Re-inventing that Wheel

Nine launch Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune tonight with the desire to lure viewers back to the 5:30PM slot and then stay on for National Nine News and A Current Affair.

So far the network has faired well in 2008 winning last week and MediaSpy reports that Nine and Seven are neck and neck on total audience shares for 2008 at 27.7% each.

Last week Nine’s decision to run the State of Origin in every capital city payed off attracting close to 2.2 million viewers, peaking at 2.4 million viewers.

Two and a Half Men continue to return healthy week night figures with thanks to the lack of interest with Big Brother 2008 which has allowed Home and Away’s position to be challenged for the first time in a few years.

It has been the performance of Sunday’s that is getting Nine off to a good start with last night, Nine captured 31% of the share from Seven on 24%. 60 Minutes is back and Domestic Blitz overtook Gladiators.

Gladiators fad is now wearing off while Scott Cam and Shelly Craft move in to the 6:30 Sunday role which for the last few years has seen the strong performance of Backyard Blitz and prior to that, The Block.

Domestic Blitz is all apart of the same formula which Nine does very well. It sees Renovation Rescue meet Changing Rooms meets Backyard Blitz and Cam has been groomed by the network as a very likeable host suited to the role with Craft.

Whilst Domestic Blitz has been apart of the ‘re-inventing wheel’ Nine will dust off the Wheel in about 15 minutes time to see if that too can assist the Network as they prime themselves towards ratings success in 2008.

With the very likeable Tim Campbell as host and Kelly Landry on the letters, Nine could have a successful new formula.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves but the Today Show’s ratings have increased and a number of Nine’s new shows like Search and Rescue, David Attenbrough, Fire 000 and now Domestic Blitz have been returning healthy numbers. Attenbrough even beat Border Security/Surf Patrol last week; perhaps that has something today with the new voiceover on Surf Patrol, Naomi Robson.

Seven still dominate the news and current affairs hour from 6PM which Nine will look to take ownership of once again.

The re-invention of that wheel continues tonight...

“Seven cannot win 2008”

Channel Ten boss, Grant Blackley this week claimed that Channel Seven were going to lose the mantle as Number 1 network in 2008 to Channel Nine.

Blackley’s comment came off the back of Nine winning Week 11 thanks largely to the Underbelly finale plus a strong performance from the network’s ‘Factual Entertainment’ category namely Fire 000, Search & Rescue, Royal Flying Doctor’s Service, Animal Emergency, David Attenbrough’s Life in Cold Blood plus Ramsay, The Footy Show’s and the comeback of 60 Minutes.

As the sting appeared to return to Nine, Week 12 saw Seven grab the mantle back after Nine aired Hitch on Wednesday night after a successful season of Underbelly why would the network air a repeat of an average American movie?

For the next few weeks, the schedule will be chopping and changing because State of Origin starts this week and the ratings should return the week to Nine.

Blackely’s comments came at a time when Seven’s boss, David Leckie is recovering from a serious blood clot saying that Seven had lost ground while Nine was making in-roads and Ten is winning their demographic.

The Sunday newspaper’s have today highlighted Big Brother’s poor performance in 2008 with some suggesting this maybe the last season and the decision to remove Gretel Killen, the last ‘nail in the coffin’ for the show.

Seven do have the Olympics in August which will give the network a certain win for those two weeks but the cupboard is a little bare with programs like Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Brothers and Sisters being affected by the writers strike. I am not naive to think this will also affect the other networks, but shows like CSI, Without A Trace and NCIS can be easily repeated because the story line is contained usually within one show where as Desperate Housewives and the like need to be shown chronologically.

Ugly Betty has disappointed in 2008 and Gladiator’s has not held onto it’s 1.8million audience that it debuted with. On the other hand Two and A Half Men has been the real surprise for Nine which even defeated Home and Away on Monday night last week.

Nine’s Factual Entertainment shows have been returning sold figures whilst Seven has struggled with the once powerful program Lost which itself now is within Seven’s scheduling.

Still to debut for Seven is the 2008 instalment of Dancing With the Stars, The Battle of the Choirs, a new season of City Homicide and Packed to the Rafters which should have ratings success.

Whilst over on Nine another series of The Chopping Block has been announced, McLeod’s Daughters final season, The Farmer Wants A Wife and the anticipated arrival of Pushing Daises is to be screened.

From next Monday, May 24, Nine take battle in the game show challenge, launching Million Dollar Wheel. The network’s believe that news-lead in is vital to the success of the news/current affair hour but Seven have all ready responded by doubling the maximum prize money on Deal or No Deal to $200 000.

As it stands now after 12 weeks it is:
Seven: 7 weeks
Nine: 4 weeks
and 1 tied week between Seven and Nine.

Saturday and Friday are becoming key night’s for the weekly ratings which are often neglected by the networks but certainly not Seven who win with Better Homes and Gardens on Friday’s whilst Nine is split between Rugby League in Queensland and New South Wales and Airport/Airline in the other states which have never really had a huge following.

Saturday night’s are also interesting because Australia’s Funniest Home Video’s usually wins the 6:30-7:30pm slot over The Great Outdoors but then Seven steal the night with classic comedy’s. From next week, Seven will screen The Rich List in the 7:30PM slot which is an odd time for a show that did quite well in 2007 followed by it’s usual comedy routine.

For Nine it depends what kid’s movie screens and I don’t think they can keep on showing the Shrek collection which appears to be on rotation every second week. All they need is Doc Martin or a similar winning Saturday night show and the Nine may in fact win every week.

Don’t underestimate the lower rating night’s of television, it appears that this is where the networks are winning or losing the week.

Underbelly

Paying homage to Australia's greatest drama

Underbelly went off with a bang and what an incredible series that was.

I am prepared to say (and I speak with no real authority or credentials) but that was the greatest Australian drama to-date.

The acting and production were first class making this series deserved of recognition on the world stage.

We don’t have the same budgets as a CSI, Desperate Housewives or any American drams but what the Australian television industry has produced is nothing short than brilliance.

Totally and utterly enthralling and entertaining. Yes, ok it was not the nicest story nor was it a happy story but it was based on a true story, a true story that happened in our country.

Too often Australian drama’s return to our nostalgic past with dramas based on the myths of mateship, an egalitarian society or the bush, but Underbelly reflected what modern audiences wanted.

Australian capital cities are now globalised cosmopolitans and our cultural roots to the bush seem less relevant (although not less important) but contemporary issues that face city folk need to be reflected which Underbelly mastered.

Gyton Grantley, Les Hill, Vince Collosimo, Kat Stewart and Roger Corser have all received deserved praise for their fine acting but one man I wish to single out is Simon Westaway who played Mick Gatto.

Westaway’s character was the scariest, most chilling and Westaway perfected the deadpan terrifying gangster. At no stage did you think Westaway was not in control of the Carlton Crew which is credit to the actor.

Congratulations Channel Nine, Eddie McGuire, Greg Haddrick and all the team from Underbelly – the show deserves every success.

Underbelly is Australia’s greatest drama.

2UE is ‘talking sydney’

Survey 3, the latest Nielsen Media Ratings were released this week with 2GB holding into the Number 1 spot with 2 DAY FM hot on their heels.

The big winner’s however were WSFM as well as 2UE who had been heading the wrong way since John Laws and Peter Fitzsimons left forcing a change to the whole day time line-up.

Perhaps it’s the arrival of Jim Ball on the overnight shift that has brought listeners from GB who have made the switch permanently. Possibly Alan Jones’ two week absence helped 2UE who experienced a rise across all shifts as well as weekends.

Mike and Sandy 7.6% (up 1.7%)
Steve Price 6.2% (up 1.1%)
Tim Webster 6.4% (up 1.2%)
John Stanley 6.9% (up 0.8%)
Stuart Bocking 9.7% (up 2.1%)
Weekends 9% (up 1.3%)

Overall:
2UE 7.1% (up 1.3%)
2GB 12.0% (down 1.2%)
ABC 9.0% (down 1%)

The rise for 2UE is good news for the station with Stuart Bocking’s figures skyrocketing which is good for Bock because his show is very entertaining and his strong performances will be keeping the daytime presenter’s hot on their heels.

Steve Price has also seen his figures increase perhaps thanks to the Pensioner’s Forum he held in Parramatta which got wide and deserved publicity. This act of Price’s was excellent as he shows he is not afraid to tackle big national issues and set the national agenda.

The programming decision to move George & Paul’s show to 8AM has paid dividends with the 2UE Weekend line-up performing strongly whilst Glen Wheeler’s sacking may have helped Clive Robertson’s afternoon program.

I read in ‘The Guide’ last week that 2UE are looking for a partner for Robertson. Might I suggest Prue MacSween who filled in for George Moore last weekend partnering Paul B. Kidd. MacSween did a more than amicable job and her presence would be welcoming to 2UE weekend afternoons.

It was not only 2UE that grew it’s audience but WSFM returned a strong result whilst Vega is going no where. WSFM hot 8.5% (up 1.8%) with an increase in figures for mornings with Ron E Sparks up almost 3% to 10.6% placing him second in morning’s behind 2GB’s Ray Hadley.

In Wednesday’s Sydney Morning Herald they commented that Triple M is dying. Triple M has only 6.4% of the audience share with breakfast falling to only 5.0%. The traditional Triple M listener has been lost as the Rock of the 70s and 80s has now been replaced by modern popular rock which has independent or softer rock roots as the station is facing an identity crisis.

I am not surprised as I am not a Triple M listener but have been flicking over the last few months and on two occasions been surprised with what they were playing. Once Pink and the other occasion James Blunt… what happened to a bit of Cold Chisel or Men At Work which has been capitalised by WSFM and the traditional Triple M listener is now heading down the dial.

Two other recent contradictions have been made by management. Firstly the decision to sack Get This was the stupidest idea they had when the show was rating and profitable.

Secondly The Cage was supposedly sacked because there were too many voices on air. I think at some stages there were 5 or 6. When The Shebang started, it was Marty Sheargold and Fifi Box with an anchor. Now they have added Paul Murray to the mix, so there are four competing voices… not that different to why the cage was sacked?

If Triple M’s ratings do not improve then the music could be rebranded so the station re-discovers its rock roots but they will not want to be a WSFM alternative do they?

Kate Ritchie takes Gold as Seven and the ABC clean up the 2008 TV Week Logies

Sally Fletcher’s character may have left Home and Away but the accolades continue for Kate Ritchie who departed our screen last month. After 20 years as Sally Fletcher it was time for Kate to close that chapter of her life and accept the challenges of the Sydney Breakfast radio market.

Kate won the 2008 TV Week Gold Logie presented by Bert Newton in what was a good Logies full of Todd McKenny jokes and cheap shots at Channel Nine.

Ritchie’s acceptance speech was understandably emotional thanking cast and crew, innocent, natural and thankful.

This years Logies had no host and it was proved that the event ran smoothly being ‘hostless’ with backstage entertainment provided by Hamish and Andy.

Stabs at Todd McKenny started with Peter Hellier and finished with Bert Newton who jokingly invited Gold Logie winner Kate Ritchie to Fitzroy with McKenny.

Hellier cleverly took the mickey out of the Underbelly DVD ban offering to sell copies for $10 including plus $2 for Monster House and The Power of 10 for free but Garry McDonald’s satire was a direct stab at Nine’s comedy department and the network in general.

Seven dominated the awards with 7 logies, the ABC with 5 while Nine, Ten and Foxtel took 2 and SBS 1 Logie.

The major award winners were

Gold Logie : Kate Ritchie,

Home and Away, Seven

Most outstanding actor: Stephen Curry,

The King, TV1.

Most outstanding actress: Alison Whyte,

Satisfaction, Showcase

Most popular actor: Chris Lilley,

Summer Heights High, ABC1.

Most popular actress: Kate Ritchie,

Home And Away, Seven.

Most popular presenter: Rove McManus,

Rove Ten


Chris Lilley’s performanace as Mr G was a highlight as was the opening with the performers from So You Think You Can Dance and Irish pop group Westlife, minus a ‘big’ American celebrity.

To the after party…

Photo (c) James Mcmanus found at smh.com.au

Bennett: Bring Back Barrett!

let's hope we see this image again in 2009

As a St George Illawarra Dragons fan I am excited about the arrival of the League’s most successful coach in the modern era, Wayne Bennett.

With his signature I hope that Trent Barrett follows and does not sign with arch enemies, The Sharks. Barrett was the Dragons and a foundation member of the merged club whose homecoming would lift the spirits of the depleted club.

Barrett was a loyal custodian for the Dragons and in turn they allowed him to walk prematurely to a play in the UK Super League. Since his departure in 2006 the Dragons have struggled but his experience around the halves is needed and under the guidance of Bennett the Dragons could deliver the premiership by 2010.

Rumours are rife since Bennett was signed to the Dragons linking most quality players with the Dragons. Darius Boyd, Ben Hannett, Michael Ennis and David Stagg have been mentioned as possible Broncos that may make the move to the Dragons with their coach.

Luke Rooney, Michael Weyman, David Shillington, Brett Kimmorley, Jeremy Smith have all been reported as possible Dragons recruits for 2009. It is positive and it is necessary because the current roster is not delivering and there are weak links that will be exposed and deposited with before Bennett arrives.

I don’t believe the Dragons need a ‘Brian Smith’ Newcastle job done to the squad but a shake up is required. It is a shame that a young star like Josh Morris has been lost to the Bulldogs at the possible expense of keeping Matt Cooper.

Jason Ryles has been rumoured to be leaving the Red V whom he co-captained in 2007 whilst the futures of Jamie Soward and Rangi Chase don’t look certain.

Simon Wooldford looks certain to get the axe and the chances of retaining Jarrod Saffy, Kirk Reynoldson and Beau Scott do not look promising.

Bennett will look to rebuild the halves which he hopes will be lead by Barrett and Ben Hornby and the forwards will be directed by Ben Creagh and Dean Young should Ryles leave the club.

With all the rumours it does not look like the Dragons will sign all the players off contract listed above but a lot will depend on whether they sign Trent Barrett and re-sign Matt Cooper. Should that occur then a lot of the Dragons funds will be tied up forcing players to be released from contracts or inexperience in the forwards.

I for one would prefer to see Barrett signed over Cooper and then the Dragons could sign a Darius Boyd or Luke Rooney for the centres or even keep Jamie Soward in the halves and move Ben Hornby to full back with Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Chase Stanley and Jason Nightingale in the backs.

Saving money on Cooper’s contract would allow the Dragons to sign some much needed forward power should they lose Jason Ryles then their ability to sign Michael Ennis, Ben Hannatt and Michael Weyman who would be my picks could be made possible.

So what would I like to see at the Wayne Bennett coached Dragons?

1. Brett Morris
2. Jason Nightingale
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Chase Stanley
5. Darius Boyd*
6. Trent Barrett*
7. Ben Hornby
8. Michael Weyman*
9. Michael Ennis*
10.Ben Hannatt*
11.Ben Creagh
12.Dean Young
13.Lagi Setu

14.Wendell Sailor
15.Jamie Soward
16.Dan Hunt
17.Justin Poore

AXED:
Jason Ryles
Beau Scott
Ben Ellis
Simon Woolford
Kirk Reynoldson
Jarrod Saffy

Why Nine is cooking up too much Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay has been a surprise ratings success for Nine with a few instalments from the celebrity chef sitting in the bank.

- Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares
- Kitchen Nightmares (USA)
- Hell’s Kitchen (UK)
- Hell’s Kitchen (USA)
- Gordon Ramsay’s Boiling Point
- Beyond Boiling Point
- The F Word

Some of these have been broadcast on Nine all ready while others have been shown on Foxtel’s, The Lifestyle Channel. On the back of Ramsay’s success Nine have commissioned an Australian instalment from the celebrity chef.

While Ramsay has worked for Nine, broadcasting his shows three nights a week is over the top and Nine face the risk of not only overexposing the celebrity but burning out the series.

If Nine become too reliant on Ramsay then other programs will start to be doubted. Having Ramsay in three prime time slots is dangerous despite the short term advertising success and audience appreciation I think Nine are overdoing it.

From next week Nine will scale back to two Ramsay’s a week with Kitchen Nightmares (USA) on Tuesday’s at 8:30 and Hell’s Kitchen on Thursday’s at 8:30. Running two different Ramsay series is more manageable for Nine which should continue to rate.

I don’t think Nine have shown Boiling Point, Beyond Boiling Point or The F Word but if they can (and I assume they have) secure the rights to these shows then I expect them to be shown this year and rate well for Nine.

Following chef’s is an interesting television series and both Nine and Ten’s daytime cheffing shows, Fresh and Huey’s Cooking Adventures respectively rate extremely well for daytime television. Jamie Oliver has also had success for Ten whilst Seven failed with My Restaurant Rules and Aristos: Surprise Chef plus the mediocre results of The Chopping Block on Nine.

So why is Ramsay such a success?

His swearing, his bad temper or his good food?

Ramsay has a personality and that is where the show is based, around him, not his cooking but his ability to engage with people and obviously audiences.

Bring on the Aussie instalment.

Saturday swings it to Seven...

...but only 2% separated Seven, Nine & Ten

Last night saw Seven clinch Week 10 of the 2008 Ratings with a strong performance from Seven News, The Vicar of Dibley and The Great Outdoors. Nine looked a certainty to grab the week with the strongest ratings for Underbelly to date, three Ramsay’s and stronger Tuesday and Wednesday results at 7:30 with 20 to 1 and Two and Half Men respectively.

Channel Ten’s finals of So You Think You Can Dance, The Biggest Loser plus a new season of Big Brother would have also mixed things up.

Seven stole the week with Friday thanks to Seven News, Today Tonight and Better Homes and Gardens plus Saturday’s strong result which saw the figures:

Friday
Seven 27.1%
Nine 26.5%


Saturday
Seven 30.6%
Nine 26.5%

Nine’s problem on Saturday was the repeat of Racing Stripes at 7:30 and Saturday Night Rugby League which only attracted 300 000 viewers.

Nine must be disappointed and this is the last week of Underbelly and Seven now have 6 weeks in the bag while Nine still sits on 3 ratings victories. Overall the week was extremely close thanks largely to Ten’s reality shows.

Week 10 Official Ratings
Seven 27.1%
Nine 26.1%
Ten 25.2 %


Ratings courtesy of OzTam

How much time do you have to develop an audience?

As Canal Road heads towards the sunset of Australian drama’s another unlikely Nine product, Two and A Half Men is now returning healthy audience numbers.

Over Summer and up until now, Nine have showed Two and A Half Men repeats at 7pm. The show has never really rated for Nine and has been given ample opportunities to develop an audience since the show debuted on Nine in 2004 until the last month the numbers have edged over one million.

When Nine decided to schedule Two and A Half Men at 7pm there was a lot of deserved criticism because of the shows performance but now Nine would be laughing.

Admitingly they are not beating Home and Away but the show commands over one million viewers every night and two new episodes were showed on Wednesday which returned 1.2 million viewers narrowly defeated by RSPCA: Animal Rescue and The Real Sea Change.

Viewers decision to now watch Two and A Half Men is difficult to understand but now Nine haven’t scheduled the show next week instead Fire 000 with Search and Rescue will air at 7:30pm.

It still makes you wonder why Nine would pull Canal Road after only two episodes, so how much time do you give a show to develop an audience? Moreover how many opportunities do you give a show to develop an audience?

Clearly Two and A Half Men have been given plenty but finally a result.