Network still ahead of rivals Ten and Nine in revenue race, which is probably why Ten pinched its sales chief.
In what has been an eventful March so far at the network, good news has just emerged that the giant earned $3.6 billion in TV ad revenue last month – making it the top free-TV money maker.
The figure means the station accounted for almost 40 per cent (38.9%) of all ads on free-to-air ads, according to research by SMI, which is based on media agencies TV spend.
And the figures come as no surprise to many within the industry, with one media buyer branding Seven as “a force to be reckoned with.”
Late last week it emerged its sales chief, James Wharburton was poached by rival channel Ten, to become their new CEO, taking over from Grant Blackley.
Wharburton, who made no secret of the fact he desired the top job at his former employers, had been hotly tipped to takeover current CEO David Leckie’s spot and was seen as one of the key players to Seven’s success.
However, this promotion failed to materialise and Leckie was made group CEO and managing director of the newly formed Seven West Media – following the buyout by West Australia Newspapers of the Seven Media Group.
Channel Nine came in second place in ads revenue with 34.5 per cent, with Ten trailing in third place with 26.8 per cent, although this marked an improvement on its January’s figures, which stood at 23.7 per cent.
Seven’s Chief David Leckie was said to have visited some of the major
media buyers last week in a bid to convince them it would be business as
ausual despite Wharburton’s unexpected departure, according to reports.
“Seven is a force to be reckoned with and I envisage that will continue in the short term,” CEO of Universal McCann, Mat Baxter said.
