Karl Stefanovic is set to front new Q and A style talk show on Channel Nine with a panel of experts and a live studio audience.
The Verdict, starting October 8, at 8.30pm, will feature discussions of current events as well as questions from the live studio audience and an in-depth interview with a newsmaker or celebrity.
The hour-long program, which will go to air over five weeks, will also allow the audience at home to vote on weekly topics via the Your Verdict voting site at 9Jumpin.com.au.
Karl Stefanovic said he was really looking forward to getting beyond the headlines with The Verdict.
"Each week on the panel we will canvass a range of opinions to reflect our society. I know our top-shelf production team will be carefully choosing topics and panellists to represent the broadest range of opinions on matters confronting us all – and I’m never lacking one, so I can’t wait to get amongst it," he said.
“Hold onto your hats, folks. It might get bumpy.”
The Verdict executive producer, Phil Goyen, said he was really excited about program.
"My hope is that each week the panellists and topics will spark conversations in living rooms around Australia," he said.
“With social media driving so many issues, and with today’s ever-shorter news cycle, The Verdict will be the place for panellists and viewers to really explore big news stories and important issues beyond 140 characters.”