Today (Australian TV program)
| Today | |
|---|---|
_logo.png){kind=logo} Today logo used since 30 January 2012 |
|
| Also known as | The Today Show |
| Genre | Breakfast News Program |
| Directed by | Brian Newton |
| Presented by | Karl Stefanovic (2005 – present) Lisa Wilkinson (2007 – present) |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 31 |
| No. of episodes | 7,406 (as of 2 March 2012) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Tom Malone |
| Location(s) | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Running time | 210 minutes (5:30 – 9:00am) |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Nine Network |
| Picture format | 576i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Audio format | Stereo (1982–1992) Dolby Surround (1993–2004) Dolby Digital 5.1 (2005–present) |
| Original run | 28 June 1982 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Weekend Today |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Today is an Australian breakfast television program. It has been broadcast live by the Nine Network since 1982. In 2012, the show celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The program airs after Nine Early Morning News and runs from 5.30am to 9am before Mornings. During the course of the London Olympics, a special edition is scheduled to be presented by Karl Stefanovic and Leila McKinnon from London. In 2012, Today received a new logo, set and graphics to counter any competition from Ten's new Breakfast program.
Contents |
[edit] History
Officially launched as The National Today Show,[1] Today is Australia's longest running morning breakfast news program.[2] The show premiered on 28 June 1982 and celebrated 25 years of broadcasting in 2007.
The original hosts, Steve Liebmann and Sue Kellaway, spent four years together before Liebmann left to present the evening news for Network Ten in Sydney. Former 60 Minutes reporter George Negus took over the male presenting role. After four years, Liebmann returned to the Nine Network, hosting Today with Liz Hayes and Tracy Grimshaw. However, in December 2004, Liebmann suffered a mild heart attack,[3] prompting him to retire from breakfast television.[4] In 2005, National Nine News reporter Karl Stefanovic replaced Liebmann as co-host. Grimshaw left Today at the end of 2005 to replace Ray Martin as host of A Current Affair. While it had been widely speculated in the Australian press that Seven News presenter Chris Bath would co-host Today with Stefanovic from January 2006, the position instead went to former Ten News presenter Jessica Rowe.[5]
Rowe had mixed beginnings as the co-host of Today with some viewers and commentators attacking her because of her dress-sense and her apparent over-happiness, citing her constant nervous laughter.[6] Following her court case against Network Ten, Rowe was subjected to comments from the media and viewers that she should be sacked and was not right for the role of Today.[7] Rowe's replacement whilst on maternity leave was Sarah Murdoch[8] and Kellie Connolly, both who saw a significant increases in ratings.[9] They both presented until Rowe's departure from the show, when the Nine Network released a press statement on 5 May 2007 saying Rowe had left the Nine Network to "take up other opportunities for her career".[10]In May 2007, former co-host of Weekend Sunrise, Lisa Wilkinson, took over the female co-hosting duties.
[edit] 25th anniversary: 2007
Today celebrated its 25th year of broadcasting, on 28 June 2007, by travelling to five different Australian cities in one week, something which had never been before attempted by an Australian television show. Former Today presenters and musical guests were involved.[11]
On the official day marking the 25th anniversary, past Today presenters who made an appearance included Ian Ross, Tracy Grimshaw, Monte Dwyer, Liz Hayes, and Helen Dalley. Sami Lukis, who replaced Monte Dwyer, did not appear, nor did original co-host Sue Kellaway. Original co-host Steve Liebmann was also unable to attend, nor was current weather presenter Steven Jacobs, however video messages from both were aired.[12]
[edit] Today on Saturday: 1992–2002
After the initial success of Today, a Saturday edition was produced in the early nineties. Hosted by Tracy Grimshaw, it featured more news, politics and economic reports. Grimshaw was later followed by Tara Brown and Richard Wilkins, before reporter Helen Dalley joined the program in 1996. These hosts were accompanied by news presenters Michael Usher, Anna Coren and Mark Burrows. In 2002, Today on Saturday was cancelled due to budget cuts by the network.
[edit] Weekend Today: 2009-present
In January 2009, David Gyngell, Chief Executive of the Nine Network, and John Westacott, former Head of News & Current Affairs announced that Today would begin broadcasting on Sunday mornings. The program, entitled Today on Sunday, competes in the same timeslot as the Seven Network's Weekend Sunrise, which dominates Sunday morning television.[13] The show launched on 1 February 2009 and the original team consisted of Cameron Williams and Leila McKinnon with the news presented by Amber Sherlock and the sport was presented by Tim Gilbert on Saturday and Michael Slater on Sunday.
On 2 May 2009, after the launch of Today on Sunday, the Nine Network announced through a surprise edition that Today on Saturday would return. The program incorporates the same presenting team as the Sunday edition, being the first Australian breakfast news program to broadcast seven days a week. Due to the launch of the Saturday version of the program, the Nine Network renamed the programs as Today: Weekend Edition. David Gyngell said that the launch of the weekend editions were a part of the Nine Network's plans to strengthen its news and current affairs department and return viewers to its once leading service.
In July 2009, Today: Weekend Edition was renamed as Weekend Today.
As of 2012, Cameron Williams and Leila McKinnon remain as co-hosts with the news presented by Deborah Knight, sport is presented by Tim Gilbert and weather by Emma Freedman.
[edit] 30th anniversary: 2012
In 2012, Today will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
The show began the year by unveiling a new set, logo and graphics.
[edit] Format
Today, an offshoot of Nine News, predominantly presents news, sport, weather, entertainment and current affairs, focusing on the first news of the day. However the show also features topics including consumer affairs, health, politics, education, fashion, and the business and finance world. The show has daily feedback and topic segments for viewers to send in their thoughts and opinions via email, text messages and the show's website.
Initially, the program was only a two hour broadcast, airing from 7am to 9am. After dropping Nine Early Morning News, the network moved Today to a 6am start. Again, as part of the 2008–2009 Nine News brand's major expansion, in 2008 the show was changed to a three and a half hour format, starting at 5.30am to now "perfect match" breakfast radio stations. This move included an exteneded news, sport, finance and weather segment, prior to the main program at 6am. Weekend Today airs on both Saturday and Sunday from 7am. While the Saturday edition is a two hour show concluding at 9am, the Sunday edition broadcasts for three hours ending at 10am.
[edit] Presenters
| Presenter | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Karl Stefanovic | Co-host | 2005– |
| Lisa Wilkinson | Co-host | 2007– |
| Deborah Knight | News (Monday) | 2011– |
| Georgie Gardner | News (Tuesday - Friday) | 2006– |
| Ben Fordham | Sport | 2011– |
| Steven Jacobs | Weather | 2005– |
| Richard Wilkins | Entertainment editor | 1994– |
| Richard Reid | Hollywood Gossip | 2004– |
[edit] Reporters
| Presenter | Role |
|---|---|
| Sylvia Jeffreys | New South Wales |
| Christine Ahern | Victoria |
| Alison Ariotti | Queensland |
| Jade Robran | South Australia |
| Mike Dalton | Special Reports |
| Airlie Walsh | Weekend Today |
[edit] Regulars
| Presenter | Role |
|---|---|
| Rob Belgiovane | Advertising & Marketing |
| Julie Goodwin | Cooking |
| Luke Mangan | Cooking |
| Shannon Lush | Cleaning |
| Joanna McMillan | Diet & Nutrition |
| Ross Greenwood | Finance Editor |
| Michael Ryan | Fitness |
| Ita Buttrose[14] | Girls on the Grill What's Making News |
| Mia Freedman | Girls on the Grill What's Making News |
| Angela Mollard | Girls on the Grill What's Making News |
| Nikki Gemmell | Girls on the Grill |
| Ric Gordon | Health |
| Sam Macedone | Law |
| Glenn A. Baker | Music |
| Jo Lamble | Psychology |
| Charlie Brown | Technology |
| Neil Breen | What's Making News |
| Helen McCabe | What's Making News |
| Deborah Thomas | What's Making News |
| Robin Bailey | What's Making News |
| Susie O'Brien | What's Making News |
| Ray Hadley | What's Making News |
[edit] Past presenters
The main presenters of Today have included:
- Steve Liebmann and Sue Kellaway (1982–1985)
- Steve Liebmann and Patrice Newell (1986)
- George Negus and Patrice Newell (1986)
- George Negus and Liz Hayes (1986–1990)
- Steve Liebmann and Liz Hayes (1990–1996)
- Steve Liebmann and Tracy Grimshaw (1996–2005)
- Karl Stefanovic and Tracy Grimshaw (2005)
- Karl Stefanovic and Jessica Rowe (2006)
- Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson (2007–present)
[edit] Substitute presenters
Georgie Gardner is the main substitute presenter, Ben Fordham, Deborah Knight, Allison Langdon or Alicia Gorey will sometimes also fill-in for Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson.
Substitute presenters in recent years have included Cameron Williams, Richard Wilkins, Kellie Connolly, Sarah Murdoch, Sharyn Ghidella, Leila McKinnon, Kim Watkins, Helen Dalley, Ellen Fanning, Ali Moore, Frank Warrick, Michael Pascoe, Amanda Paterson, Peter FitzSimons, Peter Overton, Michael Usher, Ken Sutcliffe, Mark Ferguson, Jennifer Keyte, Garry Lyon, Eddie McGuire, Terry Willesee and even Clive James on one occasion while the show was broadcasting from London. The former Premier of Victoria, Joan Kirner, presented the show on one occasion.
[edit] News
The idea of providing the latest news has been critical to the function of the program. Under the current format, seven main bulletins are delivered, once every half-hour.
News presenters have included:
- Eric Walters (1982–1990)
- Ian Ross (1991–2000)
- Sharyn Ghidella (2001–2006)
- Leila McKinnon (January 2005 – June 2005)
- Georgie Gardner (Tuesday - Friday) (2006 – present) – Kellie Connolly (January 2007 – March 2007) and Allison Langdon (April 2007 – August 2007)
- Deborah Knight (Mondays) (2011 - present)
Deborah Knight and Sarah Harris are the main fill-in news presenters. Wendy Kingston, Amelia Adams, Sylvia Jeffreys, Vicky Jardim, Tim McMillan, Sophie Walsh, Davina Smith, Christine Ahern, Majella Wiemers, Kim Watkins, Ben Fordham, Helen Kapalos, Heather Foord, Peter Overton, Mark Ferguson and Chris Smith have all among others presented the news on occasions.
[edit] Finance
Finance editor Ross Greenwood presents "Money Minute" on weekdays well as financial stories. Amber Sherlock joined as finance reporter in 2007. In 2009, Sherlock presented finance reports from Mondays to Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays were presented by Kristie Carter. Currently, Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner present the finance news after presenting the news.
Finance presenters have included:
- Amber Sherlock (2007–2010)
- Kristie Carter (2009)
- Alicia Gorey (2010–2011)
- Georgie Gardner (2009–present)
- Deborah Knight (2011–present)
[edit] Sport
Before 2006, the Today news presenter presented the sports report. However in 2006, the show introduced a separate sports presenter and bulletin. Ben Fordham presents live and current sports news after the news bulletin every half-hour. Cameron Williams previously presented sport from 2006 until 2010 he is now focusing on co-hosting Weekend Today and Nine News. The current weekday fill-in presenter is either Tim Gilbert or the news presenter.
Sports presenters have included:
- Andrew Voss (Mondays and Tuesdays, 2009)
- Cameron Williams (Mondays and Fridays, 2006–2010)
- Georgie Gardner (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2010)
- Ben Fordham (2011–present)
[edit] Weather
Currently, Today presents weather after each news and sport bulletin, every half-hour. Steven Jacobs is the current weather presenter and he travels the country and occasionally the world, presenting the weather from somewhere new each day or in the studio. Rose Jacobs, Kelly Landry, Emma Freedman, Felicity Whelan Giaan Rooney, Shura Taft, Gorgi Coghlan, Dave Kirwan, Jaynie Seal, Livinia Nixon, Majella Wiemers and Joseph May have all presented the weather on various occasions.
Weather presenters have included:
- Brian Bury (1982–1991)
- Monte Dwyer (1991–2002)
- Sami Lukis (2002–2004)
- Steven Jacobs (2005–present)
[edit] Entertainment
Today's entertainment presenter, Richard Wilkins (Nine Network's entertainment editor), presents daily features, interviews, movie and television reviews from across the world of show business.[15] Joan McInnes filled the role for the shows first sevewn years.
Additionally, Richard Reid is the show's Hollywood entertainment reporter. He delivers a number of daily reports live from the studio in Hollywood. Reid has previously had a various segments including "Hollywood Minute", "Best Dressed of the Week", "Ask Richard" and "Spray of the Day".[16] In July 2009, Jules Lund filled in for Wilkins while he was on a holiday during the 2009/2010 summer period and Tim Ross filled in for Wilkins. During the 2011/2012 summer period Lizzy Lovette filled in for Wilkins.
Entertainment presenters have included:
- Joan McInnes (1981–1988)
- Richard Wilkins (1994–present)
- Richard Reid (2004–present)
[edit] Competition with Sunrise
Since 2004, Sunrise has won the ratings battle, averaging more than 150,000 more viewers than Today.[17] However, during 2007 Today has slightly improved its ratings and made significant gains in audience. With a 9% rise year-on-year[clarification needed] between 7am and 9am, and a 16% increase in the key 6am to 7am news hour.[18] In contrast, Sunrise has fallen 4% year-on-year[clarification needed] in the 7am to 9am timeslot. While in Melbourne (where Today is dominant), Today has won the morning breakfast slot for most weeks since May in the 2007 ratings by a considerable margin[quantify].[19][20]
In 2009, Today continued to increase its lead over Sunrise more than it had in previous years. On 12 April 2009, Today beat Sunrise. Today rated 279,000 viewers to Sunrise's 275,000 viewers. This had not been achieved by Today in almost five years. They also won Sydney by 107,000 to 96,000, not achieving this since 2004.
Since 2010, Today has had a surge in viewers, as had the whole Nine Network - especially in news and current affairs. Sunrise is still strong overall, ahead of Nine by about 50–80,000 nationwide.
During 2011, Today has enjoyed quite a few national wins over Sunrise. Today usually beats Sunrise by a considerable margin in Australia's biggest and most important markets Melbourne and Sydney, however Sunrise's audiences in smaller cities Adelaide and Perth are higher than Today's. As a result Sunrise still receives higher ratings than Today nationally.
[edit] Special editions
On 27 February 2012, Today was extended to 10am to cover the Labor leadership ballot. The usual morning programs did not air.
[edit] Broadcasting
Due to the fact that Australia has more than one time zone, Today is not broadcast live to the entire nation. New South Wales (including ACT), Victoria and Tasmania have Today aired live all year round.
However, during daylight saving time, Queensland receives Today delayed by one hour. However, in 2007 Today began a trial and aired live into Queensland between 5:00 – 8.30am, with an extra Queensland-only half an hour.[21] This was unsuccessful and in 2008 returned to its previous delayed telecast.
However, in the case of major breaking news (e.g. cyclone), the program goes live into the state, to help provide residents with up-to-date information.
Additionally, the Northern Territory, has Today delayed thirty minutes during winter and one-and-half hours during daylight saving time.
Some parts of South Australia are also delayed by thirty minutes and in Western Australia the program is delayed by two hours during winter, and three hours during daylight saving time.
On 27 September 2010 Today aired on Nine's digital channel GEM.
[edit] Other national and international broadcasts
Imparja and WIN Television air Today between 5.30 and 9am on the eastern coast of Australia.
They also air the show weekdays between 5.00 and 8.30am local time in other Australian locations.
In addition to Australia, Today is broadcast in Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Papua New Guinea on EMTV, and in Fiji on Fiji Television.[22]
[edit] International connections
Even though the name of the show is the same as America's NBC Today Show, it has no link to its American namesake. But, Today airs Good Morning America between 4.00 and 5.00am due to affiliate agreements.[23] However, its rival on the Seven Network, Sunrise, follows the American NBC Today Show format, including a streetside studio. The Seven Network airs a condensed version of the American programme between 4.00 and 5.00am, preceding Sunrise Extra, which is titled NBC Today in program listings to avert confusion.
[edit] Logos
-
Logo used from 2004 - 27 January 2012
-
Former Weekend Today logo
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ National Today Show – National Film and Sound Archive, 7 November 2007
- ^ Longest Breakfast Program – Commonwealth Bank, 31 August 2007.
- ^ Liebmann Heart Attack – Heart Research, 10 May 2005
- ^ "Liebmann leaves Today". The Age. 9 January 2005. http://www.theage.com.au/news/TV--Radio/Liebmann-leaves-Today/2005/01/09/1105205968829.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ Malkin, Bonnie (19 December 2005). "Channel Nine bags news star of Ten". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/channel-nine-bags-news-star-of-ten/2005/12/18/1134840742791.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ Topham, Gwyn (31 January 2006). "Rowe laughs last and loudest". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/rowe-laughs-last-and-loudest/2006/01/30/1138590441154.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ Murray, Lisa (1 July 2006). "Poison, pay cuts and the plan to sack Jessica Rowe". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/poison-pay-cuts-and-the-plan-to-sack-jessica-rowe/2006/06/30/1151174401419.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ Jameson, Julietta (12 November 2006). "Nine turns to a Murdoch to boost ratings". The Sun-Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/sarahs-today-gig/2006/11/11/1162661944776.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ "Jessica Rowe leaves Channel 9". The Australian. 6 May 2007. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21680535-1702,00.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ "Nine 'bones' Rowe". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 May 2007. http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/nine-bones-rowe/2007/05/06/1178390123628.html. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ Celebrating 25 years – Today website, 1 June 2007
- ^ Anniversary – Throng, 30 May 2007
- ^ Knox, David (28 January 2009). "Weekend Sunrise wakes up to Today’s alarm". tvtonight.com.au. http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/01/weekend-sunrise-wakes-up-to-todays-alarm.html. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
- ^ http://today.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8406043
- ^ Richard Wilkins – Mediaman, 7 November 2007
- ^ Richard Reid – eBroadcast, 30 October 2007
- ^ Improvement of Today Ratings – eBroadcast, 22 May 2007
- ^ "Lisa Wilkinson to co-host Today" – Today website, 10 May 2007
- ^ Winning In Melbourne – News Limited, 13 June 2007
- ^ Today Melbourne Success – eBroadcast, 6 June 2007
- ^ Live At Five In Queensland – Today Website, 19 October 2007
- ^ Broadcast Locations – Pjreview, 10 September 2004
- ^ Affiliate Agreements – Transdiffusion, 7 November 2007
[edit] External links
- Official website
- Today at the Internet Movie Database
- Today and Weekend Today at TV.com
- Today at the National Film and Sound Archive
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