Why don’t TV programs on Channels Seven, Nine and Ten ever start on time? That is the first question I am asked whenever anyone finds out I write about television. Sometimes I can literally see steam coming from people’s ears as they launch into a tirade about programs running late. Their faces redden, their eyes start watering. They are filled with tales about eagerly sitting down to watch their favourite show, only to languish on the couch for a quarter or even half an hour before it actually starts. Read the story here.
INSIDE
TELEVISION
The
Bachelorette
YOU had me at hello. That was what I wanted to say to Sophie Monk while I was watching The Bachelorette Australia. Never has a reality show contestant, with the possible exception of Sam Frost, melted the hearts of Aussie TV viewers quite so quickly. I reckon it took about two minutes for the former Bardot singer to win me over — right about when she said “I know I’m not your typical Bachelorette. I’m a massive bogan”. Read the story here
I’m a celebrity, get me out of here
STOP the bloody arguing! That is what I wanted to shout at the television the other night while I was flipping between My Kitchen Rules, Married at First Sight and I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! More than ever the three 7.30pm reality shows are looking to conflict in a desperate attempt to boost ratings. I used to enjoy I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! as a fun alternative. The banter between hosts Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris was witty and there was a weird joy to seeing B-grade stars covered in maggots or elephant dung. But this year’s show has turned sour for me. Read the story here.
The
ABC
How much do I love my ABC? That is the question I’m asking after the federal government put a freeze on the national broadcaster’s funding, resulting in an $84 million shortfall over the next three years. ABC boss Michelle Guthrie was quick to express her disappointment and concern with the decision and said it could lead to a voter backlash. But will it? When it comes to the television side of things, I think the ABC is all over the shop. There is plenty of room for improvement and more money isn’t the answer. The ABC has always said that it doesn’t care about ratings. Instead, success is based on viewers absolutely adoring at least one of the shows that it screens each week. Read the story here.