1997 in Australian television
Events
- 6 January - Rob Elliott takes over from Tony Barber as host of Wheel Of Fortune. The programme starts 1997 without Adriana Xenides as she takes long term leave as letter turner, she returns the puzzleboard in July. Her place is filled by ex-Perfect Match hostess Kerrie Friend. After a notable absence throughout 1996 due in part to hosting Family Feud for the last remainder of the year, John Deeks returns to the booth as announcer - the position previously held by David Day in Adelaide, and Ron E Sparkes in Sydney.
- 3 February - Australian drama serial Heartbreak High switches over to air on ABC at 6:00pm from Monday to Thursdays.
- 1 July - Prime Television comes to Mildura, ending a monopoly on commercial television held by STV-8 since 1965.
- September - Jo Beth Taylor resigns as host of Australia's Funniest Home Video Show as part of the show's biggest hosts in history - she is replaced by Getaway reporter, Catriona Rowntree, and then axed.
- 11 July - American-Canadian children's animated series Arthur debuts on ABC.
- 11 October - In Neighbours, Helen Daniels dies in her sleep at a family get together. The last ever of the original cast members Anne Haddy departs the series, she died two years later after an illness.
- 1 November - TCN-9 stages the first trial of digital television in the Southern Hemisphere.
- 1 December - American animated comedy series South Park airs on SBS. It also became the network's highest rating series to date.
- The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales is broadcast live on all ABC and commercial free-to-air television channels.
Channels
New channels
Rebranded channels
Debuts
Domestic
International
International
Changes to network affiliation
This is a list of programs which made their premiere on an Australian television network that had previously premiered on another Australian television network. The networks involved in the switch of allegiances are predominantly both free-to-air networks or both subscription television networks. Programs that have their free-to-air/subscription television premiere, after previously premiering on the opposite platform (free-to air to subscription/subscription to free-to air) are not included. In some cases, programs may still air on the original television network. This occurs predominantly with programs shared between subscription television networks.
Domestic
International
Television shows
ABC
Seven Network
Nine Network
Network Ten
Ending / Resting this year
References
- ↑ Freeman, Jane (1 June 1997). "A festival in your living room". Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media). p. 15. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
- ↑ Jane, Freeman (22 June 1997). "Docos hold the faithful". Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media). p. 13. Retrieved 21 December 2009.
- 1 2 Elder, Bruce (30 March 1997). "The new MUSIC WARS". Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media). p. 13. Retrieved 21 December 2009.
On March 20, ARC disappeared to be replaced by MTV, Music Television, and on April 18 RED will be replaced by Channel [V].
- ↑ Thomas, Brett (5 April 1997). "GET REAL, WORLD - MTV IS WHERE IT'S AT". The Sun-Herald (Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media). p. 6.
The World of Eric Carle
Oakie Doke
Billy the Cat