The First Australia India cricket test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground re-instated the famous Nine's Wide World of Sport logo including the treasured 9 balls.
In a return the logo may also bring about new badges on the cricket commentators jackets, perhaps Richie Benaud can dust off the cream, white, the off white and the bone which were stitched with the old logo.
Cricket, men, balls and Channel 9 is perhaps the networks most treasured asset nostalgically connected to the former later owner of the network, Kerry Packer.
Channel Nine is cricket coverage and the game has kept its tradition with the commentator’s suits and ties, gentlemanly approach but with ever innovative technology unseen anywhere else in the world.
Hot Spot, Snicko, Hawk-Eye... what's next?
Billy 'the 12th Man' Birmingham has for years been parodying the Channel Nine Cricket technology suggesting a 'scrotometer' to measure the players comfort level in their jocks... who knows maybe Billy's tongue-in-cheek (excuse the pun) idea may be a reality before we know it.
Cleverly scripted returns of the Balls for Nine in a year where the network will attempt to hit back and re-discover that golden programming that had the premier Australian network as market leader. With David Gyngell returning to work and the new ratings year almost upon us Nine will launch some excellent new series sure to lure viewers back to the network.
Underbelly is based on the Melbourne Gang Land warfare that has plagued the city for the past decade. This thirteen part series, believed to be male focused will surely grab media attention with a strong cast lead by Robert Mammone and Martin Sacks.
In a continued push for a return of Australian drama, Nine are also launching Canal Road, The Strip and a remake of The Young Doctors. Viewers will also be viewing the final series of McLeod's Daughters and the second series of Sea Patrol which will surely create interest with the Australian viewers.
Nine's Australian drama stocks look promising but their lifestyle and reality documentary series have not been as well received as viewers compared with Seven who boast Border Security, Medical Emergency and RSPCA Animal Rescue to name a few.
Nine have had success with RPA and Missing Persons Unit but not quite the same success with The Gift or The Royal Flying Doctor Service which is going to be re-launched. One hopeful for the network however is The Chopping Block which has the potential and the creative team to be a success.
The network will be challenging Seven in 2008 and could close the widening gap but Seven still have the momentum with their Australian dramas City Homicide and All Saints. Seven will be backing their new drama Packed to the Rafetrs which will fill the void of the 'rested' Kath & Kim.
With Kath & Kim resting in 2008, Seven's ratings dominance could be challeged as the 'jewel in the crown' will not be on our screens. Although, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives are all returning and a re-make of Gladiators will be broadcast from February.
It will be a interesting year nonetheless and we the viewers are the fortunate ones with competition between the networks only producing more quality television programs for us to choose from.
***Top NEW Shows to watch in 2008***
1. The Chopping Block (9)
2. Gladiators (7)
3. Underbelly (9)
4. City Homicide Series 2 (7)
5. Packed to the Rafters (7)
I predict these five Australian programs to be the ratings success in 2008 at of the new batch of shows.
