TV networks begin talks with Labor, Coalition to host election debates
The ABC, absent from debates for two elections, has made an early pitch to the major parties, as Nine, Seven and Sky News Australia open talks.
Four of Australia’s major television networks have begun talks with both the federal Labor and Coalition election campaigns as they compete to host and broadcast the 2025 leaders’ debates, set to take place in the coming months.
Sources familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss early deliberations which are subject to change, told Capital Brief that representatives from the ABC, Seven Network, Nine Network, Sky News Australia and the National Press Club have held early discussions with the major parties about hosting at least one debate each.
While no commitments have been made, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are currently expected to face off in three televised debates — an outcome that could leave at least one network without an exclusive broadcast.
If the National Press Club secures a debate, two of the major networks would miss out on exclusive broadcasts, though all could still have the option to televise it. There is no guarantee, however, that both leaders will agree to three debates.
