Seven cancels Melissa Doyle’s Sunday Night
Changes to Seven’s programming line-up under new CEO James Warburton are well and truly underway, with its Sunday Night current affairs program, aptly titled Sunday Night, being cancelled.
Seven Network’s director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, said the announcement was accompanied by much sadness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=91K4YIntBRg
“After 11 years at the forefront of our public offering, it is with much sadness I announce the closing down of the day-to-day operations of Sunday Night: True Stories,” he said.
“It has been a very tough decision in a very challenging TV landscape”.
The program has struggled against its current affairs rival 60 Minutes over on Nine in recent years.
On Sunday, 22 September, Seven’s Sunday Night had a preliminary overnight metro audience of 448,000, compared to 60 Minutes’ 622,000. With the addition of regional viewers, the figures were 668,000 and 866,000.
Throughout the year, Sunday Night has averaged an overnight metro audience of 469,000, but has sunk as low as 165,000 (on 17 March). Its high point was on 24 February, when it had a metro audience of 680,000.
60 Minutes, by comparison, has had an average metro audience of 693,000, dipping to 470,000 in July when it was on late due to the finale of The Voice. It has occasionally managed to crack the 1m metro viewers mark, such as in April when it followed ratings juggernaut Married At First Sight.
Sunday Night has also faced challenges finding viewers due to its shifting time slot, with its start time often moving.
Warburton, who today made sweeping changes to Seven’s structure, has previously noted the network faces serious challenges in the prime-time slot on Sundays through to Tuesdays.
“We need to get back to being the Seven that we used to be, around creating, executing and launching content that really connects with heartland Australia,” he told Mumbrella previously.
McPherson thanked the reporters, producers, camera operators, editors and many others who have produced more than 500 hours of content over the years.
“I wish those leaving us nothing but the best for the future,” he said.
There was no official word on the future of former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle who fronts the program, however Mumbrella understands she will be redeployed within the network.
A small production team will stay on until the end of the year, when the program will officially wrap up.
I thought you guys also liked compelling content on dodgy tradies 🙁
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The way Melissa Doyle has been treated by yr Chanel is disgusting.
8 always admired her on Sunrise then she UNCERIMONIOSLY removed..with no tributes. There was outcries and she was brought back for a week of tributes.
Then she had Sunday Night and weekend news.Then she lost the news..now she is losing Sunday Night.
She was THE bright light on Sunrise and was paid considerable less money than Kochie which was STUPIDLY short sighted.
She has copped the shit u have dished out to her and has always handled herself with Grace and elegance.
Overall the trashy programs u put on are appalling. Appealing to lowest common denominator and generally aimed at lower end of market.
Your grovelling coverage of the so-called royals makes us out that we still have the “colonial cringe”…sickening.
I hope Melissa finds somewhere her talents are more appreciated
Allan kit
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Awww how sad. I always watched Sunday Night True Stories and record 60 Minutes if on at same time. I found Sunday Night was more interesting than 60 Minutes! I hope 7 puts on something interesting. TV programs are very boring sometimes especially Friday nights. Not everyone goes out at night.
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Let’s face it. 7 only really started winning the ratings back 10+ years ago because it took on disgruntled ex 9 executives, presenters and production staff.
Now 9 has found its feet again, and most of the ex 9 staff have left 7, we can now truly see the real 7.
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If the Seven Network actually properly planned they wouldn’t be in this situation. Years of ‘bored room’ meetings and high-paid execs who are more interested in the title and money, and clueless to what they’re actually supposed to be doing. Will any of them leave? No.
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Watch this channel disappear up its own digital orifice. The management it needs is not there.
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Rumored to be replaced with eviction night on a returning Big Brother… maybe Mel will get the tap on the shoulder for a presenting gig here.
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This Warburton guy is just a slasher. 100s of talented people lost their jobs at Ten under him. Plus Ten lost their way under him. The Shire anyone? Seven staff should be afraid.
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Speaking of disappearing up its own digital orifice, I wonder if commenter Wang, knows of, or has ever used a WANG and the irony of the comment.
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I like how you think someone in Channel 7 is going to read your comments on this article strongly held opinions about the treatment of Melissa Doyle.
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i HAVE CALLED NINE RECOMMENDING TO THEM TO SIGN MELISSA DOYLE THIS WILL MEAN CHANNEL 7’S LOOSS WILL BE CHANNEL 9’S GAIN CHANNEL 9 WILL GAIN 7 VIEWERS YHER VERY MOMENT MELISSA DOYLE S SIGNED.
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My fav recurring Mumbrella character does not disappoint!
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Whatever show Melissa Doyle is on, then that’s the one that I will watch! And that goes for the chanel as well. How about a morning show ?!
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Whatever show Melissa Doyle is on, then that’s the one that I will watch! And that goes for the chanel as well. How about a morning show ?!
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Wake up to yourselves
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Put Melissa Doyle back into the lead seat on Sunrise and be rid of Samantha Armitage and Kochie. Melissa Doyle always had so much more compassion and respect for everyone.
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The new CEO has got it wrong. Get rid of Koshie
From Sunrise might be a start. Old man trying to look trendy is outdated.
Mel did nothing wrong just too nice and kind.
Is she going to host the
New “Midday with Mel”
Soon we hope …
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The new CEO has got it wrong.
Mel did nothing wrong just too nice and kind.
Is she going to host the
New “Midday with Mel”
Soon we hope …
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The new CEO has got it wrong.
Mel did nothing wrong just too nice and kind.
Is she going to host the
New “Midday with Mel”
Soon we hope .
Of course he will never admit he is wrong..
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Totally agree with Lin Crag.
Melissa Doyle is second to none.
She always displays great empathy and respect no matter who she is interviewing. I too will watch any programme she is on.
Let us know when and what channel and you have our vote.
Melissa Doyle is a favourite amongst all my family and friends.
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