Just months after the demise of Channel Nine's long-running Sunday program, the Seven Network has announced a new one-hour current affairs program beginning next year — Sunday Night.
Seven's decision to invest in a one-hour, long-form program comes after years of decline in current affairs programming on commercial television and as it seeks to underscore its status as the top-ranking free-to-air network.
Peter Meakin, Seven's head of news and current affairs, would not say whether the program would compete against Nine's long-running current affairs program, 60 Minutes.
"I guess the title is a bit of a giveaway as to when the program will air, but it won't necessarily go head to head with 60 Minutes," he said.
It is possible Sunday Night will air after the 6pm news, before 60 Minutes at 7.30pm. With strong stories, it could steal Nine's program's thunder and hook in viewers.
Sunday night is one of the three most important timeslots for commercial networks — along with Monday and Tuesday nights.
Meakin would not specify the program's budget nor any candidates for presenter. He ruled out departing Today Tonight host Anna Coren, who is leaving Seven to work for CNN overseas.
Seven's last major foray into long-form current affairs was in the late 1990s with Witness. It ended sourly, with patchy ratings and acrimony between executive producer Peter Manning and presenter Jana Wendt.
Industry analyst Steve Allen of Fusion Strategy said the announcement signified "Seven's growing confidence that they have the material and the ability to make this work".
(Credit: The Age)
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