Programming
There was significant public speculation about what programming the new station would carry. One of two options was suggested; Southern Cross would drop one of its affiliations (either Seven or Ten) and TDT would pick it up; or TDT would also become a dual Seven and Ten affiliate, and carry the programs that Southern Cross didn't broadcast.
Southern Cross didn't want to disrupt its existing programming, so the agreement TDT signed with the Ten Network still allows Southern Cross to have 'first pick' of Ten programming. If both networks wish to broadcast a program, Southern Cross must broadcast it at the same time as TDT. If Southern Cross wishes to broadcast a Ten program at a different time, TDT will often show repeats or substitute programming instead. Examples of this include Thank God You're Here, The Bold And The Beautiful, and The Wedge. Huey's Cooking Adventures was an exception, with both networks screening it at different times.
From its initial broadcast in late December 2003, to late January 2004, TDT showed a direct feed of ATV-10 in Melbourne. Southern Cross dropped Rove Live and Totally Wild in 2004, Big Brother in 2006, The Bold and the Beautiful in 2007, Hueys Cooking Adventures, Australian Idol and Thank God You're Here in 2008 (though it was brought back in 2009 with its move to Seven), and Neighbours and The Simpsons in 2009, TDT now broadcast these shows. Southern Cross as of 2009 does not show any Ten programming, except for AFL telecasts, and is almost fully aligned with Seven.
During the AFL season, Ten News is presented by George Donikian in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart & Perth on Saturday nights at 6:00pm, as well as a local edition of Sports Tonight. On Sunday, Ten News is presented by Natarsha Belling from TEN-10 Sydney.
For the 2010 Commonwealth Games (which Network Ten has terrestrial broadcasting rights) on One HD, TDT will use its digital channel 5 for the coverage.
In 2011, TEN Evening News Melbourne is broadcast on TEN Tasmania airs on weekends at 6pm.
Read more about this topic: TDT (TV Station)
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