ABC ends discussions with producers of THE CHECKOUT

The relationship between producer JULIAN MORROW and the ABC appears to have turned toxic with the national broadcaster walking away from any further discussions saying the parties are not ‘creatively aligned’.

In a statement that squarely puts the blame in a breakdown of relations with production company Giant Dwarf (and subsequently Executive Producer Julian Morrow), the ABC indicates it will not negotiate in public;

The ABC had preliminary discussions with producer Giant Dwarf to develop a consumer affairs program that offers something new to our audiences, showcasing fresh ideas and diverse Australian talent. We have ended those discussions after Giant Dwarf’s public statements and correspondence and dealings with the ABC made it clear we are not creatively aligned, which is a necessary first step when considering development of a new program.

We were clear from the outset of those discussions that we are unable to commission a seventh series of The Checkout due to editorial and legal reasons, including current court proceedings between third parties.

The ABC continues to look at ways to build on the consumer affairs content of our News, Factual and Specialist teams across radio, television and online.

Meanwhile, we are working with Giant Dwarf on other unrelated projects. We are also proud that our program slate for next year features some of the great talent featured in The Checkout , including Craig Reucassel on Fight for Planet A: The Climate Challenge and Big Weather, and Kirsten Drysdale and Zoe Norton Lodge on Reputation Rehab.

The legal action the ABC refers to a dispute between producers Giant Dwarf-owned The Checkout Pty. Ltd. and Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder.

According to TV Tonight The dispute follows CJZ transferring a 50% share of a Checkout joint venture company to Giant Dwarf.

Sources tell TV Blackbox this was a major issue for the national broadcaster who wanted any legal action to be sorted out before commissioning another series.

R.I.P. The Checkout. pic.twitter.com/QAn9iGai9f

— The Checkout (@checkouttv) July 6, 2018

Back in July the writing was on the wall something was going on with satirical consumer affairs show when Morrow posted a statement online stating The Checkout had been axed;

‘“We’re disappointed the ABC’s funding priorities do not include The Checkout”

The ABC responded shortly after by saying the show had not been ‘axed’;

“The programming slate regularly changes for any number of reasons, including the need to strike a balance between new and returning programs for audiences. Putting The Checkout on hiatus does not preclude the program from returning in the future.”

The Checkout is produced by production company Giant Dwarf, of which Morrow is now the sole director.

Sources tell TV Blackbox the ABC had begun looking at an alternative program in order to freshen up the format. Those sources also point out that no show has a right to be on TV and all shows are recommissioned based a variety of factors.

However, the ABC did include Giant Dwarf in its discussions regarding a new show but were blind-sided when confidential communications were made public by producers in November. The social media posts accused the ABC of employment discrimination;

So much for “hiatus”…. Now @ABCTV is also banning personnel from #thecheckout from a new consumer show … quite the F.U. for the talented, hard-working folks who worked on the Tube. Working on the only consumer show on TV for 6 series disqualifies you from consumer show ??? pic.twitter.com/DdaH9VJqMW

— The Checkout (@checkouttv) November 24, 2019

So much for “hiatus”…. Now  @ABCTV is also banning personnel from #thecheckout from a new consumer show … quite the F.U. for the talented, hard-working folks who worked on the Tube. Working on the only consumer show on TV for 6 series disqualifies you from consumer show ??? 

Sources at the ABC tell TV Blackbox they were disappointed and annoyed by the posting of that information and we understand that has led to a breakdown in relationships with Morrow, who has been campaigning publicly for another series of The Checkout.

It would appear Morrow’s plan to publicly force the ABC to commission another series has backfired.