February 2023 archive

1973: Which channel would go?

The question around the ongoing viability of three commercial networks has been raised, on and off, for many years. It was a question asked right back to when the federal government first permitted a third commercial network in the early 1960s — and in 1973 the industry itself was almost willing to sacrifice some of …

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Permanent link to this article: https://televisionau.com/2023/02/1973-which-channel-would-go.html

ABC’s Certain Women

Fifty years ago, ABC‘s Certain Women marked a shift in putting the primary focus in Australian television drama on women. Up until then, Australian television drama was largely male-dominated. Indeed, it was not until 1972 that the TV Week Logie Awards sought to add a category for Best Actress. Although serials like Motel, Bellbird and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://televisionau.com/2023/02/abcs-certain-women.html

Classic TV Guides: Skippy

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo, possibly Australian television’s first major television export, made its Australian debut in Sydney and Melbourne on 5 February 1968. Ninety-one episodes over three series were made between 1966 and 1969. Following the adventures of the Waratah National Park ranger’s youngest son, Sonny Hammond (Garry Pankhurst), and his ultra-intuitive marsupial companion, Skippy …

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Permanent link to this article: https://televisionau.com/2023/02/classic-tv-guides-skippy.html

Obituary: Gary Fenton

Gary Fenton, a former senior executive at the Seven and Nine networks, has died. He was a programming director at HSV7, Melbourne as far back as 1976. In 1988, when still in the programming role, he told The Herald newspaper: “It’s treading a fine line trying to come up with a schedule, and programs within …

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Permanent link to this article: https://televisionau.com/2023/02/obituary-gary-fenton.html