Today show down on first day with new team
Not enough curiosity factor for Today to refresh with a bang. And media lets rip.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
The curiosity factor for the new-look Today show was lacking on its first broadcast day from Melbourne yesterday.
197,000 viewers tuned in across the 5 city metro -its lowest audience in a decade.
Sunrise won the slot with 266,000 viewers while News Breakfast drew 137,000 (across ABC / ABC News).
Sunrise won in all cities except Sydney, which was a victory for the new Nine line-up led by Georgie Gardner, Deborah Knight & Tom Steinfort.
But in Melbourne & Adelaide Today trailed ABC. It was also down on last Monday’s 212,000 with Tim Gilbert co-hosting.
It also copped a hiding from media which was less than glowing about the first day of a “new era” (Gardner was actually referring to a new era in tennis), with some republishing harsh Twitter comments.
In the show’s defence, not only does team chemistry take time, but the outside broadcast may also be a factor. It will hit the Sydney studio in 2 week’s time.
Nine’s Darren Wick has previously noted the long road ahead about where the show will be in six months and especially 12 month’s time.
Nine had better success winning in primetime, with the Australian Open at up to 538,000 across its lengthy broadcast.
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- Tagged with News Breakfast, Sunrise, Today
25 Responses
Terrible show with dolly birds who are totally misplaced.
Thinking that changing seats would actually make a smidgin of difference to the ratings makes me think about deck chairs on the Titanic …
I think Grant Denyer actually got it right in his assessment of what really make a successful breakfast show.
Or as Paul Keating would say – ” Flick the switch to vaudeville ! ”
It’s not rocket science. Nine seem to make it very hard for themselves.
So I gather Steve Liebmann and Sue Kellaway have left the show, that’s shame they were quite good.
I say scrap the lot of them, Sunrise, Today, Studio 10 … how about something totally new fresh and innovative? Same old, same old.
Try the News24 ABC morning show, it’s quite a hoot and it’s really warts and all live across Australia. I like real hosts who don’t take themselves too seriously but don’t joke around all the time like they are God’s cheesy gift either. Plus the ABC no-nonsense white on black graphics do it for me every time. But one person is missing from the line up after ABC morning show ends and that person is Natasha Exelby whom is currently on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. She is a diamond in the rough, so rough, she’s more valuable than all the polished types. If the ABC does not get her back then it’s a very great loss to the nation.
Seconded Gaz’s comment – I’ve never watched Today because of Karl, but tuned in. Georgie is now the odd one out, although it does kinda feel like they’ve just made a happier and less gloomy 60 minutes.
I’ve yet to watch the new line up but credit where it’s due, Today won the Sydney market. I’d take that small stepping stone to build on.
You’d think they’d be winning in Melbourne since they’re down there this week.
They should of had a clean sweep. Put someone like Hamish McDonald and Natasha Exelby in. Both can do News and humour and have personality. Deb would be ok doing news though and a good fill in host. They better start looking as this mob won’t last.
Exelby failed on the 10 attempt though didn’t she? By that I mean not just her but the entire show too.
That’s true but I think she is the star that got away.
She talked about that on I’m a celebrity last night. I felt really bad for her the way she was treated.
When one of these morning show producers wake up and realize that it’s diversity that’s need on the morning screen – and they add some people of color, they may see an uptick in viewing figures. The UK, United States or Canada wouldn’t get away with a totally white crew! Wake up Australia – literally!!!
Brooke Boney casting?
I don’t know who that is. But, Australian tv needs to catch up and move on from the whitewash we a offered on a daily basis.
I thought she was a white Australian until you made the above comment and I googled her, I wonder how many other people thought the same.
This may sound a bit weird but I think they should change places and put Deb where Karl used to sit. Strange but it just bugs me. I think Georgie looks out of place where Deb may be trying a little too hard but I believe in giving it time to settle in.
Sorry I meant put Georgie where Karl used to sit !!!!
I doubt a seat change makes much difference.
it will take time for the show to pick up after the disaster that has been the last couple of years, besides Georgie this is a whole recast and I can’t imagine many show’s working let alone lasting with a new cast. but the show’s history may be it’s saving grace, Channel 9 would be stupid to axe the show or rest it, the viewers will leave and like 10 they may find it hard to get them back, (mind you the breakfast tv landscape has changed a lot since 10 axed GMA from breakfast tv in the 90’s and tried to rejoin the landscape over 20 years later)
I don’t understand why we are constantly hearing about these two shows when they consistently have such low ratings.
Their footprint is much larger. The numbers are an average of the drop in/out audience.
Would this make such a fuss if 2 males were there instead!
Yes, I would be!
I haven’t watched Today for many years, but saw about 15 minutes of it at the dentist this morning. I think Deb Knight is great, but Georgie just comes across as cold and uninterested.