Another Nine departure
Posted July 3rd, 2009 by debritz
The big Channel 9 announcement for this week is that newsreader Mark Ferguson is leaving the network. According to Nine, Ferguson "declined to sign a new contract with the network". A statement added: "Nine is very disappointed Mark has turned down the generous offer that was made to re-new his contract." And, of course, more disappointed that he is, in fact, going to Channel Seven - and had made his decision just one week into his new role of reading news on Nine's new 4.30pm show, This Afternoon, which had had a low-rated debut. Ferguson will have to serve out his time at Nine in a less starring role. And, in Brisbane, that decision to axe Extra isn't looking all that clever ..
Brett,
From ekka.com.au
"Channel Nine Broadcast Centre
In an unprecedented move, Channel Nine is taking its 6:00pm News Bulletin out of the studio and onto location at Ekka.
Throughout the ten days of Ekka, the News Bulletin will be coming to you live from the purpose built Channel Nine Broadcast Centre which overlooks the Energex Community Arena.
While the primary function of the Channel Nine Broadcast Centre is to broadcast Nine programs live, it will also be listed as one of the newest attractions at the Ekka and provide a behind the scenes look at a TV station to all that pass through the Ekka gates. Best of all, the experience is FREE with your Ekka admission."
(joke) Come visit Channel Nine's complaints department, all of Brisbane is welcome! (end joke)
And 612ABC broadcast from an OB van on the edge of the show ring for many years.
Nine's is unprecedented Brett, due to what's happened (i.e the "clever" decision to axe Extra.)
If the Extra faithful caught wind of this (which they probably will), Nine better have a psychologist on standby. The Our Brisbane complaints river may turn into a torrent at the Ekka.
And this comment sums it up.
"The comments keep on coming for support for Brisbane Extra."