Australia’s major TV networks will broadcast dedicated live coverage to tomorrow night’s Voice referendum as votes are counted.
With voting set to go ahead from tomorrow morning, Seven has confirmed that it will kick off its coverage with a special edition of 7NEWS from 6pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus in each state, before anchor Michael Usher will be joined by the likes of including Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie as the first count comes in.
Seven will continue to share live updates throughout the evening before a 10pm live bulletin will commence to report on the votes as they happen.
Meanwhile, SBS and NITV will broadcast four hours of live news coverage as the votes happen, starting from 6.30pm.
At 7.30pm, the network will air a two-hour live special, “The Point: Australia Decides”, which will be hosted by John Paul Janke and Narelda Jacobs and feature a number of special guests including Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, former Senator and Olympian Nova Peris, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, and Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer.
Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, Tanya Denning-Orman, told Mumbrella: “October 14 represents a critical moment in Australia’s history, and across the SBS network we’re focused on ensuring all Australians have the information they need before they vote – whatever you decide, be sure you’re making an informed decision.”
Ten has also today confirmed to Mumbrella that it will dedicate special coverage to tomorrow night’s referendum, to commence at 5pm with 10 News First.
The broadcaster will provide the latest information on voting at the top of every hour and will cut into programming where need be, with any breaking news.
Ten’s National Affairs Editor, Hugh Riminton, and political editor, Ashleigh Raper, will anchor the coverage with representatives from both the Yes and No campaigns to appear.
“Network 10 will cover The Voice to Parliament in the same manner it covers all other news of the day, with fair, balanced, accurate and impartial reporting,” a Ten spokesperson told Mumbrella.
Nine told Mumbrella today that it will broadcast a special and extended late bulletin on Saturday evening following dedicated news coverage and updates throughout the night.
Mumbrella has contacted ABC for comment, and will update the story accordingly.