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

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.

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...

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

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!

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.

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!

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)

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…

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.

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??

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...

City Homicide

Channel Seven take a bow. The much anticipated debut of the newest Australian cop drama City Homicide made a sterling debut earlier tonight.

Australian drama had been a dying art but like the rains of this winter in Sydney so has the drought’s back been broken for television drama. Australia boasts a plethora of talent and our actors have done us proud.

Aaron Pedersen provides the strongest character in the six person strong cast with charisma and humor, he plays a very convincing cop. Until our first introduction of Pedersen’s character, Duncan Freeman the drama was a bit slow starting and developing characters.

Shane Bourne’s portrayal as Senior Sgt Stanley Wolfe leader of the Homicide squad is refreshing to the role of the ‘boss’ and with Noni Hazelhurst as a female in the commanding position adds gives depth to some obvious female-male power storylines in future episodes.

Daniel McPherson plays a brash, young, arrogant know-all cop and suits his role as Detective Simon Joyner like a glove. I am yet to be convinced by Damien Richardson who plays Detective Matt Ryan but balances the three lead males.

Nadine Gardner’s character, Jennifer Mapplethorpe needs some more development in this ‘blokey’ world but the female oppression angles is all ready being investigated.

Clever camera work, editing techniques and clever scripting has given City Homicide a fantastic launch pad. Suspense was built throughout the episode in a traditional storyline of a ‘who done it?’

Overall I am impressed with City Homicide, celebrating the return of Australian cop drama. Together with Sea Patrol, the revival of All Saints and McLeod’s Daughter’s, Seven and Nine must be commended on their investment into one of our greatest assets, Australian drama.

When you read tonight’s ratings, City Homicide will be the most popular show of the night attracting at least two million viewers. Let’s hope we have many seasons of this newest Aussie drama.

"knows what it wants"

Channel 7 Chief Executive Officer David Leckie was quoted in Melbourne's Herald Sun on Wednesday saying that Channel 7 was the only network that, "knows what it wants". His comments come after Channel 9 cancelled Temptation and today being the day that 9's head of news Garry Linnell resigns.

Clearly the embattled Nine network are under further pressure with Linnell's resignation amongst a raft of personnel changes and programming changes this year. Until the last few years, Nine was "still the one" and the late Kerry Packer would turn in his grave seeing what has happened to his proudest achievement.

Sensibly James Packer pulled the family from the Network who seems to be losing ground at an alarming rate. I believe Nine still deliver the best commercial television news and their overall package is more professional in appearance than that of Seven.

Leckie's comments are validated with 7 now assured of victory in the ratings war making it 7in07. A strong programming schedule with quality US dramas including Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Add the success of their Australian productions: Border Security, Dancing With the Stars and Medical Emergency plus the new Australian successes: Bondi Rescue, The Rich List, RSPCA Animal Rescue, Kath & Kim and Australia's Got Talent.

7 went out aggressively this year and poached one of Nine's biggest personalities Jamie Durie. His defection spelled the end of Nine who was the television stations poster boy.

With 7 launching the newly created The Morning Show beating rivals KAK and 9AM, Seven are now building their daytime audience. City Homicide debuts on Monday night and should hopefully be a success.

Seven and Nine must be credited with their re-investment back into Australian drama. Sea Patrol has been the ratings winner of Thursday prime time (despite having no competition), City Homicide should follow suit on Monday night.

Seven have won 23 of the 25 ratings week and are going to be Number 1 in 2007. Leckie has taken the network to the top at 9's expense to which the network's answer is imitation.

Nine's gambles have not paid off with Things to do Before You Die, What A Year and even Whats Good For You bombing. Nine are not re-inventing the wheel, making stale programming or clip shows like 20 to 1 or tacky game shows like The Singing Bee.

Seven looks like it knows where it is heading with an ever expanding cupboard of quality programming. For Nine, who knows what will screen next week and they have all but exhausted their cupboard. There are only so many times we can watch the same episodes of CSI

Nine does do news well with 60 Minutes still proving to be popular but they are trying to emulate 7's success with poor imitations.

Commercial news for Nine previously had a degree of edge and professionalism over Ten and Seven. The network still has the look, the 'package' but they are trying to adopt it to Seven's 'info-tainment' formula with tabloid journalism dominating our screens.

Unfortunately this type of news is proving to be more and more popular with viewers but it just does not fit the Nine formula. Seven certainly know what viewers want represented in their ratings.

Seven deserve their success because their shows are professionally created, directed and produced. As for Nine, I am sure the alarm bells are ringing because Nine has no idea what it wants, or do they? Show us...

Two Steps Backwards

I can't believe the lack of creativity that Channel 9 has come up with in 2008. The station has most definately lost irrepairable ground and head staright for the dldrums unless some creativity can be salvaged at the netword in 2008 and their new batch of US dramas prove to be a success.

Channel 7 have their own dramas such as why did next to no one watch the Grey's Anatomy's finale and why are is Shark receiving no audience, Las Vegas screening at 8.30 on a Thursday and Seven running 'worl'd worst' 'most shocking' and 'life begins' in primetime slots? Hello these (minus Grey's) shows should not be shown this side of midnight, yet alone during a ratings period.

As for Nine well they are showing nothing! No creativity and reverting now back to the 'hot seat' five nights a week in place of Temptation.

I don't know about you but are we not just a little over game shows? Millionaire won't bost 7pm ratings on Nine.

Every decision that seems to becoming out of Willoughby is negative and back pedalling or reverting decisions made in haste over the last two years. Backyard Blitz is back and even talk of bringing back good ol' Don Burke.

Meanwhile over at 7, they are just re-branding former Channel 9 personalities and giving them shows similar to what they were previously doing.

I am looking forward however to City Homicide next Monday. Aussie Cop drama - thumbs up!

Anything could be better than Sea Patrol...

What about Nine's daytime line-up, they really have screwed things over and their output war with WIN TV will see their day budget slashed further as KAK will no longer reach regional viewers.

SO what should Nine screen during the day... here is an idea:

6AM Today
9AM KAK
11AM Fresh Cooking
1130 The Price Is Right
1200 NEWS
1300 Days of Our Lives
1400 Water Rats
1500 *Kids Programming
1630 Friends
1700 News Chat Show... 'Five Live'
1730 Airline/Airport

might not work but hey i am sure it would get some better ratings than what they have now...

I am still waiting for someone to take a step forward

An e-life in an e-world

It got me thinking today for no real reason in particular but it starting consuming my thoughts as I drove wanting and wondering why I had an urgent desire to use the internet. It had only been about half an hour since I had been away from my computer but for some reason I needed it.

Almost like security or a blanket the internet and my mobile phone are an accessory much like a pair of socks and a pair of jocks. It is seriously ridiculous how I and the rest of the world are so reliant on mobile phones, emails, myspace, facebook… I mean does the world change every hour at such a rapid pace that I need to be re-informed so quickly?

What could have so drastically changed over the last half hour that will have such a significant change, outcome or bearing on my life? It scares me how I and many others are becoming all too consumed by technology and constant interaction in this e-world.

An article in today’s Sydney Morning Herald claimed that facebook is costing businesses over $5 billion per year wasted productivity because of this social network. It can also become eerie and creepy when people, ‘friends’ inform you that they know what you have been doing in your life because they read it on your facebook.

Is there any such thing as a personal space in this e-world? Do any of us lead private lives or have our private diaries, thoughts, emotions, scrapbooks, pictures and video’s been uploaded and opened to all so we can experience an ‘e-life’?

Technology is consuming our lives at a scary rate and I have realised this moreover in the last few months. Posting videos on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and the like gives the entire e-world complete access to your e-life.

It is becoming so easy to discover things about yourself behind the confines of a computer screen and the public forum of the internet.

What did people do 200 years ago? Send letters, carrier pigeons and transport was by horse and cart plus across water via boat. Now it’s instantaneous from the revolutions of AOL Instant Messenger – ICQ – MSN – myspace – facebook and beyond… what is the next part of my e-world to show everyone my e-life…

It’s scary but I am far to consumed by this eworld and wonder if I will stop or if it will stop me.

Garbage on our screens

I am looking very hard to find a television schedule from 1997 because what we are screening on Commercial and Pay television at the moment is garbage. There appears to be no thought, no development or desire to create programmes that will last and be popular, develop, build and maintain audiences.

Thank God You're Here is an acceptation and maybe Border Security but enough of this pseudo infotainment-lifestyle-reality programmes that involve Jamie Durie, backyards, living in confined or remote places and pointless contests that overall are dumbing society. These clip shows like 20 to 1 and What A Year, where is the imagination and who thought up these series?

Not to pick only on 9 but they have had some really bad concepts for television like The Code: Crime and Justice, Mothers In War and wait for it.... here comes The Farmer Wants a Wife... ARE YOU KIDDING?

Why are television stations paying money for people to develop television shows like this? A twelve year old can tell you that NO ONE will watch this and the programme will fail.

I cannot believe that Australia's Best Backyards debuted with such success last night winning the vital 6.30PM Sunday Night slot. Yes it had Jamie Durie but it had no substance, no originality and falls into the same category of shows mentioned above that is all to repetitious.

Last Chance Learners, Celebrity Dog School... I could go on and on... but not to totally bag all the shows coming out of the Networks. There is some merit in Dancing With the Stars and Australian Idol but they to will soon start to become tired.

For a competitive television market and that we have in Australia, I am amused by the amount of bad television that we produce. What do consumers want?!

Drama was starting to become a lost art but All Saints delivers sound figures and McLeods Daughter's holds its own on Wednesday evenings. Sea Patrol has had a stunning debut for 9 and I hope the myriad of new Aussie Dramas replicate this success.

There is no better television in my opinion than a good well-made drama and Aussies do a good job at it. Don't let this industry die, there are thousands of fantastic Aussie actors scratching at the bit for a gig on Australian televsion.

Enough of the info-tainment reality repetitious lifestyle crap... bring on the drama!

Has Seven's horse bolted too early

In a tv market dominated by ratings and revenue, Channel Seven headed by David Leckie have had a stella year-to-date. In Sydney a dominant Sunrise, News and Today Tonight have usurped Channel Nine's long dominance as news and current affairs leader.

With Leckie and Peter Meakin, Seven have all but brought about a new leader in news and current affairs. David Koch and Melissa Doyle, Seven's own born stars still blow Nine's Today Show away every weekday morning. As well Ian Ross and Anna Corren win the competitive 6-7pm news hour in Sydney each week night.

Nine has now answers to-date. The week Peter Harvey read the news, ratings in Sydney increased, could he be the unlikely hero for Nine?

With The Catch-Up failing to impress, The Lost Tribes, The Nation and a bad crop of failed American dramas in 2007, Nine has really felt the effects and will become Number 2 for the first time.

But has the horse bolted on Channel Seven?

Over zealous programming perhaps in their first half year scheduele with Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and The Life of Brian trying to challenge Nine's dominant Sunday Night line-up. Overall it failed to make too many in-roads into 60 Minutes or CSI.

Now Seven's cupboard is looking somewhat bare forcing the network to screen movies on Wednesday evenings when they could have held back the likes of Betty or Grey's. I think Seven went too hard too early and the effects have been felt with poorer than expected ratings for Hereos, Lost and Prison Break.

If Seven had saved some of these shows then their second half dominance would steamroll Nine who have just launched the impressive Sea Patrol.

Seven still have another series of Dancing to air, plus Shark and the debut of Kath and Kim on commercial television. Border Security, RSPCA rescue and Medical Emergerncy are delivering strong 7.30 series but the 8.30 scheduelling is questionable.

Nine could have counteracted this with holding one of their big shows like CSI or CSI (do they have anything else) back and made a real go of part 2, 2007 but there is much more needed to be done at Nine than a few imorts.

Since the Packer's sold Nine, who is in charge and what is happening? Will there be a total overhaul or will Bert Newton and Ray Martin be presenting Today and the news?

Maybe Humphrey B Bear could save the ratings but this second half of the year looks very very interesting

Un(in)credible Affair

Carrissa hopes to start school in Victoria after leaving her home and her parents in Brisbane. A troubled teenager leaves home in Brisbane, and runs to Victoria to be with boyfriend. The girl, 14 here mature aged boyfriend 15 and they met on the interent...

Are you kidding? These two kids claim they want to get married and this makes news. Its a funny story but does warrant 'A Current Affair'...

Take the David Sherma example last week and his bust by Ben Fordham, that was a good example of these current affairs shows but tonights story well well well

THE REPORT CARD

After 11 Rounds of the NRL season, I am rating the teams on their performance, giving them an overall score out of 10… Let’s start with the wooden spoon contenders.

DRAGONS

Horrible run of injuries has impacted a team that have promised so much yet never reached the mark. With only 3/10 wins the team are looking like one of the strongest contenders for the wooden spoon.
THE BAD: The number of injuries: Gasnier, Young, B. Morris, Ryles, Simms, Hornby
THE GOOD: Josh Morris – two are better than one
PREDICTION: Nathan Brown will shoulder the blame and be sacked by the end of the season, Ian Millward to probably get the nod. Should finish in the bottom three.
PERFORMNACE: 1/10

ROOSTERS

Change of guard from the Fittler-Ricketson-Ricky Stuart era. Starting to find form with an excellent win over the Sharks last season, despite also having 3/10. If this new found form continues they could scrape into the 8 although they don’t have a halfback but Craig Wing, Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichello are refinding form – this could be dangerous.
THE BAD: terrible start to the season, Chris Anderson has not had the best influence on the team and looks like he may have lost that coaching credibility.
THE GOOD: Minichello and Wing are back. Sam Perrett and Shaun Kenny-Down have proved to be excellent three-quarters.
PREDICTION: Could make the 8 if Minichello and Wing stay in form otherwise they’ll be fighting off the spoon.
PERFORMANCE: 2/10

BULLDOGS

Another club who have enormous potnential and names but are just not firing. Sitting 14th on the ladder is not acceptable to the club who need to have a good look at their roster. The loss of Asotasi, Myles and O’Meley leaving is taking its toll on a forward pack that haven been feared in the past.
THE BAD: Sonny Bill-Williams, not the player her was two years ago, hope he refinds his form
THE GOOD: Luke Patten – every club has brilliant full backs and Patten is ‘The General’.
PREDICTION: Won’t make the 8 this year which will also cause personnel changes, for a start they need a first grade hooker.
PERFORMANCE: 3/10

PANTHERS
Shown promise and are slowly adapting to new coach Matthew Elliot but they’re hot and cold. Need Gower, Pridiss and Rhys Wesser to fire.
THE BAD: there inconsistency and Joel Clinton
THE GOOD: Peter Walace but he might be off the Broncs
PREDICTION: If they find some consistency and Clinton starts firing they could scrape into the eight
PERFORMANCE: 3/10

BRONCOS
Horrible start to the season but the smashing of Newcastle will be the turning point for the 2006 premiers. A classy side who have a wizard of a coach and the second best player in the world – Darren Lockyer.
THE BAD – the start to the season and Wayne Bennett but also good because he takes attention off his players.
THE GOOD – Darren Lockyer
PREDICTION – see you in the semi’s.
PERFORMANCE: 2/10

TITANS
5/11 not to bad a start and they’re sitting 11th on the ladder so not to far off the mark in their first season. Scott Prince has been fantastic and really stepped up as a brilliant play maker.
THE BAD – Michael Henderson’s injury – head up kid
THE GOOD – Scott Prince and Luke Bailey – priceless ability and work rate plus Anthony Laffranchi – put him in the origin team.
PREDICTION – Will hover, may make it, may not - their fitness is a key to success and Cartwright’s enthusiasm. If they keep Prince, Rogers and Bailey injury free they will be in the 8, without Prince or Bailey, they won’t.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

RABBITOHS
Super start to the season but they’re struggling and will do without David Kidwell and David Peachey. Huge inroads have been made but we need a little less ‘Hollywood’ and a little mor action.
THE BAD – they are playing like the old days at the moment
THE GOOD – Jason Taylor
PREDICTION – Without an established half, no Kidwell or Peachey, they won’t make the 8, I just hope they don’t bite the spoon.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

EELS

Growing from strength to strength with Michael Hagan. Look like making the Top 8 and could take things to the final weeks of the finals.
THE BAD – Losing Wade McKinnon to the Warriors.
THE GOOD – Nathan Hindmarsh is a work horse
PREDICTION – semi finals
PERFORMANCE: 5/10

WARRIORS
Another up and down team, they need some consistency but I think they’ll be there come finals time.
THE BAD – Manu Vatevi v Parramatta
THE GOOD – Steven Price the best 33 year old in the game
PREDICTION – They’ll make the 8.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

KNIGHTS
Can they keep playing without Joey? Brian Smith’s credibility is also on the line…
THE BAD – Joey’s career ending injury.
THE GOOD – Kurt Gidley
PREDICTION – Crash and burn, wont make the finals and Brian Smith wont be the coach in 2008.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

RAIDERS
Stunning win over the Dragons, if they can maintain this form they will make the finals as a surprise. Canberra can become a real graveyard for traveling teams…
THE BAD – Todd Carney’s off field dilemmas.
THE GOOD – Their young backs led by William Zilman and Captain Alan Tongue.
PREDICTION – they don’t get the credit of the major metro teams but watch out these guys look good. They will make the 8.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10

SHARKS
Found their click. Ricky Sturat is bringing the best out of all their players with Kimmorley looking good again.
THE BAD – Loss to the Roosters, psychological blow over Stuart.
THE GOOD – Greg Bird, now an NRL enforcer
PREDICTION – Semi finals is on the cards
PERFORMANCE: 6/10

COWBOYS
7 wins from 11 starts not bad with the World’s greatest player: Jonathan Thurston. Together with Matt Bowen, they are the best combination in Rugby league.
THE BAD – Luke O’Donnell’s injury
THE GOOD – Jonathan Thurston
PREDICTION – They will be in the semis again but their forward pack are not as mobile this year. Still Steve Southern and Jacob lillyman have to shoulder some of the loss of O’Donnell.
PERFORMANCE: 7/10

WEST TIGERS
Their back and their unearthing some great new talent, like Chris Lawrence.
THE BAD – Benji Marshall’s shoulder… AGAIN
THE GOOD – Robbie Farah, one of the best dummy halves in the game.
PREDICTION – Another top 8 finisher but wont win the comp will make the top 6.
PERFROMANCE: 7/10

MELBOURNE
With 9/11 the Storm are looking like this will be their year. They have learnt from the disappointment from 2006, looking hungrier and more determined to win the premiership this year. Cooper Cronk is climbing the ranks in the half back world
THE BAD – Is there anything bad about this team?
THE GOOD – Israel Falou, where can they fit him?
PREDICTION – 2007 premiership winners
PERFORMANCE: 8/10

MANLY
Sitting top of the table, Des Hasler must be proud of his Sea Eagles. Looking fantastic, but will it last?
THE BAD – trying to fit 17 players into their weekly selections
THE GOOD – Michael Monoghan but why are they letting him go?
PREDICTION – Final 4 but wont be in the grand final. Its hard to maintain this form.
PERFORMANCE: 9/10


FINAL 8 PREDICTION:
MANLY
MELBOURNE
BRISBANE
WEST TIGERS
SHARKS
RAIDERS
TITANS
EELS

FINAL 4 PREDICTION
MANLY
MELBOURNE
BRISBANE
EELS

GRAND FINAL PREDICTION
MELBOURNE
EELS

PREMIERSHIP PREDICTIONMELBOURNE