Seven Network Unveils Extensive ANZAC Day Programming to Commemorate Sacrifice
This ANZAC Day, the Seven Network will deliver a profound tribute to Australia's fallen and serving personnel through an immersive broadcast schedule, highlighting stories of war, sacrifice, and resilience as the nation unites in remembrance. The network's comprehensive coverage kicks off at 4:20am AEST on Saturday, April 25, with the flagship breakfast television show Sunrise, hosted by Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, broadcasting live from the dawn service at North Bondi RSL.
Historic Live Broadcast from Bondi Beach
Emceed by Mark Beretta, this landmark telecast marks the inaugural live television broadcast of the iconic North Bondi RSL dawn service, bringing the solemn ceremony to audiences nationwide. As the sun rises over the Pacific, Sunrise will connect viewers to commemorations across Australia and overseas, including live crosses to Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Gallipoli, and Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Throughout the morning, Sunrise will delve into the significance of ANZAC Day through emotional interviews with veterans, active service members, and families of the fallen. The program will also feature appearances from notable Australian figures, who will honour service, sacrifice, and remembrance within the military community. Coverage continues until 12:00pm AEST, with Michael Usher and Monique Wright presenting special segments, including live musical performances by the Ten Tenors and updates from major 'two-up' events in the Southern Hemisphere.
Personal Reflections from Hosts
Natalie Barr expressed the emotional weight of the occasion, stating, "There's something truly powerful about greeting ANZAC Day as the sun comes up over the ocean. Being at Bondi, surrounded by veterans, families, and the community, reminds us exactly why this day matters and how deeply it's felt by Australians everywhere." Matt Shirvington added, "ANZAC Day reminds us of the sacrifice that shaped our country, and honours those who protect the freedoms we enjoy. To stand there among fellow Aussies paying their respects and to share that with you at home, it's incredibly humbling."
Global Tributes and AFL Showdown
From 12:00pm AEST, Seven and 7plus will air special live coverage of the Gallipoli Dawn Service and Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service in France. At 2:30pm AEST in Sydney and Brisbane, Lest We Forget: Harbour Sunset Tribute will showcase over 100 military, veteran, and civilian artists at the Sydney Opera House.
One of the AFL's premier events takes centre stage from 2:00pm AEST, as powerhouse clubs Collingwood and Essendon clash in the annual ANZAC Day match, broadcast live and free on Seven, 7mate, and 7plus Sport. Since their first ANZAC Day match in 1995, these rivals have elevated their longstanding competition to honour the courageous ANZACs who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, particularly those at Gallipoli, where forces landed on April 25, 1915. Seven will broadcast the full pre-game ceremony, including the traditional moment of silence and motorcade at a packed MCG, before match coverage begins at 3:00pm.
Evening Commemorations and Documentary Premiere
At 6:00pm, 7NEWS will present a special ANZAC Day commemorative bulletin, followed by the day's headlines. On Sunday night at 9:00pm, the confronting and deeply personal documentary Bravery & Betrayal makes its television premiere after a historic sold-out national cinema run. This unflinching film reveals the realities of wartime through exclusive interviews with S.A.S. soldiers, three former Prime Ministers, American Special Forces pilots, and the families left behind.
Director Simon J. Heath commented, "At its heart, Bravery & Betrayal is about truth, fairness, and honour. It is about ensuring that those who carried the burden of war are not left to carry the burden of silence. The documentary became the largest independent Australian cinema documentary last year because everyday Australians believed these veterans deserved to have their voices heard."
Complete Broadcast Schedule
Special ANZAC Day coverage starts at 4:20am AEST on Seven and 7plus. Key local broadcast times include:
- Weekend Sunrise: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane: 4:20am live on Seven and 7plus; Adelaide, Perth: 4:20am on Seven and 7plus.
- 7NEWS Special: Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Services: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane: 12:00pm live on Seven and 7plus; Adelaide: 11:30am live on Seven and 7plus; Perth: 10:00am live on Seven and 7plus.
- Lest We Forget: Harbour Sunset Tribute: Sydney and Brisbane: 2:30pm on Seven and 7plus.
- ANZAC Day AFL Pre-Game: Sydney and Brisbane: 2:00pm live on 7mate and 7plus; Melbourne: 2:00pm live on Seven and 7plus; Adelaide: 1:30pm live on Seven and 7plus; Perth: 12:00pm live on Seven and 7plus.
- AFL Round 7: Essendon v Collingwood: Sydney and Brisbane: 3:00pm live on 7mate and 7plus; Melbourne: 3:00pm live on Seven and 7plus; Adelaide: 2:30pm live on Seven and 7plus; Perth: 1:00pm live on Seven and 7plus.
- Bravery & Betrayal: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth: 9:00pm on Seven and 7plus, available to stream free.
