Channel Seven is named the official broadcaster for the Oscars

The ultimate revenge? Channel Seven has been named the official broadcaster for the Oscars – amid rumours Sunrise could bar its rivals at Today from the red carpet. Pictured: Sunrise producer Michael Pell and host Samantha Armytage

On Sunday, The Sydney Morning Herald speculated that reporters from Seven’s rival networks could be strategically barred from the red carpet.

When quizzed on whether Seven will be excluding other networks from the ruby pile, Sunrise producer Michael Pell remained tight-lipped.

‘We’re really excited to be the official broadcaster this year. The Oscars are a perfect fit for Sunrise and we’ll be unveiling our full coverage plans very soon,’ he said.

Competition: While Nine's revamped Today show is pulling out all the stops to take down Sunrise, Channel Seven has enjoyed a big win. Pictured: Today's Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon

Competition: While Nine’s revamped Today show is pulling out all the stops to take down Sunrise, Channel Seven has enjoyed a big win. Pictured: Today’s Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon

In 2018, Sunrise’s Edwina Bartholomew was humiliatingly forced to report on the Oscars from a nearby shopping centre rooftop.

Channel Nine, who were the telecast partner that year, denied being behind this.

Wearing a glamorous black frock atop the Hollywood and Highland complex in 2018, Edwina joked with fans during a live cross: ‘My invitation was lost in the mail!’

Snubbed!  In 2018, Sunrise's Edwina Bartholomew was humiliatingly forced to report on the Oscars from a nearby shopping centre rooftop (pictured)

Snubbed!  In 2018, Sunrise’s Edwina Bartholomew was humiliatingly forced to report on the Oscars from a nearby shopping centre rooftop (pictured)

She added: ‘We don’t have the broadcast rights to the Oscars. Still plenty to see!’

Nine Network’s director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick, told TV Tonight at the time that his view on the issue was ‘pretty black and white’.

He said: ‘They’re not a rights-holder. In the words of Barnaby Joyce, ‘Bugger off.”

All dressed up with nowhere to go?'We don't have the broadcast rights to the Oscars. Still plenty to see,' said Edwina, while dressed up in a ball gown and reporting live from across the street

All dressed up with nowhere to go? ‘We don’t have the broadcast rights to the Oscars. Still plenty to see,’ said Edwina, while dressed up in a ball gown and reporting live from across the street

Darren went on to say that as they were the exclusive rights holders, Nine should have ‘premium access on the red carpet’.

‘If we’re in a position to block the other guys, fine. Do it,’ he added.

This year’s show will air on Monday, February 10, accommodating for the time difference with LA, where the ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 9.

Brooke Boney is expected to fly to LA to cover the event for Nine’s Today show, while Angela Bishop will be there for Channel 10’s Studio 10.

Flying over: Brooke Boney (pictured) is expected to fly to LA to cover the event for Nine's Today show,

Flying over: Brooke Boney (pictured) is expected to fly to LA to cover the event for Nine’s Today show,

She's coming too! Angela Bishop will be reporting at the Oscars for Channel 10's Studio 10

She’s coming too! Angela Bishop will be reporting at the Oscars for Channel 10’s Studio 10

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