Seven Network 2012 program schedule launch (BNE)

Channel 7 enter 2012 riding the wave that has carried them to the top over the last 5 years. It’s taken a lot of hard work by the network but some risks and some good fortune have helped the “big red train” gain momentum and cruise through 2011, seemingly unstoppable. Attending the 2012 program launch in Brisbane last night the network showed off it’s coming schedule with a confidence befitting the number one network in the country.

Held at The Powerhouse in New Farm, all guests were encouraged to wear a “splash of red” and the venue reflected that in a glowing vision of positivity – massive posters of the big new local & international shows in Ch7’s schedule, walls bathed in a red glow, a massive Seven logo and even a life-size waving TV character to greet people as they arrived. Though the pouring rain may have dampened people as they arrived, the warmth of the assembled throng soon saw to that – including most of the members of the various Brisbane breakfast radio teams from Nova, B105, Triple M, 97.3 FM, 96.5 FM & 4BC.

The night was hosted by Weekend Sunrise & Deal Or No Deal host Andrew O’Keeffe who after a short welcome introduced the guests to a variety of Ch7 stars & show participants featured in the schedule. Andrew interviewed Ada Nicodemou about Home and Away, and then introduced us to Tony & Elva Turco who are involved in Please Marry My Boy – starting after the tennis. We got to see and hear from solider mates David & Scott and partners Peter & Gary who are all competing in My Kitchen Rules – starting after the tennis. Ryan Corr represented the Packed To The Rafters crew – returning after the tennis. The team from 7 News Brisbane showed us their new promo – starting after the tennis – and it was excellent to see the entire on-air team of Kay McGrath, Rod Young, Pat Welsh, Shane Webcke, Sharyn Ghidella, Angie Asimus & John Schluter. Rod even caught quick-witted Andrew on the hop with memories of Andrew hosting the 2002 schedule launch just after they’d both just joined the network.

The promo reel was full to the brim of returning Ch7 shows and new programs about to drop: Home & Away, My Kitchen Rules, Please Marry My Boy, Packed To The Rafters, Once Upon A Time, Airways, Titanic, Revenge, Winners and Losers, Good Christian Bitches, Beauty and the Geek, Downton Abbey, Better Homes and Gardens, The Amazing Race Australia, AFL (on 7mate), Strike Back, Desperate Housewives, Pictures Of You, Santo, Sam & Ed’s Sports Fever, Australia’s Got Talent, The X Factor, Dancing With The Stars… even a special cameo from Kath & Kim, reminding us they are returning to the network this year. It looks big, it sounds big – and scheduling it will be key. A massive night was had by all, and is reflected in the interviews I collected. A massive thank you to Tony Stower and Deb Turner and her team for the work in making such a wonderful night come off without a hitch.

Download the first MolksTVTalk – the Podcast for 2012 (available 26 January from the website or subscribe via iTunes) to hear interviews with all sorts of people who attended the launch – including Liz Cantor, Dan Anstey, David “Luttsy” Lutteral, Chris Parsons, Kimberley Busteed, Pat Welsh, Ada Nicdemou, Andrew O’Keeffe & Ryan Corr. It’s… educational.