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Adelaide Advertiser Saturday 19th January

Ten brings back Good News Week

Channel 10 has announced plans to revamp past tried and tested Australian TV Programming to combat the crippling US writers strike.

With the Hollywood industrial action showing no signs of winding down, Ten has decided to bring back a revamped version of past hit Good News Week in an attempt to bridge programming shortfalls.

Good News Week last aired on Ten in 2000 and while host Paul McDermott will be back on board to front the variety-style show, his cohorts are yet to be named.

Ten's chief programming officer David Mott confirmed the decision to bring back Good News Week was motivated by the overseas strike.

He also indicated the possibility of revamping more Australian programming - as long as it will still be relevant.

"The writers' strike in the US has highlighted the importance of formats that are home-grown, durable and flexible, and rarely do you see a show like GNW where tears later you watch and can say 'that still works'," he said.

Fellow Australian commercial network Nine has said it is yet to look into bringing back past programs to deal with any gaps in programming as a result of the strike.

Responding to queries from the The Advertiser, Nine said the network had a strong stable of local programming already lined up for 2008 - a plan that was put in place well before the writers' strike intensified at the end of last year.

"The strike will have a minimal impact on Nine," a spokesperson said.

"The network has a powerhouse of new programs ready to launch in February including Underbelly, The Chopping Block, The Power of 10 and Monster House plus high-rating new episodes from returning series."

Seven is yet to make an announcement on the issue.

Ten's move to bring back Good News Week came as a top Australian union official pledged to bring the writers' strike to Australia.

Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Howes this week gave a passionate address at a picket line outside Twentieth Century Fox's Los Angeles studios, telling screenwriters he would investigate how to support their action in Australia.

"When I return home to Australia I will be working with our other unions to ensure we can take action and solidarity actions in support of your guys," he told the writers.

Meanwhile, Hollywood directors yesterday reached a tentative contract deal with studios after five days of negotiations. However, in response, the writers guild has said directors do not represent their interests, leaving the industrial action to continue indefinitely.