Sunrise (Australian TV program)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 14 January 1991 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Owner | Seven Network |
| Website | 7plus |
Sunrise is an Australian breakfast show aired on the Seven Network, currently hosted by Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington as of April 2025. The program runs from 5:30 am until 9:00 am, following Sunrise Early News and preceding The Morning Show.
History
The origins of Sunrise trace back to 14 January 1991 when Darren McDonald presented an early morning edition of Seven News – Sunrise Edition. In 1996, Seven introduced a one-hour weekday bulletin titled Sunrise News, which was later shortened to Sunrise, with Chris Bath and Peter Ford as hosts. Ford was succeeded by finance editor David Koch, and in 1997, Melissa Doyle took over from Bath. That same year, a Sunday version called Sunday Sunrise, hosted by Stan Grant, was launched. While the weekday Sunrise was discontinued in 1999 in favor of children's programming, the Sunday editions continued to air.
During the 2000 Summer Olympics, Andrew Daddo and Johanna Griggs presented Olympic Sunrise. On 1 May 2000, Adam Boland produced a revamped version of Sunrise anchored by Georgie Gardner and Mark Beretta. Although a multimillion-dollar breakfast show was planned for 2002 to compete with Nine Network's Today, the network board ultimately canceled the project.
In 2002, Seven revamped its breakfast lineup: Seven Early News aired briefly at 6:00 am but lasted only about a week; concurrently, a new iteration of Sunrise was broadcast from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, hosted by Chris Reason and Melissa Doyle, with David Koch delivering finance segments. After Reason resigned late that year due to health concerns, Koch became the permanent co-host. The program shifted away from hard news towards a more family-friendly, tabloid-style format similar to its rival Today, resulting in improved ratings.
By 2003, Natalie Barr joined as news presenter, Grant Denyer took on weather duties, and Mark Beretta returned for sports updates. Hosts Koch and Doyle ("Kochie" and "Mel") adopted a more informal presentation style with frequent viewer engagement. Despite some internal opposition at Seven regarding this approach, it helped increase audience numbers.
On 30 August 2004, production moved from Epping studios to Martin Place. In January 2007, the show underwent a set and graphics update; subsequent enhancements included installing smart glass panels for city views and security. On 25 January 2010, a new set design, format changes, updated graphics, and logo were introduced. In April 2010, Sunrise Extra, a highlights program airing weekdays at 5:00 am before Seven Early News, was launched but later discontinued in 2016 when the main show extended its start time.
In May 2013, Sunrise briefly broadcast weekly from Melbourne studios aiming to capture that market but ceased due to low ratings. On 20 June 2013, after 14 years on air, Melissa Doyle announced her departure; Samantha Armytage replaced her as co-host alongside Koch.
In February 2016, the show expanded its broadcast to begin at 5:30 am featuring new sets and graphics; Edwina Bartholomew replaced Sam Mac as weather presenter. By mid-2020, Natalie Barr began hosting two days weekly amid Armytage's reduced schedule but returned full-time later that year. In January 2021, Matt Doran joined as Friday co-host alongside Barr; Edwina Bartholomew transitioned to news presenting.
Following Armytage's resignation in March 2021, Natalie Barr became full-time co-host with Bartholomew continuing as news presenter. David Koch announced his exit in May 2023 after a two-decade tenure; Matt Shirvington was named his successor in June. On 24 July 2023, production relocated to Television City in South Eveleigh coinciding with a rebranding alongside The Morning Show. In March 2024, Jodie Speers resigned; Edwina Bartholomew assumed presenting duties for the renamed Sunrise Early News bulletin.
Special broadcasts
Significant special editions have included coverage of major events such as the 2003 Iraq War, the 2007 Australian federal elections, the Queensland and Victorian floods during 2010–2011, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the 2014 Sydney hostage situation, and comprehensive reporting following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. These special programs frequently feature extended airtime or are transmitted from unique locations.
Live musical performances
Sunrise consistently showcases live music acts either on the studio set or at Martin Place plaza around 7:50 am and 8:50 am, providing artists with valuable promotional opportunities.
Weekend Sunrise
Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for Sunday Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise originally aired Sundays from 8 to 9 am with Chris Reason and Lisa Wilkinson as hosts. Its popularity led to a two-hour expansion in 2006, followed by schedule adjustments to accommodate sports broadcasts. Andrew O'Keefe took over from Reason permanently in 2006, while Wilkinson departed in 2007 and was succeeded by Samantha Armytage.
In reaction to Nine Network's programming changes in 2009, Seven shifted Weekend Sunrise to a 7:00 am start time with a three-hour duration. February 2010 saw the launch of a Saturday edition hosted by Armytage alongside Larry Emdur.
When Armytage transitioned to weekday co-hosting duties in June 2013, Monique Wright became her permanent weekend replacement by February 2014. Andrew O'Keefe resigned in December 2017; Basil Zempilas then assumed hosting responsibilities until late 2019 when Matt Doran took over. In November 2024, Doran left the program and David Woiwod was announced as his successor starting December.
As of December 2024, Monique Wright and David Woiwod serve as co-hosts, with Sally Bowrey delivering news updates and James Tobin covering sport and weather segments.
Program structure
Sunrise blends news bulletins every half hour with interviews and lighter features during its three-hour runtime. The show often broadcasts from various domestic and international locations for significant occasions such as the Commonwealth Games or natural disasters. Audience engagement via multiple platforms influences the content shown on the ROSwall.
News and traffic updates
Since May 2007, localized news updates have been provided for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth during national news breaks. Traffic reports are delivered regularly through helicopter feeds or traffic centers for major urban areas by presenters from the Australian Traffic Network.
Regional bulletins
To accommodate differing time zones:
- Western Australia (since May 2015): Local news segments are presented by Matt Tinney from Perth studios every half hour starting at 5:30 am.
- Queensland (October 2021 – April 2022): Bianca Stone presented local updates from Brisbane studios every half hour beginning at 6:00 am; this service ended after April due to alignment of time zones.
Presenters
| Presenter | Position | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Natalie Barr | Co-host | 2021–present |
| Matt Shirvington | Co-host & Sports Presenter (Tue–Thu) | 2023–present |
| Edwina Bartholomew | News & Entertainment Presenter | 2021–present |
| Mark Beretta | Sports Presenter (Mon & Fri) | since 2004 |
| Sam Mac | Weather Presenter | since 2016 |
| Period | Presenter | |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Peter Ford | Chris Bath |
| 1996–1997 | David Koch | |
| 1997–1999 | Melissa Doyle | |
| 2000–2002 | Mark Beretta | Georgie Gardner |
| 2002 | Chris Reason | Melissa Doyle |
| 2002–2013 | David Koch | |
| 2013–2021 | Samantha Armytage | |
| 2021–2023 | Natalie Barr | |
| 2023–present | Matt Shirvington | |
| Period | Role | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| News | Sport | Weather | Entertainment | |
| 2002–present | Natalie Barr | – | – | – |
| 2004–present | Mark Beretta | Grant Denyer | ||
| 2006–2007 | Monique Wright | |||
| 2008 | David Brown | |||
| 2009 | Fifi Box | Nuala Hafner | ||
| 2010–2012 | Grant Denyer | Fifi Box | ||
| 2013 | – | |||
| 2013–present | Edwina Bartholomew | |||
| 2016–present | Sam Mac | Edwina Bartholomew | ||
Substitute Presenters
Frequent substitute hosts comprise Edwina Bartholomew, Monique Wright, David Woiwod, Kylie Gillies, Michael Usher, Mike Amor, Mark Beretta, Larry Emdur, and Chris Reason. For news coverage, substitutes include Monique Wright, Sally Bowrey, David Woiwod, and Angie Asimus; in sports, Matt Shirvington and David Woiwod often fill in; weather replacements feature James Tobin and Katie Brown. Former fill-in presenters of note encompass Andrew O'Keefe, Matt Doran, Matt White, Mike Munro, and Basil Zempilas among others.
Correspondents
Katie Brown || Various locations Liam Tapper (lead), Sam Payne (backup) || Sydney Teegan Dolling (lead), Andrew McCormack (backup) || Melbourne Georgie Chumbley (lead), Tamra Bow (backup) || Brisbane Sally Pearson || Gold Coast Hayden Nelson || Adelaide Matt Tinney || Perth| Correspondent | Base |
|---|
Frequent Contributors
Craig James & Tom Piotrowski || Finance Editors || since 2002 Shaun White || Consumer Correspondent || since 2016 Mark Riley || Political Editor || since 2004 Tim Lester || Political Reporter || commencing 2025 Mylee Hogan & Rob Scott || US Correspondents || starting 2023 & 2025 respectively Ben Downie & Jacquelin Robson || Europe Correspondents || beginning late 2024 & early 2025 respectively Tony Auden || Meteorologist || since 2016 Steve Hargrave || Entertainment Reporter || since 2012 Ginni Mansberg || GP / Health Specialist || since 2012| Contributor | Position | Duration |
|---|
Previous Hosts
Melissa Doyle || Co-host || 1997–1999; 2002–2013 David Koch || Co-host || 1997–1999; 2002–2023 Georgie Gardner || Co-host || 2000–2002 Chris Reason || Co-host || 2002 Samantha Armytage || Co-host || 2013–2021 Natalie Barr || News Presenter || 2002–2021 Nuala Hafner || Entertainment Reporter || 2009 Fifi Box || Entertainment/Weather Presenter || 2009–2012 Edwina Bartholomew || Weather/Entertainment Presenter || 2016–2021 Monique Wright || Weather Presenter || 2006–2007 David Brown || Weather Presenter || 2008 Grant Denyer || Weather Presenter || 2004–06; 2010–13| Presenter | Role | Period |
|---|
Before the current format debuted in March 2002, hosting was undertaken by various individuals such as Georgie Gardner and Mark Beretta (2000–01), Andrew Daddo and Johanna Griggs during Olympic broadcasts, Melissa Doyle and Nick McArdle (1998–99), Chris Bath and Peter Ford (1996), with Darren McDonald originally hosting in 1991.
Chris Reason co-hosted alongside Melissa Doyle during the relaunch phase until health concerns resulted in David Koch assuming the permanent co-host role. Weather presenting duties have been managed by Monique Wright, David Brown (who resigned in July 2008), Fifi Box (who initially filled in before transitioning to entertainment), Grant Denyer (who returned in January 2010), and Edwina Bartholomew (from January 2016).
Melissa Doyle departed in August 2013 to pursue prime-time network positions; Samantha Armytage succeeded her as co-host while Edwina Bartholomew took over weather presenting responsibilities from Denyer. In June 2020, Bartholomew began serving part-time as news presenter, substituting for Natalie Barr who had been co-hosting on select days before resuming full-time duties in September 2020.
Following Samantha Armytage's resignation in March 2021, Natalie Barr stepped into the co-host role with Edwina Bartholomew continuing as news presenter. David Koch concluded his record-long tenure in May 2023, with Matt Shirvington appointed as his successor starting June.
Controversies
Significant events involving the program include:
- During a 2003 live interview with Sue Butler from Macquarie Dictionary, inappropriate language was used, prompting formal apologies.
- In 2006, David Koch sparked controversy with a joke about then-Prime Minister John Howard, which resulted in public criticism and a written apology.
- A 2004 broadcast raised legal concerns regarding the identification of minors involved in judicial proceedings.
- The show faced backlash in 2007 for lobbying Vietnamese officials to secure live coverage of ANZAC Day.
- Hosts were confronted by protesters during an interview addressing allegations of unpaid fees by National Bingo Night audience members.
- In 2009, complaints emerged over the unsuitable promotion of a crime drama that referenced the James Bulger case.
- A promotional segment in April 2010 led to disorder during a Justin Bieber concert appearance.
- In April 2015, Samantha Armytage was accused of racism following an on-air interview, which necessitated a public apology.
- Kristin Davis voiced dissatisfaction in February 2016 after a comedic sketch overshadowed her humanitarian work with UNHCR during her guest spot.
- In April 2024, the program erroneously identified a student as the assailant during coverage of the Bondi Junction stabbings, leading to an apology and a defamation settlement.
Aboriginal adoption controversy
A March 2018 broadcast hosted by Samantha Armytage included inaccurate information about Aboriginal child fostering policies and featured contentious comments by guest Prue MacSween advocating for policies reminiscent of the Stolen Generations’ child removals. The segment attracted widespread condemnation for its lack of Indigenous voices and dissemination of misinformation.
Following this, protests took place outside the studio; however, footage of these demonstrations was omitted from the live broadcast citing compliance with broadcasting standards. Later discussions incorporated Indigenous experts, yet protests continued during live transmissions, including coverage of the Commonwealth Games.
The controversy led to the band Portugal. The Man withdrawing from scheduled appearances and triggered an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The investigation concluded that broadcasting codes had been breached due to inaccuracies and negative stereotyping of Indigenous people.
Members of the Yirrkala community initiated legal action against Seven over unauthorized use of footage shown during the segment; Seven reached an out-of-court settlement and aired a public apology in January 2020. Additional racial vilification claims were filed against Channel Seven personalities involved.
On January 4th, 2021, Seven issued a general apology for airing the segment amidst criticism regarding its timing and perceived sincerity. Former executive producer Michael Pell later expressed regret over how the segment was handled.
Special editions
Sunrise has adjusted its airtime or schedule for significant events or urgent news stories such as World Youth Day in Sydney (July 2008), coverage of the Copiapó mining accident (October 2010), Labor Party leadership ballots (February 2012), Hurricane Sandy (October 2012), Barack Obama’s inauguration (January 2013), Queensland floods (January 2013), the birth of Prince George (July/August 2013), Cyclone Debbie (March 2017), and Queen Elizabeth II’s passing (September 2022).
Ratings
Sunrise consistently vies with Nine Network's Today program, frequently maintaining a lead of fewer than 50,000 viewers across Australia. It held the top position until Good Friday in 2009, when it experienced its first national single-day ratings defeat since 2004. Subsequent weekly rating declines occurred intermittently, including its initial weekly loss to Today in mid-2011.
After dominating ratings for twelve straight years, Sunrise briefly ceded the lead to Today in late 2016 but regained its position the following year. Since its launch, ABC's News Breakfast has occasionally surpassed both programs in ratings; however, it still trails behind the commercial competitors in overall audience numbers.
Broadcasting
Because Australia spans multiple time zones, Sunrise is broadcast on a delay outside of the ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria, where it airs live throughout the year. Queensland receives a live broadcast only during winter months due to daylight saving discrepancies with other states; the Northern Territory's delay varies seasonally between winter and summer; South Australia consistently airs the show with a thirty-minute delay; Western Australia's broadcast delay ranges from two to three hours depending on daylight saving observances elsewhere.
Exceptional events, such as coverage of Tropical Cyclone Larry, have led to live transmissions that bypass these usual scheduling delays.
Episodes aired on public holidays often feature extended runtimes and occasionally include live studio audiences.
Theme song
The program initially featured Duran Duran's "(Reach Up for The) Sunrise" as its theme. In the early 2010s, this was temporarily replaced by MGMT's "Electric Feel" before reverting to Duran Duran's song later that year, supplemented by remixed versions to refresh the opening sequence. Earlier themes included traditional morning news tunes and adaptations of the Seven News theme inspired by John Williams' "The Mission".
See also
- List of longest-running Australian television series
- Journalism in Australia
- List of Australian television series
External links
- Articles with short description
- Seven News
- Australian television news shows
- 1991 Australian television series debuts
- 1999 Australian television series endings
- 2000 Australian television series debuts
- 2010s Australian television series
- Television shows set in Sydney
- Australian television series revived after cancellation
- Australian English-language television shows
- Breakfast television in Australia