SEVEN NETWORK

The 'Seven Network' is an Australian television network, owned by the Seven Media Group. Seven dates back to December 2, 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Sydney and Melbourne. The network is currently the largest network in the country in terms of population reach.^[1] Seven has traditionally been the second highest rating television network in Australia, after the Nine Network, the network has begun to achieve higher ratings throughout the first half of 2007 than its traditional rival.^[2]
Seven's headquarters are based in a converted warehouse at Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont, Sydney. National news and current affairs programming is based a studios in Martin Place, while the network's main production studios are located at Epping in Sydney's northern suburbs. In 2009, Seven will move their Epping based operations to a purpose built high-definition television production facility at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern.^[3] The majority of content is broadcast out of the network's digital Broadcast Centre in the Melbourne Docklands.

Contents

History

Origins

1980s

1990s

2000s

Programming

News & Current Affairs

Sport

Current schedule

Availability

Logos

References

See also

External links

History

Origins

The Seven Network began as a group of independent stations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. HSV-7 Melbourne, licensed to The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd (owners of two local papers at the time, The Herald and The Sun), was the first station in the country to use the VHF7 frequency. It launched on November 4, 1956, soon joined on December 2 by ''Amalgamated Television Services' ATN-7 in Sydney. By 1957 the two stations had begun to form content-sharing partnerships with their VHF9 counterparts - in ATN's case GTV-9, for HSV, TCN-9. HSV's relationship with the Victorian Football League, forerunner to the Australian Football League, began in April, 1957 when the station broadcast the first ever live Australian Rules football match. TVW-7 Perth began broadcasting almost two years later, on October 16, 1959. The city's first commercial station was licensed to ''TVW Limited'', owned by West Australian Newspapers, publisher of The West Australian. BTQ-7 Brisbane, the city's second commercial television licensee, followed on November 1.
Throughout this time, the stations operated independently of each other, with schedules comprised of various simple, and relatively inexpensive, programmes - shows such as ''Pick a Box'' and spinoffs of popular radio shows. In the early 1960s, coaxial cable links, formed initially between Sydney and Melbourne, allowed the sharing of programs and simultaneous broadcasts of live shows. Frank Packer, owner of HSV's Sydney partner TCN-9 bought a controlling share of the station's Melbourne counterpart, GTV-9, in 1960, in the process creating the country's first television network. HSV and ATN joined together to form the ''Australian Television Network'' in 1963. ADS-7 in Adelaide was the final capital city station to launch, on July 26, 1965. The station later swapped frequencies with SAS-10, however, in order to become SAS-7.
The newly-formed network began to produce and screen higher-budget programming in order to attract greater numbers of viewers, most notably ''Homicide'' - a series which would continue for another 12 years, becoming the nation's longest running drama series. It was not, however, until the 1970s that a national network began to appear, albeit still with independently owned and operated with localised advertising campaigns.^[4]
Colour television was introduced across the network in 1975, along with a new logo incorporating a bright ring of the colours of the visual light spectrum. Rupert Murdoch made an unsuccessful bid for the Herald and Weekly Times, owners of HSV-7, in 1979, later going on to gain control of rival ATV-10. Fairfax, however, successfully bought a 14.9% share of the company later in the same year.^[5]4

1980s

This decade saw the introduction of stereo, as well as a number of successful shows, most notably ''A Country Practice'' in 1981, and ''Sons and Daughters'', which began in 1982. Seven Network 1980s Brooklyn Ross-Hulands Wheel of Fortune began its twenty five year run in July, 1981, produced from ADS-7's studios in Adelaide. The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow were shown live on the network the year before. ''Neighbours'' began on Seven in 1985, however low ratings in Sydney led to the cancellation of the new series at the end of the year; the show later achieve international success with rival Network Ten.
Perth-based businessman Robert Holmes à Court, through his business the Bell Group, bought TVW-7 from its original owners, West Australian Newspapers in 1982.⁵ The Herald and Weekly Times, owner of HSV-7 and also ADS-7, was sold to Rupert Murdoch in December, 1986 for an estimated $1.8 billion.⁵ Murdoch's company, News Limited sold off HSV to Fairfax soon afterwards, for $320 million.⁵ Fairfax went on to axe a number of locally-produced shows in favour of networked content from its Sydney counterpart, ATN-7 (also owned by Fairfax at the time).
Cross-media ownership laws introduced in 1987 forced Fairfax to choose between its print and television operations - it chose the former, and later sold off its stations to Qintex Ltd., owned by businessman Christopher Skase. Qintex had previously bought, and subsequently sold off, stations in Brisbane and regional Queensland before taking control of the network.⁵ The next year, another new logo was introduced along with evening soap ''Home and Away'' and a relaunched ''Seven National News'', now known as ''Seven Nightly News''. The network expanded in 1988 when Skase bought out TVW-7 for $130 million.
Despite the network's successes, a failed $1.5 billion bid for MGM Studios in the same year sent Qintex into receivership.⁵ Christopher Skase fled Australia in 1990, in order to escape extradition. The business' assets were bundled together by receivers and made into a new company, the Seven Network Limited, in 1991.⁵

1990s

''Real Life'', a national current-affairs program hosted by Stan Grant, similar in format to the Nine Network's A Current Affair, was launched in 1992 but was later replaced by the more successful ''Today Tonight''. ^[6]
The network was listed on the stock exchange in 1993, soon after the entry of subscription television provider Australis. One of Seven's most popular series, ''A Country Practice'', ended in 1993 after 1050 episodes. 1994 saw the introduction of ''Blue Heelers'', which after a number of timeslot changes, was moved in 1998 to Wednesdays. This was in order to make room for a new series, medical drama ''All Saints''. Both dramas rated quite highly, and along with new lifestyle shows ''Better Homes and Gardens'' and ''The Great Outdoors'', resulted in a stronger ratings position for the network.^[7]
In 1995, Sunshine Television, a Seven Network affiliate in regional Queensland, was purchased by the network's parent company, Seven Network Limited. Sunshine Television's regional stations effectively became a part of the Seven Network, identical in appearance and programming to the rest of the business' stations.^[8]
A successful $1.3 billion bid for United Artists was made in conjunction with Kirk Kirkorian in 1996, however the network sold its stake two years later, for $US389 million. Seven took control of Australia Television, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Asian satellite channel, in 1997. The ABC still maintained a share in the network, and continued to produce news and current affairs programming for it.^[3]

2000s

The year 2000 saw the launch of a new logo in time for the network's coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. The Olympics were a major success for the network - the opening ceremony was one of the highest-ever rating television programmes in the country. It also had a significant flown-on effect to other programming, including established shows ''All Saints'' and ''Blue Heelers'', as well as new reality series such as ''Popstars'' and ''The Mole''. These all contributed to the network winning the ratings for the year against the Nine Network for the first time in 30 years.^[10]
Digital television was introduced to most of the network's coverage area on January 1, 2001 - this was soon followed by the gradual introduction of widescreen and high definition programming.^[11]
''Always Greener'', a new drama launched in 2001, achieved strong ratings as high as two million viewers in its Sunday timeslot.^[12] Despite a warm response from critics, however, it was axed after its third season. In the same year former Nine executive David Leckie was appointed head of television operations, re-launching the network with an updated logo, new advertising campaign and a new slogan.
In 2004, Seven launched the international game show ''Deal or No Deal'' to the 5.30pm timeslot, and later in the year ''Dancing With The Stars'', based on the BBC's ''Strictly Come Dancing''. The year saw launch of a number of new programs from the US network ABC, including ''Desperate Housewives'' and ''Lost''.
At the same time, Seven's news and current affairs ratings began to increase in viewers, with Today Tonight beginning to challenge rival A Current Affair, while the new format of ''Sunrise'' led to increased competition with the Nine Network's ''Today Show''. Seven's evening Seven News bulletin also started to take the lead with successes in most cities, except Sydney.^[13]
The network launched a number of new shows in 2006, including ''Prison Break'', Dancing With the Stars spin-off ''It Takes Two'', ''How I Met Your Mother'', and ''My Name Is Earl''. The ongoing success of these programmes resulted in a narrow loss to the Nine Network for the year, primarily due to its coverage of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.^[14]
2007 saw Seven launch a ‘7 in 07’ campaign, promoting new shows ''Brothers & Sisters'', ''Heroes'', and ''The Rich List''. The year also saw the launch of the 'Beautiful Sunday'' lineup comprised of ''Australia's Got Talent'', ''Ugly Betty'', ''Grey's Anatomy'' and ''What About Brian''.

Programming

New programmes introduced in 2005 led to a ratings increase, following a relatively poor 2004.¹⁵ A number of programmes introduced in 2006 continued on in 2007, in addition to many new entries - the bulk of which imported from US television networks.
Australian programming shown on the network includes medical drama ''All Saints'', police drama ''City Homicide'', lifestyle program ''Better Homes and Gardens'', ''Home and Away'', ''Dancing with the Stars'', ''Deal or No Deal'', ''Medical Emergency'', ''Hot Property'', travel show ''The Great Outdoors'', as well as ''Australia's Best Backyards'', RSPCA Animal Rescue'', Kath & Kim'', ''Border Security'', ''Surf Patrol'', ''Most Shocking'' and ''The Morning Show''. Children's programming includes ''Go Go Stop'', ''Playhouse Disney'' and ''Saturday Disney''.
The network has established output deals with a number of American production studios, including NBC Universal, The Walt Disney Company and ABC Studios. Programming imported from the US currently includes ''24'', ''The Amazing Race'', ''Desperate Housewives'', ''Grey's Anatomy'', ''Lost'', ''Prison Break'', ''How I Met Your Mother'', ''My Name Is Earl'', ''Bones'', ''What About Brian'', ''Ugly Betty'', ''Brothers and Sisters'', ''Boston Legal'', ''Shark'', ''Scrubs'', ''Family Guy'' and ''Heroes''. It is expected that Seven will air in 2008 ''Grey's Anatomy'' spin-off ''Private Practice'', '', ''Dirty Sexy Money'', ''Sam I Am'', ''Reaper'' and ''Eli Stone''.

News & Current Affairs

The Seven Network's news service is called Seven News. After trailing for many years, to National Nine News, Seven rebounded in 2005, and claimed to be number one in news and current affairs.¹³ Seven News produces several news bulletins and programs including; ''Sunrise'', ''Weekend Sunrise'', ''The Morning Show'', ''Seven Morning News'', ''Seven 4.30 News'', ''Seven News'', ''Seven's Late News Updates'', and ''Today Tonight''. During the early hours of 4am to 6am, Seven rebroadcasts some of American television network NBC's news and current affairs programming, including ''Today'' and ''Dateline NBC''.
In recent years under the guidance of former longtime National Nine News chief, Peter Meakin, Seven's news and current affairs have produced more locally-focussed content, which has been lifting ratings for key markets such as Sydney and Melbourne.¹³ Since 2004, the ratings of ''Seven News'' and ''Today Tonight'' have gradually increased. ''Seven News'' was the top rating news service nationally in both the 2005 and 2006 ratings seasons.^[15]14 A key aspect of Seven's recent ratings dominance in news and current affairs has been attributed to television game show ''Deal or No Deal'', which provides ''Seven News'' with a large lead-in audience.^[16]

Sport

Seven is a major player in Australian sports broadcasting. The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney resulted in huge ratings for the network, with over 6.5 million Australians viewing the telecast of opening and closing ceremonies. The broadcast also ran on the short-lived C7 Sport subscription channel.
After the 2001 season Seven ended its famous 45-year run as AFL football broadcaster when the Nine Network and Network Ten, along with pay TV provider Foxtel, jointly won the television rights. On January 5 2006 the Australian Football League accepted a bid from Seven and Ten to broadcast AFL games from 2007 - 2011 at a cost of AU$780 million.
Seven's most popular recurring sporting events include the Olympic Games, AFL Premiership Season, the Australian Open Golf, the Australian Open Tennis, Bledisloe Cup Rugby, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Mt Buller World Aerials, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the Tri-Nations Rugby, V8 Supercars and the Champ Car World Series..
Seven has exclusive Australian free-to-air, pay television, online and mobile telephony broadcast rights to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The live telecast of the XXIX Olympiad with be shared by both the Seven Network and SBS Television. Seven will broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies and mainstream sport's including swimming, athletics, rowing, cycling and gymnastics. In stark contrast, SBS TV will provide complementary coverage focused on long-form events such as football, road cycling, volleyball, and table tennis.^[17]

Current schedule

	6:00 PM	6:30 PM	7:00 PM	7:30 PM	8:00 PM	8:30 PM	9:00 PM	9:30 PM	10:00 PM
SUN	''Seven News''	''Best Backyards''	''Hot Property''	''Kath & Kim''	''My Name is Earl''	''Sunday Night Movie''
MON		''Today Tonight''	''Home and Away''	''Border Security''	''The Force''	''City Homicide''		''Criminal Minds''
TUE				''Animal Rescue''	''Medical Emergency''	''All Saints''		''Life Begins''
WED				''Most Shocking''		''Las Vegas''		''Air Crash Investigations''
THU				''Ghost Whisperer''				''Fight For Life''
FRI				''Better Homes and Gardens''		''Friday Night Football (AFL)''
SAT		''The Great Outdoors''		''Great Comedy Classics''		''Saturday Night Movie''

'Note':
''News and Current Affairs'' are in 'Grey';
''Drama'' is in 'Blue';
''Sitcoms'', ''Animation'' and ''Comedy'' are in 'Purple';
''Lifestyle programs'' are in 'Green';
''Factual programs'' and ''Documentaries'' are 'Yellow';
''Reality'', ''Game shows'' and ''Talk shows'' are in 'Red';
''Sport'' is in 'Orange';
''Movies'' are in 'Pink'.
The above represents Seven's usual primetime schedule. It does not reflect one-off events, and program starting times may vary from those shown. For up-to-date information, see the Seven Network's online television guide. (link)

Availability

Seven is simulcast in analogue, standard definition and 1080i high definition. On March 18, 2007, test simulcasts for 1080i commenced in the Sydney and Melbourne markets, Adelaide and Perth followed on June 24, 2007, with Brisbane following on June 25, 2007, and regional Queensland on June 26, 2007. Prior to this, the Seven Network provided a 576p enhanced-definition service.
Seven is broadcast in metropolitan areas and regional Queensland through a number of owned-and-operated stations including ATN Sydney, HSV Melbourne, BTQ Brisbane, SAS Adelaide, TVW Perth, as well as STQ Queensland. Seven Network programming is also carried into other areas of regional Australia by locally-branded affiliate networks Southern Cross Television, Prime Television, the Golden West Network, and WIN Television in South Australia.

Logos

The 'Seven Network' has used many logos throughout its history.

Used from 1970 to 1975	Used from 1975 to 1988	Used from 1989 to 1999	Used from 2000 to 2003	Used from 2003 to the present
1970 - 1975	1975 - 1988	1989 - 1999	2000 - 2003	2003 - present

''Pre-network logos can be found at the following articles; ATN, HSV, BTQ, SAS, STQ.''

References

1. Broadcasting Services Act 1992 Section 30 Schedule
2. Nine scores ratings goal on back of league draw
3.
4. Seven Network 1970s Brooklyn Ross-Hulands
5. Seven: landmarks Bruce Arnold
6. Seven Network 1990s Brooklyn Ross-Hulands
7. Nine toplines 1998 network ratings Mark Woods
8. Sunshine Television History Brooklyn Ross-Hulands
9.
10. Seven Net scores with Olympics
11. Digital TV to commence on 1 January 2001
12. Always Greener out to grass in Seven backflip
13. How Seven trumped Nine
14. A 2006 Ratings Reflection
15.
16. Bulletproof Waley wouldn't dare to quit
17. Seven & SBS to Broadcast Beijing Olympics

See also

★ Seven Guide

★ Seven Media Group

★ List of Seven Network Slogans

External links

★ Official Site

★ Corporate Site