Sam Squires champions women in sport

Sports reporter and presenter Sam Squires is very dedicated to supporting her new PodcastOne series profiling women in sport On Her Game. She spoke to Mediaweek shortly before departing for the hospital to give birth to her second daughter. “Are you sure about this?” we asked. But she insisted and we didn’t keep her too long!

In recent years Squires was the weekend sports presenter and a senior reporter for Nine in Queensland as well as host of Surfing Australia TV on Nine and Fox Sports. Before that she also worked for Sky News and WIN TV. Recently she decided to relocate to Sydney where her husband had taken a job and was initially commuting back and forth to Brisbane.

Squires told Mediaweek she has always been an advocate for women’s sports. “That goes back to working in regional TV news through to working at Nine. I have always been trying to cover women’s sport stories in the media. In 2013 I launched a site dedicated to women’s sports – Sportette.com.au. With the subsequent explosion of women’s sport a podcast seemed a next good step. It’s a great medium with no word or time restrictions and my guests get to tell their stories in their own words.”

Squires said she first started talking with PodcastOne nearly 12 months ago and after working on the concept with them started production late in 2019.

“I have really been touched about the guests in the first series – they have really opened up in very raw, honest interviews.”

Season one is nine episodes, with the last interviews recorded just before coronavirus strengthened its grip on Australia.

There will now be a bit of break while Squires has her second girl. “They have been a bit of a motivator for me to. It makes me so proud knowing the sporting landscape is going to be completely different for them growing up.”

It was no surprise to Squires that when mainstream media finally covered women’s sport in good timeslots it did well. “People were going, ‘Wow, so many people watched.’ This is what we have been trying to tell people for so long. So many people thought sport was for and about men, something I could never understand. I could never grasp that because I always loved sport and played it. After people telling us for years there was no audience for women’s sport and then seeing 86,000 at the Women’s World Cup Final was incredible.” Squires admitted to blubbing at the start and then the finish when Australia won. “This is what happens when everybody works together.”

Of the six episodes released so far, Squires has covered six separate sporting codes with Ellia Green (Rugby 7s), Katie Brennan (AFLW), Tiana Penitana (rugby league), Karrie Webb (golf), Carson Pickett (soccer) and Alyssa Healy (cricket).

Baby update: Elle Soleil Squiers has just been delivered at Wollongong Private Hospital. Photo on Sam’s Instagram.

Listen to On Her Game here.

PodcastOne & major podcasters remain ‘open for business’

Australia’s biggest podcasters are continuing to record and distribute new content despite the challenges COVID-19 poses.

“As the COVID-19 virus continues to have a major impact on the world, we are entering uncharted waters, that are extremely fluid and affecting how we go about our daily life,” PodcastOne head of podcasting Grant Tothill told its podcast partners this week.

“With the new Federal and State Government initiatives please know we are seeking all the available information and continually assessing our business decisions on a day to day basis.

“The health and wellbeing of our podcast creators, producers, sales team and staff at PodcastOne Australia is our first consideration.

“Given SCA and PodcastOne Australia is considered an essential service, we are still open for business and have elected to operate as normal, utilising our studios and resources across Australia, in particular in Melbourne and Sydney so we can continue to create and publish podcasts to entertain and inform Australians.”

Tothill then when on to detail health and safety measures at the Melbourne and Sydney podcast hubs, and also at 90 plus studios at parent company SCA around Australia that podcasters also utilise for PodcastOne recordings.

ARN’s commercial product and audio partnerships director Corey Layton told Mediaweek:

“All ARN and partner podcasts will absolutely continue to create and publish on the iHeartPodcast Network as usual. The beauty of audio – radio and podcasts – is we can record anywhere with just one or two people. Right now Australia is leaning into consuming content that provides information, education and entertainment and we will continue to produce new and original content for our audiences.”

Kane Reiken, Nova Entertainment’s digital commercial director told Mediaweek: “The intimacy and immediacy of podcasting allows brands to have meaningful, yet cost-effective conversations with their customers. We continue to produce and deliver award-winning branded podcasts, episodes and segments for clients, as well as original entertainment and show content, and are confident the medium will remain buoyant and continue its leading growth position.”

Andrew Brentnall, managing editor of the Nova Network added: “We are committed to continue to provide original content for our audience during these unique times. The Babble and Finding a Unicorn will continue to record so we can keep our communities connected through the power of audio and lift spirits amidst what is a tough time for a lot of people.”

Whooshkaa makes work-from-home tech free to schools

Private podcast technology developed by Australian company Whooshkaa – and key in the World Health Organisation’s continuity of learning advice for schools – is being offered free to schools worldwide.

Whooshkaa’s new technology, released last week, enables businesses, schools and groups to broadcast audio to specified listeners. The technology uses any existing podcast app on any smartphone, but the audio is exclusively available to those granted access by the podcaster.

“We created this as an internal communications tool to inform and engage employees – particularly those working remotely,” said Whooshkaa founder and CEO Rob Loewenthal. “But we can see it has enormous potential to support students and schools through this period of global upheaval.

“The WHO says academic podcasts are a key plank in continuity of learning plans. With this in mind, Whooshkaa will set up free Professional private podcast packages for schools from kindergarten to year 12, across Australia and right around the world.”

“Our business is podcasting,” he said. “We could see that leaders in business, research and many other professions wanted a way to update, engage and unite their teams – whether they’re at a city desk, in a home office, driving across a desert or in an airport lounge.”

Further information about Private Podcasts here.

The Great Fail business podcast

A recent series brought to our attention is The Great Fail – a business podcast told in a true-crime narrative on the deaths of great companies (and sometimes those not-so-great ones). The series debuted in early February with the death of LA Gear, and Google’s Glass, and it has since covered Crazy Eddie (from the 80s), the Fall of WeWork’s IPO and the death of Dr. Li, in a Special COVID-19 episode on the “whistleblower from Wuhan” released just last week.

The podcasters told Mediaweek that future episodes will be looking at some high-profiled VC funded companies that include the rise and fall of Juicero, Gawker, Theranos and some that are near and dear to us, including Tower Records, Pan Am, MySpace and Blockbuster.

Listen to The Great Fail here.

Finder’s Pocket Money podcast

Mediaweek’s Claudia Siron this week spoke to Kate Browne, managing editor of comparison site Finder, about recent developments including its podcast Pocket Money:

Something Browne has been passionate about since she began her role at Finder 18 months ago is building up the video production team, bringing in a creative director and developing podcasts. Finder has a team now that produces the weekly podcast, Pocket Money, with Browne as one of the hosts. The podcast looks at a whole range of financial topics as another way to engage with their audience and other potential audiences. “It takes the premise that money can sound really boring – I used to think it was boring too – but it involves everyone’s lives and it affects everything. Pocket Money is a bit of fun and it’s designed to be entertaining and informative.”

Read the complete Finder feature here.

Listen to Pocket Money here.

With live stand-up performances on hold for the foreseeable future, Hussain has taken the opportunity to pen the “definitive” survivor’s guide for these unprecedented times. Like so many people, Hussain admits he has no idea what to do with the world in crisis, so he’s drawing on the knowledge of people even less qualified than him to find his way.

Hussain has teamed up with Luke McGregor, Julia Morris, Karl Chandler, Collingwood’s Dane Swan, Scott Pape (The Barefoot Investor), Urzila Carlsson, Joel Creasey and even Melbourne Lord Major Sally Capp to stave of fear and doubt as they all try to navigate this new world.

See also: New Podcast Week column
Women’s sport advocate Sam Squires, Podcasters still open for business
Plus Whooshkaa at home, Business flops, Finder’s Pocket Money

Multiple episodes will be released weekly on ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network.

Nazeem Hussain said: “Given that as a comedian live performance is cancelled for the foreseeable future, I’ve turned my attention to something I’m both good at and still able to do – talk to my friends at a distance of at least two metres. What has become abundantly clear in these times is that people are still keen to stay connected despite being in physical isolation, as we all try to do our best to find ways to keep close with our friends and communities. I don’t know how informative this podcast will be but I can promise it will be funny and a great way to fill 15 minutes of your day in isolation. The other 23 hours and 45 minutes is up to you.”

ARN’s commercial product and audio partnerships director Corey Layton said, “We’re committed to helping podcast creators reach new audiences and ensuring it’s easy for our audiences to discover new content they love on our platform. As most of us move indoors, Nazeem’s Survivor’s Guide brings timely distraction as well as direction for getting through it, all in his unique style.”

See also:
iHeartPodcasts Network expanding Australian library

Listen to Survivor’s Guide to Coronavirus with Nazeem Hussain here

Seven West Media CEO James Warburton has welcomed the decision by the ACCC to approve the sale of Pacific Magazines to Bauer Media and expects the sale to complete within a fortnight.

Bauer has yet to comment on the ACCC decision and there is speculation it could be wanting to revisit the terms of the sale given the current market conditions that have pummelled consumer confidence and media values.

Warburton said: “We welcome today’s regulatory approval of the sale of Pacific Magazines to Bauer Media. This transaction provides $40 million in cash consideration (pre-adjustments and leave provisions). Additionally, the $6.6 million of advertising we are receiving from Bauer over three years further enhances the value of the sale, allowing the titles to continue to reach the valuable audiences SWM commands.

“Pacific Magazines has always been an important part of Seven West Media and will leave a lasting legacy, and I want to personally thank the hard working and dedicated team who have worked tirelessly to transform the business in response to changing market conditions. These efforts mean that Pacific’s assets will have a bright future as part of a larger group with Bauer, and SWM will maintain a relationship through the successful television show Better Homes and Gardens.”

Seven expects a completion of the sale of Pacific Magazines to Bauer Media will take place on April 9, 2020.

The ACCC assessed the impact of the merger, given the close competition between the parties’ key print magazines, Bauer’s Woman’s Day and Take 5, and Pacific Magazines’ New Idea and That’s Life!

“The significant declines in the circulation and revenue experienced by many magazines are sustained, substantial and likely to continue, resulting in less investment in content and fewer retail promotions,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.

“We note that some magazine titles have already closed, and others are likely to follow, regardless of this deal.

“We also note that the content offered by the four key magazine titles, including celebrity news, ‘real life’ stories, puzzles, and food, health and lifestyle tips, is all available from other sources.

“Ultimately, we determined that although there is a notable level of competition between the particular print titles, the transaction was not likely to substantially lessen competition because publishers in other media, particularly online publishers, will increasingly compete with Bauer,” Sims said.

The ACCC found that while many of Bauer and Pacific Magazines’ customers value the tactile nature of physical magazines, they are often not regular buyers of the magazines. Further, increasingly others see online content as a ready alternative, and this should constrain Bauer’s ability to raise prices or reduce investment on content.

Background

The ACCC commenced a review of the proposed acquisition on 23 October 2019 and raised concerns about the acquisition in December.

Bauer Media is part of the Bauer Media Group, which is based in Hamburg, Germany. Bauer Media group is a privately owned international media company publishing over 600 magazine titles globally.

Pacific Magazines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASX-listed Seven West Media Limited. SWM is a national media provider across television, magazine and newspaper publishing and online platforms.

See also:
Coronavirius impact on newspaper subs, sales and home delivery

News Corp Australia is transforming the content of its leading metro news brands to reflect the unprecedented changes Coronavirus is having on Australians.

In the biggest single repositioning ever of the mastheads, today’s editions of The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser feature significant changes to pivot them with the aim of being the nation’s leading source of trusted news and information about the COVID-19 crisis.

The changes include the introduction of a new eight-page section, HiberNation, to provide practical advice and tips to help Australians with their lives during this crisis. Today’s inaugural edition provides expert advice for parents to help their childrens’ learning at home now that schools across the country are closing.

HiberNation will focus on three key news areas – health; education; and jobs, business and economy – and will feature reporting and insights from senior News Corp journalists as well as informed advice from acknowledged international experts in their relevant fields.

As audiences spend more time at home, the papers will also include TV and entertainment guides, recipes from Australia’s number one food media brand Taste.com.au, as well as puzzles catered to all ages.

The changes are expected to be rolled out across News Corp Australia’s regional titles in coming days as well as websites and apps.

The metro news brands are also implementing some significant changes to sports coverage. Despite all codes suspending or cancelling seasons there remains enormous thirst among readers to know what is happening, what the future of their clubs is and what the players are doing with their time.

Peter Blunden, chairman of the editorial board at News Corp Australia said the changes marked a significant re-positioning of the mastheads to cement their role as the nation’s leading source of trusted news and information on Coronavirus.

“No story we’ve ever told has been so big, so rapid to evolve or so widespread.

“The content changes launched today reflect the scale and impact that all Australians are feeling due to this unfolding crisis. Our readers are turning to us in record numbers for advice and we’re adapting to meet this demand.”

Highlights:

• Time spent on news digital sites and apps up 29%
• Weekday engagement on news sites nearly doubled
• Desktop usage growth outpaced smartphone growth
• Younger people (18-29 year olds) experienced the greatest shift

News consumption has understandably changed over the last few weeks, as people seek out information and return to news websites for regular updates. Overall time spent on news digital sites and apps is up 29% for March to date compared to the same period in February.

Data from Australia’s IAB endorsed digital measurement system, Nielsen Digital Content Ratings, reported weekday engagement last week (16th – 20th March) saw a huge increase in time spent on news sites, nearly doubling compared to the four previous weeks. For the first time in a long time, desktop usage growth outpaced smartphone growth with desktop time increasing 58% and phone time increasing 48%. It is expected desktop usage will continue to increase with the increasing amount of people working from home.

And although there have been significant increases in time for all age groups, younger people (18-29 year olds) experienced the greatest shift in behaviour with time spent on news sites nearly doubling for weekdays last week (up 93% vs previous 4 weeks) with the largest volume increase from people aged 30-39. Older Australians, who are traditionally heavy digital news consumers, still saw an increase in time of 28%.

Southern Cross Austereo today notified staff about a range of measures designed to protect its people and operations due to the increasing impact of COVID-19 on the business.

The new measures will see changes to SCA’s employment arrangements including:

For a six month period from 1 April 2020, all SCA people earning a base remuneration of $68,000 or above will have their remuneration reduced by 10%. This change will not apply to any SCA employees paid an award-based wage and no employee will be required to work overtime during this period.

SCA’s on air talent have offered their assistance and also reduced their fees and contracts by 10%.

• Every employee will be required to take no less than 10 days’ leave between now and 30 June 2020. Employees with significant annual or long service leave balances are asked to utilise as much leave as possible over the next six months.
• There will be no executive incentives paid during the 2020 financial year.
• All recruitment activities will cease immediately.

“We have taken these measures swiftly to protect the long term health of our business and our people. We are endeavouring to ensure our people’s jobs remain for as long as possible during this unprecedented situation we all find ourselves in,” SCA CEO, Grant Blackley, said.

“These measures will impact all of us and I would like to thank and acknowledge our incredible staff for their support and commitment to our business.”

“It’s been a big, unprecedented couple of weeks. In fact, there aren’t any words to truly describe and capture what Australians and our global community are going through right now. There are many unknowns, but the one thing we do know is that we are in this together, and together we will get through It.

Our business has deployed far reaching continuity plans to limit disruption to our broadcast and sales operations. Continuity of our broadcast is vital for the Australian public to get the information they need. Evidence of immediate change to our viewer’s behaviour is in the huge spikes in week on week viewing on 7 broadcast, 7plus and 7NEWS.com, as it has been for The West Australian.  

With the AFL deciding to suspend the season until the end of May our teams will be in touch with your relevant teams in regards to the impacts on your bookings, and other programming changes.

Regarding the Olympics. As we have seen overnight the IOC have moved to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to July 2021. We will now be working with local and global officials, as well as our client partners here, to work collaboratively through this postponement, with detailed updates to follow. From there we will mobilise our teams and develop the very best transition practices to get us to a highly successful Games in July 2021.

With regards to content, production of House Rules High Stakes and Farmer Wants a Wife have not been impacted. Those two tent pole shows will be building on a strong base with 7NEWS, The Latest, Sunrise, Home and Away and Better Homes and Gardens, as well as our strong dramas at 9 PM. We are confident our Quarter 2 content slate across broadcast and BVOD will produce a strong audience result year on year. Q2 on 7 and 7plus will be providing much needed entertainment and information for Australians, and a powerful and effective marketing platform for brands to be able to connect with those viewers. We will deliver a mix of much needed information that Australians will continue to be seeking, plus entertainment for escape and inspiration.

Although there has been some disruption to a number of our programs, I wanted to clarify that Plate of Origin is in production. Big Brother has had a pause in production, however, production restarted yesterday. Holey Moley, SAS Who Dares and Australia’s Got Talent have been impacted and we wait for a clearance to recommence production. As soon as that information comes to hand we will be in touch. Our plan remains to ensure we deliver a strong schedule every week of the year, and most of those plans are well in place with finalisation in the coming week. 

This is an incredibly challenging time for us all but we are in this together. If there is anything the team or I can do to help you and your teams through this period, please do not hesitate to reach out.”

The company has announced that despite no matches at AFL grounds until May 31, a free edition of the AFL Record would be available online each week.

The AFL Record, now sponsored by Karcher, has been part of the AFL landscape since 1912.

Each Friday, the AFL Record will be available for free download on the AFL app, afl.com.au, SEN app, sen.com.au and aflnation.com.au, ensuring footy fans right across the country can still get their regular weekly footy fix even while there are no games.

Last week’s edition was the first ever online and the weekly digital edition will continue again from this weekend, in collaboration with SEN digital.

AFL Record Editor Michael Lovett said that the publication felt a social obligation to provide content and companionship to fans this winter.

“The AFL Record has survived world wars, floods, the great depression, you name it,” Lovett said.

“We’ll do our very best to deliver for our fans in the circumstances, keep the supporters updated and replicate a tiny part of their weekend experience as best we can.”

AFL’s general manager commercial Kylie Rogers said: “During these unprecedented times, the much-loved AFL Record will provide an important and comforting connection with our fans and supporters.

“It has always been there for the fans and we expect will be welcomed now more than ever before,” Rogers said.

SEN digital director Simon Chapman said it was an honour to be allowed to distribute the AFL Record free to fans.

“Our team and the AFL Record team have enjoyed collaborating over the past year and the fast-growing SEN app is already there to add to the fan experience for free every day of the year,” Chapman said.

“We’ve all loved hearing the record girls and boys yell ‘Record’ at the footy, and now they get to hit the tab each Friday for free on our ever evolving app.”

Foxtel Group chief executive officer Patrick Delany said: “We have heard from our customers that during these challenging times, one of the things that really makes a difference is being able to keep the whole family entertained, informed and connected as they settle in at home.

“We’re all in this together and we want them to know that Foxtel is there for them. These initiatives provide customers with an even better entertainment experience in their homes with more content, access on more screens and more data, all at no extra charge.”

Effective from today until 31 May, Foxtel customers will have access to:

• More content with access to Foxtel’s full range of Drama, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Documentaries, Reality and Kids TV channels and on demand libraries.
• Customers will have access to Multiscreen (depending on connection), giving expanded access to watch on up to two additional devices at the same time including casting the Foxtel GO app to additional TVs
• Foxtel Now customers will have Drama Extra, Docos, Pop, Lifestyle and Kids added to their Essentials, Pop or Lifestyle packs
• Unlimited broadband data for all Foxtel Broadband and Foxtel NBN customers who are on monthly data allowances for streaming and home internet without limits.

The initiatives are available to Foxtel customers including those that subscribe to Foxtel through Telstra and Optus.

Delany added: “With these changes we are making thousands of hours of additional live and on demand content available to our customers. I want to acknowledge the support we have received from all our content partners to make this happen including Discovery, BBC Studios, ViacomCBS, Turner, NBC Universal and National Geographic.

“This is also a time when staying informed is more important than ever. All our customers will have access to Foxtel’s full range of news services including Sky News and the dedicated Sky News COVID-19 news channel along with international news from CNN, FOX News, BBC World News, Sky News UK, CNBC and Bloomberg Television.

“For kids who are spending more time at home, the additional range of documentary content including BBC Earth and National Geographic will help them continue to learn more about the world around us.

“Our call centres are working hard to prioritise callers with an immediate need and we appreciate our customers’ patience and support as we navigate the current challenges ourselves.”

Customers do not need to activate the changes. The additional tiers of content, multiscreen and unlimited broadband will be opened up by Foxtel Thursday morning allowing customers to enjoy the premium content and features immediately until 31 May.

In its first year of Supercars’ behind-the-scenes coverage of its race teams, the docuseries, which will showcase a different team each season of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship starts with Erebus Motorsport and owner Betty Klimenko.

Erebus Motorsport Team Owner Betty Klimenko

Viewers will follow driver and Bathurst winner David Reynolds and his young teammate Anton De Pasquale as they experience the ups and downs of a Supercar season.

Available only on Foxtel (channel 506) and Kayo Sports, Episode Two will air on Thursday, April 2 at 7.00pm, with two episodes a week to be shown on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Erebus Motorsport Team Owner, Betty Klimenko, said: “I was all for doing this. In the beginning it was a little daunting, but once you got used to a crew they were really good about it and it just became part of every weekend. I forgot about them half the time. I’d go to the bathroom and leave my mic on by mistake!

“I think people will love it because they’re going right behind the scenes. Not just right into the garage but de-briefs, the personal lives of the people who make up Erebus. They’re going to see what makes us tick. Every team is different and this is how we do it.”

Supercars CEO, Sean Seamer, said: “Our new annual docuseries Inside Line provides an excellent insight into the world of Supercars and all the dynamics of a motorsport team – getting to know their personal lives, the explosive track action and the team’s full-blown rivalries. With unprecedented access to the inner sanctums of the team and drivers, both on and off the track, this compelling series is a must watch for any sports fan and showcases what is at the very heartbeat of our championship.”

Head of Fox Sports, Peter Campbell, said: “Inside Line – A Season with Erebus Motorsport is a fantastic addition to our unrivalled motorsport offering and we’re thrilled that the first and only place it will be seen is on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

“Following on from the success of Formula One’s Drive to Survive on Netflix, that is also available on the new Foxtel user experience, we’re very proud to showcase our own characters from the Supercars Championship and take fans to places they’ve never been before. Foxtel subscribers will also be able to stream the series anywhere, anytime on Foxtel GO.”

Fox Sports is available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Episode One: Tuesday, March 31 at 7.00pm
Episode Two: Thursday, April 2 at 7.00pm

—

Top Photo: Supercars driver David Reynolds during filming for Inside Line – A Season with Erebus Motorsport

Nine News has hit a new high and ABC has made it to 1m viewers. Seven continues to rank #1 across the metro markets with its national audience close to 2m at 6pm. The metro Nine and Seven 6pm broadcasts are edging closer to 1.3m.

Seven News 6pm
Monday 1,234,000/1,211,000
Tuesday 1,275,000/1,232,000
Wednesday 1,277/1,260,000

The Latest Seven News
Monday 649,000
Tuesday 630,000
Wednesday 603,000

Nine News 6pm
Monday 1,193,000/1,171,000
Tuesday 1,196,000/1,141,000
Wednesday 1,260,000/1,215,000
Highest ratings Nine News in close to five years.

A Current Affair
Monday 890,000
Tuesday 886,000
Wednesday 940,000
Highest rating episode in over 12 months.

Nine News Special COVID-19
Monday 570,000
Tuesday 1,071,000
Wednesday 803,000

10 News First 5pm
Monday 571,000
Tuesday 525,000
Wednesday 541,000

10 News First 6pm
Monday 380,000
Tuesday 337,000
Wednesday 299,000

The Project 6.30/7pm
Monday 423,000/623,000
Tuesday 426,000/614,000
Wednesday 384,000/602,000

ABC News 7pm
Monday 955,000
Tuesday 997,000
Wednesday, 1,000,000

7.30
Monday 911,000
Tuesday 873,000
Wednesday 888,000

SBS World News 6.30pm
Monday 192,000
Tuesday 189,000
Wednesday 193,000

Breakfast TV

Monday
Sunrise 379,000
Today 314,000
News Breakfast 301,000

Tuesday
Sunrise 347,000
Today 261,000
News Breakfast 271,000

Wednesday
Sunrise 351,000
Today 276,000
News Breakfast 280,000
Second-highest rating Today episode of 2020.

Nine: After two nights of final dates on Married at First Sight it was time for the final dinner party. Episode 32 gave further clues as to who might make it out in the real world with an audience of 1,206,000 which is the biggest yet in 2020. Later in the night Footy Classified went to air around 10pm in AFL markets. The episode featured Eddie McGuire and Caroline Wilson alone at separate ends of the desk with reporter Sam McClure contributing from a stool on the other side of the studio that he shared with Matthew Lloyd. The episode did 161,000 with 111,000 in Melbourne.

Seven: The network went with Highway Patrol after the 8pm finish of The Latest. The Front Bar is continuing with the footy with the hosts spread across the complete width of the bar. Guests were remote and poor Skype audio stopped a new interview with the show’s first ever guest, AFLW footballer Lily Mithen. No sign of new recruit Andy Lee. Seven’s Tim Watson was a running gag as the sole audience member. The show did 311,000 with 186,000 in Melbourne.

10: With no Survivor on Wednesday the channel’s share slumped to single figures. An hour of Bondi Rescue went to air after 7.30pm with 452,000 watching the first episode and then 408,000 watching the second. It was the best episode in close to two years.

Two episodes of Bull then did 244,000 and 189,000.

ABC: Hard Quiz made the top 10 at 8pm with 809,000. Mad As Hell started with COVID-19 observations with 757,000 watching. You Can’t Ask That was a special on nudity with the audience just short of 500,000. The episode last week with contributors wearing clothes was just short of 400,000. The final episode of the season of Adam Hills: The Last Leg went to air without an audience and the host wondering what the world will be like when he returns in six weeks. The episode did 311,000 after premiering earlier in the week on ABC Comedy. There was actually no episode of Revelation screened last night. Two episodes will be screened next week – Tuesday and Thursday.

SBS: The channel hasn’t wasted any time getting Tony Robinson’s History of Britain to air with 246,000 watching after 254,000 last week.