Ian Ross retired from the Nine Network’s Today Show as its newsreader only to return a few years later to take over the struggling Seven News in Sydney. Since then Ross has dominated the ratings making Seven News the country’s number one news service.

Yesterday in a surprise move former Nine News Sydney newsreader Mark Ferguson announced that he would be defecting to Seven when his contract expires in October. It is believed that Ferguson would have needed to take a $200,000 pay cut to remain with Nine presenting its weekend bulletin and news anchoring new current affairs programme This Afternoon, which has only been on air for one week.

On yesterday’s edition of This Afternoon co-host Andrew Daddo was a little cheeky in referring to Ferguson leaving the network saying, “Oh so you will be back Monday?”, watch that encounter below.

It is expected that Chris Bath will take over the main presenter role at Seven News Sydney, it has been no secret either that Bath is frustrated at having to wait for Ross to retire. This leaves the weekend job open for Ferguson, however there is speculation that a duel presenter scenario could be trailed with Bath and Ferguson. This is common practice for most news bulletins in other cities besides Sydney and Melbourne which traditionally stick to one presenter for 30 minute bulletins.

David Leckie the CEO of Seven said, “Mark is Nine’s best news anchor. We clearly have the best in the business. It will be great to have Mark on board with our market-leading news and public affairs teams.”

David Gyngell the CEO of Nine hit back saying, “We’re actually flattered that another network had to look to Nine to find a new newsreader.”

Source: The Australian

This comes as a major blow to Nine with one of their most talented assets leaving the network which just launched the new programme THIS afternoon replacing its afternoon news bulletin. The new show which has only been on air for only one week features Ferguson reading news updates at 4:30 and 5:00, and interacting with co-hosts Andrew Daddo and Katrina Blowers.

Ferguson will remain with Nine until October before moving to Seven with it believed that the newsreader would be required to take a $200,000 pay cut if he were to remain with Nine. Ian Ross is looking for an appropriate time to retire with Chris Bath expected to take his place on the Sydney edition of Seven News, opening the weekend news presenting role for Ferguson.

Nine CEO David Gyngell said today, “Mark has been a colleague and friend for many years. I wish him all the best. We’re actually flattered that another network had to look to Nine to find a new newsreader.

“Our own news service is the strongest its been for many years, it’s building a dedicated audience. We’re delighted that Georgie Gardner is joining Pete Overton and the 6pm team to continue the fight back. They both bring a warmth and authority which Nine’s viewers appreciate.”

Ferguson would be the likely choice to read the Seven News Sydney bulletin over the Christmas break, making for some interesting ratings competition going up against the man who replaced him (Overton).

Source: Nine Network Media Release, The Daily Telegraph & Sydney Morning Herald

The news of Jackson’s death couldn’t have come at a better time (excuse the pun) for the Australian time zone as this gave the three breakfast shows the chance to begin the day’s coverage. Over on ABC2, ABC News Breakfast had live coverage of the events unfolding and concluded at its normal scheduled time.

The Seven Network’s extensive coverage started during Sunrise with the breakfast show finishing at its normal time and handing over coverage to The Morning Show. The Morning Show concluded earlier than normal with Seven then taking a live feed from its affiliate in the United States ‘NBC’ where the network was paying tribute to Jackson, and then followed with a Dateline special on the death of Farrah Fawcett lasting an hour.

With Seven’s Morning News not airing at its usual time of 11:30am a special one hour long bulletin with Anne Sanders screened at 1pm recapping all of the Jackson and Fawcett news along with coverage of the other news of the day.

Over on Nine it was a long morning for Today Show host’s Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson who start their morning stint at 5:30am each morning. They were on air until 12pm meaning that they were on screen for six and a half hours, a massive effort but one that was not necessary.

From 10am Richard Wilkins and Kelly Connolly joined the continuous coverage on Today with live crosses to Robert Penfold and Tom Steinfort in Los Angeles including crosses to entertainment reporter Richard Reid.

At 4pm Nine News aired a special bulletin which lasted 90 minutes from a purpose built adoption of the Today Show set, using elements of the new programme to start in the same timeslot next week This Afternoon. Mark Ferguson and Kelly Connolly were joined by Richard Wilkins crossing to the United States where Peter Stefanovic and Robert Penfold were on hand to report the latest information.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Seven had a special one hour extended edition of the 4:30 news with Chris Bath and resumed normal programming from there on after. Today Tonight was then dominated by the Jackson death.

Nine tonight had a special one hour edition of Nine News along the east coast paying tribute to Michael Jackson, with this continuing into A Current Affair. Tonight’s edition of A Current Affair was interesting in that Tracy Grimshaw appeared to be presenting from the Sydney Nine News set.

At the end of the day all of the coverage was a tad over the top from both Seven and Nine, while all other networks remained with normal programming. The death of a singer hardly justifies the extension of Today to six and a half hours coverage, and dropping a morning news bulletin till later in the afternoon.

However looking at the coverage presented Nine was way out in front presentation wise, Seven relied on its American affiliate as opposed to Nine using its own reporters. Don’t get me wrong Seven also had reporters on location also but they were utilised more on the Nine coverage. It will be an interesting week next week as Nine launches its new show This Afternoon, offering something different than a straight 30 minute bulletin.

We are excited to announce that casting has commenced for “Beauty and the Geek Australia”.

* ARE YOU A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AND THINK YOU CAN HELP A GEEK?

* ARE YOU A GEEK AND WANT TO HELP A BEAUTY?

THEN WE WANT YOU!

We are looking for the following:

Intellectual “Geeks” who are socially challenged when it comes to women but think they could have a go at turning a beauty into a scholar. (If you’re a shy guy into comic books, star wars, RPGs, D&D, computers, on-line gaming, chess, or physics, etc, etc., we want you!)

Beautiful, sexy, social-savvy women who can turn a geek into a stud.

Beauties and Geeks willing to work together and compete for the opportunity to win a substantial prize!!

So if you think you up for the challenge you can head over to the official website and fill out either a male or female application form. http://au.tv.yahoo.com/beauty-and-the-geek/

The CHOICE Guide to Digital TV – What You Need to Know

For more information head to: http://www.choice.com.au/digital_tv/

Digital set-top-boxes

CHOICE tested 10 HD set top boxes from $99 to $317.

• High definition (HD) set-top boxes are designed to replace your existing television’s tuner.

• If you have an older analogue TV, the box will give you the option of watching digital programming.

• If you have an LCD or plasma TV with a standard definition digital tuner (or none at all) the set top box will allow you to watch the HD channels.

CHOICE findings

• The set-top boxes are usually fine when receiving a strong, clean signal, but as the signal strength is reduced, or noise is added, most begin to have trouble. As a general rule, they perform better with a VHF (Very High Frequency) signal, but this is a complex area and specific problems may bring even the best of them undone.

• If you are considering buying a new TV, we suggest you look for one with a built-in digital tuner. Over the last few TV tests we’ve found the inbuilt TV tuners generally perform well.

Integrated digital TVs

CHOICE independently tested a range of televisions, including 66cm, 80cm, 106cm, 127cm & 132 cm models.  For the full results of each test, including our What to buy recommendations, visit http://www.choice.com.au/digital_tv/.

CHOICE findings

In the past, the rule of thumb was that smaller screens had better picture quality because it’s harder to see imperfections when sitting at a normal viewing distance. The models in the 66cm test appear to be the exception to that rule and consequently we can’t recommend any of them.

• If you’re willing to pay a little more, there were a couple of models worth recommending in our 80cm television test.

• Perhaps surprisingly, most of the 106cm TVs CHOICE tested sound worse than cheap car speakers. They’re often harsh, tinny and distort badly as the volume is increased.

• Paying for lots of pixels on your screen – in other words, a higher resolution model – doesn’t guarantee a sharper, more pleasant or more accurate image.

• The advantage of a higher resolution screen is that you can sit closer and still get lots of detail in the image. But images aren’t so simple and most of us don’t sit close enough to really experience the benefit.

• Digital reception doesn’t degrade gradually. If you’re living in an area that has reception problems, you could find your picture is either perfect or non-existent, depending on the prevailing conditions.

• We put the digital tuners in these TVs through some rigorous tests using both VHF and UHF signals.

• TV is broadcast in both these frequency ranges around the country, but one or the other may be more appropriate depending on your location. If you’re unsure you can get more information from your local TV station.

What to look for when choosing a new TV

• A built-in digital tuner so you don’t have to buy a set-top box to receive digital TV.

• On-screen menus should be easy to read and understand without having to resort to the manual.

• The remote control should be easy to read with large, well-spaced buttons and clear labels.

• If you’re likely to lose the remote control, choose a TV with easily accessible controls on the TV itself.

• Look for easy-to-access sockets that allow you to get to the connections for DVD players, cable TV and other devices, particularly if you plan to mount the TV on a wall. Some have additional inputs, usually on one side.

• Check that the input connections on the TV match the output on the devices you want to hook up to it, such as a DVD player/recorder, cable TV or games console, and that there are enough connections for all the devices you want to attach at the same time.
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital connection for sound and video in one cable. Even if you don’t have any gadgets with HDMI output now, expect more devices to use them in future, so it might be worth having at least one HDMI socket on your TV.

• If you want to use your TV as a computer display, you’ll need a DVI input for newer computers or a VGA input for older ones. Or you could use HDMI if your computer has an HDMI output.

How to compare TVs in the store

Viewing angles have improved in newer models, but some still have a dimmer picture when viewed from different angles, which is important if several people will be watching the TV at once.

• Stand square to the screen then walk sideways until you notice the image quality drop. If you normally sit lower than the screen, make sure you try looking up at it as well.

• Watch a variety of programs in the shop. Look for natural skin tones and texture on a person in a studio setting, such as a news presenter.

• Check the picture for a colour cast, such as a pinkish or greenish tinge that can’t be fixed by adjusting the controls.

• Measure how far you normally sit from your TV. Make sure you’re this distance from the TV you’re considering purchasing.

• Look for areas of plain colour to see if you can spot pixels or dither patterns.

Power Usage

• Unfortunately, large TVs use a lot of power while they are running.  However, CHOICE found LCD TVs to use less power per square centimetre of screen than plasmas.

• If you want to minimise your impact on the environment and your pocket, but still want a big TV, LCD is the way to go.

• A TV’s settings can have an effect on power consumption too. Most TVs are pre-set in the factory to give a very bright display. This is done to try to make sure the TV isn’t overshadowed by other TVs in a showroom. They can, however, provide a better picture and power consumption with some basic changes to their brightness and contrast settings.

• Some LCD TVs allow you to vary the backlight intensity, which can improve picture and power consumption in some situations.

LCD and Plasma Screen Sales

• In January 09 – March 09, the number of digital TV units (LCD and Plasma) sold in Australia was 467,890.  Total value represented is $683,167,816.

• In January 09 – March 09, the number of analogue TV units sold in Australia was 95,296.  Total value represented is $43,758,047. (Please note, if you are citing these statistics, please reference GfK as the source).

Source: GfK

For more information, visit http://www.choice.com.au/digital_tv/

The telemovie stars Garry McDonald as Tony Byrne known for his role in the ABC sitcom series Mother and Son and the productions The Rage in Placid Lake and Mary Bryant. David Lyons known from his roles in ER, Sea Patrol and Blue Heelers will play the role of Gordon Wood.

It took 13 years and the persistence of Tony and journalists for police to keep the case open and for the stigma of suicide to be removed from Caroline’s death, this ultimately lead to the conviction of Gordon Wood in 2008.

Tiriel Mora from The Castle and Frontline will play stockbroker Rene Rivkin, Cariba Heine of Blue Water High and H20: Just Add Water as Caroline Byrne and Gyton Grantly as Andrew Blanchette best known from his role as Carl Williams in Underbelly.

“It’s a complex fascinating mystery which took some special police work to unravel. Most of all it’s a celebration of a great dad who would not be deterred, despite extraordinary difficulties in his determination to find out what happened to his beloved daughter,” said Des Monaghan who is the Executive Producer at Screentime.

The Chief Programming Officer of Network Ten, David Mott said: “This is a compelling Australian story and TEN are honoured to be involved. The case gripped a state and fascinated a nation as more detail unfolded over time, culminating in Wood’s conviction in 2008 and TEN’s audience welcomes drama that is fascinating and well told. We’re pleased that Tony Byrne’s story will be portrayed by such an esteemed cast who bring with them the experience, sensitivity and compassion that is required.”

The CEO of Macquarie Southern Cross Media Rhys Holleran said, “The launch of this channel follows the significant investment program which was required to enable the broadcasting of HD television across 25 markets we have in these regions in eastern Australia ranging from far north Queensland down to southern Victoria.”

“The launch of high definition television in these markets in regional Australia will play an integral role in the transition from analogue to digital television in the coming years.”

“Digital television means better pictures, improved sound quality and new content. I welcome the continued rollout of additional digital television services and congratulate Macquarie Southern Cross Media for the further expansion of ONE HD,” Senator Conroy said.

While this is good news for regional viewers in the eastern mainland states of Australia, there has been no mention of Tasmania which has been vocal about not receiving the channel. There is also no mention for Western Australia or South Australian regional viewers which will have to wait a while longer.

There is also no mention if the channel will simulcast in standard definition.

Around the World in 80 Gardens, 8:30pm ABC1

Also Tonight…

- The Zoo, 7:30pm Seven Network

- NCIS, 8:30pm Network Ten

- homeMADE new time 9:30pm Nine Network

Proving that Crocodile Dundee, Kylie Minogue and The Wiggles are not the only good things to come out of Australia, James travels to the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles, to drive the Australian-built Pontiac G8 GXP. And of course for a little nose-rubbing!

“The funny thing is the Americans get the engine and gear box in a crate, send it to Australia, we wrap a car around it and send it back,” said James.

Top Gear Australia, 7:30pm SBS ONE

Also Tonight…

- Sea Patrol, 8:30pm Nine/WIN/NBN

- Good News Week, 8:30pm Ten/Sth Cross Ten

- 30 Rock, 11:30pm Seven/Prime/GWN

3 Acts of Murder, 8:30pm ABC1

Also Tonight…

- 60 Minutes, 7:30pm Nine Network

- CSI: Miami, 9:30pm Nine Network

- Rove, 8:30pm Network Ten

From July 20 every weekday the show will discuss the news of the day and will be digested by some of Australia’s premier comedic talent. Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering will co-host the show along with Carrie Bickmore who will read the news headlines for the day, along with Ruby Rose who will be bringing everyone up to speed with the latest music news.

Former Australian Idol host James Mathison will present media and sports news with more presenters to still be named in the coming weeks.

Taking a stab at rival television network current affairs shows, the network says, “While it’s not afraid to be serious, The 7PM Project can guarantee that there will be no miracle diets, no stories that ‘no parent can afford to miss’, and virtually no dodgy plumbers.”

Chief programming officer for Network Ten David Mott said, “We’ve had great success in introducing brave projects to the Aussie TV landscape such as MasterChef Australia and Talkin‘ ‘Bout Your Generation and if we get this right, The 7PM Project could be a game changer for TEN in that very crucial 7pm timeslot. Not to mention our digital platform which plays a key role in the experience, driving content and discussions to the show, making it a truly integrated TV /on-line offering and a place for audiences to share their stories, opinions and interact.”

“The 7PM Project is an earthy, real and fun approach to discussing the news. It’s a long term venture and we expect that over the coming months people will make The 7PM Project appointment viewing, every night, to hear what our team have to say about the news of the day and to hopefully add a smile to the end of it!”

Craig Campbell from Roving Enterprises said, “TEN is a great place to develop a program like this, it will take time for people to get their heads around this show and TEN have a reputation for giving shows room to grow. They gave Rove room to grow and we are still here 10 years later.”

The 7PM Project will begin July 20 at 7pm.

Wipeout Australia 7:30pm on the Nine Network

Also Tonight…

- Before The Game, 6:30pm Network Ten/One HD

- Rockwiz, 9:00pm SBS ONE

-The Bill, 8:30pm ABC1

The Perfect Vagina, 10:05 on SBS ONE

Also Tonight…

- So You Think You Can Dance, 8:00pm Ten/Sth Cross

- The King of Queens, 8:00pm Nine/WIN/NBN

- Silent Witness, 8:30pm ABC1

In an effort to engage in a bad attempt at humour, please read the below PDF ‘What’s On The Tube media release’ over today’s website malfunction.

Thank you,

Danny

What’s On The Tube Media Release

Thursday Night Live, 7:30pm on One HD

Also Tonight…

- Mad Men 8:30pm SBS ONE

- The Footy Show 9:30pm Nine/WIN/NBN

- King of the Hill, 12:00am Seven/Prime/GWN