Latest news with #Telethon
West Australian
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Sunrise host Matt Shirvington celebrates ratings success after joining breakfast show two years ago
Following in the footsteps of beloved breakfast TV host David Koch was always going to be a big ask. But two years after joining Sunrise, Matt Shirvington has not only been embraced by viewers, he's helped push ratings even higher alongside co-host Natalie Barr. This week, Sunrise enjoyed a sizeable lead over its competitor Today, consistently beating them in a busy news week. 'It's hard to believe it's already been two years with Nat and the Sunrise team. We're so grateful our viewers continue to choose to start their mornings with us — we never take that for granted,' Shirvington said. Sunrise has averaged a national total TV audience of 415,000, up 7 per cent year-on-year, extending its lead over Today nationally. It now attracts 30 per cent more viewers, compared to a 21 per cent lead at the same point in 2024. 'The transition from David Koch to Matt Shirvington has been seamless with Natalie Barr, which comes after years of him polishing his craft in sports and news,' TV Tonight's David Knox said. 'Sunrise enjoys a massive lead over Today, this week by more than 100,000 in a week of major news events. 'That's a headache for Nine, which knows that viewers are rusted-on and don't make the switch lightly.' The show continues to do well in WA, averaging a total TV audience of 41,000 in Perth, nearly three times higher than Today, which averages 14,000. 'We love our WA viewers, and with Nat, there's always been that special connection to the west,' Shirvington said. 'We love getting over there for Telethon, and we'll both be back again this year.' The ratings race between Today and Sunrise, which have both seen line-up changes, has widened in recent years. In 2023, Sarah Abo joined long-term host Karl Stefanovic as co-host of Today, replacing Allison Langdon who moved to A Current Affair. Knox said recent missteps at Today had not helped the cause. 'I don't think a recent visit to Dubai, broadcasting in the dead of night from a five-star resort did it any favours, especially when there were floods back home,' he said.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sunrise host feats on rival in battle for breakfast ratings
Following in the footsteps of beloved breakfast TV host David Koch was always going to be a big ask. But two years after joining Sunrise, Matt Shirvington has not only been embraced by viewers, he's helped push ratings even higher alongside co-host Natalie Barr. This week, Sunrise enjoyed a sizeable lead over its competitor Today, consistently beating them in a busy news week. 'It's hard to believe it's already been two years with Nat and the Sunrise team. We're so grateful our viewers continue to choose to start their mornings with us — we never take that for granted,' Shirvington said. Sunrise has averaged a national total TV audience of 415,000, up 7 per cent year-on-year, extending its lead over Today nationally. It now attracts 30 per cent more viewers, compared to a 21 per cent lead at the same point in 2024. 'The transition from David Koch to Matt Shirvington has been seamless with Natalie Barr, which comes after years of him polishing his craft in sports and news,' TV Tonight's David Knox said. Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington on set. Credit: SCOTT EHLER 'Sunrise enjoys a massive lead over Today, this week by more than 100,000 in a week of major news events. 'That's a headache for Nine, which knows that viewers are rusted-on and don't make the switch lightly.' The show continues to do well in WA, averaging a total TV audience of 41,000 in Perth, nearly three times higher than Today, which averages 14,000. 'We love our WA viewers, and with Nat, there's always been that special connection to the west,' Shirvington said. 'We love getting over there for Telethon, and we'll both be back again this year.' The ratings race between Today and Sunrise, which have both seen line-up changes, has widened in recent years. Mat Shirvington. Credit: Supplied In 2023, Sarah Abo joined long-term host Karl Stefanovic as co-host of Today, replacing Allison Langdon who moved to A Current Affair. Knox said recent missteps at Today had not helped the cause. 'I don't think a recent visit to Dubai, broadcasting in the dead of night from a five-star resort did it any favours, especially when there were floods back home,' he said.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Telethon Mega Bingo: Mum Tanya Ford picks up keys to ‘life-changing' GWM Haval Jolion prize
Winning a brand new car at Telethon's Mega Bingo had still not sunk in for Tanya Ford as she picked up the keys to her GWM Haval Jolion. The Perth mum was among more than 10,000 participants who descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 14 and 15 for Australia's largest bingo call. Being announced as the winner of a new vehicle was 'life-changing' for Ms Ford after she had to recently sell the family car to pay for her daughter's school fees. Tanya and her partner, Brad, were still in shock as they unveiled their new vehicle, valued at $29,990 drive away, which was kindly donated to the Telethon bingo event by GWM Wanneroo. Ms Ford said her first pitstop was to pick up her daughter from school, which had become a difficult task in recent weeks after the family sold their car. 'Brad was spending four hours a day on public transport to get to work and I felt bad that he was having to do that,' she said. 'This is a life-changing win. The whole family feels incredibly lucky and very grateful. I think this is a shining example of the spirit behind Telethon.' Ms Ford said the fact she won the car at a Telethon fundraising event made the win even more special. 'When Ariana was one she was put into Princess Margaret Hospital and at the time the hospital was full so the only room available was on the oncology ward,' she said. 'We had to walk along that corridor and I remember these rooms full of children that had cancer and I just remember seeing their brave little faces. In that moment, I understood with all of my being why Telethon is so important. 'This win is something I won't forget but the cause behind it is something that will stay with me even more.' More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA's sickest children across the bingo events. All proceeds go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State. The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Perth Mum picks up keys to ‘life-changing' prize worth $30k
Winning a brand new car at Telethon's Mega Bingo had still not sunk in for Tanya Ford as she picked up the keys to her GWM Haval Jolion. The Perth mum was among more than 10,000 participants who descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 14 and 15 for Australia's largest bingo call. Being announced as the winner of a new vehicle was 'life-changing' for Ms Ford after she had to recently sell the family car to pay for her daughter's school fees. Tanya and her partner, Brad, were still in shock as they unveiled their new vehicle, valued at $29,990 drive away, which was kindly donated to the Telethon bingo event by GWM Wanneroo. Ms Ford said her first pitstop was to pick up her daughter from school, which had become a difficult task in recent weeks after the family sold their car. Pictured is Tanya at GWM in Wanneroo unwrapping her prize. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The West Australian 'Brad was spending four hours a day on public transport to get to work and I felt bad that he was having to do that,' she said. 'This is a life-changing win. The whole family feels incredibly lucky and very grateful. I think this is a shining example of the spirit behind Telethon.' Ms Ford said the fact she won the car at a Telethon fundraising event made the win even more special. 'When Ariana was one she was put into Princess Margaret Hospital and at the time the hospital was full so the only room available was on the oncology ward,' she said. 'We had to walk along that corridor and I remember these rooms full of children that had cancer and I just remember seeing their brave little faces. In that moment, I understood with all of my being why Telethon is so important. Pictured is Tanya with partner Brad at GWM in Wanneroo. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The West Australian 'This win is something I won't forget but the cause behind it is something that will stay with me even more.' More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA's sickest children across the bingo events. All proceeds go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State. The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.
West Australian
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Dr Chris Brown: Dancing With The Stars host reminds Perth he still enjoys vet work between TV appearances
His list of talents include TV host, dance floor cheerleader, and global adventurer, but the one CV item Dr Chris Brown is quizzed on above all is whether he still works as a vet. 'This would be the question I get asked most in life,' he told The West Australian while visiting Crown Perth this week. 'And I actually do.' The star returns to his Bondi practice regularly, declaring 'it's what reminds me of who I am' — though his feisty patients don't always show their appreciation. The popular Telethon alumnus stopped by Perth Children's Hospital earlier this to offer some gifts, pet advice, and absolutely no tips on mastering the ballroom despite returning as co-host of Dancing With The Stars. Although this dog handler might be learning some new tricks behind the scenes. 'There are moments where I'll pull aside some of the pros and be like, 'That knee slide, how do you do that?'' he said. 'So I have spent just a little bit of time in the studio, learning a few little bits and pieces.' Co-hosting with Sonia Kruger, Brown said the pair's blink-and-you'll-miss-it dance routines to open each show can feel like an eternity, but he's found a way to become a 'master at the two-second shimmy'. He said his on-screen dynamic with the 2025 Gold Logie nominee is driven by relentless banter, with the pair constantly 'throwing curveballs' and hoping the other will crack. The duo will be reprising their roles as Logies red carpet hosts on August 3. However, Brown admitted he'd be leaving much of the fashion commentary to his wing woman, because unfortunately, he shares more with man's best friend than most. 'I'm colour blind, so I just have a golden rule that I never ask, I never make any comment around what anyone's wearing, or the colour of what they're wearing, or anything to do with fashion whatsoever,' he revealed. 'It's just a minefield.' Fortunately, the animal expert is far better suited to steer his new show Once in a Lifetime, set to debut later this year. It sees Brown leave the comfort of the studio, and the vet hospital, venturing abroad with far-from-qualified Aussie personalities as they attempt to treat unpredictable animals with more than just a humorous line or two. 'The catch is that they have to be my completely untrained veterinary assistant. It's a crazy concept, but it works,' he said. Guests include Mick Molloy, Kate Ritchie, Matt Preston, and Amanda Keller, with the star joking he was 'relieved we got everyone back alive, because it was an insurance nightmare'. Despite being worlds away from home, Brown struggled to escape the same familiar interrogation from his guests surrounding his qualifications. They would ask: 'Are you actually qualified to do this?' 'And I had to remind them, yes I am — but they're not,' he joked. 'So we had some fun.' Dancing With The Stars airs every Sunday on Seven and 7plus from 7pm.
