ABC bosses have formally brought the axe down on daily satirical news show Tonightly with Tom Ballard, citing a desire to take a “fresh approach” to TV comedy production.
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A statement issued via the ABC’s communications department confirmed the network would “not renew” the show (rather than the more definitive “cancelled” wording, which Australian television simply refuses to use) beyond its now-final broadcast set for September 7th.
Despite the axing, the statement asserts that the ABC remains “committed to exploring and developing projects that connect with different demographics.”
Regardless, the show is set to unceremoniously hit the bin, leaving scores of young comedic talent out of work. The ABC’s statement on the matter reads thusly:
We are proud of the program and its role in supporting some of Australia’s best emerging comedy talent. Our thanks go to the very talented team members for their hard work and dedication in producing a complex and cracking show in quick time, over some 150 episodes. We look forward to working with them again in the future.
Aunty also cited a desire to take a “fresh approach” moving forward, before citing their commissioning of Back in Very Small Business; a revived version of a series they first put to air over a decade ago.
It is now time for a fresh approach. The ABC will continue to develop innovative content on broadcast TV and digital services, through comedies such as Back in Very Small Business and Get Krack!n’, and live shows such as the Splendour in the Grass TV special on Rage and the upcoming triple j One Night Stand and One Night Stand Up on ABC TV and iview.
As far as host Tom Ballard goes, he too issued a statement on the untimely demise of his show.
Getting the chance to host Tonightly has been an absolute honour and privilege, even though we never got to be on Media Watch. I feel so proud of the ‘work’ we made and I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by laughter and stupidity for an entire year. My sincere thanks go to the brilliant Tonightly team, the ABC and the fans of Cory Bernardi.
The final episode of Tonightly is now set to go to air on Friday, September 7th.
