TV networks gear up for election coverage IT'S game on for the TV networks in the lead-up to the federal election. Both the Seven and Nine Networks have started half-hour news bulletins on their second digital channels in the 7pm timeslot, up against ABC News. Seven's new bulletin, hosted by Mark Ferguson, airs weeknights on 7TWO. Nine's is on GEM, with Peter Overton in the chair from Monday to Thursday and Deborah Knight on Fridays. And the ABC has two election-special shows coming up. Gruen Planet will be dissecting the election spin with regulars Wil Anderson, Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft joined for four special episodes by Dr John Hewson and Annabel Crabb, from August 14. The Hamster Decides returns on the same night, with The Chaser offering its own spin on the political promises of the previous week.