series will involve Poh travelling around the country trying out different recipes.
CRIME, POLICE DRAMA and TRUE CRIME
UNDERBELLY: THE GOLDEN MILE - All eyes will be on the third instalment of the gangland crime drama in 2010. The series, which is expected to air in March after the Vancouver Winter Olympics, follows the activities in Kings Cross from 1988 until 1999. Centred around nightclub baron John Ibrahim, played by Firass Dirani, it also stars Dieter Brummer as crooked cop Trevor Haken, Natalie Bassingthwaighte as his wife Jayne, Sigrid Thornton as tough cop Gerry Lloyd, and Emma Booth as prostitute and stripper turned police trainee Kim Hollingsworth.
Nine will also screen a new Aussie drama COPS LAC, Ten will air a third series of RUSH and CITY HOMICIDE will return to the Seven Network.
True crime will again be a popular genre in 2010, the Nine Network screening AFP, a behind the scenes look at the Australian Federal Police, AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES OF CRIME and SEND IN THE SNIFFER DOGS later this year. Seven brings back GANGS OF OZ on Wednesday (EDS: Feb 3) and popular Customs show, BORDER SECURITY, from February 14.
SPORT
WINTER OLYMPICS - Pay TV providers Foxtel and Austar will have comprehensive coverage of the Vancouver Winter games from February 13. It's set to be the largest Winter Games coverage ever - with more than 340 hours live, and 1600 hours of coverage in total, utilising four channels. Free to air viewers will be able to watch coverage on the Nine Network.
WORLD CUP - SBS will provide extensive coverage of the soccer World Cup from South Africa in June and July, while the Commonwealth Games will be broadcast on pay TV and Network Ten's digital sports channel ONE AD in October.
THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES - Foxtel and Network Ten share rights to the New Delhi games, from October 3 to 14, this year.
INTERNATIONAL
TOP GEAR - The popular show is making a move to the Nine Network after five years on SBS. Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will charm their way around the track and the world when the show kicks off with a two-hour special on February 16. An Aussie version of Top Gear is also planned, but Nine says it's in very early pre-production and won't be seen on air until later this year.
COUGAR TOWN - Courtney Cox will star as the older woman on the prowl in the Seven Network's new comedy Cougar Town. The show begins on February 11.
THE GOOD WIFE - Follows the story of Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies, as she returns to work in the legal industry after her husband, played by Chris Noth, is jailed following a sex and corruption scandal. The show will debut on Network Ten on February 7 and is expected to draw in big audiences following Margulies' Golden Globe award win for the part.
HOUSE, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and BROTHERS AND SISTERS all made a return to the small screen this week with solid results.
Other shows to watch out for later in the year include Nine's V, the US sci-fi series which premiered in America with 14 million viewers, Seven's THE MARRIAGE REF, a new show from Jerry Seinfeld with celebrity advice about married life, and Ten's THE CLEVELAND SHOW and MODERN FAMILY.
ENTERTAINMENT AND REALITY
THE WHITE ROOM - The panel game show about all things television begins on the Seven Network on February 11 in the 7.30pm timeslot.
SLEUTH 101 - Comedian Cal Wilson will host this unique murder mystery game show with a comedy flavour. It premieres on February 12 on ABC1.
TALKIN' BOUT YOUR GENERATION - The hit pop culture show hosted by Shaun Micallef is expected to draw in a bigger audience when it returns to Network Ten on February 7.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE - The reality dance competition returned to Network Ten on Sunday with more than 1.1 million viewers.
THE BIGGEST LOSER - Also back on air since Sunday, the program, with new host Hayley Lewis at the helm, generated about 1.1 million viewers on debut of its fifth season.
Other shows to watch out for include the ABC1's STRICTLY SPEAKING, a new vehicle for Chaser member Andrew Hansen, while Nine is producing more HEY HEY IT'S SATURDAY specials after two reunion shows brought in millions of viewers in 2009.
COMEDY
LOWDOWN - Starring award-winning actor and former showbiz reporter Adam Soarer, best known for the SBS TV show Wilfred. The show about the life of a gossip columnist will air on ABC1 later in the year. Soarer is also the show's writer.
ANGRY BOYS - Comedian Chris Lilley, the man behind Summer Heights High and We Can Be Heroes, is expected to return to ABC1 with his latest project Angry Boys, although it's yet to be confirmed.
SOME OF THE REST
On the drama front, Nine will air a second season of RESCUE SPECIAL OPS, while the popular PACKED TO THE RAFTERS will be back on Seven with new baby Ruby Louise the focus of fresh storylines.
Entertainment shows DANCING WITH THE STARS and AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT will return to the Seven Network, Nine will bring back FARMER WANTS A WIFE, and Network Ten says it's confident AUSTRALIAN IDOL will be back for another year despite persistent rumours the show is in hiatus this year.
Seven will be the home of factual reality shows later this year, with RSPCA ANIMAL RESCUE and the new ICU: A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH beginning on Wednesday. The Russell Crowe-produced and hosted DAMAGE CONTROL is also slated by the network for 2010.
The three commercial networks will also screen telemovies and new mini-series this year with Network Ten offering HAWKE about the life of colourful former prime minister Bob Hawke, Nine airing WICKED LOVE, the Maria Korp story, and Seven screening the 10-part mini-series THE PACIFIC, a joint Aussie-US production produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
PAY TV HIGHLIGHTS
PROJECT RUNWAY AUSTRALIA and AUSTRALIA'S NEXT TOP MODEL will return for new seasons. A second series of Aussie drama TANGLE will air later in the year, while the third series of SATISFACTION has been airing since December.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
FOXTEL SCREENS HOPE FOR HAITI NOW
Media Release: 22nd January 2010
FOXTEL subscribers will be able to tune into George Clooney's telethon for Haiti this weekend as the two hour commercial-free telecast is simulcast around the world.
MTV, VH1 and CNN will air the benefit live tomorrow, Saturday, January 23, from 12noon AEDT.
National Geographic will screen the star-studded event at 8.30pm tomorrow, with E! broadcasting from 9.00pm and The Style Network from 10.00pm AEDT.
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief will help raise funds for the hundreds of thousands affected by Haiti’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12 and is expected to reach 640 million viewers globally – the most widely distributed telethon in history.
The global fundraiser will feature a huge line-up of must-see musical performances including Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Australian Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Bono, and The Edge in collaboration from London.
In addition to the musical performances, Wyclef Jean will host in New York City with George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN’s Anderson Cooper from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Australian Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Robert Pattinson, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and former President Bill Clinton will be amongst more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon.
Proceeds from Hope for Haiti Now will be split evenly among relief organisations on the ground in Haiti – The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, United Nations World Food Programme, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
The special will also be streamed live online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.
Australians can contribute to the telethon via:
• Online: www.hopeforhaitinow.org (via Paypal or credit card)
• Phone: 0011 1 773 360 0205 (standard international rates apply)
• Mail: Hope For Haiti Now Fund, Entertainment Industry Foundation
About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to 1.63 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).
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FOXTEL subscribers will be able to tune into George Clooney's telethon for Haiti this weekend as the two hour commercial-free telecast is simulcast around the world.
MTV, VH1 and CNN will air the benefit live tomorrow, Saturday, January 23, from 12noon AEDT.
National Geographic will screen the star-studded event at 8.30pm tomorrow, with E! broadcasting from 9.00pm and The Style Network from 10.00pm AEDT.
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief will help raise funds for the hundreds of thousands affected by Haiti’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12 and is expected to reach 640 million viewers globally – the most widely distributed telethon in history.
The global fundraiser will feature a huge line-up of must-see musical performances including Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Australian Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Bono, and The Edge in collaboration from London.
In addition to the musical performances, Wyclef Jean will host in New York City with George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN’s Anderson Cooper from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Australian Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Robert Pattinson, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and former President Bill Clinton will be amongst more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon.
Proceeds from Hope for Haiti Now will be split evenly among relief organisations on the ground in Haiti – The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, United Nations World Food Programme, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
The special will also be streamed live online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.
Australians can contribute to the telethon via:
• Online: www.hopeforhaitinow.org (via Paypal or credit card)
• Phone: 0011 1 773 360 0205 (standard international rates apply)
• Mail: Hope For Haiti Now Fund, Entertainment Industry Foundation
About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to 1.63 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
ACTA welcomes allocation of digital spectrum for Community TV
4th November 2009
The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to allocate digital spectrum for Community Television.
ACTA was formed primarily to coordinate the sector's representations to Government and in particular to secure digital spectrum and funding support during the digital/analogue simulcast period that concludes at the end of 2013. Since the introduction of digital broadcasting to Australia in 2001 Community Television channels have been the only ones not available via digital set-top boxes.
The lack of digital spectrum has severely hampered audience growth for Community Television and in recent times has seen audience numbers in most cities begin to fall significantly. "As Community TV relies on sponsorship revenue to fund station operations, and sponsors want to know that people are watching, urgent action was required," ACTA Secretary Laurie Patton said.
"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's campaign has worked," Mr Patton added. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion".
ACTA is pleased that the Government has accepted its arguments in favour of Community Television and its potential to play an important role in a developing digital multichannel world.
"Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry," Mr Patton concluded.
For information about the Community TV station in your capital city go to:
Adelaide www.c31.com.au
Brisbane www.qctv.com.au
Melbourne www.c31.org.au
Perth www.ctvperth.com.au
Sydney www.tvs.tv
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The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to allocate digital spectrum for Community Television.
ACTA was formed primarily to coordinate the sector's representations to Government and in particular to secure digital spectrum and funding support during the digital/analogue simulcast period that concludes at the end of 2013. Since the introduction of digital broadcasting to Australia in 2001 Community Television channels have been the only ones not available via digital set-top boxes.
The lack of digital spectrum has severely hampered audience growth for Community Television and in recent times has seen audience numbers in most cities begin to fall significantly. "As Community TV relies on sponsorship revenue to fund station operations, and sponsors want to know that people are watching, urgent action was required," ACTA Secretary Laurie Patton said.
"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's campaign has worked," Mr Patton added. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion".
ACTA is pleased that the Government has accepted its arguments in favour of Community Television and its potential to play an important role in a developing digital multichannel world.
"Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry," Mr Patton concluded.
For information about the Community TV station in your capital city go to:
Adelaide www.c31.com.au
Brisbane www.qctv.com.au
Melbourne www.c31.org.au
Perth www.ctvperth.com.au
Sydney www.tvs.tv
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Monday, October 05, 2009
UFC 104: Machida vs. Rua Card Finalized
The UFC’s return to Southern California is complete as the UFC has officially confirmed the 9 remaining bouts on the card.
UFC 104 will feature a light heavyweight title bout between undefeated champion Lyoto Machida and former Pride middleweight Grand Prix champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Heavyweights Cain Valasquez will also be taking on former IFL standout Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.
The remaining bouts that have been made official by the UFC are:
Josh Neer vs. Gleison Tibau
Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Antoni Hardonk vs. Pat Berry
Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen
Jorge Rivera vs. Rob Kimmons
Ryan Bader vs. Eric “Red” Schafer
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al-Hassan
Stefan Struve vs. Chase Gormley
UFC 104 will take place in the home of the 2008-2009 world champion Los Angeles Lakers, STAPLES Center, on October 24th.
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UFC 104 will feature a light heavyweight title bout between undefeated champion Lyoto Machida and former Pride middleweight Grand Prix champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Heavyweights Cain Valasquez will also be taking on former IFL standout Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.
The remaining bouts that have been made official by the UFC are:
Josh Neer vs. Gleison Tibau
Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Antoni Hardonk vs. Pat Berry
Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen
Jorge Rivera vs. Rob Kimmons
Ryan Bader vs. Eric “Red” Schafer
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al-Hassan
Stefan Struve vs. Chase Gormley
UFC 104 will take place in the home of the 2008-2009 world champion Los Angeles Lakers, STAPLES Center, on October 24th.
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
Hitwise - Entertainment - Television - Weekly rankings for the week ending 26th September 2009
Entertainment - Television
All sites
Weekly rankings for the week ending 09/26/2009
Ranks by 'Visits'
Rank Website
1. The Weather Channel - US
2. CNN.com
3. ESPN
4. MSNBC
5. Fox News
6. Hulu
7. Comcast
8. Yahoo! TV
9. FOX Sports on MSN
10. QVC.com
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Weekly rankings for the week ending 09/26/2009
Ranks by 'Visits'
Rank Website
1. The Weather Channel - US
2. CNN.com
3. ESPN
4. MSNBC
5. Fox News
6. Hulu
7. Comcast
8. Yahoo! TV
9. FOX Sports on MSN
10. QVC.com
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Thursday, July 30, 2009
Hot Property Foxtel profile
Hot Property follows the fortunes of buyers, sellers, and renovators negotiating the challenges of the real estate game. From first home buyers to empty nesters, young singles looking to rent or DIY renovators, each week we join households around the country experiencing the joys and disappointments of creating their own domestic dreams. Presented by iconic Australian actor Michael Caton, Hot Property is as much about the people as it is about the real estate.
The series follows the trial and tribulations of going to auction; the race against the clock for a dad trying to add on a second storey before his wife gives birth to baby number three; three inspiring women share their secrets to real estate success; and there are helpful tips throughout. Join Michael as he shares in the excitement of sales as well as the disappointment.
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The series follows the trial and tribulations of going to auction; the race against the clock for a dad trying to add on a second storey before his wife gives birth to baby number three; three inspiring women share their secrets to real estate success; and there are helpful tips throughout. Join Michael as he shares in the excitement of sales as well as the disappointment.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tiffany Cherry joins Matt Shirvington on FOXTEL's Ground-Breaking Olympic Coverage
FOXTEL today announced accomplished sports presenter Tiffany Cherry will join Olympian Matt Shirvington as part of the comprehensive coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in February 2010.
Melbourne born and bred Tiffany has recently returned from an 18 month stint in the US as host of ESPN’s SportsCentre where she reported on a range of sporting events including Wimbledon, the US Superbowl, NBA finals, the US Golf and Tennis Opens and the English Premier League. She also interviewed a range of A-List sports stars including David Beckham, Shaquille O'Neal and swimming sensation, Michael Phelps.
It is a welcome home to FOXTEL for Tiffany, who spent five years presenting and reporting on FOX FOOTY.
Shirvington, former Olympian and five time Australian sprint champion recently returned from Vancouver, where he recorded a series of short form programs that will feature across FOXTEL in the lead-up to the Games.
Both presenters have signed exclusive deals with FOXTEL up to and including The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
FOXTEL’s Director of Sports and Olympic Games, Peter Campbell, said: “We are thrilled to have Tiffany and Matt on board.”
“Matt’s impressive athletic career enables him to tap in to the mindset of the competitors taking part in the events. He will bring a unique perspective to our coverage, the most comprehensive in Australian television history.”
“Tiffany’s extensive experience reporting and presenting both here in Australia and overseas sets her up very well for an event such as the Olympic Winter Games. It is great to have her home again.”
During the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in February 2010, viewers will be able to watch every Australian athlete competing live, as well as all gold medal events as they happen, in the most comprehensive broadcast coverage ever offered in this country.
FOXTEL will present its television coverage over four dedicated High Definition channels (as well as four Standard Definition digital channels) in superb 5.1 channel surround sound – complemented by a rich array of interactive statistics and up-to-the-minute information about the events and competing athletes.
FOXTEL’s coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games will feature more than 340 hours of live coverage, compared with only 10 hours live coverage of the 2006 Torino Olympic Winter games. FOXTEL will offer subscribers 1600 hours of total coverage, compared with only 100 hours total coverage of the Torino Olympic Winter Games.
FOXTEL will compliment its television broadcast with mobile, broadband, and interactive delivery platforms making the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games available anytime and anywhere.
FOXTEL's coverage will be carried over four dedicated HD subscription television channels which mirror the four Vancouver competitive settings:
Cyprus will cover free style aerials, moguls, snowboarding and ski cross.
Creekside will cover alpine skiing, ice hockey finals, and curling finals.
Whistler will cover cross country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge.
Vancouver will cover all figure skating, hot track and speed skating.
The Vancouver Olympic Winter Games coverage will be available to all subscription television homes (2.5 million) and subscription television viewers (over 8 million Australians) across the country, as FOXTEL has also concluded an agreement with AUSTAR under which FOXTEL has appointed AUSTAR as FOXTEL's sales agent for the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in regional Australia (except WA).
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Melbourne born and bred Tiffany has recently returned from an 18 month stint in the US as host of ESPN’s SportsCentre where she reported on a range of sporting events including Wimbledon, the US Superbowl, NBA finals, the US Golf and Tennis Opens and the English Premier League. She also interviewed a range of A-List sports stars including David Beckham, Shaquille O'Neal and swimming sensation, Michael Phelps.
It is a welcome home to FOXTEL for Tiffany, who spent five years presenting and reporting on FOX FOOTY.
Shirvington, former Olympian and five time Australian sprint champion recently returned from Vancouver, where he recorded a series of short form programs that will feature across FOXTEL in the lead-up to the Games.
Both presenters have signed exclusive deals with FOXTEL up to and including The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
FOXTEL’s Director of Sports and Olympic Games, Peter Campbell, said: “We are thrilled to have Tiffany and Matt on board.”
“Matt’s impressive athletic career enables him to tap in to the mindset of the competitors taking part in the events. He will bring a unique perspective to our coverage, the most comprehensive in Australian television history.”
“Tiffany’s extensive experience reporting and presenting both here in Australia and overseas sets her up very well for an event such as the Olympic Winter Games. It is great to have her home again.”
During the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in February 2010, viewers will be able to watch every Australian athlete competing live, as well as all gold medal events as they happen, in the most comprehensive broadcast coverage ever offered in this country.
FOXTEL will present its television coverage over four dedicated High Definition channels (as well as four Standard Definition digital channels) in superb 5.1 channel surround sound – complemented by a rich array of interactive statistics and up-to-the-minute information about the events and competing athletes.
FOXTEL’s coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games will feature more than 340 hours of live coverage, compared with only 10 hours live coverage of the 2006 Torino Olympic Winter games. FOXTEL will offer subscribers 1600 hours of total coverage, compared with only 100 hours total coverage of the Torino Olympic Winter Games.
FOXTEL will compliment its television broadcast with mobile, broadband, and interactive delivery platforms making the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games available anytime and anywhere.
FOXTEL's coverage will be carried over four dedicated HD subscription television channels which mirror the four Vancouver competitive settings:
Cyprus will cover free style aerials, moguls, snowboarding and ski cross.
Creekside will cover alpine skiing, ice hockey finals, and curling finals.
Whistler will cover cross country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge.
Vancouver will cover all figure skating, hot track and speed skating.
The Vancouver Olympic Winter Games coverage will be available to all subscription television homes (2.5 million) and subscription television viewers (over 8 million Australians) across the country, as FOXTEL has also concluded an agreement with AUSTAR under which FOXTEL has appointed AUSTAR as FOXTEL's sales agent for the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in regional Australia (except WA).
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Dear Prime Minister - Community Plea on Digital TV
19th July 2009
TVS viewers have appealed to the Prime Minister via video asking for support for the inclusion of Community TV on digital television.
The on-screen appeal was masterminded by Joy Hruby OAM, the host and producer of Joy's World - one of TVS's longest running programs. Twenty-two loyal viewers recorded their pleas in a series of 'vox pops' that were sent to the Prime Minister on DVD.
"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".
The Federal Government recently embarked on a campaign to encourage Australian households to switch to digital television. "Yet, while all the other free-to-air stations are broadcasting in both analogue and digital Community Television remains marooned on analogue," said TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton.
With its predominantly local content Community TV offers a vital source of programs that encourage and support Australian culture, ideas and interests. After just over three years on air forty percent of the programs screened on TVS are produced by community groups and individuals based in Sydney.
Each year Community TV provides a valuable training ground for hundreds of young Australians wanting careers in television and a platform for innovative new programs and emerging talent. People like Rove McManus, Corrine Grant and Hamish and Andy proudly acknowledge their start came on Community TV.
Despite Government assurances that Community Television will not be left behind as Australians are urged to switch to digital the Community stations are still waiting for the allocation of desperately needed digital spectrum.
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TVS viewers have appealed to the Prime Minister via video asking for support for the inclusion of Community TV on digital television.
The on-screen appeal was masterminded by Joy Hruby OAM, the host and producer of Joy's World - one of TVS's longest running programs. Twenty-two loyal viewers recorded their pleas in a series of 'vox pops' that were sent to the Prime Minister on DVD.
"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".
The Federal Government recently embarked on a campaign to encourage Australian households to switch to digital television. "Yet, while all the other free-to-air stations are broadcasting in both analogue and digital Community Television remains marooned on analogue," said TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton.
With its predominantly local content Community TV offers a vital source of programs that encourage and support Australian culture, ideas and interests. After just over three years on air forty percent of the programs screened on TVS are produced by community groups and individuals based in Sydney.
Each year Community TV provides a valuable training ground for hundreds of young Australians wanting careers in television and a platform for innovative new programs and emerging talent. People like Rove McManus, Corrine Grant and Hamish and Andy proudly acknowledge their start came on Community TV.
Despite Government assurances that Community Television will not be left behind as Australians are urged to switch to digital the Community stations are still waiting for the allocation of desperately needed digital spectrum.
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TVS
Channel 31
Joy Hruby
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Packer may have a mate in Murdoch, by Miriam Steffens - The Sydney Morning Herald - 15th July 2009
A little over a decade ago they were the fiercest of rivals in the Super League war. Today Rupert Murdoch may become James Packer's closest ally in thwarting the pay television ambitions of Kerry Stokes.
Analysts have raised the possibility that Murdoch's News Corp could weigh into the battle for control of Consolidated Media Holdings, acquiring a blocking stake that would prevent Stokes's Seven Network from control of its investments in the pay TV businesses Foxtel and Fox Sports.
The speculation came as the media tug-of-war continued yesterday with James Packer buying another $26.5 million share parcel, or 1.45 per cent of the company , to stock up his stake to 40.8 per cent.
The $2.65-a-share trade was done through UBS, which advised the Packer camp on its $25 million share-buy to counter Seven's raid last week.
Mr Packer has now spent more than $50 million to fend off his rival.
Consolidated Media shares rose 4 cents to $2.70 in morning trading. Seven gained 20 cents to $5.73. UBS and Credit Suisse upgraded the stock yesterday. Credit Suisse said dividends from Consolidated Media would push up Seven's earnings this year by 32 per cent.
Most market players expect a war of attrition between Mr Stokes and Mr Packer, the billionaires likely to creep up further on the share register to defend their claims.
Mr Packer's trade yesterday was within the 3 per cent of the company that he can acquire every six months without making a full takeover bid. He has increased his stake in the company by 2.85 per cent since last week, putting him close to the limit.
Seven can increase its 18.3 per cent holding to 19.9 per cent before the 3 per cent creep limit applies. Seven declined to comment.
Examining other scenarios, a UBS analyst, Lauren Moran, said yesterday a third party could bid for Consolidated Media or build a blocking stake to stop Seven.
She said News Corp and Lachlan Murdoch's Illyria were likely to have an interest in such a move.
News and Consolidated Media jointly own Fox Sport and half of Foxtel. The Murdoch and Packer families share an animosity against the Stokes camp, fuelled in 2006 by Seven's failed $200 million litigation over the demise of its pay TV arm, C7.
Yet with liquidity of the stock drying up and key institutional investors having sold large chunks of their shares, it could prove difficult for News Corp to build a blocking stake. The Stokes and Packer camps together own close to 60 per cent of the stock.
A spokesman for News Corp declined to comment on Rupert Murdoch's position, but said the battle was "'entirely between the two parties that are involved".
There have also been suggestions Stokes is working on a full bid with his private equity partner KKR, said to have about $US15.3 billion ($20 billion) of cash available to spend. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
James Packer
Rupert Murdoch
Lachlan Murdoch
Kerry Stokes
Foxtel
Fox Sports
Channel Seven
Media Companies
Millionaires and Billionaires
Analysts have raised the possibility that Murdoch's News Corp could weigh into the battle for control of Consolidated Media Holdings, acquiring a blocking stake that would prevent Stokes's Seven Network from control of its investments in the pay TV businesses Foxtel and Fox Sports.
The speculation came as the media tug-of-war continued yesterday with James Packer buying another $26.5 million share parcel, or 1.45 per cent of the company , to stock up his stake to 40.8 per cent.
The $2.65-a-share trade was done through UBS, which advised the Packer camp on its $25 million share-buy to counter Seven's raid last week.
Mr Packer has now spent more than $50 million to fend off his rival.
Consolidated Media shares rose 4 cents to $2.70 in morning trading. Seven gained 20 cents to $5.73. UBS and Credit Suisse upgraded the stock yesterday. Credit Suisse said dividends from Consolidated Media would push up Seven's earnings this year by 32 per cent.
Most market players expect a war of attrition between Mr Stokes and Mr Packer, the billionaires likely to creep up further on the share register to defend their claims.
Mr Packer's trade yesterday was within the 3 per cent of the company that he can acquire every six months without making a full takeover bid. He has increased his stake in the company by 2.85 per cent since last week, putting him close to the limit.
Seven can increase its 18.3 per cent holding to 19.9 per cent before the 3 per cent creep limit applies. Seven declined to comment.
Examining other scenarios, a UBS analyst, Lauren Moran, said yesterday a third party could bid for Consolidated Media or build a blocking stake to stop Seven.
She said News Corp and Lachlan Murdoch's Illyria were likely to have an interest in such a move.
News and Consolidated Media jointly own Fox Sport and half of Foxtel. The Murdoch and Packer families share an animosity against the Stokes camp, fuelled in 2006 by Seven's failed $200 million litigation over the demise of its pay TV arm, C7.
Yet with liquidity of the stock drying up and key institutional investors having sold large chunks of their shares, it could prove difficult for News Corp to build a blocking stake. The Stokes and Packer camps together own close to 60 per cent of the stock.
A spokesman for News Corp declined to comment on Rupert Murdoch's position, but said the battle was "'entirely between the two parties that are involved".
There have also been suggestions Stokes is working on a full bid with his private equity partner KKR, said to have about $US15.3 billion ($20 billion) of cash available to spend. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
James Packer
Rupert Murdoch
Lachlan Murdoch
Kerry Stokes
Foxtel
Fox Sports
Channel Seven
Media Companies
Millionaires and Billionaires
Monday, July 06, 2009
PartyPoker.com And PartyCasino.com Launch New Global Campaign
Gibraltar – 9th June 2009 – An exciting new global campaign has been launched for both PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com.
Extensive worldwide customer research helped PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com develop a new proposition and this is delivered through the new strapline ‘Feel it’. The research identified ‘it’ as the intense rush as the river card is turned or the wild anticipation as the roulette wheel begins to slow. In fact ‘it’ is something different to every player and with its range of new games, promotions and tournaments PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com are constantly innovating to deliver the best customer experience in online poker and casino.
The campaign will roll out on TV, online, billboards and in press in territories worldwide. At the heart are thrilling TV commercials for both PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com that show players caught up in a whirlwind of excitement. The whirlwind captures the journey of the game for poker and the fun and excitement of casino as players enjoy the games in a virtual world. The campaign also sees the introduction of a redesigned logo.
The television advertisements were filmed on the biggest stage at the famous Shepperton Studios in the UK where so many blockbusters including the Bond movies are shot. All the action was overseen by Hollywood film director Paul WS Anderson - his experience in directing Event Horizon, Resident Evil and Alien versus Predator was key to delivering the action packed footage. A look at the tv ads can be found at http://www.partypoker.com and http://www.partycasino.com
The campaign was created by Leeds based agency Home, in conjunction with PartyGaming’s in-house team.
A PartyGaming spokesman said: “The new campaign has gone global and you will already see the brand changes when you log on to PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com. PartyPoker.com has just launched the Million Dollar Hand promotion for June, while PartyCasino.com is the world’s largest online casino and is continuing to expand at a rapid pace. The Gold Mega Jackpot at PartyCasino.com currently stands at just over a record breaking $2,281,000 and is waiting to be hit!”
At the end of June, PartyPoker.com will be improving the PartyPoints store. Customers are advised to hold on to their PartyPoints until then to make the most of the changes that will be introduced.
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyPoker.com
PartyPoker.com News
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com News
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Extensive worldwide customer research helped PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com develop a new proposition and this is delivered through the new strapline ‘Feel it’. The research identified ‘it’ as the intense rush as the river card is turned or the wild anticipation as the roulette wheel begins to slow. In fact ‘it’ is something different to every player and with its range of new games, promotions and tournaments PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com are constantly innovating to deliver the best customer experience in online poker and casino.
The campaign will roll out on TV, online, billboards and in press in territories worldwide. At the heart are thrilling TV commercials for both PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com that show players caught up in a whirlwind of excitement. The whirlwind captures the journey of the game for poker and the fun and excitement of casino as players enjoy the games in a virtual world. The campaign also sees the introduction of a redesigned logo.
The television advertisements were filmed on the biggest stage at the famous Shepperton Studios in the UK where so many blockbusters including the Bond movies are shot. All the action was overseen by Hollywood film director Paul WS Anderson - his experience in directing Event Horizon, Resident Evil and Alien versus Predator was key to delivering the action packed footage. A look at the tv ads can be found at http://www.partypoker.com and http://www.partycasino.com
The campaign was created by Leeds based agency Home, in conjunction with PartyGaming’s in-house team.
A PartyGaming spokesman said: “The new campaign has gone global and you will already see the brand changes when you log on to PartyPoker.com and PartyCasino.com. PartyPoker.com has just launched the Million Dollar Hand promotion for June, while PartyCasino.com is the world’s largest online casino and is continuing to expand at a rapid pace. The Gold Mega Jackpot at PartyCasino.com currently stands at just over a record breaking $2,281,000 and is waiting to be hit!”
At the end of June, PartyPoker.com will be improving the PartyPoints store. Customers are advised to hold on to their PartyPoints until then to make the most of the changes that will be introduced.
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyPoker.com
PartyPoker.com News
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com News
Casino News
Online Casino News
Technology News
Entertainment News
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