TV Blackbox & McKnight Tonight

This week we're decidedly Brekky TV talk free! A gift to our regular listeners, though there are still trials and tribulations, celebrations and commiserations, and interest all around all things TV. Recorded very early on Tuesday morning the team are able to pick up the sad news overnight of Luke Perry's death, adding to a sad week where we farewelled four others in the TV universe. Also Dan guides us through an important conversation facing the TV industry and how they address is. Give the people that love you a hug today. Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the PR spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • 2.27 - Vale LUKE PERRY . • 4.27 - MICHELLE GUTHRIE comes to a confidential settlement with the ABC. • 8.00 - MANU FEILDEL gets snippy about MAFS (what about your backyard, mate?). • 10.47 - NEIGHBOURS films at Mardi Gras. • 12.04 - Rob asks is SCREEN AUSTRALIA funding for new series going to the right places? • 16.02 - LOGIES voting is open - and does anyone care? • 22.32 - Foxtel start production on a LAWYER X series. • 26.50 - Will there be a gay BACHELOR AUSTRALIA? • 29.14 - Sarah delivers this week's Hatches & Dispatches • 31.30 - Vale MIKE WILLESEE, JOHN KENNERLEY, KATHERINE HELMOND & BILLY J SMITH. • 33.34 - Molk leads us through how are the ratings faring in week 9 for 2019? • 46.20 - Dan offers a special conversation about depression, suicide and the TV industry. TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @shrimptank @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

Josh isn't famous but his story is one that needs to be told. As a young girl named Kayla, Josh faced many challenges growing up in South Western Sydney. He didn't fit in and knew he was in the wrong body. After years of heartache, Josh was finally able to transition, but the effect those years of torment have had on him continue to affect his mental health. Josh has attempted suicide many times, including a recent attempt where he ran his car off the road and flipped. But now he is feeling better and wants to share his message. It's still tough, but he says there is hope. Mental health is an issue that also affects the media industry and it's one we are only just starting to talk about. Listen to Josh's story, you'll be glad you did. If you need someone to talk to, please go to: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

What a week it's been for television and the rapidly-shrinking media cycle! Attacks and apologies inside a couple of days, announcements, more failures and failures-to-launch, and some amazing speculation about who is going to run the ABC. It's a special two-fer episode as Rob and Molk take turns at talking through the issues and unloading on what we think are the biggest moments of the week. Lucky you listeners! Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the PR spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: 2.22 - Could the ABC be about to appoint ITA BUTTROSE as Chairman of the Board? 9.30 - The Daily Telegraph attacks GEORGIE GARDNER and then apologises after an unprecedented response by Nine's Head of News and Current Affairs DARREN WICK. 19.25 - Rob asks is Network 10's executive team facing the axe (and then unloads)? 30.55 - The new-look AFL FOOTY SHOW hosts are leaked, and Molk doesn't think it's enough. 34.30 - ABC cameraman attacks 'devious' PETER DUTTON on Facebook. 37.25 - LISA WILKINSON sets the record straight on 9Honey's (false) accusations. 41.00 - Molk delivers his programming wrap with a special twist based on who we should be worried about the most... 55.40 - Rob & Molk give you a couple of shows worth binge watching or tuning in for! TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @shrimptank @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

With the first week of 2019 ratings under our belt there's lots to talk about, plus there's been a million little things happening in network land that means it's a supersized episode ready for your listening pleasure. Plus there's a surprise about Sarah at the end of the ep. Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the PR spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • Head of Nine Hugh Marks calls for MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT to get the chop. • NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal find that SONIA KRUGER vilified Muslims. • Nine drops two regional Qld News services. • Commercial TV broadcasters push for tax breaks for journalism services. • KARL STEFANOVIC sidelined at Nine until the end of 2019 - then what?! • Foxtel & Netflix get into bed together. • KELSEY GRAMMER talks up a possible FRASIER reboot. • ROB RASCHKE gets a new gig. • The OSCARS backflips on sidelined categories. • PETER HELLIAR gives 10 a double reason to love. • MR SQUIGGLE lands upside down on our coins. • Molk delivers his view on week 1 of the 2019 ratings year. • CHANGING ROOMS failing looks like the start of another shocker for 10. • Is THE TODAY SHOW turning things around? • Dan asks what does it take to be called a celebrity these days (which leads Sarah to talk about the nature of celebrity for her friend Pia Muehlenbeck). TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @shrimptank @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

It's 'game on' with the official start of ratings... and there's so much to get across! The axe has already fallen at 10, meanwhile e-mails have been leaked from at least two networks that really must be seen to be believed and when is a story not a story (Molk and Rob really get into that one). Actress Sarah Monahan joins our little gang to bring her unique insight into the TV industry and she's so good we might just have to bring her back! Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the PR spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • POINTLESS axed • A HEY DAD! reboot? • Drama behind the scenes at 7 NEWS • SBS outsources a key role in their EUROVISION coverage to a foreign director • 10 struggles for its slice of the TV commercial advertising market • More bad news for the TODAY show • A new judge joins THE VOICE AUSTRALIA • A new gig for a much-loved star of GOGGLEBOX AUSTRALIA • Sandy Roberts calls it a day • Tony Jones leaves the ABC • Who won and who lost the last week of summer ratings (not that official survey periods are a thing any more... apparently) Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @shrimptank @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

One week out from the formal start of the 2019 ratings year and this week's podcast will make you question EVERYTHING you thought you knew about all of that. Plus there's some great chat and analysis of various shows and how we think they're going. So, you know... swings and roundabouts. Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the PR spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • The OzTAM official results for 2018 are in. • Two weeks in Molk discusses how the MAFS v MKR battle is going. • Rob has a chat with Nine's Chief Sales Officer MICHAEL STEPHENSON about the importance of BVOD, livestream and catch-up figures to the networks. • What is the new role for SYLVIA JEFFREYS at Nine (and why is STEVE JACOBS still in the studio)? • Budget cuts strike 10's DANCING WITH THE STARS before it even launches? • Rob reports back on why Brekky TV will avoid Indigenous issues now. • SBS admit there will be no more ROCKWIZ. • INSTANT HOTEL is back with a new host - ditching Luke Jacobz. • Molk's programming wrap checks out TV Tonight's programmer interviews.TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

How did our little podcast get caught up in the middle of a race row? There's a lot to discuss regarding the KAK v YUMI confrontation that made headlines around the country and our team really don't agree on this one! And it's battlegrounds all round as the networks fire their first salvos in the ratings war (even though ratings haven't actually started yet). Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the pr spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • Rob, Dan and Molk all weigh in on the KERRI-ANNE KENNERLEY v YUMI STYNES showdown on STUDIO 10. • SAM DASTYARI out, KATHERINE KELLY LANG in on I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE?! • Changes being considered for next year's BIG BASH LEAGUE on Seven/Foxtel as it delivers underdone ratings. • STEVEN JACOBS returns to THE TODAY SHOW and some diabolical ratings... and there's a twist only TV Blackbox can reveal. • MARK WAUGH drops a clanger about a lucky "punter". • SEVEN confirms THE LATEST will continue. • 10 signs FRANCESCA CUMANI to lead their MELBOURNE CUP coverage. • SEVEN set up a production office in the UK. • Molk lays down the numbers for the first outing of #MKR v #MAFS v ImACelebrityAU. #RealityRumbleTV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @TVBB_podcast crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @SteveMolk Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tv_blackbox Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

Can you believe it? There's still 3 weeks of summer non-ratings to go and there's as much TV news as ever! Just as well we're here to keep you apprised of who's in, who's out and who really *is* in or out despite what the PR Jedis are trying to tell you. It's literally cray. CRAY, people! Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the pr spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • TV Blackbox exclusively reveals STEVE JACOBS is landing back on THE TODAY SHOW. • Peter Ford leaks the cast of DANCING WITH THE STARS • Another TVB exclusive - KATHERINE KELLY LANG to parachute into I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE?! • Rob delivers some exclusive inside info on the upcoming season of SURVIVOR AUSTRALIA • Molk tries to wade through the ratings of the Cricket for SEVEN and gets all caught up in the BVOD numbers • AJAY first out of the IAC jungle - but how is it rating? How will it survive when MKR and MAFS start on Monday?!TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @tv_blackbox crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @SteveMolk Find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Celebrating a whole new TODAY SHOW line-up, and the start of 10's 50-week programming strategy, we're kicking off with a whole boatload of news, behind the scenes info and ratings analysis... including first reactions to the season five launch of I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE! Each week the TV Blackbox team take you behind the scenes, wade through the pr spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. On this episode: • AJAY ROCHESTER enters the jungle, and Rob reminds us she made some massive claims about what went on during her time hosting THE BIGGEST LOSER AUSTRALIA • What did the TV Blackbox team think of the I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE! season five launch and the lack of casting surprises? • Rob & Molk's first reactions to the Deb Knight/Georgie Gardner-led THE TODAY SHOW • Will KARL STEFANOVIC survive past Easter at Nine? • Rob & Molk discuss the MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT participant contracts • PETER EVERETT's allegations about 10's interference in the Plates for Mates fundraiser for Matt Golinski • Charges laid against CRAIG McLACHLAN • MARK CALVERT lands at Sky News • Seven deliver a special looking back at ten seasons of MY KITCHEN RULES • Summer ratings, and the ABC beats 10 (again) • Have you won Netflix's BANDERSNATCH yet? • First reactions to the ratings for the season five launch of I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE! TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @tv_blackbox crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @SteveMolk Find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.com.au

Peter Everett is one of Australia's most-loved presenters... and he's as mad as a cut snake! His personal and professional story is one of sadness and loss, but he's also seen and done some amazing things. In this episode Peter opens up about his shock sacking from Ready Steady Cook, how he lost $900,000 and how Channel 10 sabotaged a charity event because of his involvement (and threatened to sack network stars on their payroll). It's a rollercoaster ride but Peter handles himself with dignity and grace... and throws in some great one-liners as well! **Visit the TV Blackbox website here: https://tvblackbox.com.au **Subscribe to the McKnight Tonight and TV Blackbox podcast here https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-blackbox-mcknight-tonight/id1415436461?mt=2

From the classic movie To Sir With Love to So You Think You Can Dance, Bonnie Lythgoe has worked with some of the greats of the entertainment business. Now she's sharing the story of her success and a bit of backstage gossip too! In this raw and very honest conversation Bonnie talks about her complicated marriage to American Idol judge Simon Lythgoe and what led to their divorce, plus how her close friendship with pop star Lulu turned sour. Her Australian pantomimes haven't been without controversy, we'll find out what she knew about the alleged affair between Lauren Brant and Beau Ryan plus why she openly supported Sir Cliff Richard publicly during his darkest hours. Then, Doctor Who star Frazer Hines pops in for a quick hello in between performances. McKnight Tonight is part of the TV Blackbox podcast feed, subscribe here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-blackbox-mcknight-tonight/id1415436461?mt=2

In this special episode TV Executive Dan Bennett reflects on his time working with actress Penny Cook, who recently lost her battle with cancer. Dan also reflects on the cancer battle of his best friend, Cornelia Frances, who he was with in her final days. We also get an update on how Dan is going in the UK while working on the TV series Hollyoaks and how he spent Christmas in front of the TV for a truly English annual event. Visit our website at: https://www.tvblackbox.net and subscribe to the podcast through iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-blackbox-mcknight-tonight/id1415436461?mt=2

*Part 1 can be found here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/mcknight-tonight-with-psychic-medium-john-edward/id1415436461?i=1000425925914&mt=2 Did Psychic Medium John Edward channel Princess Diana on Australian television? That's the question many have asked after John unknowingly read Paul Burrell, Diana's butler, on I'm a Celebrity Get me out of here. For the first time you will hear what really happened behind the scenes. In this wide-ranging chat, John also reveals why he likes Atheists, what the purpose of readings is and the moment he doubted his abilities. McKnight Tonight is part of the TV Blackbox podcast feed, subscribe here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-blackbox-mcknight-tonight/id1415436461?mt=2

Just when we thought the year was winding down, Channel 9 sharpens the axe and strikes, creating news headlines around the country. First up, Peter Stefanovic's contract was not renewed as part of a cost based decision! Then, Karl Stefanovic was removed from the TODAY show!! The news was so big it prompted an impromptu episode!!! And to help us make sense of it all, media commentator Peter Ford brings us all the inside goss!!!! (There aren't enough exclamation marks in the world for this episode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Each week a washed-up TV Producer (Rob McKnight), a TV writer and executive (Dan Bennett), an EMMY award winner (Jay Cagatay) & TV enthusiast and commentator (Steve Molk) take you behind the scenes, wade through the pr spin and launch into the reality that is the Australian television business. Also in our news section; • Seven cancels 'The Blake Mysteries' • CBS denies Les Moonves a big payout • Seriously, is there anything the stars of 'I'm a celebrity..." aren't allowed to do away from the cameras!? • STAN's big Disney deal • No Summer Lovin' for TEN • The most popular show of 2018 doesn't even exist any more • Vale: Penny Marshall TV BlackBox is your weekly source of inside information across all facets of the Australian TV industry. Follow the @tv_blackbox crew: @Rob_McKnight @DanMBennett @jayktweets @SteveMolk Find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TVBlackbox/ Visit our website: https://tvblackbox.net

No topic is out of bounds in this compelling episode of McKnightTonight. Rob and John have become good friends over the years but Rob has never revealed his skeptical side... until now. With mutual respect John and Rob discuss what being a psychic medium is all about, how it works and why it makes non-believers so mad. Rob also reveals what he's seen behind the scenes while making television with John on Studio 10. There's also some time to discuss their favourite topic; Doctor Who! Whether you believe in something more or not, you will be riveted to John's insight. McKnight Tonight is part of the 'TV Blackbox' podcast feed: https://www.tvblackbox.net