Today I can report exclusively for The Bug reader on moves by several free-to-air TV networks to shake up their program line-ups in a bid to hold or attract viewers.

The biggest change will be to the Nine Network’s late afternoon quiz show Tipping Point which leads into the network’s main 6pm advertorial bulletin.

Tipping Point is built around contestants answering general knowledge questions and vying for prizes by playing a large version of the old penny arcade coin-push games.

“The odds of winning anything are pretty much the same as they have always been for the arcade games,” a Nine insider told me. “That’s why we’ve decided to jazz up the show to make it more interesting to viewers by rebranding it as Stripping Point and having everyone play in the nude and have host Todd Woodbridge naked too. (main picture)

“We think this will draw in extra viewers and we’re not worried about any backlash from industry regulators.

“The average age of any remaining free-to-air TV viewers means we don’t expect anyone watching at home to be shocked or upset.

“In any case, the average age of players means any exposed breasts or genitals on Stripping Point will be well out of shot below the bottom of the screen.”

I can also report that Network Ten is about to launch a new talent discovery program following the success of ABC TV’s local version of the original UK show The Piano in which performers play pianos in public spaces while being assessed by judges hidden from view.

But ever cautious about the cost of new productions, Ten has chosen to focus on a musical instrument that requires fewer complex logistics than the pianos used by the ABC.

The Spoons (below) is now being shot at various locations not far from Network Ten’s studios in Sydney and will air at a date to be announced.

Meanwhile the ABC is about to launch legal action over what is claims is the Seven Network’s use of ambush marketing of repackaged reruns of the old 1970s Crawford Productions’ police drama starring the late Lucky Grills as Detective Sergeant “Bluey” Hills. (below)

A Seven Network source denied the allegation and said Seven was prepared for any legal challenge, telling me: “The ABC is barking up the wrong tree. If they attack us we’re prepared to bite back and put up a dogged defence of Bluey.”

When I congratulated the Seven source on their humorous puns, they replied: “What puns?”

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