Top Gear Australia moving to Nine in 2010…
Sydney talkback radio station 2UE yesterday reported that the SBS series Top Gear Australia is on the move and will air on the Nine Network from 2010. Adding to that the other speculation was that it could include Shane Warne as a possible host for the programme, ratings for the show have not lived up to the hype of a local series along with fan’s expectations in comparison with the original UK version.
The move to Nine and Warne as one of the hosts would see a major over haul of the show, a rejuvenation with extra financial support which SBS could not offer. Warne is of course linked to Nine with a part time cricket commentary gig in the Summer, he will also bring a well known face to the series.
The suggestion that Top Gear Australia could air on Nine is not something to dismiss as ACP Magazines, the magazine arm or PBL Media and owners of the Nine Network have a partnership with the BBC to publish the Top Gear Australia Magazine. PBL Media/Nine therefore already have a vested interest, and given the high licence fees SBS have been paying to produce a local show, it is extremely plausible that a commercial network could make it a profitable entity.
The TV ratings will kick off once again in February next year, at the same time Top Gear Live will also be in the country once again. When the show was last in Australia it was a sell out a received rave reviews proving how popular the show can be if done right.
Filed Under: Nine Network
