Nightline (Australian TV program)
| Industry | Television news broadcasting |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Defunct | July 2010 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Late-night news program |
Nightline was an Australian late-night news program created by Nine News for broadcast on the Nine Network. Initially launched in 1985 as a brief 5-minute update, it was extended to a half-hour format in 1992. The show was broadcast on weeknights at , except in Perth and Adelaide. It was discontinued in 2008, briefly brought back in 2009, and ultimately ceased in July 2010. Its primary rivals included Ten Late News and ABC's Lateline, both airing at the same time.
The show's style drew inspiration from the American version aired on ABC (US), although over time, the two programs developed distinct identities despite originally sharing similar opening visuals.
History
In 2007, Nightline had a short run on Nine HD at 10:30 pm, which was one hour earlier than the standard definition broadcast.
The program was cancelled on 25 July 2008 as a result of budget reductions within Nine's news department, with Wendy Kingston anchoring the final episode.
Following this, in May 2009, as part of a significant expansion of the Nine News brand, Nine's Late News was launched at 11:30 pm to occupy the timeslot previously held by Nightline. This new bulletin, presented by Wendy Kingston, premiered on 4 May 2009.
By November 2009, the program reverted to its original title, Nightline. However, declining ratings—affected by an increase in sports coverage such as Friday night NRL and Wimbledon—resulted in its final cancellation in mid-2010. The network replaced it with sports broadcasts and youth-focused shows from affiliated channels GO! and GEM, along with detailed half-hourly national news bulletins produced at the Willoughby studios. Presenters based outside Sydney were required to travel there for live broadcasts. Following the last cancellation, Kellie Sloane accepted a redundancy package.
Presenters
At the time of Nightline's termination in 2010, the presenting team included:
- News: Kellie Sloane
- Weather: Jaynie Seal (Fridays)
During the 2008 cancellation, presenters were:
- News: Michael Usher (Monday to Thursday) and Allison Langdon (Friday)
- Sport: Stephanie Brantz
- Weather: Jaynie Seal and Mike Bailey
Former anchors comprised:
- 1992–2001: Jim Waley – previously with Sky News Australia, now retired
- 2001–2004: Hugh Riminton – currently with 10 News First
- 2004–2005: Helen Kapalos – freelance journalist and Chair of Victorian Multicultural Commission
- 2005–2006: Ellen Fanning – presently at ABC Radio Brisbane
- 2006–2008: Michael Usher – currently co-anchor of Seven News Sydney and host of 7NEWS Spotlight
- 2009: Wendy Kingston – reporter and presenter for Nine Network
- 2009–2010: Kellie Sloane – media analyst
Additional notable substitute presenters included:
- Georgie Gardner – Friday and Saturday anchor of Nine News Sydney
- Jennifer Keyte – weeknight presenter of 10 News First Melbourne
- Helen Dalley – freelance journalist
- Leila McKinnon – reporter and fill-in presenter for both Nine News and A Current Affair
- Peter Overton – Sunday to Thursday presenter for Nine News Sydney
- Ian Ross – late former presenter of Seven News Sydney
- Kim Watkins – no longer active on television
- Mark Ferguson – Sunday to Thursday anchor on Seven News Sydney
- Sharyn Ghidella – host of 10 News First Queensland
- Allison Langdon – current host of A Current Affair
Format
Nightline included segments on news, sports, finance, and weather. The majority of its content was drawn from Nine News reports across Australia, supplemented occasionally by material from A Current Affair, 60 Minutes, and international news providers.
Presentation
Upon its 2009 revival, Nightline was broadcast from the Today studio located at TCN9's "Studio 3". The setup utilized a single camera angle aimed at a plasma screen that showcased a live view of Sydney's nighttime skyline. The background incorporated the Nine newsroom and was shared with the Early, Morning, and Afternoon News programs.
From 2006 to 2008, the opening visuals resembled the standard cityscape seen in the National Nine News introduction but portrayed during nighttime hours. Additionally, the show featured a distinctive version of the National Nine News musical theme.