9AM due for a lift

Morning hosts David Reyne and Kim Watkins have been told to lighten and brighten up by executives at Channel TEN, claims the Sunday Herald Sun.

It is believed Reyne and Watkins have one more year of their contract left and have had no choice in the content and editorial changes.

9AM executive producer Sandy Patterson has hired producers from rival networks to initiate much shorter segments and lighter, pacier topics.

The show has long trailed its rivals on Seven and Nine, averaging between 60,000 – 85,000 viewers, but still pays its way with advertorials. Significantly, it doesn’t enjoy a lead-in audience like Sunrise or Today.

TEN spokespeople have always told TV Tonight the show was in no danger, and it has already been announced as part of the network’s 2009 line-up.

But the show is not without those who prefer it to Seven and Nine offerings. If you’re one of them, what is that you feel separates it from its rivals?

Source: Sunday Herald Sun