As radio king John Laws brought the curtain down on his 55 year old career yesterday 2UE is left considering its future with no confirmed breakfast, morning or night show for 2008.
Laws has left, Peter Fitzsimons has quit, Stan Zemanek is dead and Mike Carlton’s future is still uncertain. Stuart Bocking has never been confirmed as the official night time host and without Laws he will be praying his latest ratings have been on the increase.
Yesterday Carlton made some remarks which are sure to disgruntle management publicly stating that the current management had no idea how to run a radio station compared with that of John Conde (former 2UE boss).
Andrew Denton was John Laws preferred replacement, but Denton denies he wants the gig. Glenn Wheeler has put up his hand, Tim Webster is chomping at the bit but both are inexperienced and won’t deliver for 2UE.
Whoever succeeds Laws must not be judged in Laws terms but given his or her time to develop their own style and show. 2UE would be wise to consider two co-hosts for the morning show and change the stations style and sound.
Weekend Breakfast presenters George More and Paul B Kidd are two candidates that could deliver for 2UE. More’s easy listening speaking voice and Kidd’s general quirky knowledge compliment the popular weekend magazine program.
Their combined salaries would be less than Carlton’s and their enthusiasm would be a welcome ‘breath of fresh air’.
It is a worry however that 2UE have not confirmed their major programming for 2008. We are now only six weeks away from the new ratings season and the airwaves are changing.
2UE must be hoping Alan Jones gets the Wallabies coaching position because that will give them the window to re-invigorate the brand. The problem is that there are no obvious, proven or capable replacements in the radio world if Carlton walks then 2UE will be banking on inexperienced presenters to lift the stations ratings and ensure that 2UE can still be an alternative AM commercial radio station to 2GB.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
we love tv
...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.
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.
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
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Changing of the Guard
2UE is about to farewell 'golden tonsils' John Laws next month and Fairfax is about to buy the talk station. So what is happening to the contracts of Mike Carlton, Peter Fitsimons and Steve Price and what will 2UE's on air line-up be in 2008?
Following the retirment and death of Stan Zemanek, overnight presenter Stuart Bocking was elevated to presenter of the night time show but this has never been confirmed as a full time gig. This makes you wonder what 2Ue has install for 2008.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported recently that there were a lack of new talent wanting to fill the shoes of John Laws and pointed to the likes of Jason Morrisson (2GB) and Paul Murray (Triple M) becoming the next generation of AM presenters.
Andrew Denton would appear an obvious choice but he has declined the offer to enter radio land again... but never say never Andrew.
So who will fill the 9-12AM shift Monday-Friday on 2UE and networked around a host of other stations?
Faifax may be looking to cut costs and move Steve Price into the slot, broadcasting Price nationally and possibly into Melbourne, where he presented drive before coming to Sydney. This could help AW by moving Neil Mitchell into drive and axing Derryn Hinch.
So what would Mike Carlton do passing Price in the hallway each morning?
Retire. Carlton has done his dash, he has been there he has done that, it's time to hand the batton on to someone else and move into the documentaries and his book writing chapter of his media career.
I think Carlton is very clever, but he is undervalued by 2UE in breakfast and should consider his options.
But my overall darkhorses are George More and Paul B. Kidd. They offer a different start to your weekend on 2UE and make good entertaining radio. As a team, they will also not come under the same pressure that Laws has and provide something totally different to whoever sits in the retiring man's chair.
So my pick for 2UE would be this (if I could have it my way!)
6-9 Andrew Denton
9-12 George More and Paul B Kidd
12-3 John Stanley
3-6 Steve Price
6-8 Sports Today
8-12 Clive Robertson
12-5 Stuart Bocking
Following the retirment and death of Stan Zemanek, overnight presenter Stuart Bocking was elevated to presenter of the night time show but this has never been confirmed as a full time gig. This makes you wonder what 2Ue has install for 2008.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported recently that there were a lack of new talent wanting to fill the shoes of John Laws and pointed to the likes of Jason Morrisson (2GB) and Paul Murray (Triple M) becoming the next generation of AM presenters.
Andrew Denton would appear an obvious choice but he has declined the offer to enter radio land again... but never say never Andrew.
So who will fill the 9-12AM shift Monday-Friday on 2UE and networked around a host of other stations?
Faifax may be looking to cut costs and move Steve Price into the slot, broadcasting Price nationally and possibly into Melbourne, where he presented drive before coming to Sydney. This could help AW by moving Neil Mitchell into drive and axing Derryn Hinch.
So what would Mike Carlton do passing Price in the hallway each morning?
Retire. Carlton has done his dash, he has been there he has done that, it's time to hand the batton on to someone else and move into the documentaries and his book writing chapter of his media career.
I think Carlton is very clever, but he is undervalued by 2UE in breakfast and should consider his options.
But my overall darkhorses are George More and Paul B. Kidd. They offer a different start to your weekend on 2UE and make good entertaining radio. As a team, they will also not come under the same pressure that Laws has and provide something totally different to whoever sits in the retiring man's chair.
So my pick for 2UE would be this (if I could have it my way!)
6-9 Andrew Denton
9-12 George More and Paul B Kidd
12-3 John Stanley
3-6 Steve Price
6-8 Sports Today
8-12 Clive Robertson
12-5 Stuart Bocking
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The last throw of the dice
A disastrous year for Channel Nine and incoming chief David Gyngell faces an uphill battle rebuilding the network and finding its glory. Christmas could come early for Gyngell who tomorrow night launches Multi-Millionaire hosted by Eddie McGuire in a desperate attempt to win back viewers.
The five-million dollar prize money plus the $10 000 on offer for viewers is the sweetener that will hopefully return viewers to the embattled network. Should Multi-Millionaire work then Gyngell will be at least starting his tenure on the front foot.
Viva Laughlin also debuts after Millionaire with Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman starring. Will Millionaire and Laughlin dethrone Seven’s Monday night power house of Border Security, The Force and City Homicide?
I suggest not, this is the last throw of the dice for Nine as this same week the network launches the doomed to fail new series, The Farmer Wants A Wife. Not a chance that this one will rate or pull any more viewers than McLeod’s season finale last week.
The five-million dollar prize money plus the $10 000 on offer for viewers is the sweetener that will hopefully return viewers to the embattled network. Should Multi-Millionaire work then Gyngell will be at least starting his tenure on the front foot.
Viva Laughlin also debuts after Millionaire with Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman starring. Will Millionaire and Laughlin dethrone Seven’s Monday night power house of Border Security, The Force and City Homicide?
I suggest not, this is the last throw of the dice for Nine as this same week the network launches the doomed to fail new series, The Farmer Wants A Wife. Not a chance that this one will rate or pull any more viewers than McLeod’s season finale last week.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Nine not 'singing' with the Bee
Nine thought their back savior for 2007 would be the 'Singing Bee' but Sunday night audiences didn't think so and the network just scraped the new show into the Top 10, at number 10 with only 1.2 million viewers.
It's disappointing the show 'flopped' after such heavy promotion and media hype, this was set to be Nine's saving grace in an otherwise terrible year.
I watched the show and didn't mind the concept but can see the two major problems as the scheduling, 6.30PM Sunday night is not a game-show slot and the host, Joey Fatone does not resonate with Australian audiences.
Australian viewers don't want an American boy band singer as host of any local programming and he did not seem to have the presence to succeed in our volatile market. Further the 'Singing Bee' should not be scheduled on Sunday at 6.30PM.
Nine's embattled programming could receive a much needed boost at 5.30PM on weeknights where the Singing Bee could really work as a lead in to the news but with a different host.
Imagine if Hugh Jackman, even John Farnham as host or Nine's own Richard Wilkins. I believe these men (or a host of other Australians) would be better received than Joey Fatone.
At least the network is experimenting with variety again but audiences were just not interested...
I wonder how long the Singing Bee will buzz...
It's disappointing the show 'flopped' after such heavy promotion and media hype, this was set to be Nine's saving grace in an otherwise terrible year.
I watched the show and didn't mind the concept but can see the two major problems as the scheduling, 6.30PM Sunday night is not a game-show slot and the host, Joey Fatone does not resonate with Australian audiences.
Australian viewers don't want an American boy band singer as host of any local programming and he did not seem to have the presence to succeed in our volatile market. Further the 'Singing Bee' should not be scheduled on Sunday at 6.30PM.
Nine's embattled programming could receive a much needed boost at 5.30PM on weeknights where the Singing Bee could really work as a lead in to the news but with a different host.
Imagine if Hugh Jackman, even John Farnham as host or Nine's own Richard Wilkins. I believe these men (or a host of other Australians) would be better received than Joey Fatone.
At least the network is experimenting with variety again but audiences were just not interested...
I wonder how long the Singing Bee will buzz...
Woeful Wallabies
Australian rugby is headed for the doldrums with the Wallabies pathetic performance at the 2007 World Cup losing to the struggling England and bowing out in the quarter finals.
As the nation still absorbs the shock, the curtain falls on the careers of George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and coach John Connolly. A bitter sweet taste is left in every Australian rugby fan paying tribute to Gregan and Larkham but now worried about what the future holds for rugby union in Australia.
The code has suffered in 2007 with decreasing spectator interest, failed Leaguies turned Union players and now the two biggest names calling it a day.
John O'Neill and the Australian Rugby Union will on the surface act calm and say Australian rugby is in a good state but underneath the calmness, the game is suffering.
In John Connolly's short reign as Australian coach, he has experimented with combinations, claimed he could fix the Australian scrum but after the world cup he has taken Australian rugby back even further with no prospects or forwards making the Wallabies a world force. So what has Connolly achieved?
Was his tenure as coach a complete failure or can we see signs of Wallaby improvement?
Apart from Berrick Barnes coming of age at the world cup, the Wallabies need a complete overhaul and despite the comments of former coach Eddie Jones being slammed by the Australian media, when he referred to Connolly's biggest mistake, "making Stirling Mortlock captain", I believe there is some truth in that.
Mortlock is a fine player but to give him the pressure of captaincy and goal kicking when he excells in neither is unwarranted pressure.
The persistance of the ideal forward pack being bigger has failed as Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning and Guy Shepperdson are useless international frontrowers. Wycliff Palu does is not potent enough in the Number 8 position in an overall forward pack that is too slow and not aggressive enough.
Playing Lote Tuqiri on the wing for Australia must surely change now as he is a waste of space and money. Surely the likes of Lachie Turner and Digby Ioane would serve Australia better than Tuqiri.
It will take some time to redevelop the Wallabies, but whoever takes over the coaching role must have the support of the selectors to look towards the next world cup NOW. Short term loss must be viewed in terms of long term gain.
Chris Latham and Nathan Sharpe may not line-up in 2011 and with this in mind, the Wallabies should look to some sort of mix like this:
15. Cameron Shepperd
14. Lachie Turner
13. Drew Mitchell
12. Stirling Mortlock
11. Digby Ioane
10. Matt Giteau
9. Luke Burgess
8. David Lyons
7. George Smith
6. Mitchell Chapman
5. Al Kanar
4. Mark Chisolm
3. Rodney Blake
2. Adam Freir
1. Benn Robinson
BENCH
16. Greg Holmes
17. Totafu Polota-Nau
18. Dan Vickerman
19. David Haigh
20. Berrick Barnes
21. Brett Sheehan
22. Ben Batger
As the nation still absorbs the shock, the curtain falls on the careers of George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and coach John Connolly. A bitter sweet taste is left in every Australian rugby fan paying tribute to Gregan and Larkham but now worried about what the future holds for rugby union in Australia.
The code has suffered in 2007 with decreasing spectator interest, failed Leaguies turned Union players and now the two biggest names calling it a day.
John O'Neill and the Australian Rugby Union will on the surface act calm and say Australian rugby is in a good state but underneath the calmness, the game is suffering.
In John Connolly's short reign as Australian coach, he has experimented with combinations, claimed he could fix the Australian scrum but after the world cup he has taken Australian rugby back even further with no prospects or forwards making the Wallabies a world force. So what has Connolly achieved?
Was his tenure as coach a complete failure or can we see signs of Wallaby improvement?
Apart from Berrick Barnes coming of age at the world cup, the Wallabies need a complete overhaul and despite the comments of former coach Eddie Jones being slammed by the Australian media, when he referred to Connolly's biggest mistake, "making Stirling Mortlock captain", I believe there is some truth in that.
Mortlock is a fine player but to give him the pressure of captaincy and goal kicking when he excells in neither is unwarranted pressure.
The persistance of the ideal forward pack being bigger has failed as Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning and Guy Shepperdson are useless international frontrowers. Wycliff Palu does is not potent enough in the Number 8 position in an overall forward pack that is too slow and not aggressive enough.
Playing Lote Tuqiri on the wing for Australia must surely change now as he is a waste of space and money. Surely the likes of Lachie Turner and Digby Ioane would serve Australia better than Tuqiri.
It will take some time to redevelop the Wallabies, but whoever takes over the coaching role must have the support of the selectors to look towards the next world cup NOW. Short term loss must be viewed in terms of long term gain.
Chris Latham and Nathan Sharpe may not line-up in 2011 and with this in mind, the Wallabies should look to some sort of mix like this:
15. Cameron Shepperd
14. Lachie Turner
13. Drew Mitchell
12. Stirling Mortlock
11. Digby Ioane
10. Matt Giteau
9. Luke Burgess
8. David Lyons
7. George Smith
6. Mitchell Chapman
5. Al Kanar
4. Mark Chisolm
3. Rodney Blake
2. Adam Freir
1. Benn Robinson
BENCH
16. Greg Holmes
17. Totafu Polota-Nau
18. Dan Vickerman
19. David Haigh
20. Berrick Barnes
21. Brett Sheehan
22. Ben Batger
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Has Nine given up?
Last week’s television ratings have seen Nine slip further and further behind 7 with only three shows in the top 20 which were, the NRL grand final, NRL grand final entertainment and National Nine News Sunday.
Between Monday and Friday, Nine offer nothing and across all key prime-time audiences, each one of their shows were beaten. Nine has no programming to challenge 7 and the shows that have been commissioned to air must raise eyebrows.
Commercial Breakdown, 1 v 100, Surprise Surprise Gotcha, Just For Laughs are all disgraceful excuses for television. It is embarrassing that we are producing these types of programs as television when this Channel produced The Block, Changing Rooms, Money, Our House, Burkes Backyard which all rated well and had money spent on good production.
Admittedly the Australian television market is not huge and we will never produce as good programming as the American media juggernauts but what is being produced now is a joke. Who wants to see Jackie O in prime time or Dermott Brerton running through a bunch of video clips of paid commercials?
Incoming CEO David Gyngell has been quoted that Nine is, “in a bad way” which is underestimated. His reign and enthusiasm is much needed but it will take Nine a few years if they are to rival Channel 7’s dominance.
Scheduelling needs to be addressed ASAP. It’s a tragedy that ‘Royal Flying Doctor Service’ failed but why was it scheduedled after the poorly rating 1 v100 in a 9.30pm Monday night line-up. Who is making these decisions?
Nine seem to have given up the challenged, much like 10 showing only all repeats on Tuesday nights and they must look to the new year.
The damage can be further done if the network shows no fightback this year because they will struggle to bring viewers back in 2008. Will the Singing Bee save the network?
I expect it to rate well tonight, probably around the 1.5-1.8 million mark and win the slot but it will drop massively next week and the format will not be used in 2008. Why is Joey Fatone, an American pop singer the host? Imagine if Nine had the foresight to hire Hugh Jackman!
The Gift is still to debut, The Farmer Wants a Wife is set to hit our screens soon but was has happened to the promotion at the beginning of 2007 showing a new series ‘…Mania’, much like Invasion never screening or Rome not being given a chance to develop an audience.
Please Mr Gyngell, you are needed now!
Between Monday and Friday, Nine offer nothing and across all key prime-time audiences, each one of their shows were beaten. Nine has no programming to challenge 7 and the shows that have been commissioned to air must raise eyebrows.
Commercial Breakdown, 1 v 100, Surprise Surprise Gotcha, Just For Laughs are all disgraceful excuses for television. It is embarrassing that we are producing these types of programs as television when this Channel produced The Block, Changing Rooms, Money, Our House, Burkes Backyard which all rated well and had money spent on good production.
Admittedly the Australian television market is not huge and we will never produce as good programming as the American media juggernauts but what is being produced now is a joke. Who wants to see Jackie O in prime time or Dermott Brerton running through a bunch of video clips of paid commercials?
Incoming CEO David Gyngell has been quoted that Nine is, “in a bad way” which is underestimated. His reign and enthusiasm is much needed but it will take Nine a few years if they are to rival Channel 7’s dominance.
Scheduelling needs to be addressed ASAP. It’s a tragedy that ‘Royal Flying Doctor Service’ failed but why was it scheduedled after the poorly rating 1 v100 in a 9.30pm Monday night line-up. Who is making these decisions?
Nine seem to have given up the challenged, much like 10 showing only all repeats on Tuesday nights and they must look to the new year.
The damage can be further done if the network shows no fightback this year because they will struggle to bring viewers back in 2008. Will the Singing Bee save the network?
I expect it to rate well tonight, probably around the 1.5-1.8 million mark and win the slot but it will drop massively next week and the format will not be used in 2008. Why is Joey Fatone, an American pop singer the host? Imagine if Nine had the foresight to hire Hugh Jackman!
The Gift is still to debut, The Farmer Wants a Wife is set to hit our screens soon but was has happened to the promotion at the beginning of 2007 showing a new series ‘…Mania’, much like Invasion never screening or Rome not being given a chance to develop an audience.
Please Mr Gyngell, you are needed now!
Melbourne versus New Zealand
That’s what the team might as well read for the Australian Kangaroos match against New Zealand in the rugby league International next week. What is the value of a Kangaroo jersey?
With a number of injuries, the selectors and the coach have looked to the future Kangaroos and bolstered their side with a number of rookies and unproven debutants. I am baffled with the selection of Greg Bird as five-eighth when he does not even play there for his own club.
Controversy and nepotism is always in the mind of the coach and the selectors as Bird has only been selected because Ricky Stuart is the coach. With a lack of quality halves in the game, the Clive Churchill medal winner should have been paired with his Melbourne halves partner Cooper Cronk instead of being left on the wing.
Israel Folau has had an almighty introduction to rugby union but does he really deserve an Australian jersey? Questionable in my mind leaving Jamie Lyon, Steven Bell and Matt Cooper without jerseys in favor for the teenager.
Melbourne have been rewarded with most players being selected in the Australian team. No doubt their players have all had excellent seasons and do deserve their opportunity but the balance of the team does not reflect the best, available players in the country.
International Rugby League is a waste of time and this spring’s one off test will do nothing to the development of the International game while the players should be kicking their heels on the beaches, enjoying a beer and the off season.
With a number of injuries, the selectors and the coach have looked to the future Kangaroos and bolstered their side with a number of rookies and unproven debutants. I am baffled with the selection of Greg Bird as five-eighth when he does not even play there for his own club.
Controversy and nepotism is always in the mind of the coach and the selectors as Bird has only been selected because Ricky Stuart is the coach. With a lack of quality halves in the game, the Clive Churchill medal winner should have been paired with his Melbourne halves partner Cooper Cronk instead of being left on the wing.
Israel Folau has had an almighty introduction to rugby union but does he really deserve an Australian jersey? Questionable in my mind leaving Jamie Lyon, Steven Bell and Matt Cooper without jerseys in favor for the teenager.
Melbourne have been rewarded with most players being selected in the Australian team. No doubt their players have all had excellent seasons and do deserve their opportunity but the balance of the team does not reflect the best, available players in the country.
International Rugby League is a waste of time and this spring’s one off test will do nothing to the development of the International game while the players should be kicking their heels on the beaches, enjoying a beer and the off season.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Cricket: A global game?
Twenty20 cricket is growing on me. Admittedly I was not a fan, nor was I impressed with the concept of a world cup whilst the format is still in its infancy but I must say I have been pleasantly surprised by the action and excitement of the game.
Tactics, captaincy and bowling has had to change with the big hitting, sixes becoming the order of the day creating an exciting spectacle. Ideally manufactured for television audiences, Twenty20 cricket has big bucks and a global audience at its wake.
It’s like a carnival with music when a batsmen hits a six and between overs, introducing a new batsmen or bowler, it’s like watching WWE wrestling. Add cheerleaders into the mix and cricket looks less like a five day marathon and more like the hundred metre dash.
There lies cricket’s new excitement. Speed!
Cricket has been accused of being too slow and not exciting, especially for complete foreigners of the game but twenty20 is finding new audiences and new fans, dare I say it could potentially challenge baseball in a premier league-esque format?
Creating leagues with India, South Africa and New Zealand are pushing corporations and cricket into new markets with the possibility of players extending their careers and playing for other enterprises in other nations.
The concept is mind-blowing as the possibility is that Kevin Pietersen, Ricky Ponting or Muttiah Muralitharan could represent a New York based team. Glenn McGrath believes twenty20 will make cricket a ‘global sport’ and in the future, nations like the USA and Russia may become competitive.
What ever the case, this concept has surprisingly grown on me and the pace at which it is growing feels just right. Bring on the global tournaments!
Tactics, captaincy and bowling has had to change with the big hitting, sixes becoming the order of the day creating an exciting spectacle. Ideally manufactured for television audiences, Twenty20 cricket has big bucks and a global audience at its wake.
It’s like a carnival with music when a batsmen hits a six and between overs, introducing a new batsmen or bowler, it’s like watching WWE wrestling. Add cheerleaders into the mix and cricket looks less like a five day marathon and more like the hundred metre dash.
There lies cricket’s new excitement. Speed!
Cricket has been accused of being too slow and not exciting, especially for complete foreigners of the game but twenty20 is finding new audiences and new fans, dare I say it could potentially challenge baseball in a premier league-esque format?
Creating leagues with India, South Africa and New Zealand are pushing corporations and cricket into new markets with the possibility of players extending their careers and playing for other enterprises in other nations.
The concept is mind-blowing as the possibility is that Kevin Pietersen, Ricky Ponting or Muttiah Muralitharan could represent a New York based team. Glenn McGrath believes twenty20 will make cricket a ‘global sport’ and in the future, nations like the USA and Russia may become competitive.
What ever the case, this concept has surprisingly grown on me and the pace at which it is growing feels just right. Bring on the global tournaments!
Make Steve Price Captain
No player is more deserving of the captaincy of the Australian Kangaroos than Steve Price. The captain of the Warriors has been a perfect ambassador for the game and would be a just reward for the years of service he has given rugby league.
With Darren Lockeyer and Danny Buderus notable absentees for the test series at the end of the year, the Australian selectors will look for leadership amongst a new looking team. Unfortunately Price is not guaranteed his position amongst the other props vying for a spot.
Price is a natural leader and should be selected and named captain regardless of his poor relationship with coach Ricky Stuart. Baring injuries that could be attained in the finals series, my Australian team looks as follows:
Justin Hodges (Broncos)
Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Jamie Lyon (Manly)
Greg Inglis (Storm)
Scott Prince (Titans)
Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Steve Price (Warriors) ©
Cameron Smith (Storm)
Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels)
Anthony Watmough (Eagles)
Dallas Johnson (Storm)
Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
Luke Bailey (Titans)
Anthony Laffranchi (Titans)
Kurt Gidley (Knights)
With Darren Lockeyer and Danny Buderus notable absentees for the test series at the end of the year, the Australian selectors will look for leadership amongst a new looking team. Unfortunately Price is not guaranteed his position amongst the other props vying for a spot.
Price is a natural leader and should be selected and named captain regardless of his poor relationship with coach Ricky Stuart. Baring injuries that could be attained in the finals series, my Australian team looks as follows:
Justin Hodges (Broncos)
Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Jamie Lyon (Manly)
Greg Inglis (Storm)
Scott Prince (Titans)
Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Steve Price (Warriors) ©
Cameron Smith (Storm)
Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels)
Anthony Watmough (Eagles)
Dallas Johnson (Storm)
Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
Luke Bailey (Titans)
Anthony Laffranchi (Titans)
Kurt Gidley (Knights)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Time to qualify
Parramatta, North Queensland, Manly and Melbourne are the last four teams standing and come September 30, one of these teams will be the 2007 NRL Premiers. The Eels and the Cowboys could definitely spoil Storm and Sea Eagles plans of the grand final.
Parramatta, like the Cowboys had very convincing wins over the Bulldogs and the Warriors respectively. For Parramatta, I was most impressed by Brett Finch and Tim Smith whose form has been on and off but it all came good when it was needed.
The Eels travel south to the AFL capital and the Telstra Dome to face premiership favorites, the Melbourne Storm next weekend. The Eels will have to lift another 20% if they are any chance of defeating the red hot storm.
Melbourne are poised to be at Homebush on September 30 and I see them knocking off the Eels next weekend. For mind Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith hold the key for the Storm in what should be a classic qualifying final.
Manly face a difficult challenge against an enthusiastic and young Cowboy forward pack plus the likes of Thurston, Bowen, Aaron Payne and Ashley Graham. This game will be frenetic, fast paced and could go either way.
Despite the fact that Manly have been the better side all year I think the Cowboys will spoil the party.
When all is said and done, this is it. No more talk, three more games, four teams down to two and then there will be one:
Cowboys V Storm: Telstra Stadium, September 30…
Parramatta, like the Cowboys had very convincing wins over the Bulldogs and the Warriors respectively. For Parramatta, I was most impressed by Brett Finch and Tim Smith whose form has been on and off but it all came good when it was needed.
The Eels travel south to the AFL capital and the Telstra Dome to face premiership favorites, the Melbourne Storm next weekend. The Eels will have to lift another 20% if they are any chance of defeating the red hot storm.
Melbourne are poised to be at Homebush on September 30 and I see them knocking off the Eels next weekend. For mind Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith hold the key for the Storm in what should be a classic qualifying final.
Manly face a difficult challenge against an enthusiastic and young Cowboy forward pack plus the likes of Thurston, Bowen, Aaron Payne and Ashley Graham. This game will be frenetic, fast paced and could go either way.
Despite the fact that Manly have been the better side all year I think the Cowboys will spoil the party.
When all is said and done, this is it. No more talk, three more games, four teams down to two and then there will be one:
Cowboys V Storm: Telstra Stadium, September 30…
Australian rugby unveils next generation
Berrick Barnes was not the only Australian putting his mark on Rugby last night with Channel Ten commentator Rupert McCall providing the voice that in my op-inion has been missing from Australian rugby broadcasting for some time.
Firstly Barnes looked all class in only his second test for the Wallabies perhaps dare I say, looking like the ready made replacement for the retiring legend, Stephen Larkham. Barnes injected himself with an inexperienced experience and nervous calmness.
Looking right at home, the new Number 10 provided some missing playmaking that Australian rugby has lacked in recent time and joined forces with Matt Giteau to be dominating across the park.
The first half was the best rugby the Wallabies have played since the 2003 Rugby World Cup with Number’s 1-15 all contributing, looking like a real cup contender. The Wallabies second half was however a different story with the Aussies struggling to inject that attack that was scintillating in the first half and defense that was questionable.
Lote Tuqiri must go as he failed to inject himself at all in attack, knocking the ball on at least three times and missing simple tackles on his wing. Tuqiri must fine form in the next games against Fiji and Canada or his place will be in jeopardy for the finals series.
Australia still have to formulate an eighty-minute game of football but they will be proud of their effort beating Wales at Millennium Stadium and taking one step closer towards the quarter finals.
The Wallabies look like possible contenders for the William Webb Ellis along with their southern hemisphere SANZA counterparts: South Africa and New Zealand. Unfortunately no northern hemisphere team look like cup contenders with England and France well off the pace and Ireland, Scotland and Wales looking like making their exit in the quarters.
Barnes was not the only shining light of Australian rugby last night but unknown commentator Rupert McCall provided the ‘balls’ that Australian rugby has missed with Gordon Bray and Greg Clark’s play-by-play style. McCall was more of the ‘Ray Warren’ excitement style but not too over the top. McCall presents ‘Sport’s Today’ on 4BC talk radio Brisbane weeknights but could have a career as the new voice of Australian rugby.
As Australia heads towards the quarters, South Africa and New Zealand are starting to put together their play and look like the favorites to hold the William Webb Ellis in 2007.
Firstly Barnes looked all class in only his second test for the Wallabies perhaps dare I say, looking like the ready made replacement for the retiring legend, Stephen Larkham. Barnes injected himself with an inexperienced experience and nervous calmness.
Looking right at home, the new Number 10 provided some missing playmaking that Australian rugby has lacked in recent time and joined forces with Matt Giteau to be dominating across the park.
The first half was the best rugby the Wallabies have played since the 2003 Rugby World Cup with Number’s 1-15 all contributing, looking like a real cup contender. The Wallabies second half was however a different story with the Aussies struggling to inject that attack that was scintillating in the first half and defense that was questionable.
Lote Tuqiri must go as he failed to inject himself at all in attack, knocking the ball on at least three times and missing simple tackles on his wing. Tuqiri must fine form in the next games against Fiji and Canada or his place will be in jeopardy for the finals series.
Australia still have to formulate an eighty-minute game of football but they will be proud of their effort beating Wales at Millennium Stadium and taking one step closer towards the quarter finals.
The Wallabies look like possible contenders for the William Webb Ellis along with their southern hemisphere SANZA counterparts: South Africa and New Zealand. Unfortunately no northern hemisphere team look like cup contenders with England and France well off the pace and Ireland, Scotland and Wales looking like making their exit in the quarters.
Barnes was not the only shining light of Australian rugby last night but unknown commentator Rupert McCall provided the ‘balls’ that Australian rugby has missed with Gordon Bray and Greg Clark’s play-by-play style. McCall was more of the ‘Ray Warren’ excitement style but not too over the top. McCall presents ‘Sport’s Today’ on 4BC talk radio Brisbane weeknights but could have a career as the new voice of Australian rugby.
As Australia heads towards the quarters, South Africa and New Zealand are starting to put together their play and look like the favorites to hold the William Webb Ellis in 2007.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lackluster television
Is the cupboard completely bare? Is there anything left that Channel 9 could possibly show us or are they conceding defeat and deliberately losing nights.
Let’s look at last nights schedule:
730 – i-caught
830 – 1 v100
930 – CSI
Firstly I watched i-caught and didn’t mind it. Ok it was just a collection of clips from YouTube but I like ‘the battle of Kruger national park’, nevertheless waste of time prime time television, it should been on FOX 8 with Cheaters and World’s wildest waste of time police chases.
1 v 100: Is it just me or does no one care about game shows? Has there not been a MASS OVERKILL of them. 1 v 100 is nothing different from any of the other game shows that have been launched. It will not challenge City Homicide or Desperate Housewives.
CSI: Ok, Nine is infatuated and has NOTHING else to show. ER had been rating poorly, so they pull it for CSI repeats again. I mean how many times can you repeat the one episode? I don’t know but surely every CSI episode would have been shown 3 or 4 times?
So what are the television producers doing over at 9 and why do they allow such poor excuses for television to air? They have been a fantastic television station and I just wonder what’s being made and who is making these decisions?
The one shining light is Temptation and they’re pulling it for Millionaire. Is Millionaire going to do any better or even beat Home and Away?
Of course it’s not if anything it will do worse because (despite the fact I like him) Eddie McGuire is host and we will see him 5 times a week. He tried 5.30 Millionaire and that failed why would it work in the 7pm timeslot?
I find it bizarre that 9 are continually back pedaling, undoing mistakes and re-scheduling cancelled series... Here comes Burke’s Backyard, what’s next Hey Hey It’s Saturday??
Let’s look at last nights schedule:
730 – i-caught
830 – 1 v100
930 – CSI
Firstly I watched i-caught and didn’t mind it. Ok it was just a collection of clips from YouTube but I like ‘the battle of Kruger national park’, nevertheless waste of time prime time television, it should been on FOX 8 with Cheaters and World’s wildest waste of time police chases.
1 v 100: Is it just me or does no one care about game shows? Has there not been a MASS OVERKILL of them. 1 v 100 is nothing different from any of the other game shows that have been launched. It will not challenge City Homicide or Desperate Housewives.
CSI: Ok, Nine is infatuated and has NOTHING else to show. ER had been rating poorly, so they pull it for CSI repeats again. I mean how many times can you repeat the one episode? I don’t know but surely every CSI episode would have been shown 3 or 4 times?
So what are the television producers doing over at 9 and why do they allow such poor excuses for television to air? They have been a fantastic television station and I just wonder what’s being made and who is making these decisions?
The one shining light is Temptation and they’re pulling it for Millionaire. Is Millionaire going to do any better or even beat Home and Away?
Of course it’s not if anything it will do worse because (despite the fact I like him) Eddie McGuire is host and we will see him 5 times a week. He tried 5.30 Millionaire and that failed why would it work in the 7pm timeslot?
I find it bizarre that 9 are continually back pedaling, undoing mistakes and re-scheduling cancelled series... Here comes Burke’s Backyard, what’s next Hey Hey It’s Saturday??
Storm Warning
Melbourne Storm will consider anything bar winning the Telstra Premiership in 2007 as a failure. The red hot Storm deserve the title and are playing better football than any other team in the finals race.
Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater are key to the Storm attack that has looked electric. Dallas Johnson, Ryan Hoffman and Brett White have amicably led the forward pack in both attack and hard hitting defence.
With the grand final now only three weekends away who will the Storm be facing? Manly, New Zealand or North Queensland, provided they knock off the winner of Parramatta and Canterbury.
This week: Parramatta v. Canterbury.
Judging by both games last weekend it could go either way. A Bulldogs outfit with Sonny Bill Williams looks menacing giving the Dogs more go forward and brutal defence. The likes of Ben Roberts and his outside men need to do more against a backline led by Jarryd Hayne, Kri Inu and Timana Tahu.
On paper it should probably be the Dogs and I think they will come into their own come this weekend. Either way it will be a cracker of a game.
North Queensland v. New Zealand
New Zealand need to find something if they are any hope of knocking off the boys from Townsville. Wade McKinnon will have to be scintillating but needs support from under performing halves Michael Witt and Grant Rovelli. The likes of Lauiki need to feed off Steve Price and Ruben Wiki if the Warriors are to be any hope.
The Cowboys look too strong especially if Matty Bowen and Jonathan Thurston are given an inch. Their forward pack although is seriously depleted with Carl Webb looking to be on the outer. This could be their weakness and something New Zealand should target: up the middle.
In summary I am picking Canterbury and North Queensland which will take us to:
- Melbourne v Bulldogs
- Manly v North Queensland
Let’s see what happens after this week before I get too far ahead of myself... but here is my early prediction: Melbourne v Manly grand final...
Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater are key to the Storm attack that has looked electric. Dallas Johnson, Ryan Hoffman and Brett White have amicably led the forward pack in both attack and hard hitting defence.
With the grand final now only three weekends away who will the Storm be facing? Manly, New Zealand or North Queensland, provided they knock off the winner of Parramatta and Canterbury.
This week: Parramatta v. Canterbury.
Judging by both games last weekend it could go either way. A Bulldogs outfit with Sonny Bill Williams looks menacing giving the Dogs more go forward and brutal defence. The likes of Ben Roberts and his outside men need to do more against a backline led by Jarryd Hayne, Kri Inu and Timana Tahu.
On paper it should probably be the Dogs and I think they will come into their own come this weekend. Either way it will be a cracker of a game.
North Queensland v. New Zealand
New Zealand need to find something if they are any hope of knocking off the boys from Townsville. Wade McKinnon will have to be scintillating but needs support from under performing halves Michael Witt and Grant Rovelli. The likes of Lauiki need to feed off Steve Price and Ruben Wiki if the Warriors are to be any hope.
The Cowboys look too strong especially if Matty Bowen and Jonathan Thurston are given an inch. Their forward pack although is seriously depleted with Carl Webb looking to be on the outer. This could be their weakness and something New Zealand should target: up the middle.
In summary I am picking Canterbury and North Queensland which will take us to:
- Melbourne v Bulldogs
- Manly v North Queensland
Let’s see what happens after this week before I get too far ahead of myself... but here is my early prediction: Melbourne v Manly grand final...
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