Wake Up! WA
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Defunct | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Morning television program |
Wake Up! WA was a morning television program aired in Western Australia on Access 31 from 2005 until the station shut down in 2008.
Overview
The show Wake Up! WA provided a forum for residents of Western Australia to engage in discussions about regional issues. It regularly welcomed representatives from local charities, community organizations, and sports groups, while delivering segments on news, sports, weather conditions, fuel costs, and current events. Its popularity helped nurture new talent by offering hands-on experience in live TV production.
Throughout its run, host Jason Weeks conducted more than 2,000 interviews with figures including politicians, business executives, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. Demelza Goudie, known for her passion for music and background in community radio, co-hosted for two seasons after Sarah Lawrence stepped in following the departure of original co-host Lisa Cooney. News and weather updates were presented by various contributors who volunteered their early mornings without compensation. In 2007, Edwina Nattrass and Matt Hern—who also provided financial guidance—took on hosting duties on Mondays and Tuesdays to share responsibilities. For the rest of the week, journalist Anita Tassone joined Weeks; Tassone was the sole member involved since the program’s inception. During its final season in 2008, Tassone and Weeks served as full-time hosts, conducting at least four interviews daily focused on socially significant topics. Reflecting its increasing audience, later seasons were accessible through ISP iinet's media lounge platform for subscribers.
History
Initially named Wake Up Perth!, the show debuted in September 2005. The presenting team was chosen via the reality television contest Your Big Break, which auditioned over 300 hopefuls during a weekend workshop designed to evaluate quick thinking and adaptability. The original lineup featured Jason Weeks and Lisa Cooney as hosts, with Jo Newman handling news segments and Alisa responsible for sports and weather.
Although intended as a 12-week series, strong viewer interest extended its duration. By mid-2006, Wake Up WA had reached a significant milestone of 300 episodes—a notable achievement for a local production. The program broadened its audience by re-airing the live morning broadcast later in the day.
In 2006, the show earned four nominations at the Antenna Awards, winning the award for Best New Producer, and later secured Best News and Current Affairs Program in 2008.
When Access 31 ceased broadcasting on August 6, 2008, Wake Up! WA attracted roughly 45,000 viewers during live telecasts plus an additional 25,000 to 30,000 through rebroadcasts, amassing over 500 episodes in total. Despite efforts to find alternative platforms after the closure, no further broadcasts were realized.
Regular guests
- Peter Fitzpatrick - Motor Trade Association
- Allan Stiles - Grand Cinemas
- Kylie Mathieson - Emerge One
- Marnie Giroud - Wild Things
- Grant Girdwood - Motoring
- Peter Dingle - Murdoch University
- Peter Nattrass - Former Lord Mayor of Perth
- Mathias Cormann - Senator for Western Australia