Share

TV Central: One on One Podcast
Dan Monaghan (Senior Vice President of Programming and Content at Paramount ANZ)
Over the past few months, Paramount has been making waves across the Australian media landscape—reshaping how news and entertainment are delivered to viewers nationwide.
Network 10, a key pillar of the Paramount portfolio, has taken bold steps to solidify its position, from expanding its regional reach to ramping up its programming slate and strengthening its news offering.
The network recently acquired regional TV assets from Southern Cross Austereo, increasing its presence in Southern New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. And they’re not done yet—with a proposed acquisition of assets from WIN Television in Northern New South Wales currently under review. All this points to a clear strategy: deeper regional engagement and broader national reach.
At a time when other broadcasters are scaling back, 10 is investing. It has launched three new news bulletins—10 News First: Lunchtime, Afternoon, and Late News—giving Australians more access to breaking stories throughout the day.
On the entertainment front, 2025 has launched with major momentum. From reality juggernauts like I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and Australian Survivor: Brains vs Brawn, to fresh comedy (Taskmaster Australia) and fan-favourites like Gogglebox, 10 has delivered a strong, varied lineup. The highly anticipated Sam Pang Tonight is now on air—bringing something uniquely Australian to the late-night talk space.
Joining me to unpack all of this and more is Dan Monaghan, Senior Vice President of Programming and Content at Paramount ANZ.
In this episode, we’ll dive into:
- Why 10 is expanding its news division—with new bulletins, while competitors are cutting back
- The resurgence in Total TV audiences and what’s driving renewed engagement
- Paramount’s regional expansion and what it means for reach and advertising
- The end of Neighbours—its legacy, future, and how 10 plans to fill the drama quota void
- A blockbuster season of I’m a Celebrity—Robert Irwin’s hosting debut and what's next for the show
- What’s ahead for Australian Survivor, including the upcoming Survivor: Australia v The World
- Reactions to Sam Pang Tonight, how the show is evolving, and what to expect in season 2
- 10’s full control of Gogglebox and the behind-the-scenes changes
- Taskmaster’s success and the impact of casting big-name Aussie talent
- MasterChef Australia: Back to Win and how 10 balances legacy formats with fresh spins
- The return of Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Cheap Seats
- Programming updates on NCIS: Sydney, Watson, Ghosts, SVU, and So Help Me Todd
- The strategy behind 10 Peach Comedy and 10 Bold—balancing iconic content with fresh programming
- The future of 10 Play and how it’s integrating with the broader 10 digital ecosystem
- The success of Deal or No Deal Island and deciding what lands on TV vs streaming
- The enduring popularity of daytime soap operas like The Young and the Restless and General Hospital, and their role in the network’s online strategy
- And finally, what else viewers can expect from Paramount and Network 10 in 2025
For all the latest TV news, streaming updates, ratings, reviews, and more, visit www.tvcentral.com.au. See you next time.
More episodes
View all episodes

37. Coco (Big Brother)
10:45||Season 2025, Ep. 37Today on TV Central, we’re joined by a woman who captured the heart of a nation. Coco — a 30-year-old single mum of three — walked into the Big Brother house carrying more life experience than a lot of people ever will.After 11 years in childcare, a painful marriage breakdown, and a complete life reset, she stepped into the game determined to show her kids what real strength looks like.She’s funny, fierce, and fearlessly honest. She’s survived two tumours, chest surgery, and the heartbreaking loss of her dad — but never lost the spark or sass that makes her unforgettable.Coco lit up the house with humour, heart, and a grit that kept Australia rooting for her every step of the way. She wasn’t chasing fame. She wasn’t playing a character. She was proving that a small-town mum with nothing to lose can take on the game… and win.And she did.
36. Conor (Big Brother)
11:25||Season 2025, Ep. 36Conor — what a powerhouse. A disability advocate, educator, high-energy larrikin, and someone who lives boldly and unapologetically with Tourette’s.He walked into the Big Brother house with purpose: to represent, to challenge stigma, and to show Australia the real face of Tourette’s — one that’s authentic, unfiltered, funny, big-hearted, and full of personality.From surviving a hit-and-run at just 18 to becoming a proud voice for neurodivergence across the country, Conor uses his experiences to inspire and to connect. Inside the house, he cooked, he laughed, he cried, he confronted, he bonded — and he made one hell of an impression.
35. Edward (Big Brother)
14:21||Season 2025, Ep. 35Edward came into the game the epitome of an Aussie bloke: beers with mates, the life of the party, a bit of a stirrer when the mood strikes. But behind the cheeky grin is someone grounded, caring, and genuinely big-hearted. The youngest of six, a proud twin, and the friend everyone turns to when life gets tough.He entered the house wanting to prove that kindness, humour, and vulnerability can go the distance — and that nice guys don’t always finish last.His journey was full of highs and lows, and ultimately one of the most surprising exits we’ve seen this season.
34. Mel Tracina #4 (Big Brother)
14:11||Season 2025, Ep. 34What a week it’s been in the Big Brother house:It was sayonara to Holly, and a surprise midnight boot for Vinnie.Coco and Bruce finally shared that much-anticipated first kiss — honestly, it’s been like watching a three-hour Hallmark movie unfold in slow motion.And of course, steering this wild ship with grace, humour and pure hosting brilliance is Mel Tracina. She’s a friend of the show, she’s back for Round 4, and at this point one more appearance and we’re releasing a Best Of compilation.Housemates, this week’s special guest has entered the chat. Please gather in the living room for Mel Tracina!
33. Vinnie (Big Brother)
15:20||Season 2025, Ep. 33Born and raised in regional Victoria, Vinnie—also known as Vincent—grew up making wine and salami with his Nonno as part of what he proudly calls “the biggest Italian family in Australia.” After moving out at 18, he built a life in Melbourne, where he now works as a barber.Vinnie radiates charisma. He has that rare mix of confidence, self-assurance, and warmth that makes him instantly magnetic. He knows who he is, doesn’t suffer fools, and has earned a reputation as a bit of a ladies’ man—sharp, charming, and confident, with just a hint of cheeky cockiness.But he’s also faced an unfortunate label in the house: being called “fake.” So today we ask…Will the real Vinnie please stand up?
32. Holly (Big Brother)
15:12||Season 2025, Ep. 32This is your central hub for all things Big Brother — from eviction interviews to deep dives with host Mel Tracina and the legendary voice of the series, Mike Goldman.Holly is a 31-year-old model from my home state of WA. Others often describe her as “fun with a side of chaos,” but she prefers “a unicorn: fabulous, untamed, and impossible to ignore.” She’s lived and modelled in LA, Milan, and beyond, and that experience has shaped her into someone who can read a room in seconds. She’s sharp, quick with a one-liner, cat-obsessed, had been proudly single, and very aware of the energy she brings into a space. Holly has said she’s not here to be the loudest in the room — she’s here to be the smartest.There is a lot to unpack with Holly today, so we’re going to dive straight in.
31. Mel Tracina #3 (Big Brother)
16:56||Season 2025, Ep. 31This is your central hub for all things Big Brother — where the drama is high, the strategy is sneaky, and the housemates somehow still forget there are cameras literally everywhere.What a week it’s been in the Big Brother house – it went from Love Island Australia to The Real Housewives of Hotel Hell. There was more whinging in the house than at an old people’s bingo game when a mobile phone rings. Mel Tracina has done a fabulous job as host as she oversaw the double eviction of Jane and Mia through a big downpour. She’s a friend of the show, she’s back for Round 3 — ready to talk gameplay, evictions, nominations and the quality of the BOM weather app.
30. Mia (Big Brother)
17:25||Season 2025, Ep. 30This is Eviction #3 as Mia was the third to say goodbye. Mia is an unapologetic ball of energy—equal parts chaos, charm, and charisma. A proud Sri Lankan Australian and a retail assistant at Bunnings, she brings a huge personality and an even bigger laugh everywhere she goes. She’s passionate about inclusivity and representation, but she’s not afraid to get messy either. Loyal to those she loves, ruthless when crossed, hilariously honest, and never afraid to call it like it is, Mia is the kind of housemate who thrives in chaos.And of course… Mia, where looking for love is just the beginning. (Did that pun work? I tried!)
29. Jane (Big Brother)
15:35||Season 2025, Ep. 29This is Eviction #2 as Jane was the second to say goodbye. Jane is far from your typical Big Brother housemate. At 67, she’s the oldest contestant in the history of Big Brother Australia, bringing a lifetime of perspective into a game often dominated by younger generations. A single mother of two and grandmother of four, she’s happiest on the golf course with her girlfriends and is known for her no-nonsense, straight-shooting approach to life. She dislikes gossip, tackles conflict head-on, and—despite being an outspoken Donald Trump supporter—entered the house determined to keep her political views to herself. Funny, loyal, and proud to represent the older generation, Jane walked into the house wanting one thing: to win.Unfortunately not meant to be this time.