Newsworthy debuts to lacklustre ratings

Samantha Hayes and David Farrier host TV3's new late night news offering Newsworthy

TV3's new late night news show, Newsworthy, premiered last night, drawing an audience of 74,000 viewers.

That's less than half the number that tuned into TV One's late news offering Tonight, which saw 182,000 tune in, according to Nielsen.

The show fared better in its target demographic of 25-54, with 47,000 tuning in, versus 63,000 over on TV One.

Hosted by Samantha Hayes and David Farrier, the show promises to bring viewers both the "credible and incredible".

Amongst the quirkier items on offer, Farrier interviewed Conservative Party leader Colin Craig in a hot sauna.

The interview featured little in the way of information but served as an illustrative time-lapse on the effects of overheating. By the end of the segment, Farrier was a dripping mess, barely able to form coherent sentences.

Musician Neil Finn also appeared in studio as a live guest, discussing his upcoming Auckland show.

Online reaction was mixed with some questioning the show's blend of news and personality, while others felt it was a welcome addition to the local news landscape.

Is there a #newsworthy drinking game yet? Drink every time @davidfarrier mentions an animal, empty your vessel if it's Keith.

— Brendon Green (@brendongreen) June 8, 2015

@realstevegray @HumanmenoT I don't think they've got the presenter mix anywhere near right & casual talk needs a casual set. #Newsworthy

— We owe history the dignity of context (@PhotoshopFace) June 8, 2015

Nice work @SamHayes_ and @davidfarrier you guys are awesome!! ...and saunas really are the thing this week ;) #newsworthy

— Antonia Prebble (@FromAntonia) June 8, 2015

Right! #Newsworthy. So far, cool graphics package, @SamHayes_ is rocking a @surface and the O in worthy is the Android loading symbol. Sold!

— Tim 'Eat My Piss' Batt (@Tim_Batt) June 8, 2015

Not a lot to go on so far, but #Newsworthy seems like a good late-night addition for TV3. @newsworthynz

— Stewart Sowman-Lund (@StewartLundNZ) June 8, 2015

- nzherald.co.nz