Seven unveils Seven Media Group at Luna Park, featuring Angus Ross on content strategy and local programming focus
Seven Media Group is prioritising local programming, established television franchises and digital growth as it adapts to changing audience habits and a challenging media market.
Speaking with James Manning at Seven’s upfront event at Luna Park in Sydney, Angus Ross, managing director of television and streaming, outlined the network’s strategy following the introduction of its new brand name.
Seven plans to strengthen connections between television and radio, using cross-promotion to expand audience engagement and exploring opportunities to adapt selected podcasts for television.
The network is also backing established shows, with all its main programmes reportedly growing their audiences this year and returning for another season.
The strategy favours proven franchises over new commissions, while prime time will place greater emphasis on Australian news, entertainment and sport to differentiate Seven from subscription streaming services.
Digital viewing remains central to the strategy, with Ross saying live streaming accounts for 70% of content consumption on 7plus.
Free ad-supported streaming channels will also remain important.
Seven has no immediate plans to launch a subscription streaming service, although subscription models for selected content remain a possibility.
The network is also interested in Australian drama, subject to securing funding and commercially viable production deals.
Ross oversees television’s profit and loss, including news, content and sales, balancing programming investment against revenue in a competitive media environment.
