Sunrise: Awkward moment lights shut down live on air as Monique Wright is forced to read the news in the dark at Seven’s new state-of-the-art studio
Sunrise suffered an embarrassing malfunction at its studio just a month after moving from Martin Place to its high-tech facilities in South Eveleigh.
On Wednesday morning, the breakfast show’s studio lights went out for around 20 seconds during their live broadcast.
The error occurred while reader Monique Wright was anchoring the morning news and speaking to reporter Teegan Dolling.
Wright, 50, effortlessly read the automatic cue prompt in the dark before interrupting himself to point out the lighting failure.
“Can we turn the lights back on, maybe?” she said, making a face.
The lights finally came back on just before Monique walked over to Teegan, drawing cheers from the host.
” And There you go ! Alleluia!’ Monique sang, while laughter was heard coming from the studio off-camera.
The Seven Network officially opened its newsroom and studios in Sydney last month after relocating from Martin Place in the CBD.
The planned high-tech facility located in South Eveleigh is now home to Seven’s Sydney and national news operations including 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest and Spotlight.
On Wednesday morning, Sunrise’s studio lights went out for about 20 seconds during their live broadcast, forcing Monique Wright to read the news in the dark.
But it’s not all as cutting-edge as previously thought, with a number of flaws reported since the breakfast show first aired.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Sunrise was filming its shows outdoors on the loading dock.
Viewers went to the forum Media spy to share their disappointment at the flawed layout presented by hosts Natalia Barr, Matt Shirvington, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta down the aisle.
The segment featured traditional Greek dancers and smashing plates in a competition for one lucky viewer to win a trip to the Greek islands.
The Seven Network officially opened its newsroom and studios in Sydney last month after relocating from Martin Place in the CBD.
“In the parking lot this morning I must have wanted to protect the floor of the new studio,” one fan wrote on the forum.
“It’s not the best place for an obstetrician. It looks like a loading dock,” another added.
‘(I) Miss Martin Place for this type of setup.’
Another disgruntled viewer said this was “the second time” they used the loading dock for an OB.
But it’s not all as cutting-edge as previously thought, with a number of errors cropping up since the breakfast show first aired. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Sunrise was filming its shows outdoors on the loading dock.
“I hope this is not a regular phenomenon,” they added.
Sunrise ushered in a new era in July when Channel Seven officially moved its studios to nearby South Eveleigh after 19 years of broadcasting from Martin Place in Sydney.
According to an official press release, “the world-leading studio space is five times the size of Martin Place and accommodates permanent sets for all programmes, with two full control rooms and over 40 square meters of LED screens”.
But not all fans are won over by Brekkie Central’s new look.
Critics rushed to social media to slam the state-of-the-art studio, with many saying it feels “sterile” compared to the iconic Martin Place studio, which featured a large window overlooking the busy footpath outside.
“Sorry but Martin Place was much better. I loved being able to see the real world passing by in the background. This new place looks like a windowless basement dwelling, dark and dank,” one viewer complained.
Critics rushed to social media to slam the state-of-the-art studio, with many saying it feels “sterile” compared to the iconic Martin Place studio, which featured a large window overlooking the busy footpath outside.
“The new Sunrise filming on Channel 7 Sydney is far too sterile – almost hostile – unlikely compared to the bustling view of people at Martin Place in the CBD,” agreed another, while someone else said describes the studio as looking “all locked up”.
Naysayers also took aim at the set’s new color palette, which introduced brighter hues of yellow and orange as well as more white space.
“Way too bright. Too much orange and white,” one complained, while another wrote: “It’s very visible and takes over. Very dazzling. It’s just too much.
There has also been backlash online over the apparent lack of visible camera operators in the studio, amid reports that Seven is gradually installing robotic cameras.
Sunrise revealed in June that Matt Shrivington (right) would replace David Koch to co-host alongside Natalie Barr (left)
‘It’s a shame. The people who worked last week at Martin Place on (the cameras) probably don’t have a job on the show now,” one viewer commented. Media spy.
However, Sunrise’s new look has received a lot of positive feedback.
“It’s very consistent. All the elements seem to work together and look great on screen,” someone said.
During their first show in Everleigh, host Matt told viewers the studio was paying homage to his predecessor Martin Place.
“We’re in our brand new house this morning, it’s pretty amazing. It takes a lot of inspiration from Martin Place Brekky Central, but it also has some new things in it,” he said.
However, Sunrise’s new look has received a lot of positive feedback.