Home and Away to move to 7TWO?

This rumour started a year or so ago, but it looks like the story has now re-surfaced (I am sure something was posted about this on this Forum previously, but I can't find it, so I have started a new thread). Article in today's Sunday Telegraph - Sydney Confidential:

"Soapie Switch for Seven

Channel Seven are considering moving popular soapie Home And Away to digital channel 7TWO to make way for the return of Today Tonight.

It is understood executives at Martin Place are close to making the call regarding the country's longest running soap, which is hugely profitable for the network thanks to its broad international sales and presence in 80 countries.

It has been no secret network boss Craig McPherson, who oversaw Today Tonight before it was pulled in 2014, is keen to bring the program back to compete with Nine's A Current Affair.

The decision hinges on whether TT can produce the right audience mix to lead into Seven's prime time hits including X Factor.

"The problem with TT is the viewing demographic is a lot older than Home And Away and isn't necessarily the right kind of audience they are looking for to attract the big budget powerhouses like My Kitchen Rules," a Seven insider said.

Seven also risks shedding Home And Away viewers in a switch.

When rival Neighbours moved to 11 in 2010, the network saw the audience drop by around 50 per cent.

When contacted for comment, Seven spokesman denied the move."

This story seems to pop up every year

...And the denial from Channel 7:

"Home and Away's Aussie broadcaster denies claims the show is being dumped onto a digital channel

​Channel Seven is the show's Home (and Away).

Australian network Channel Seven has been forced to deny that long-running soap Home and Away is being dumped from the main channel and being moved to a digital only channel.

It was reported that the network was looking to replace the show with current affairs programme Today Tonight because of its primetime 7pm slot.

The Daily Telegraph Australia has now reported that a spokesperson for Channel Seven has told them: "There are no such plans in the current scheduling, or in the foreseeable future." (Via the Daily Mail.)

Apparently, network bosses were hoping that Today Tonight would attract more viewers to stick around and watch programmes like The X Factor Australia that air in the 7.30pm slot.

We hope that Home and Away stays where it is - Neighbours was moved from Channel Ten to a digital channel back in 2010 which just isn't right. Soaps belong on the main channels!

Regardless of whether Home and Away does get moved on Australian TV, we're pretty confident it will continue to air on Channel 5 in the UK as normal."

Digital Spy