Channel 7 ‘axes Sunday Night with host Melissa Doyle… as staff are set to be found new jobs within the network’ – amid claims bosses ‘are planning to resurrect Today Tonight’
Channel 7’s news and current affairs show Sunday Night has reportedly been axed.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Seven’s Head of News and Current Affairs, Craig McPherson, broke the news to staff on Tuesday morning.
The publication reports that ‘average ratings, controversial sackings and high costs’ are behind the program’s abrupt end.
Channel 7 reportedly ‘axed Sunday Night with host Melissa Doyle (pictured)’ on Tuesday
It is also claimed that host Melissa Doyle and staff will ‘be found new jobs within the network’ and ‘Seven executives plan to resurrect Today Tonight’ in its place.
TV Tonight claim that the cancellation comes as part of a ‘major overhauling of the network in a bid to remove duplicate roles and see major cost savings’.
On Tuesday, the website claimed that Seven CEO James Warburton is ‘hoping to create “a leaner and more agile company” with a content-led strategy’.
Change: The Daily Telegraph reports that Seven’s Head of News and Current Affairs, Craig McPherson, broke the news to staff with ‘Seven planning to resurrect Today Tonight’
Mr Warburton, who took over the role of CEO from Tim Worner several months ago, said in a statement via TV Tonight they have ‘had to make some tough decisions in order to build the network for the future’.
He added: ‘I take very seriously any decision that impacts our people and I am grateful for the loyalty and commitment shown by our team over many years.
‘Anyone impacted by changes will have dedicated support and respect throughout the process of transition’.
Shake up: It is claimed that Melissa Doyle and staff (pictured) will ‘be found new jobs within the network’ amid a ‘major overhaul’ of the network by Seven CEO James Warburton
In 2017, Sunday Night was named ‘Australia’s No.1 public affairs program’, after debuting on screens in 2009.
Since then, industry insiders have predicted the program’s axing amid declining ratings in recent years.
Two days ago sources told The Sunday Telegraph that bosses ‘hadn’t made a call on it, but it’s not looking good.’
The source added: ‘It’s expensive to run, and they’ve had lackluster ratings.’
Making a comeback? Industry sources claim Seven bosses want to bring back a revamped version of Today Tonight (pictured: former Today Tonight host Naomi Robson)
At the show’s height in 2017, it captured an average metro audience of 845,000, but recently has only managed to scrape half of that (422,000).
Last week, Seven’s Sunday Night saw 247,000 less viewers in the five-city metro audience than its Channel Nine competitor, 60 Minutes.
‘The executives are discussing the fate of Sunday Night right now, as it’s the end of the financial year,’ one insider said on Sunday.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven for comment.
At Sunday Night’s height in 2017, it captured an average metro audience of 845,000, but recently has only managed to scrape half of that (422,000). Pictured: Melissa Doyle
Fierce rivalry: Last week Seven’s Sunday Night saw 247,000 less viewers in the five-city metro audience than its Channel Nine competitor, 60 Minutes (above)