ratings and 2007 schedules for the three major networks

At the end of the last MI1 research post I proposed that I'd talk about Ratings and how affective they are considering how ratings are collated. SO is the ratings system affective (enough)?

Based on what I've read, I have come to the conclusion that YES, yes it is indeed affective (dammit I wanted there to be flaws in the ratings system so I can critically discuss the pros and cons of this system for the mi1 research task... hmmm maybe theres a cover up... read between the lines darwin, read between the lines!... or not.)

2007 schedules for the three major networks

Channel 10 lineup
Ten stated that they will offer a new family entertainment series – Teen Fit Camp and Celebrity Dog School, a game show – The Cont Test, as well as two factual series which includes Saving Babies. Ten has also entered into new programming deals with 20th Century Fox and CBS Entertainment. The new overseas products that will screen this year include At Home with Jamie Oliver, Jamie Oliver’s Return to School Dinners and Jamie’s Chefs: Cutting the Apron Strings and three New US series, which are 3 Pounds, Raines and Rules of Engagement.

Ten's current Australian programming lineup consists of television shows including; 9am with David and Kim, Australian Idol, Big Brother, The Biggest Loser, Neighbours, Rove Live, Joker Poker, The Ronnie Johns Half Hour, Thank God You're Here, and The Wedge. On February 7, 2007, Ten debuted the Australian version of the The Con Test, based on the British TV show Poker Face. Also premiered early in 2007 is Saving Babies, and also the return of Bondi Rescue. Along with Ten's Early News, Ten's Morning News, Ten News, Ten's Late News, and Sports Tonight.

Channel Ten relies heavily on its CBS and FOX output deals. Overseas programming on Ten includes; Futurama, House, Jericho, the Late Show with David Letterman, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Medium, NCIS, NUMB3RS, Smallville, Supernatural, The Bold and the Beautiful, The O.C., The Simpsons, and Veronica Mars.

TEN LAUNCHES BEST EVER LINEUP FOR 2007

Channel 7 lineup
Seven’s announcement of the first phase of its plans for 2007 featured just one new local program, the format show Australia’s Got Talent but they did buy Kath and Kim off the ABC. They also bought six new US series, which include 30 Rock, Brothers & Sisters, Heroes, Shark, Ugly Betty and What About Brian. They will also focus heavily on sporting coverage. So Seven – at the moment – will not be contributing to new local drama content.

Seven's current Australian programming lineup consists of television shows including; All Saints, Better Homes and Gardens, Home and Away, Border Security: Australia's Front Line, Dancing with the Stars, Deal or No Deal, Medical Emergency, The Great Outdoors and The Real Seachange. Seven also screen Australia's Got Talent, an Australian version of the successful US program America's Got Talent. On March 31, 2007, it was announced that Kath and Kim will be shown on the channel. Along with Weekend Sunrise, Seven Morning News, Seven's 4.30pm News, Seven News, Seven's Late News Updates, and Today Tonight.

Seven has programming output deals with a number of American production studios, including NBC Studios, Disney (including Touchstone Television) and 20th Century Fox (concluding mid-2007). American programming on Seven includes; 24, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Prison Break, How I Met Your Mother and My Name Is Earl. New programs in Seven's 2007 lineup include; 30 Rock, Brothers & Sisters, Heroes, Shark, Ugly Betty and What About Brian.

Channel 9
Nine’s line-up includes the mini-series Tsunami and Sea Patrol. It will also screen the NZ-set reality series The Lost Tribes, two new local factual series; and talk show The Dame Edna Experience, NZ’s Outrageous Fortune as well as 6 series from the US which include Kidnapped, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Nine, Runaway, and Smith, however all have been cancelled by their US networks.

Nine's current Australian programming lineup consists of television shows including; 1 vs 100, Australia's Funniest Home Video Show, Bert's Family Feud, Comedy Inc. The Late Shift, Getaway, McLeod's Daughters, Missing Persons Unit, Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Quizmania, Temptation, The Footy Show, The Catch-Up and What's Good For You?.

American programming on Nine includes; Close to Home, Cold Case, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, ER, Justice, Men In Trees, Nip/Tuck, Rome, Super Nanny, Survivor, The Apprentice, The Closer, Weeds, and Without a Trace. New programs soon to air for Nine's 2007 lineup include; Kidnapped, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Nine, Runaway, and Smith. However, several of the shows introduced in 2007 have already been cancelled by their US networks.

Although the reality is that purchasing series from overseas is cheaper than creating the show locally as well as more appealing to viewers, Nick Murray, an independent producer and former president of the Screen Producers Association of Australia, stated that “Australian audiences [DO] like watching local drama… series such as Neighbours, Home and Away, Blue Heelers and McLeod’s Daughters[, they] are the “engine room” of the industry.

Based on my findings it is clear that the state of Australian drama content is in peril, with major networks focusing on variety shows or drama content from overseas that appeal to a range of viewers.

With this programming trend, it is likely that it will affect the employment industry within the next five years. It is only through legislation that a minimum amount of drama is produced. To help local drama the Screen Producers Association is planning a TV and cinema advertising campaign focusing on the issue of Australian drama, or the lack of it, starting during July 2007’s federal parliamentary session.