TV Networks set dates for post Easter franchises, amid increasingly intense race for revenue

Seven and Ten have confirmed the launch dates for their key post Easter franchises, with Seven the first out of the gate with House Rules to return 7:30pm on Wednesday April 30 while Ten’s MasterChef will launch on Monday May 5 at 7.30pm. Nine is also expected to shortly announce the return date of The Voice, with the talent show also expected to launch in early May.

The networks have avoided launching their key post Easters franchises this Sunday to ensure they do not compete with the Logie Awards.

Media buyers have told Mumbrella that they expect the Seven and Nine Networks to perform strongly putting further pressure on the struggling Ten Network, which is bringing back Masterchef for its sixth season. There is also growing talk among media buyers about whether Nine will be able to reach its publicly stated goal of reaching 40 per cent revenue share ahead of its 2015 goal.

Victor Corones chief investment officer IPG Mediabrands, told Mumbrella: “It is possible for Nine to get that (40 per cent share) out of the market it is just a question on how they will continue to trade. I think the there will be downward pressure on Ten’s share delivery. If ratings can’t be turned around then that will put pressure on share delivery across the remainder of the year.”