The three commercial networks have embarked on a multi-million dollar spending program in their attempt to lure viewers in the second half of the year.
New drama, lifestyle, entertainment, game and children shows are either in production, ready to go into production or ready to make their network debuts.
In the next two weeks, two new Australian dramas will be on air; Murder Call on Nine and State Coroner on the Ten Network.
A new pilot at Ten for a magazine-style show business program very similiar to Entertainment Tonight was hosted by Mimi Macpherson, sister of Elle. She heads a short list of possible hosts including Jodie Young (Sex/Life) and Angela Bishop, the current entertainment reporter.
Ten also has a new half-hour shopping show called What On Earth ready to screen in August. Appearing will be Gaynor Wheatley (wife of Glenn Wheatley, John Farnham's manager), Steve Williams (saxaphonist with the Farnham Band) and Simon Fenner (no association with John Farnham at all).
Ten also will be screening a "foodies show" called Good Taste which is based on the magazine. Lenore Smith of Flying Doctor's fame is the host.
As mentioned in a previous article, Seven will be presenting Bush Telegraph with Neil Kearney, singer John Williamson and Bridget Adams all sharing reporting duties.
Over at Nine, also previously reported a week ago in this column, Tim Ferguson has completed a pilot for his new late-night chat-variety show called Girl Friday where the audience stands not sits, and beer is served and everyone has fun (according to Nine).
Nine has also piloted a new quiz show from the Grundy organisation called Everybody's Equal. Frank Holden and Larry Emdur both hosted episodes. A decision by network executives on who will be hosting the show will be made within the next week.
Somers Carrol (Darlyl Somers) is well into production with its Gonged But Not Forgotten, the "where are they now Red Faces show. Nine is home for this show. Personally I don't care where they are but Nine is betting that lots of people do care.
Also at Nine is a new C-classified children's program set to air in October. Add all of these shows together and you have quite a nice bundle of money being spent on local programming.
Of course the existing local programs are all back for new seasons, including Blue Heelers, Water Rats, Good Guys Bad Guys, Halifax f.p., Medivac and Big Sky.
Ten is also co-producing the $18 million adventure Tales of the South Pacific also covered earlier by this reporter.
Did you notice not one new sitcom in the bunch. For some reason the networks refuse to commit time and efforts to produce quality sitcoms for this country. Oh yes, Seven has told us Bull Pit will be coming to the small screen soon. A 90's version of Kingsford Country. Don't hear too much about it though. Do you think the network chiefs have seen the light?
