Channel Seven try to get the jump on Nine

Channel Seven has aired its Sydney siege special earlier than expected, supposedly to beat the Nine's coverage on 60 Minutes.

Seven's program went to air around 6.10pm, around 20 minutes before it was scheduled.

Tim Burrowes from @mumbrella tweeted: "Aggressive ratings move by Seven: cutting short 6pm news bulletin and starting #SydneySiege special about 20 mins earlier than advertised."

Network Nine started their special, including interviews with eight of the hostages, at 6.30pm as scheduled.