The tumultuous week for Channel Nine continues with Sunday host Ray Martin calling it a day, leaving the network only 72 hours before the return of Sunday. Firstly it was the poor ratings result from The Chopping Block, followed by the court intervention over the screening of Underbelly followed by Martin's exit which makes Nine Executives hoping the weekend would hurry up.
Martin's press release reflected his professionalism as he and Nine have parted on good terms but Sunday maybe the disaster left for incumbent host Ellen Fanning who must now pick up the pieces as the show faces enormous amounts of pressure.
So who will join Fanning as a co-host or will she go the show alone?
Surely they would not front Fanning as the single host because they tried that, then combined Sunday with Business Sunday and then host Ross Greenwood before he was given the punt for Martin.
Perhaps Greenwood will return to the fold?
I'd think not if he didn't work last time then don't go back to him. Not that he isn't capable of doing the job, rather he is but Nine should not reverse the decision.
Michael Usher is a likely candidate as the current Sunday and Nightline newsreader, he has had broad experience including stints as both the US and UK foreign correspondants and would be considered one of Nine's senior national correspondants.
Michael Usher is a likely candidate as the current Sunday and Nightline newsreader, he has had broad experience including stints as both the US and UK foreign correspondants and would be considered one of Nine's senior national correspondants.
Is this the next face for Sunday?
Usher (pictured) had his name thrown around when Richard Carleton passed away as a possible 60 Minutes reporter and would be my pick from within the ranks.
Alternatively Nine may juggle the commitments of current 60 Minutes reporters Liam Bartlett or Peter Overton or even Syndey's Nine weekend news reader, Mike Munro who could evolve the Jim Waley role when he presented Sunday and the weekend news.
The show has struggled since it lost John Lyons and Jana Wendt with Nine not really knowing what to do with the show.
Has Sunday done it's dash and is it time to change the formula?
Hard News stories and programs are not rating like they did for Nine if people want it they are heading to Sky News or the ABC.
The 'Sunrise' formula has worked for Seven perhaps Nine now need a revamp with a new Sunday Morning show fronted by Georgie Gardner and Richard Wilkins.
Both more than capable and have great synegry together. I am impressed when they pair to fill in on the Today Show for Karl Stefanovick and Lisa Wilkinson.
What ever Nine do, it is added pressure heading into the first week of official ratings for 2008.
Buckle up.
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