Seven’s new CEO James Warburton has cancelled the network’s flagship current affairs program Sunday Night: True Stories.
The Australian news program, which has been on the air since February 2009, is hosted by Melissa Doyle. Craig McPherson, Director of News and Public Affairs, says it’s been a ‘tough’ decision for the network.
“After 11 years at the forefront of our Public Affairs offering it is with much sadness I announce the closing down of the day to day operations of Sunday Night: True Stories.
“It has been a very tough decision in a very challenging TV landscape.”
Melissa Doyle has hosted Sunday Night since 2015.
McPherson also thanked the team behind the show, which features reporters Steve Pennells, Angela Cox, Alex Cullen, Denham Hitchcock and Matt Doran.
“I want to thank the exceptional team of reporters; producers; camera operators; editors and many others who have helped produce more than 500 hours of quality public affairs programming over its lifetime,” he says.
“The program itself will remain on-air until the end of the year. A small production team will stay on to produce existing product over this time. I wish all those leaving us nothing but the best for the future.”
Sunday Night has been on the air for more than a decade, and was initially recorded in front of a live audience with co-hosts Mike Munro and Chris Bath.
Over the years, reporters including Alex Cullen, Mark Ferguson, Rahni Sadler, Rebecca Maddern, Grant Denyer, Edwina Bartholomew and the late Mike Willesee have graced the screen to tell Australian news stories.
As Seven’s flagship current affairs program is axed, rumours are circulating it will be replaced by a revived version of Today Tonight.
