7HD

Seven Network
	File:Seven Network logo.svg Logo used since 2016
Company type	Commercial television network
Industry	Broadcasting
Founded	November 4, 1956; 70 years ago (as HSV-7, Melbourne)
Headquarters	Sydney, Australia
Area served	Australia
Owner	Seven West Media Limited
Website	7plus.com.au

Seven Network (also known as 7Network, Channel Seven, or simply Seven) is an Australian commercial free-to-air television broadcaster owned by Seven West Media Limited. It ranks among the five principal free-to-air networks in Australia, with its main offices located in Sydney.

By the year 2014, Seven Network had become the second-largest television network in Australia based on audience reach. Its schedule features a mix of nonfiction programming such as news broadcasts (Seven News) and sports coverage, alongside scripted entertainment. In 2011, Seven accomplished a significant feat by securing the top position in total viewer ratings for all 40 weeks of the ratings calendar, a first since the OzTAM ratings system was introduced in 2001.

As of 2024, Seven Network holds the lead in national television ratings across Australia, surpassing rivals including the Nine Network, ABC TV, Network 10, and SBS.

Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Seven are situated in Eveleigh, Sydney, with the building completed in 2003. The production of national news and current affairs is managed between flagship stations ATN-7 in Sydney and HSV-7 in Melbourne. In 2009, the network shifted its Sydney production facilities from Epping to a custom-built high-definition centre located at the Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh.

Origins

The foundation of the Seven Network traces back to independent stations established in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Melbourne’s HSV-7, licensed to The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd, commenced broadcasting on 4 November 1956 as the city’s first VHF7 channel. Sydney’s ATN-7, licensed to Amalgamated Television Services (a Fairfax subsidiary), began transmission on 2 December 1956 as Sydney's third television station. At first, these stations collaborated with their respective VHF9 counterparts for content sharing: ATN-7 partnered with Melbourne’s GTV-9, while HSV-7 worked alongside Sydney’s TCN-9.

TVW-7 Perth launched on 16 October 1959 as Perth’s inaugural television station. Following closely were Brisbane’s BTQ-7 on 1 November 1959 and Adelaide’s ADS-7 on 24 October 1959, marking the last capital city VHF7 station to begin broadcasting. In December 1987, ADS exchanged frequencies with SAS-10.

In April 1957, HSV-7 forged a significant partnership with the Victorian Football League by televising the first live Australian rules football game. Early programming included cost-effective shows such as Pick a Box along with adaptations from radio. The early 1960s saw the establishment of coaxial cable connections between Sydney and Melbourne, facilitating program exchanges and simultaneous live broadcasts.

In 1960, media magnate Frank Packer acquired a controlling stake in Melbourne’s GTV-9, creating Australia’s first television network—the National Nine Network—and dissolving previous content-sharing arrangements involving ATN-7 and HSV-7. As a result, ATN-7 and HSV-7 united to form the Australian Television Network in 1963, later joined by ADS-7 Adelaide and BTQ-7 Brisbane. This network increased its investment in higher-quality productions, notably producing Homicide, which became Australia’s longest-running drama series over its twelve-year run. By 1970, the network adopted the Network 7 identity along with a national logo while retaining independently owned stations that featured local advertising.

The introduction of colour broadcasting across the network occurred in 1975 alongside a redesigned colour logo. In 1979, although Rupert Murdoch made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase HSV-7's parent company, he later acquired control of rival station ATV-10. That same year, Fairfax secured a notable 14.9% stake in HSV-7's owner.

1980s

The 1980s marked the arrival of stereo audio and several hit programs, including A Country Practice (1981) and Sons and Daughters (1982). In July 1981, Wheel of Fortune premiered from ADS-7’s Adelaide studios, maintaining a 25-year run. The network provided live coverage of the 1980 Summer Olympics, while Neighbours first aired on Seven in 1985 but was canceled due to poor ratings in Sydney, later finding international acclaim after moving to Network Ten.

In 1982, Perth entrepreneur Robert Holmes à Court purchased TVW-7 through the Bell Group. The "Network 7" branding was discontinued in 1984. By December 1986, The Herald and Weekly Times, which owned HSV-7 and ADS-7, was acquired by Rupert Murdoch for around A$1.8 billion. Murdoch’s News Limited subsequently sold HSV-7 to Fairfax for $320 million; Fairfax then scaled back local programming in favor of content networked from Sydney’s ATN-7.

Due to cross-media ownership regulations enacted in 1987, Fairfax was compelled to sell its television holdings, which were acquired by Qintex Ltd., controlled by businessman Christopher Skase. Prior to this, Qintex had purchased and divested stations in Brisbane and regional Queensland before assuming control of the network. That same year saw a return to the "Australian Television Network" name. In 1988, a fresh logo debuted alongside the launch of the soap opera Home and Away and an updated Seven National News (later renamed Seven News). Skase expanded the network's reach nationally by acquiring TVW-7 for $130 million.

The network officially adopted the Seven Network name in 1991. However, Qintex’s unsuccessful $1.5 billion bid for MGM Studios resulted in receivership. Skase fled Australia in 1990 amid extradition attempts. The receivers consolidated assets into a newly formed company, Seven Network Limited, in 1991.

1990s

In 1992, the national current-affairs show Real Life, hosted by Stan Grant, premiered but was eventually replaced by the more popular Today Tonight.

The network went public with a stock exchange listing in 1993, shortly after subscription television provider Australis entered the market. That year also marked the conclusion of A Country Practice after 1058 episodes. Additionally, Blue Heelers debuted and was shifted to Wednesdays in 1998 to make room for the new medical drama All Saints. Both series garnered strong viewership alongside lifestyle programs such as Better Homes and Gardens and The Great Outdoors, enhancing the network's competitive stance.

In 1995, Seven Network Limited acquired Sunshine Television (STQ), a regional Queensland affiliate, aligning its regional stations under the Seven brand with unified programming. The popular show Australian Gladiators filmed its first two seasons in Brisbane and its third season in Sydney between 1995 and 1996. By 1998, Seven Queensland secured top audience ratings for the first time.

From 1995 until April 2001, former Nylex executive Alan Jackson served as a non-executive director at Seven at the request of Stokes.

In 1996, Seven successfully placed a $1.3 billion bid for United Artists alongside Kirk Kerkorian, later divesting its stake two years afterward for $US389 million. In 1997, Seven assumed control of Australia Television, the Asian satellite channel operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, with ABC retaining partial ownership and continuing production of news and current affairs content for the channel.

2000s

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Seven established a cutting-edge high-definition national broadcast center in Docklands, Melbourne, replacing its former Sydney premises. This complex also serves as the location for HSV-7's Melbourne studios and administrative offices.

In 2000, former Nine executive David Leckie took charge of television operations, revitalizing the network with a refreshed logo and marketing campaign timed to coincide with its coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney. The opening ceremony drew an audience of 6.5 million viewers, contributing to Seven securing the ratings crown for the first time in over two decades.

The rollout of digital television commenced across most of Seven's broadcast regions on 1 January 2001, soon followed by widescreen and high-definition content offerings.

In January 2006, Seven Network collaborated with Pacific Magazines and Yahoo! Australia and New Zealand to create the joint venture Yahoo!7, merging their digital assets.

On 15 September 2007, Seven Media Group announced the debut of 7HD, a high-definition multichannel originally slated for December but launched earlier on 15 October 2007. This marked the first free-to-air commercial channel launch in metropolitan areas since 1988. The premiere broadcast was 25th Hour.

Seven Media Group entered into an agreement with Foxtel on 14 February 2008 to distribute its digital signal via Foxtel’s cable and satellite platforms, making Seven accessible on Foxtel from early 2009.

On 25 September 2009, the network unveiled its new digital channel 7two, which officially began broadcasting on 1 November 2009.

2010s

Seven introduced the online catch-up service PLUS7 on 18 January 2010. Later that year, on 25 September, it launched its second multi-digital channel, 7mate, coinciding with the 2010 AFL Grand Final.

In January 2011, Seven extended its branding strategy by applying the prominent red number 7 logos to GWN7 and Prime7, updating their news bulletins accordingly. The digital channels in these markets were branded as 7two and 7mate. Additionally, Seven announced plans to expand into digital datacasting with 4ME, a channel owned by Prime Media Group, which launched in December 2011.

In September 2011, Seven broadcast a contentious report concerning Brazil's Suruwaha tribe, prompting a formal investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The ACMA found serious breaches of the broadcasting code in 2012, including violations related to racism clauses and inaccurate content. Seven contested this decision; however, the Federal Court upheld the ruling in June 2014.

October 2012 saw Seven implement cost-reduction strategies that included downsizing technical personnel and limiting satellite news gathering resources. In November that year, the network refreshed its on-air presentation with updated program ratings and promotional materials.

By 10 December 2013, Seven had completed its transition from analogue to fully digital transmission.

On 26 June 2015, Racing.com was launched on channel 78 as a collaboration between Seven West Media and Racing Victoria, addressing a void caused by a Victorian horse racing blackout on Sky Racing. The channel officially commenced operations on 29 August 2015.

Seven updated its on-air branding once more in January 2016. On 7 February of that year, it announced the upcoming launch of 7flix on channel 76; this new channel began broadcasting on 28 February.

7HD was reinstated as a high-definition simulcast on channel 70 starting from 10 May 2016. Initially, Melbourne and Adelaide received HD simulcasts of Seven’s main channel, while Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth obtained HD simulcasts of 7mate to air Australian Football League (AFL) matches in high definition. During the 2016 Summer Olympics, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth temporarily switched to HD simulcasts of the primary channel before making this change permanent after the conclusion of the 2017 Australian Open. Breakaway programming continued until January 2020 for AFL and cricket events in HD.

Following Verizon's acquisition of Yahoo! Australia in June 2017, Seven announced intentions to replace PLUS7 with an independent platform. In September that year, it revealed that this new service would be named 7plus, launching in November. By this time, Seven's live streaming offering—rebranded as 7Live—was no longer accessible through PLUS7 or Yahoo7 portals.

On 1 December 2018, Seven debuted 7food network on Channel 74 through a partnership with Discovery Networks after SBS Food lost its arrangement with Discovery-owned Scripps Networks Interactive. The channel ceased operations on 28 December 2019; however, Seven continues to utilize Food Network branding in other contexts.

2020s

In June 2020, Big Brother Australia made its comeback on the Seven Network with a refreshed format hosted by Sonia Kruger. The series, recorded in advance, took place at Sydney's North Head Sanctuary and was likened to a "Survivor in a warehouse." At the same time, Seven introduced a refreshed on-air theme. On 19 June 2020, after a seven-year run, Seven announced the cancellation of The Daily Edition, which concluded with its final broadcast on 26 June.

July 2020 marked the launch of redesigned logos for Seven’s multichannels 7mate, 7two, and 7flix, alongside a rebranding of its streaming service to ″7+″ as part of a comprehensive revamp.

In March 2021, Seven revealed plans to move its headquarters from Martin Place to Eveleigh, NSW, ending nearly 20 years at the former location. On 1 November 2021, Seven West Media finalized the $132 million acquisition of Prime Media Group, retiring the Prime brand after 33 years and unifying regional news under the Seven News banner. This merger was intended to boost investment in local news coverage. The transaction was officially completed on 31 December 2021.

Starting June 2022, Seven transitioned regional audiences from Prime7 and GWN7 to the national Seven branding ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In October 2022, Seven announced the launch of free-to-air channel 7Bravo (which commenced broadcasting in January 2023), focusing on reality and true crime programming through a collaboration with NBCUniversal International Networks. This rollout involved channel reshuffling, including discontinuing 7mate SD.

By June 2023, Seven News consolidated all Sydney-based operations into newly constructed studios at Eveleigh, uniting its production facilities under one roof for the first time in over four decades. The program Sunrise aired its inaugural episode from these studios in July 2023.

During the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Seven aired fifteen matches, including all games featuring the Matildas. The limited free-to-air coverage compared to pay TV rights held by Optus Sport sparked public controversy and debate over whether full tournament access should have been available on free-to-air television.

In September 2023, a participant on an upcoming Seven reality program faced serious criminal allegations; however, Seven declined to comment on any potential changes to its programming.

On 22 January 2024, Seven West Media secured a broadcast agreement with shopping channel TVSN, resulting in its move from Network 10 and WIN Television to Seven starting July 2024.

In April 2024, Seven attracted criticism for incorrectly identifying a Jewish student as responsible for the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbings.

By May 2025, Seven West Media purchased Southern Cross Austereo’s regional Seven affiliate stations across Tasmania, Darwin, Spencer Gulf, Broken Hill, Mt Isa, and Remote Central and Eastern Australia for $3.75 million; this acquisition was completed in July 2025. Following unsuccessful affiliate negotiations with WIN Television, Seven temporarily suspended broadcasts in Riverland, Griffith, and Mount Gambier between July 1–3 before resuming under a new agreement.

Additional programs

Always Greener (2001) initially drew an audience of two million but was cancelled after ratings declined following its second season.

In 2004, Seven introduced Deal or No Deal, hosted by Andrew O'Keefe as a lead-in to its main news bulletin, replacing Wheel of Fortune. That same year also saw the debut of Dancing with the Stars, adapted from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. In 2005, American imports such as Desperate Housewives and Lost premiered alongside rising news ratings fueled by programs like Today Tonight and an updated Sunrise.

The year 2006 featured new series including Heroes, Prison Break, and the spin-off It Takes Two. Despite strong lineups, Seven finished second behind Nine due to Nine’s coverage of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, but regained top position in 2007.

Seven’s local drama Packed to the Rafters, launched in 2008, became the highest-rated show with close to two million viewers. By the end of 2009, weekly public affairs program Sunday Night had overtaken rival 60 Minutes in ratings.

Efforts to develop AFL- and NRL-themed entertainment shows in 2010 included short-lived titles such as The Bounce and The Matty Johns Show. In later years, dramas like Winners and Losers (2011) and A Place to Call Home (2013) achieved strong viewership figures.

Since September 2015, game show spin-off The Chase Australia has featured prominent Chasers including UK personalities Anne Hegerty and Mark Labbett. The drama series 800 Words also garnered high ratings during that year.

Following Big Brother’s return in June 2020, Seven acquired reality formats such as The Voice Australia and revived Australian Idol over subsequent years. An "all stars" edition of Dancing With The Stars was commissioned in December 2020; meanwhile, the Australian Idol reboot aired in 2023.

Programming

Following a disappointing year before 2005, the introduction of new programming led to improved ratings. From 2010 onwards, Seven adopted deliberate delays in airing non-live prime-time shows to minimize audience channel switching, which affected advertising insertions for regional affiliates.

Local programs

Seven’s lineup of Australian productions features dramas such as RFDS, the soap opera Home and Away, lifestyle shows including Better Homes and Gardens, game shows like The Chase Australia and The 1% Club, entertainment formats such as Sunrise, reality series including Australian Idol and My Kitchen Rules, as well as factual programming like law enforcement documentaries Border Security.

Foreign programs

Most American content broadcast by Seven is acquired through partnerships with leading studios such as 20th Century Studios, Disney Television Studios, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. New contracts were signed with Warner Bros in late 2016 and NBCUniversal in January 2023.

Shared overseas programs

Collaborative agreements with other Australian broadcasters allow Seven to access shared international programming from distributors including Disney Platform Distribution, Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal, StudioCanal, and CBS Studios.

Former programs

In earlier years, Seven aired content from MGM (prior to 2011), Disney (until 2023), Miramax (2007–2012), DreamWorks (2007–2015), Paramount (until 2022), Warner Bros. (until 2024), and Sony Pictures films on its multichannel 7two. Since mid-2013, output arrangements shifted from broad overall deals to more selective acquisitions.

News and current affairs

The news division of Seven Network operates under the Seven News brand—previously known as ATVN and Seven National News—and has grown since February 2005 to become the top-rated television news service across Australia. It produces flagship local evening bulletins for capital cities alongside programs like Sunrise, The Morning Show, and early morning rebroadcasts of NBC’s American news content. Exclusive agreements with NBC News and other international agencies strengthen its global news coverage.

Under the leadership of former Nine News executive Peter Meakin, the network refocused on locally pertinent content, significantly boosting ratings in major markets. Between 2007 and 2010, Seven News led national evening bulletins. The strong lead-in from popular game shows such as Deal or No Deal followed by The Chase Australia has been crucial to its achievements.

Sport

Seven holds significant Australian sports broadcasting rights, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, AFL Premiership Season (with exclusive free-to-air rights secured through at least 2031), men’s and women’s Big Bash League cricket, World Rally Championship events, rugby union’s Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Rugby series, among others.

Exclusive coverage of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 attracted audiences exceeding six million for opening and closing ceremonies. Although it temporarily lost AFL rights between 2002 and 2006 to Network Ten and Nine Network, Seven regained exclusive free-to-air AFL rights from 2011 under a $780 million contract.

Coverage of Beijing’s 2008 Summer Olympics was shared with SBS TV; since then Seven has secured broadcast rights for multiple Olympic cycles, including Winter Olympics beginning with Beijing 2022.

After winning key rugby league rights battles in 2016, Seven obtained exclusive Australian coverage of the Rugby League World Cup.

Starting with the 2018/19 season, Seven partnered with Foxtel to broadcast cricket—including international tests and Big Bash League matches—and extended this arrangement through to the 2030–31 season. Cricket Australia announced that revamped shorter BBL tournaments will air on Seven.

In a $200 million five-year agreement commencing in 2021, Seven reclaimed Supercars Championship rights, sharing coverage with Foxtel.

Seven also secured live free-to-air broadcasting rights for upcoming Commonwealth Games events such as Glasgow 2026 and Brisbane-hosted games extending into at least the early part of the next decade.

Availability

Seven primarily transmits digitally in standard definition; high-definition broadcasts were phased out in favor of the youth-targeted multichannel 7mate. The initial rollout of HD simulcasts occurred regionally between March and June 2007. The main programming feed originates via fibre from HSV Melbourne, while national news segments are produced at ATN Sydney. Local advertising and news inserts are managed by affiliates across metropolitan and regional stations owned or partnered with Seven West Media or WIN Television.

7HD

Initially launched in October 2007 and later reintroduced in May 2016, 7HD operates as an HD multichannel service. It began by offering split programming focused on AFL coverage before unifying the primary channel’s HD content for major cities by December of that year, utilizing MPEG-4 technology through Freeview.

7plus

7plus is the Seven Network’s fully owned video-on-demand platform, unveiled in November 2017 as a successor to the joint venture service PLUS7 following Verizon Communications’ acquisition of Yahoo!. It provides live streaming of all primary channels alongside catch-up episodes accessible worldwide on various devices, with plans to incorporate Chromecast and Apple Airplay compatibility. Due to digital broadcast rights controlled by Telstra Media/Kayo Sports, live streams exclude AFL Premiership Season and Cricket matches, which are replaced with alternate programming during those live events. The platform underwent a visual rebranding to 7+ in July 2020.

Past - PLUS7

PLUS7 was operational from January 2010 until late 2018 (March/December), supporting multiple platforms such as iOS devices, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation consoles, Windows machines, and smart TVs from brands including Sony, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Hisense, and Humax. It distinguished itself as the first commercial catch-up service to offer optional closed captioning on most content starting April 2014.

7food network

Launched in December 2018 through a partnership with Discovery following the SBS Food Network’s debut after the SBS/Discovery separation, 7food network featured international culinary and cooking programs. However, due to underwhelming ratings, it ceased transmission in December 2019 and was replaced by an HD simulcast of 7mate beginning January 2020.

Logo and identity history

Early branding involved a numeral seven enclosed within a ring reminiscent of ABC’s Circle-7 logo briefly used by ATN-7 during the late 1960s. The introduction of colour television in March 1975 brought a nationally adopted spectrum-coloured ring logo until January 1989 when it was replaced with a red emblem incorporating the “7” inside a circle, coinciding with the launch of flagship shows such as Home and Away.

The present ribbon logo, created by Cato Brand Partners, debuted in January 2000 alongside the Sydney Olympics. Initially featuring multi-coloured variants representing different network stations’ identities, it was streamlined into solid red trapezoids by September 2003. Subsequent minor refinements throughout the early 2010s preserved the core design.

Slogans

Seven Network’s promotional campaigns have frequently drawn inspiration from NBC’s style due to close affiliations but have also occasionally referenced ABC or FOX US networks. The national slogans have evolved from “You're in Tune When You're Tuned to Seven” (1959) through the “The Color Machine” period (1976–79), then “Gottaloveit” (2004–11; revived November 2012–December 2019), followed by “Better Together” (2020–22), and most recently “That's Massive” (2023).

Awards

The Golden Rings accolade from the International Olympic Committee was awarded to Seven Network for delivering the "Best Olympic Programme" in recognition of its coverage during the 2008 Summer Olympics. This distinction honors the most outstanding overall Olympic broadcast.

At the 2018 Sport Australia media awards, Seven was honored with "Best coverage of a sporting event" for its presentation of the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast.

Seven secured three honors—gold, silver, and bronze—at the IOC's esteemed Golden Rings Awards for its groundbreaking broadcast of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

External links