#7Upfront 2022: live blog

Earlier:

Live Blog: Seven’s 2022 Upfront presentation is now underway online to media buyers and advertisers.

Full slate is published at 1pm AEDT.

Just hit refresh for the latest info.

• It begins with “Moments that move us” highlights reel of 2021.
• “Kickstart 2022” is the theme of the day.
• Sonia Kruger introduces Jessica Mauboy. “We’ve had more lockdowns than I’ve had hot dinners.”
• Jess Mauboy pays respects to First Nations people. Great addition.
• A tease of Big Brother VIP which is still coming this year. In the Caitlyn Jenner talks about US politics. Thomas Markle Jr. is talking about Meghan.
• CEO James Warburton up next. “We are growing and we are winning… .the new year will bring a stronger start.” Talks about improving Q1 and more investment in local content and refers to competitors being “more desperate” in ratings. Predicts Seven will be number 1 in 2022.

• James Warburton talks about sport, dominating in WA, 7plus with 10m registered users.
• Reel of Olympians / Paralympians reflecting on the Games and 7plus delivery. “Tokyo brought us all closer together.”
• Winter Olympics is coming in February from Beijing “in our time zone.”
• A quick mention of Diversity and Inclusion from James Warburton.
• Rita Ora is talking about The Voice: Generations as a special event series.
• Onto Dancing with the Stars: All Stars. Olympia Valance & Angie Kent are in the studio chatting with Sonia. There is rehearsal and show footage of the next cast.

• Next is SAS Australia. Two new instructors. Footage of the next season, looks very rainforest green
• Shirvo & Mel McLaughlin introduce Mr Revenue, Kurt Burnette who talks data.
• Commonwealth Games are coming from Birmingham.
• Hamish McLachlan talks Sport: Ashes, BBL, WBBL, Bathurst, horseracing for 52 weeks.
• The full slate is now published.
• The Voice was back in 2021 with host “more expensive than ever before”. Guy Sebastian & Jess Mauboy are talking ratings lift.
• Back to Big Brother.  There are returning contestants from past BBs (including 10 and 9 seasons I think)
• Onto Farmer Wants a Wife. Sam Armytage is to feature with “Sam’s Choice” matchmaking.

• AGT (note the shorter name) and Australian Idol confirmed.
• Kylie Gillies reveals My Kitchen Rules back with state vs state, contestant v contestant (no judges yet).
• Charlie Albone from BH&G announces Apartment Rules, a spin-off of House Rules, with 6 couples. “For the first time it will all be shoppable.”

• Georgie Parker introduces new serial killer drama Claremont, then onto UK dramas Showtrial, The Ipcress File
• Crime Investigation Australia (brand new episodes)
• A Year on Earth wildlife documentary.
• New factuals: Code 1: Minute y Minute and Strike Force from WTFN.
• Award shows: Grammy, Academy Awards.
• Oh yes, Home & Away introduced by Patrick O’Connor & Sophie Dillman. Why does the footage look like true crime? Oh yes.
• Michael Usher & Natalie Barr introduce reels for Seven News, including The Latest, 7News Spotlight, 7news.com.au.

• Lazza introduces Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Chase and throws to Joh Griggs for BH&G and lots and lots of integration.
• Gemma Acton & Kochie circle back to data and BVOD. There’s a lot of talk about opening borders, the economy set to boom, travel… I remember those.
• Cue Kurt Burnette again to talk about how business will engage consumers who will “spend big.” Kickstart 2022 is Seven’s solution for advertisers. There’s no predicted numbers this year, which had been a trait of recent Upfronts. CODE7 is Seven’s trading platform with Salesforce next year.
• No sign yet of Programmer Angus Ross…

• Sam Mac & Emily Weir spruik 7plus and the library of content available.
• Katie McGrath Chief Culture Officer is talking about better gender and diversity … “our journey isn’t complete and we have a long way to go.” Also remarks on sustainability for Farmer Wants a Wife. “We need diversity in all its forms on and off our screen.”
• Kurt Burnette wraps things up and then The Voice winner Bella Taylor Smith sings us out.
• That’s a wrap!

This post updates.