There’s been much buzz around Samantha Armytage's leap from Channel Seven to Channel Nine, where she is set to host the inaugural Australian season of The Golden Bachelor. Unlike typical reality dating shows, this one aims to cater to a more seasoned age group, targeting individuals from 60 to 75 years old. Many fans of the genre are eagerly anticipating its debut; unfortunately, the launch may be delayed as casting has faced unexpected challenges.
A casting producer from Warner Bros shared with Yahoo Lifestyle, "A lot of the applicants don’t know how to fill out the application form and upload pictures and videos. A lot don’t even own an iPhone or computer to do it themselves after hearing about the show on the news." Initially, applications started off slow, but progress has improved as producers encouraged viewers to nominate their grandparents, and the team has actively been reaching out to retirement homes across Australia to secure participants.
Reflecting on how she landed the hosting gig, Samantha recounted to Yahoo Lifestyle the unusual way she discovered the news. "I am still curious how it happened but I am excited it worked out," she expressed, admitting she first learned about her new role from gossip columns even before her management had been contacted. This element of the story certainly adds to the intrigue surrounding her return to television.
The discussions around Armytage's hosting role coincided with revelations from two Channel Seven stars about their surprisingly modest salaries, which has left Australian television viewers shell-shocked. Reporters Rosanna Kingsun and Samantha Heathwood spoke candidly during videos posted to Instagram, disclosing their earnings. Rosanna stated M journalists at her level earn between $80,000 and $90,000 per year, which left many followers taken aback.
"I was surprised at the salary. I was expecting they would be paid a lot more than $90k a year," said one follower, capturing the sentiment echoed by countless others. Another comment highlighted the struggles of living on such wages, especially for individuals with families, stressing the need for salaries to reflect the rising cost of living.
Samantha Heathwood also expressed her frustrations, indicating she was earning "well under $200,000" after two decades of experience. Many viewers sympathized, with one stating, "She deserves more than 200K," pointing out the discrepancies when compared to other high-profile figures like Karl Stefanovic, who reportedly earns over one million dollars per year.
The direct comparison drew attention to the fact journalists often contribute extensively behind the scenes but receive much less than their more famous counterparts, whose roles might focus on audiences and ratings rather than editorial content and hard-hitting news.
Interestingly, Samantha Heathwood had joined Channel Seven only recently, back in 2021, after various roles across regional news networks. Viewers expressed both admiration for her skills and concern for her well-being, with comments praising her heartfelt approach to interviews and wishing her continued success. "One of my favorite interviews y'all have done," remarked one supportive viewer.
These discussions about salary come at a time when reality TV continues to attract massive public interest, albeit with heavy doses of skepticism about authenticity and representation of age. The anticipation for The Golden Bachelor could usher in new conversations surrounding maturity and romance on television. Armytage’s early reveal as host should help bring significant attention to what’s sure to be one of the most anticipated reality shows of the year.
The eventual premiere date of The Golden Bachelor remains uncertain, though it has been confirmed it will air on Channel Nine this year. This season’s contestants, who will be older than the usual dating show demographic, represent both the changing view of relationships and the push for broader representation on television.
With castings confirming challenges and viewer reactions sparking dialogues about salaries and value, it’s evident the Australian television industry is currently at a crossroads. It highlights the gap between expectations and reality, from the fast pace of reality TV casting to the financial realities many journalists face. It seems the anticipation for The Golden Bachelor might just be the beginning of broader discussions within the media—a reflection of society's changing values and the representation of aging individuals on popular platforms.