...but is it enough?
Channel 9 is about to lose its first ratings race in many years but the embattled network is buoyant having regained its balls and David Gyngell as they try to claw back some of Channel 7's dominance.
The year has been disappointing for Nine with a number of flops including The Lost Tribes, 1 v 100, ER, Viva Laughlin, Millionaire and many more.
News and Current Affairs have taken a hit with the National Nine News, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes brands all suffering while Today and Sunday's ratings have not improved despite new co-hosts in Lisa Wilkinson and Ray Martin respectively.
Nine is caught between Seven's new news approach, adopting a more relaxed, lifestyle, entertainment soft news approach where Nine's strength has been its hard commercial news tactics.
Audiences are speaking for themselves favoring the softer news packages and Nine just misses the beat. The Nine product is hard news and unless they have a complete overhaul they will just look like they are caught between two places and awkward as the network looks now.
Nine's election coverage failed to pull ratings as it was promoted more like a cartoon than a serious election coverage. 'Ray and Laurie's Election Extravaganza' should never have been marketed like this.
Getaway is looking tired; Temptation is not delivering at 7pm getting Nine off to a bad start every night. It has been encouraging in these last few weeks to see ratings return for 20 to 1, The Farmer Wants A Wife and Missing Persons Unit.
With a 2008 launch last night which includes four new Australian dramas - Canal Road, Underbelly, The Young Doctors plus a father series of Sea Patrol and McLeod's Daughters final series show encouraging signs of a network developing stock.
Another game show will be launched titled 'The Power of Ten' but lets see if Nine can find another host. I think Eddie McGuire is over exposed in this format and is much cleverer. He is underutilised else where and Nine should be thinking about where best to use Eddie.
Will Nine claw back in 2008 or will it be 7 in 08 while 9 will have to wait until 09?
Nine will hopefully put some runs back on the board but the key lies around their ability to generate interest in their news and current affairs hour followed by a strong 7pm show.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The New Political Landscape
In a few hours Australia will have a new opposition leader, whether it is Malcolm Turnbull or Brendan Nelson.
By the weekend Australia will have a new set of ministers and a Prime Minister ready to be sworn into Government.
The Australian political landscape is changing and for at least the next three years Mr Rudd will become the 26th Prime Minister of Australia with every chance of being re-elected.
You would have to assume that Rudd is there for at least two terms in office unless there is a catastrophe. Two new players in Rudd and either Nelson or Turnbull will be the two figure heads of Labor and Liberal in our nation.
The Liberal Party has been ‘cleaned out’ with John Howard, Peter Costello, Andrew Downer all either retiring or serving out their terms on the back bench. We are yet to hear from Phillip Ruddock but don’t expect the outgoing Attorney-General to remain in politics.
With change in the air, Kevin Rudd grabbed his opportunity in 2006 when the Australian people were starting to seek a new start. Costello missed the boat and should have challenged Howard because today he may be PM.
It has been done now, the Liberals have lost and Labor has won. Rudd will be wearing his L-plates, treading lightly but with such a comprehensive majority in the Lower House and every state and territory being governed by Labor, he almost has free reign over Australian politics.
Nelson or Turnbull will become the face of the Liberals, two contrasting moderately-conservative characters whose best job would be to draw a line under the Howard years and move on. Don’t mope around or defend the failed policies that did not get the Howard Government re-elected but put pressure on the Government and quickly re-unify.
Our Prime-Minister elect and Labor were in a mess only twelve months ago, now they prepare to take their seats in Government and lead the nation.
Politics is just that and within parties it is even worse. Keep your friends close but your enemy’s closer is something that the new Liberal leader must do because there is a former Treasurer sitting on your back bench and here is your warning, never disregard Peter Costello.
Costello is considering his future and says he will retire at the next federal election. I wouldn’t bank on that, Costello could still rise back to the top of the Liberal Party if he grew some courage and challenged his leader unlike his cowardly approach to the Prime Ministership.
Will it be Nelson or Turnbull?
I think Nelson will get the nod as the conservatives will think Turnbull is still too radical for now but don’t expect him to be the opposition leader at the next federal election.
Labor went through Kim Beazley, Simon Crean, Kim Beazley again, Mark Latham, Kim Beazley all before they found Kevin 07 and even he, Mr Rudd was not guaranteed leader amongst an unstable party.
It’s amazing what power and Governance can do for unification, if only there was no-infighting we would probably have a change of Government at every election.
By the weekend Australia will have a new set of ministers and a Prime Minister ready to be sworn into Government.
The Australian political landscape is changing and for at least the next three years Mr Rudd will become the 26th Prime Minister of Australia with every chance of being re-elected.
You would have to assume that Rudd is there for at least two terms in office unless there is a catastrophe. Two new players in Rudd and either Nelson or Turnbull will be the two figure heads of Labor and Liberal in our nation.
The Liberal Party has been ‘cleaned out’ with John Howard, Peter Costello, Andrew Downer all either retiring or serving out their terms on the back bench. We are yet to hear from Phillip Ruddock but don’t expect the outgoing Attorney-General to remain in politics.
With change in the air, Kevin Rudd grabbed his opportunity in 2006 when the Australian people were starting to seek a new start. Costello missed the boat and should have challenged Howard because today he may be PM.
It has been done now, the Liberals have lost and Labor has won. Rudd will be wearing his L-plates, treading lightly but with such a comprehensive majority in the Lower House and every state and territory being governed by Labor, he almost has free reign over Australian politics.
Nelson or Turnbull will become the face of the Liberals, two contrasting moderately-conservative characters whose best job would be to draw a line under the Howard years and move on. Don’t mope around or defend the failed policies that did not get the Howard Government re-elected but put pressure on the Government and quickly re-unify.
Our Prime-Minister elect and Labor were in a mess only twelve months ago, now they prepare to take their seats in Government and lead the nation.
Politics is just that and within parties it is even worse. Keep your friends close but your enemy’s closer is something that the new Liberal leader must do because there is a former Treasurer sitting on your back bench and here is your warning, never disregard Peter Costello.
Costello is considering his future and says he will retire at the next federal election. I wouldn’t bank on that, Costello could still rise back to the top of the Liberal Party if he grew some courage and challenged his leader unlike his cowardly approach to the Prime Ministership.
Will it be Nelson or Turnbull?
I think Nelson will get the nod as the conservatives will think Turnbull is still too radical for now but don’t expect him to be the opposition leader at the next federal election.
Labor went through Kim Beazley, Simon Crean, Kim Beazley again, Mark Latham, Kim Beazley all before they found Kevin 07 and even he, Mr Rudd was not guaranteed leader amongst an unstable party.
It’s amazing what power and Governance can do for unification, if only there was no-infighting we would probably have a change of Government at every election.
Monday, November 26, 2007
'Hollywood' style politics
A Hollywood style election campaign with media personalities and former rock stars have won Labor an election and installed Kevin Rudd as Australia's 26th Prime Minister.
With the 'Kevin 07' branding has signalled a time for change in the Australian Government and a return to Labor after 11 years.
Regardless of who you vote for, both political parties have introduced 'celebrities' to politics to run against seasoned, experienced and educated politicians.
To me, it reflects poorly on Australian society when the likes of Maxine McKew, Malcolm Turnball, Peter Garrett or Mike Bailey are considered candidates, let alone voted into their particular electorate.
Are we that uneducated that we have to have a 'name' or a celebrity that ensures we vote for a particular candidate.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the 'Governator' of California in what can only be described as a joke and here we are starting to vote in similar people to run our country.
It is laughable because they have no experience, knowledge or understanding of politics making a mockery of their party and the party process for candidates who may never become politicians in their own right.
Get real Labor, Liberal and Australia and start choosing people to represent your parties who are not only educated but are qualified to represent their electorate.
With the 'Kevin 07' branding has signalled a time for change in the Australian Government and a return to Labor after 11 years.
Regardless of who you vote for, both political parties have introduced 'celebrities' to politics to run against seasoned, experienced and educated politicians.
To me, it reflects poorly on Australian society when the likes of Maxine McKew, Malcolm Turnball, Peter Garrett or Mike Bailey are considered candidates, let alone voted into their particular electorate.
Are we that uneducated that we have to have a 'name' or a celebrity that ensures we vote for a particular candidate.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the 'Governator' of California in what can only be described as a joke and here we are starting to vote in similar people to run our country.
It is laughable because they have no experience, knowledge or understanding of politics making a mockery of their party and the party process for candidates who may never become politicians in their own right.
Get real Labor, Liberal and Australia and start choosing people to represent your parties who are not only educated but are qualified to represent their electorate.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Bring in Bollinger for Boxing Day
Bollinger...who? Doug Bollinger a relatively unknown cricketer. More specifically he is a left arm fast bowler from
Bollinger is currently playing
His pace, bounce, line and length is a talking point as the Australian selectors watch on for the next month before the Boxing Day Test against
If Ashley Noffke is fit he will also pressure the bowling attack as will Shaun Tait.
Overall the Australian team had a convincing series win against the Sri Lankans. The bowlers completed their job grabbing all 40 wickets but did they do their job well?
Brett Lee was outstanding. He really bowled with aggression, grunt and speed but it was thoughtful bowling. Lee has definitely matured as a bowler and is developing plans, learning how to get batsmen out, which he executed almost perfectly.
Stuart Clark was disappointing especially on the final morning of the Tasmanian test. His lengths at times were reminiscent of his Ashes 2006/2007 form but he was a long way from the top of his game.
Mitchell Johnson shows some promise but he is not the answer in the Test XI. Johnson offers pace and the left armers action but he is far too inconsistent to be damaging.
Johnson needs more time to develop and the selectors should reconsider their pace attack.
MacGill bowled poorly and he and all of
The selectors will probably back their test winning XI but I think they should consider their bowling options. Imagine a sold out Boxing Day test with Brett Lee and Shaun Tait opening the bowling... that would sting the Indians, excite the crowd and be a very impressive statement to world cricket.
Fast from one end, fast from the other...
My Test XI for Boxing Day
1 Matthew Hayden
2 Phil Jaques
3 Ricky Ponting
4 Michael Hussey
5 Michael Clarke
6 Andrew Symonds
7 Adam Gilchrist
8 Brad Hogg
9 Brett Lee
10 Shaun Tait
11 Doug Bollinger
12th Man: Ashley Noffke
They won't change three bowling positions, they should but they won't but the next month of state cricket will be very very interesting
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
New Sporting Heroes
Cricket and Rugby have for many years been the playground for Australian sporting heroes. Following the retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Stephen Larkham and George Gregan the sporting fan is starting to look at new athletes to idolize.
Surely these traditional Australian sports will develop and nurture new heroes but similarly Rugby League has just lost its hero, Andrew Johns and disgraced and discredited AFL player Ben Cousins will not be idolized like he once was.
As the changing of the guard occurs, a plethora of stars will fill those shoes but the rise of other Australian athletes in less popular sports over this year must be noted.
Mick Fanning has just become the World Champion surfer, one extraordinary feat that has been acknowledged by many Australians.
Casey Stoner become the motor bike Moto GP World Champion increasing the popularity of the sport.
Cadel Evans amazing feat in the Tour de France this year, the only Australian to finish on the winners podium will be even more determined in 2008 to go one better, raising the profile of cycling.
Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and John Aloisi have become household names after the success of the Socceroos in the 2007 world cup, thought unimaginable by the rugby purists prior to their success.
As we enter an era of change, golf, tennis and now even swimming struggle to produce the big stars that command sporting attention and a few new sports are enjoying new exposure thanks to their athletes success.
Surely these traditional Australian sports will develop and nurture new heroes but similarly Rugby League has just lost its hero, Andrew Johns and disgraced and discredited AFL player Ben Cousins will not be idolized like he once was.
As the changing of the guard occurs, a plethora of stars will fill those shoes but the rise of other Australian athletes in less popular sports over this year must be noted.
Mick Fanning has just become the World Champion surfer, one extraordinary feat that has been acknowledged by many Australians.
Casey Stoner become the motor bike Moto GP World Champion increasing the popularity of the sport.
Cadel Evans amazing feat in the Tour de France this year, the only Australian to finish on the winners podium will be even more determined in 2008 to go one better, raising the profile of cycling.
Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and John Aloisi have become household names after the success of the Socceroos in the 2007 world cup, thought unimaginable by the rugby purists prior to their success.
As we enter an era of change, golf, tennis and now even swimming struggle to produce the big stars that command sporting attention and a few new sports are enjoying new exposure thanks to their athletes success.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Get This... You're Fired!
Tony Martin is Australia's best radio talent. He is the funniest, quirkiest most intelligent man on our wireless and the fact that Triple M are axing his show is a disgrace.
Programmer Guy Dobson has said that despite Martin's high ratings, the traditional Triple M listener leaves the station and then may not return when Martin's show finishes.
Get This has been screwed around with three timeslot changes in its two years plus the shows format grew from one to two hours and the team asked for no more money.
The Shebang has failed in the Sydney breakfast slot while Wil and Lehmo are struggling to find an audience.
Is it just me or does a light bulb automatically turn itself on when you hear that?
Two underperforming revenue raising most important shifts of the day and the highest rating best radio show on radio cannot get a gig?
Something is drastically wrong with MMM management who have decided to part company with Get This, 'to concentrate on breakfast and drive'.
Ed Kavalee and Richard Marsland are perfect side-kicks to Martin who bring a total degree of professionalism to radio in an all-round well crafted, presented and produced show.
I certainly hope that DMG has the money and foresight to pick up the show and run with Get This or Australia's best radio show will be destroyed by corporate fools.
Programmer Guy Dobson has said that despite Martin's high ratings, the traditional Triple M listener leaves the station and then may not return when Martin's show finishes.
Get This has been screwed around with three timeslot changes in its two years plus the shows format grew from one to two hours and the team asked for no more money.
The Shebang has failed in the Sydney breakfast slot while Wil and Lehmo are struggling to find an audience.
Is it just me or does a light bulb automatically turn itself on when you hear that?
Two underperforming revenue raising most important shifts of the day and the highest rating best radio show on radio cannot get a gig?
Something is drastically wrong with MMM management who have decided to part company with Get This, 'to concentrate on breakfast and drive'.
Ed Kavalee and Richard Marsland are perfect side-kicks to Martin who bring a total degree of professionalism to radio in an all-round well crafted, presented and produced show.
I certainly hope that DMG has the money and foresight to pick up the show and run with Get This or Australia's best radio show will be destroyed by corporate fools.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
When a celebrity is clutching at straws
How do you know when your career is heading down the drain?
Perhaps it is when you accept a second offer at becoming a reality television contestant. When your career appears to be headed for the sunset and no one buys your records, remembers your sporting achievements or cannot recognise you from those b-grade movies you starred in, become a reality television contestant.
Still, if no work comes off this then why not have a shot at another reality television series that screens in the dead of the night with audiences that didn't even know why your on television in the first place and who you really are?
Vanilla Ice for example, an American rapper who spun the tune 'ice ice baby' has appeared in a myriad of reality tv shows and so has Australian Imogen Bailey. Not exactly household names, but hoping to be.
Is there something worse than being a repeat reality tv contestant?
Maybe being a repeat reality tv judge or host like Ian 'Dicko' Dickson. Not only has he starred in Australian Idol but remember his failed venture to 7 working on My Restaurant Rules and Celebrity Survivor. Add into this a weekly trip to the US to judge an American Band Idol-like show.
Surely Kyle Sandilands has learnt this... now he will be fronting Idol and Big Brother
Perhaps it is when you accept a second offer at becoming a reality television contestant. When your career appears to be headed for the sunset and no one buys your records, remembers your sporting achievements or cannot recognise you from those b-grade movies you starred in, become a reality television contestant.
Still, if no work comes off this then why not have a shot at another reality television series that screens in the dead of the night with audiences that didn't even know why your on television in the first place and who you really are?
Vanilla Ice for example, an American rapper who spun the tune 'ice ice baby' has appeared in a myriad of reality tv shows and so has Australian Imogen Bailey. Not exactly household names, but hoping to be.
Is there something worse than being a repeat reality tv contestant?
Maybe being a repeat reality tv judge or host like Ian 'Dicko' Dickson. Not only has he starred in Australian Idol but remember his failed venture to 7 working on My Restaurant Rules and Celebrity Survivor. Add into this a weekly trip to the US to judge an American Band Idol-like show.
Surely Kyle Sandilands has learnt this... now he will be fronting Idol and Big Brother
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