Local TV icon turns 400
A major milestone in Western Australia’s television industry will be achieved on Monday 8th October at 7am when Wake Up! WA’s 400th episode goes live to air.
Wake Up! WA is Western Australia’s live & local breakfast TV program, showcasing everything that makes WA great. Going live to air every weekday at 7am and repeated again at 10.30am, the show regularly highlights the great work done by local charities, sporting and community organisations, and features local art, music, and identities.
Beginning life in 2005 as Wake Up! Perth, the show was rebranded this year to reflect its reach across the state and growing appeal to a diverse range of local tastes.
Wake Up! WA is produced by Ego Creative Media, whom it is believed is airing more local content on TV in WA than any other production company(10 hours per week). Ego’s Managing Director, Scott Hunt believes that there is a growing desire among Western Australians to see more quality, local content return to their TV screens.
“In an age when our local identity is blurred by the insistence of Commercial Television networks to put increasing profit before local interests and to drown us in Eastern States content, we are proud to be able to give the Western Australian public 10 hours of local television content every week,” says Scott.
“We are also grateful to Access 31 for their ongoing support of local content,” adds Scott.
A secondary side effect from the lack of local TV content is the limited opportunity for those wishing to forge a career in television. Wake Up! WA provides opportunities for TV hopefuls to gain valuable experience and exposure.
“Our show would not exist without the tireless efforts of our dedicated team of directors, camera and sound crew and, of course our talented on air presenters,” says Carol Wallbank, the show’s Executive Producer.
“The live-to-air format certainly keeps everyone on their toes and gives them experience they cannot get easily anywhere else in the state,” adds Carol.
Wake Up! WA’s 400th episode should prove to be huge fun with a host of current and previous cast and crew, comedy from Rodney Marks, and live music from regular favourite Morgan. Tune into Access 31 at 7am or 10.30am on Monday 8th October to watch Wake Up! WA reach its milestone birthday.