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The ratings race: week 8

by David Dale.
This week's blog is now history. To join the latest discussion of media, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

Update 10am Friday, February 24
Seven got a little alarm bell in last night's results. One of its most reliable hits, Lost, dropped 150,000 viewers from the previous week. Some of them went to Medium on Ten and some of them may have gone over to the ABC to get an early start on The West Wing.

Nevertheless, Seven won the night with a prime time audience share of 32.3 per cent, with Nine on 27.8, Ten on 21.1, ABC on 13.9, and SBS on 4.9.

Last night the ABC launched The West Wing, the intelligent US drama series it bought from Nine because The One could not schedule it consistently. The 90 minute showing averaged 501,000 viewers.


How Australia watched, Thursday
1 Lost (7) 1.7m
2 Seven news (7) 1.4m
3 Today Tonight (7) 1.4m
4 Home and Away (7) 1.3m
5 Getaway (9) 1.3m
6 A Current Affair (9) 1.2m
7 Las Vegas (7) 1.2m
8 Nine News (9) 1.1m
9 Medium (10) 1.1m
10 The Biggest Loser (10) 1.0m
OZTAM mainland capitals

Update 10am Thursday, February 23
Channel Seven now has Australia locked up four days a week. Prison Break has pulled further ahead of its rival House on Wednesdays, and Seven's news and Today Tonight get the viewing pattern established at 6pm every night. Since most people don't watch TV on Saturday nights, Nine's only hope now is to come up with a blockbuster every Friday and every Sunday.

How Australia watched, Wednesday
1 Prison Break (7) 1.5m
2 Today Tonight (7) 1.5m
3 Seven news (7) 1.5m
4 House (10) 1.4m
5 Home and Awau (7) 1.4m
6 McLeod's Daughters (9) 1.4m
7 Winter Olympics (7) 1.3m
8 NCIS (10) 1.2m
9 A Current Affair (9) 1.2m
10 Jamie's Italian Escape (10) 1.2m
OZTAM


Update 10am Wednesday, February 22
Australia's richest man couldn't save Channel Nine last week, and Australia's most popular woman couldn't save Channel Nine last night. Magda Szubanski was flattened by the juggernaut that is Dancing With The Stars.

Szubanski regularly comes out on top when the research agency Audience Development Australia surveys viewers on the celebrities they most recognise and most like. No doubt that was why Nine thought a collection of her comedy sketches might work against the new season of last year's most popular Australian program. And Nine might have hoped Australians were growing a bit sated with the cheesiness of Daryl Somers and his sliding celebs.

In the end, Magda's Funny Bits attracted 856,000 viewers in the mainland capitals, while Dancing With The Stars attracted 2.2 million -- the same audience as last year. Clearly Australia has not lost its appetite for dairy products.

The viewers then stayed up late to follow the Winter Olympics, giving Seven an easy victory for the night -- 40.3 per cent of the prime time audience (Nine got 24.0%, Ten 18.9%, ABC 12.8% and SBS 4.1).

More bad news for Nine: those viewers who can't stand the glare from Dancing With The Stars and the snow in Torino are most likely to seek relief with Channel Ten. The ten most watched shows of Tuesday night with people aged 16-39 included The Biggest Loser, The Simpsons, Rove Live, The OC and Futurama.

How Australia watched, Tuesday
1 Dancing with the Stars (7) 2.2m
2 Winter Olympics (7) 1.5m
3 Today Tonight (7) 1.4m
4 Home and Away (7) 1.4m
5 Seven News (7) 1.4m
6 Nine news (9) 1.3m
7 A Current Affair (9) 1.2m
8 The Biggest Loser (10) 1.1m
9 The Simpsons (10) 1.0m
10 CSI:NY (9) 1.0m
(OZTAM mainland capitals)


Update 10am Tuesday, February 21
The ABC says it doesn't worry about the ratings, but that doesn't stop it celebrating on the rare occasions when one of its programs attracts more than a million viewers. The champagne will be flowing at Ultimo today, because last night an ABC show pulled 1.3 million in the mainland capitals.

Who could achieve such a feat? Of course, it had to be Andrew Denton -- Australia's most liked man, according to the "Q-scores" poll (which also finds that Magda Szubanski is Australia's most liked woman). Last year Denton managed 1.6 million viewers when he interviewed Our Princess Mary. Last night's equally glittering guest was Billy Connolly (who, as husband of Pamela Stephenson, has become The National In-Law now that Tom is no longer with Nicole).

It's unlikely the Prime Minister will be joining the ABC's celebration. Now the audience figure is out, he knows that 1.3 million potential voters have heard Billy Connolly say this: "John Howard's only function is to let you know what Harry Potter's going to look like when he's old. I would go miles to avoid meeting him. What a boring little man."

Channel Seven won the night with a prime time audience share of 30.9 per cent, with Nine on 26.4%, Ten on 18.9% and the ABC on 17.4% (its best share so far this year).

How Australia watched, Monday
1 Desperate Housewives (7) 2.0m
2 Today Tonight (7) 1.5m
3 Seven news (7) 1.4m
4 Home and Away (7) 1.4m
5 The Biggest Loser (10) 1.3m
6 Enough Rope - Andrew Denton (ABC) 1.3m
7 20 To 1 (9) 1.3m
8 Nine news (9) 1.2m
9 A Current Affair (9) 1.2m
10 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (9) 1.2m
OZTAM mainland capitals

Update 10am Monday, February 20
Channel Nine's annoying trick of making viewers wait three months for the second half of last year's CSI finale seems to have worked. Nine showed the first hour of the Quentin Tarantino episode in November, and the second hour last night. Despite dire predictions that Australians would illegally download the finale from the internet, Nine managed to attract 1.8 million viewers to a cop franchise that was supposed to be dying. And most of the frustrated forensic fans stuck around for the MIami extension of the franchise.

Nine easily won the night, with a prime time audience share of 33.5 per cent, followed by Seven on 25.5%, and Ten on 18.4 per cent.

How Australia watched, Sunday
1. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Nine 1.76m
2. 60 Minutes Nine 1.53m
3. CSI: Miami Nine 1.34m
4. Seven News Sunday Seven 1.31m
5. Hot Property Seven 1.29m
6. Nine News Sunday Nine 1.28m
7. Clever Nine 1.15m
8. Agatha Christie's Poirot ABC 1.07m
9. Australia's Brainiest Ten 1.01m
10. Life in the Undergrowth ABC 0.98m
OZTAM mainland capitals

How Australia watched last week
Kerry Packer almost saved his network from embarrassment, but even he couldn't ensure that Channel Nine was still The One at the start of the ratings season. Seven won the first official ratings week with a prime time share of 30.7 per cent, followed by Nine on 28.7 per cent, Ten on 21.9 per cent, ABC on 14.2 per cent and SBS on 4.6 per cent.

A documentary called The Big Fella: The Extraordinary Life of Kerry Packer drew 1.5 million viewers in the mainland capitals on Thursday -- a bigger audience than any other show Nine has put against Seven's hit drama Lost. And Packer's creation -- the one day cricket -- drew 1.6 million viewers on Sunday and 1.8 million on Tuesday.

A few years ago, those successes would have been enough to give Nine the week's biggest audience share. But this year, Seven is overflowing with popular American dramas, as well as having the Winter Olympics to prop up its late night schedule. Tomorrow Seven adds a new series of Dancing With The Stars to its lineup, suggesting it could be weeks, if not months, before Australia's oldest network climbs back on top.

Nine launched Bert Newton's Family Feud last Monday in an attempt to fix its most urgent problem -- low audiences at the start of the night when the viewing pattern is established.

Bert began with a disappointing 678,000 viewers, got pre-empted by the cricket on Tuesday, and ended the week with a disastrous 511,000. His rival, Deal or No Deal, averaged 865,000 and set Seven on the path to victory in the current affairs hour from 6pm every night.

Nine must now place its hopes on Australia's most popular woman, Magda Szubanski, whose sketch collection, Magda's Funny Bits, starts tomorrow night.

Ten's fun-with-the-fatties reality show The Biggest Loser opened with a solid 1.4 million viewers on Monday but had slimmed to 1.1 million by Friday. Nevertheless Ten won the week with its target 16-39 age group, and its medical drama House is breathing down the neck of Seven's Prison Break on Wednesday.

The ABC doesn't recognise the ratings season, so its most watched shows last week were the old favourites Australian Story and The Bill (each with a million viewers). SBS made a rare appearance in the top 100 with Mythbusters, which, at Number 97, found itself 30,000 viewers ahead of Bert's Family Feud (at 101). These were the week's top programs:

1. Desperate Housewives (7) 1.9m
2. Nine news Sunday (9) 1.8m
3. Lost (7) 1.8m
4. One Day Cricket Tuesday (9) 1.9m
5. One Day Cricket Sunday (9) 1.6m
6. The Big Fella: Kerry Packer (9) 1.5m
7. Prison Break (7) 1.5m
8. House (10) 1.4m
9. Today Tonight (7) 1.4m
10. The Biggest Loser launch (10) 1.4m
11. Seven news (7) 1.4m
12. Law and Order: SVU (10) 1.4m
13. Winter Olympics Thursday 1.3m
14. McLeod's Daughters (9) 1.3m
15. Getaway (9) 1.3m
OZTAM mainland capitals

Closing the gate: Many readers (see below) have sent comments wondering when Seven will resume showing episodes of Stargate and its spinoffs. We asked Seven, and got the answer that the Stargates will definitely be back this year, but no start date has yet been decided. Seven says it has so much good new drama arriving from America, some shows will have to wait till the second half of the year. There is no point sending more messages to Tribal Mind asking about Stargate. We have no power in the matter. It would be more useful to direct such requests to Seven. Unless you have something new and different to say on the subject, correspondence is closed.

David Dale is the author of Who We Are -- A snapshot of Australia today (Allen and Unwin). His latest book is Soffritto -- A delicious Ligurian memoir. To join a daily discussion of Australian attitudes, go to http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

Bert will prove a failure for 9 as well he should. His contract is just endemic of the problems facing C9. Old hat. Get him off!
Channel Nanna is heading down the gurgler.

  • by Matthew on February 15, 2006 at 10:00 AM

Perhaps if Bert (Old Chuckle Chops)reversed what appears to be massive plastic surgery, moved his head normally instead of swinging his whole upper body around on a pivot and got rid of that damned wig... we'd be able to feel more comfortable watching him.
I sit there on the edge of my chair expecting him to fall apart at any minute.
Do what the rest of us do Bert... grow old gracefully.

  • by Paul Zorro on February 15, 2006 at 10:06 AM

i think, besides bert, the greatest waste of money that australian comerical t.v is sevens purchase of the winter olympics rights. they have relegated it to post 10:30pm, not the most premium of time slots... this waste is exasabated by the lack of replays during daylight hours.what does 7 choose, in their infinate wisdom, to play during this time slot? well no other than a pro-active infomertial. a bunch of b-rate american stars crapping on about how much clearer their skin is now... give me curling any day! All this after i purchased a set top box in order to watch ski jumping in widescreen, i am no longer compas enough to to appreciate it. As infuriating as it is, this seems to echo the direction that 7 takes with all its good programs by relgating them to the depths of late evening tv as in family guy, arrested develpment and american dad et al

  • by Mitch smith on February 15, 2006 at 10:12 AM

Bert is just another tosser to fill in the (very small) gaps between the commercial breaks.
Just need to trowell on a bit more make-up and he will look like a ventriloquist's dummy.
Thank goodness for Channel BT

  • by MurF on February 15, 2006 at 11:03 AM

The fact that Janette & John are in Canberra , Bush is in Washington, Leo Sayer is Top of the Pops in the UK and Bert is still on TV is conclusive evidence of profound decay
of western society in the 21st century.

  • by Rob on February 15, 2006 at 11:25 AM

Old Moonface is past it.
I'd rather watch the ABC

  • by Julieanne on February 15, 2006 at 11:38 AM

Only 12 & bit hours till Curb your Enthusiasm.... F u channel 9..sorry larry

  • by fibhack on February 15, 2006 at 11:42 AM

I watched Bert on Monday evening, and I kept switching it over to watch Molly on "Deal". One was completely lame - the other was perfect teatime, family viewing - funny, irreverent, casual (ditch the tux Bert). Channel 9 have shot themselves in the foot by getting rid of Larry and "The Price is Right". Note to Eddie - teatime should be fun, News should be serious. That'll get you back up there!

  • by Woody on February 15, 2006 at 12:32 PM

The hard battle for Bert is he is targeting a new generation and audience compared to his previous morning show.
I'll be honest I think Bert is hilarious. He knows the industry better than many others and has the fastest and funniest comebacks majority of the time.
Channel 9 needs to get Bert to host this years LOGIES. This will allow a cross stream of viewers to watch Bert at his best.
Then I would steer Bert far away from gameshows and fill ins and place him on his own evening live show. Who knows Bert and Darryl Sommers could host the night show together....(stranger things have happened)
Bert has plenty to offer and I am sure 9 is still fishing around on where to place him - very early days still.

  • by Simon on February 15, 2006 at 12:37 PM

bert has the best rug on telly. Other than ray martin.
LOL

  • by Greg on February 15, 2006 at 12:38 PM

Mythbusters on SBS is the best viewing on a monday night.

  • by mat on February 15, 2006 at 12:40 PM

I like Bert. He's funny & is a familiar face. Unfortunately he is on a really boring show (family feud) Apart from 20-1, he's not really suited to many shows apart from talk show. hmm, maybe he'd make a good night time talk show host, along the lines of ROVE LIVE.
I also agree Ch9 have dropped the ball recently, That new 'swing jazz' add for the channel makes me want to barf! If it wasn't for the cricket & the upcoming footy season, ch 9 would be in big trouble!

  • by mike on February 15, 2006 at 12:48 PM

I rather like Bert. He is different from other morning show host because he is funny and daring to do some silly but funny acts in his shows. And he stricts quite a good rapport with the guests.

  • by Anthony on February 15, 2006 at 01:04 PM

It really doesn't matter whether they have Bert or Eddie, C9 still only considers what they want before what their audience wants. The fact is that, all commercial networks and C9 the worst, saturate their air time with scolling banners, advertorials, background logos, onselling other programming during live shows, and alusions to other shows as subliminal ads. Even in the news we have reference to C9 shows and celebs.
The ultimate was a couple of yobos paid to display an ad for a C9 show , from the stands of the Gabba, that the cameraman just happened to catch at 9.15 last night.
Now I've seen everything! No wonder downloads and DVDs are so popular.

  • by David on February 15, 2006 at 01:17 PM

Is Nine 'Still The One'? The one to infuriate with nauseating promos & desperate buys from another quick to self-indulge network, whom could now be known as Ms Horsey Laugh & Mr Who's Hair?
Being too relaxed & comfortable in the top spot for too long leads to hubris..Fast Ed could phone-a-friend for the meaning.

  • by Guru on February 15, 2006 at 01:28 PM

the solution to all of this is to read more books, or with the advance in technology, make your own TV

  • by john on February 15, 2006 at 01:41 PM

Give bert a break, just give hime time to settle in and im shore he will catch viewers hearts. Bert is an austrlian icon on TV i love you bert.

  • by David on February 15, 2006 at 02:23 PM

I used to love the morning news on channel nine with whomever occupied the helm but that Jessica Rowe with her *nervous laugh* I am afraid I cannot tolerate, time to join my mates who`ve all gone over to Koche at 7 I suppose. Cant they re-consider or offer her a space ship and 100 million dollars to just go away PLEASE???

  • by geneva gandolphino on February 15, 2006 at 02:27 PM

Australian commercial TV (7, 9 & 10) is rubbish!
The content they serve is rubbish!
The programming of the content is rubbish!
If viewers insist on being treated with contempt, keep watching these rubbish networks. However, suggest you ignore them and do something meaningful with your lives.
Long live ABC & SBS

  • by Peter on February 15, 2006 at 02:34 PM

Temptation was certainly not on my TV at 7pm in Sydney last night. I was watching the cricket when it finally came on at 7.10pm on Nine.
The question that needs to be asked is why didn't Nine cut ACA back to 20 minutes (or, better still, out altogether) considering it was the One Day FINAL?
And how did Temptation rate so well when it wasn't on in Prime Time??? (I believe it was due to go to air after CSI, which was due to finish at 11.30pm.)

  • by Ken Oath on February 15, 2006 at 02:42 PM

Is Mythbusters back on?
Dammit! I knew I should of checked my TV guide.

  • by Mark on February 15, 2006 at 02:49 PM

I am absolutely fed up with commercial stations treating viewers with contempt. Why Channel 7 even bothers to pay ridiculous amounts for Winter Olympic rights is beyond me especially when it shows everything a day later when everyone interested in the sport already knows who has won.
Note to 7 People like to stay up and watch international events live even when Aussies ARE NOT competing (another gripe) - look at the FA Cup final etc. I hate there not being any alternative (pay tv) option where I can choose to watch events like the Mens Downhill live because of sevens selfishness to have exclusive rights thus denying any choice whatsoever!!

  • by I HATE CHANNEL SEVEN!!! on February 15, 2006 at 04:54 PM

Yep, watched the cricket, probably the only time our household gets counted in the unworkable AusTam Ratings fiasco is when it watches the cricket or footie.
Not surprised Nine news is showing up a loss in THOSE ratings things, this household wrote to Nine Brisbane this time last year to ask why The West Wing had been removed from airplay, Nine wrote back that it would be back in March 2005, hello! still waiting. So this household wrote back and said we would stop watching Nine News until it was put back on, now people in the rest of this wonderful country have to know that Heather Foord and Bruce Paige are the worlds best newsreading team, its been hard but we now enjoy SBS news. Good news for TWW fans though, its back on ABC 930pm 23FEB05, cant wait.
Watched Bertie Bootles's Family Feud for about 10 minutes, went back to Wheel of Fortune, still cant get used to Baby John Burgess not being there, oh well mute button when Larry talks.
Watched nothing else in Tuesday's unworkable ratings list and nothing at all in the Wednesday list, sorry.
Still waiting for Seven to stop procrastinating with the Stargate Franchises

  • by Gary Hansberry on February 16, 2006 at 07:47 AM

Yeah im still waiting for channel 7 to pull its foot out, and start showing Stargate SG-1 season 9 and Stargate Atlantis season 2 (they treat it like dirt).
Also when is channel 10 going to put battlestar galactica season 2 on air?

GO STARGATE!!!

  • by Tom on February 16, 2006 at 10:36 AM

Didn't watch the cricket - boring!! Wife would have watched Bert on FF, but it wasn't on. Don't need to see fatties losing it, trying to do that myself!!. It would be nice to see free to air stations setting times for programs and sticking to them. It would also be a move toward building up and keeping viewer numbers for shows. And yes, 7, get Stargate back on!!

  • by Neil on February 16, 2006 at 11:32 AM

I'm one of those people who don't like sport. I agree with Mitch smith that the winter Olympics shouldn't be shown at the time they currently are, but for a different reason. The few shows I watch on Seven (Such as Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Arrested Development, Scrubs...) have all been moved to horrible timeslots. If the Olympics are in a horrible timeslot, how can I possibly get to see the good shows on Seven? Well, I supose they'll be on DVD before they ever air, but aside from that...

  • by Quolnok on February 16, 2006 at 11:49 AM

I think Channel 7 should get itself together and show the next seasons of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis. Its awesome to see other Stargate fans getting behind one of the best shows on TV. And I am hoping Channel 7 will also be showing the next season of 24 some time this year as well.
Channel 9, get over yourself. Those promos with all the Ch 9 people singing that annoying as hell song about being 'Still The one', we know, we don't really care, so shut the hell up!

  • by Tim on February 16, 2006 at 12:08 PM

Seven should put Stargate back on thursday nights after lost. It's such an awesome show :D

  • by Ryan Doyle on February 16, 2006 at 12:22 PM

Drivel, drivel and more drivel. The rating system is a joke. A small cross section of the community dictates what I can watch and I don't watch any of the so called high rating shows, they are drivel. I cannot possibly be in the minority on this, there is not much hope for humanity if I am. Reality shows promote all the bad things about human relationships, encourage competitiveness and send all the wrong messages to our kids. I want entertainment and I don't want to stay up to midnight to get it. While I'm here I want to know where Stargate Atlantis has gone ...

  • by Sue on February 16, 2006 at 12:42 PM

The first half of season two of BSG was released on DVD in DEC and the latest are avalible on channel BT.

  • by annon on February 16, 2006 at 01:12 PM

Would someone from Channel 7 please let the rest of us know what is going on with Stargate and Stargate Atlantis?
If they are not prepared to air these shows (on a regular basis) could they not at least allow another channel to pick them up instead of jerking the rest of us around?

  • by Karla on February 16, 2006 at 01:18 PM

The ratings race is on between both the networks and the celebs. See who is hottest on tv at the 'Hottest On TV' website. Something tells me that Jamie Durie is going to be a fast mover in the next few weeks. You heard it here first. PS: Fairfax Digital might consider referencing or even investing in Hottest! It's hot.

  • by Greg Tingle on February 16, 2006 at 01:59 PM

Bring back StarGate!!!

  • by BM on February 16, 2006 at 02:39 PM

Come on Matt, I may not be a full time "Channel Nanna" viewer, but I always liked family feud, even when Rob Brough used to host it. He is getting on but give him a chance first.

  • by Lance on February 16, 2006 at 03:02 PM

Please bring back Stargate, without a doubt the best Sci-Fi shows in the world. Why are we beaten by the Canadians and Americans who are watching seasons 9 and 2 right now. Even Britain is beating us. First the ashes, now this? How can you do that CH 7??

  • by Gavin on February 16, 2006 at 07:18 PM

Yet another fantastic night of viewing on Channel 7 - marred by just one thing missing from the program line up - STARGATE. Channel 7 please bring back STARGATE

  • by Hannah on February 16, 2006 at 08:09 PM

I work in DVD retail and can tell you all that the Stargate franchise is without a doubt the MOST purchased box set DVD series. It completely smashes Lost and Housewives DVD sales, and knocks over all other series combined. Acclaim for the show has grow immensely over the past year. If Seven brought back the show at a reasonable time, I'm so so certain ratings for the show would be the highest ever. Though this is about the flawed nature of the ratings system, which I think networks worry too much about. It comes down to poor planning/scheduling.
For instance, the BSG mini-series made it's Australian debut on a Friday/Saturday night, when everybody who makes up the target audience was out having fun with friends after a long week. Screw up your pilot eps and you screw up ratings for the remainder of the season. If they had half a brain they would have re-run the mini-series at some point, with a better broadcast day/time and pulled in the remainder of the audience.
BSG is the most highly decorated show on TV since a long time, critics are gob-smacked at how bloody good the show is, and yet, Australia gives the show a backyard dunny delivery of the programme and they wonder why it's not pulling in millions per episode.
This continuous string of screw-ups must be addressed and dealt with immediately, lest what little credibility Australian television has left goes down the potty!

  • by AJ on February 16, 2006 at 08:14 PM

chanel 7 bring back stargate, please.

  • by Kerry on February 16, 2006 at 09:16 PM

sigh!!!! ratings a a joke isnt there about 3000 people who participate in the ratings!!! and from that they figure out what 11 million people want to watch!!! according to the "ratings" stargate isnt watched by many, except being the country that has the second highest download rate in the world and both stargate and BSG are in the top ten downloaded episodes does point out the demand for people to see the show also, like someone else here has mentioned that the stargate box sets are one of the most sold but the ratings seem to think no one watches the show??? seriously!!!! people working for those networks need to get of there bums and realise that ratings in Australia DONT WORK and come one channel 7 show stargate!!!! or ill have them all downlaoded with my dial up connection before you even consider showing them!!!!!!!

  • by Tyson Spratt on February 16, 2006 at 09:34 PM

Rot Rot Rot...its all mindnumbing rot. Tiresome Australian shows set in tiresome police stations/coffee shops/country towns...zzzzzzz....not to mention the ghastly, overscripted, corny, American trash shoved down our throats. Something original please!!!! Note to Channel 9 - change your hairdresser - everybody looks the same, including Jana Wendt.

  • by Terry on February 17, 2006 at 01:57 AM

bring back stargate 7 did say that it would return in march will they keep to there word or is it just another empty promise. your honor is on the line 7

  • by phillip on February 17, 2006 at 08:26 AM

Just another Stargate fan here to vent my frustration of Channel 7's broken promises. I really hope it is due back March, for Seven's sake at least.

  • by Damien on February 17, 2006 at 09:05 AM

Quite interesting that Prison Break and House are fighting it out for the top position on Wednesday nights. I think Nine must be regretting dropping CSI Miami from the slot because they just handed the viewers over to 7 and Prison Break.
Meanwhile Without A Trace lives up to its title. It has disappeared without a trace. Why did they move it into the earlier timeslot against two heavyweights when it was already dropping off in the ratings at 9.30pm on Wednesday? Why did they move ER from Thursday 8.30pm to a later slot on Wednesday? Why did they move CSI Miami to a later timeslot 9.30pm Sundays?
Don't they realise that many of their targetted older viewers are tucked up in bed by 9.30pm? They won't stay up until 9.30pm to watch a show that they enjoyed at 8.30pm like ER and CSI Miami. They wouldn't have watched any show that screened at 9.30pm like Without A Trace, so putting it on at 8.30pm won't be very good either.
Once you've stuffed the shows around between 8.30pm and 9.30pm and also changed the days on which they screen, you've broken people's routines and viewing patterns. They just gave viewers more reasons to watch the new shows.
Where Nine was once the leader, they now seem to be the follower. They are reacting to everything that Channel 7 is doing rather than being innovative and trendsetting. Bert shouldn't last more than two weeks. If Nine want to win in the 5-6pm timeslot, they should be trying to grab the viewers from the Channel Ten News, which is actually the timeslot winner.
My suggestion is that they should have a Sunrise style light news and information program in this timeslot. That way they would have a better chance of grabbing viewers from the news and the game shows. This would also let A Current Affair contain more hard-hitting news stories because all the magazine style stories could run at 5-6pm.

  • by J Bar on February 17, 2006 at 09:30 AM

This household Thursday:
1. Simpsons (10) 3,
2. SBS News (SBS) 3,
3. ABC News (ABC) 2,
4. 7.30 Report (ABC) 2 - vcr record,
5. Smallville (10) 3 wow 2x55+ folks beggers belief doesn't it,
6. Cutting it (2) 3,
7. 7.30 Report (2) recorded.
How come AusTam dont show any of those shows in the unworkable ratings systems, oh yeah, silly me, I forgot, 3000 people meters, multiplied by four viewers each household including the grocery buyer (grocery buyer, quaint terminogy isn't it, I love that) is what, say 12,000 viewers out of what say, 10 maybe 11,000,000 real viewers. Yeah I can see how they can get those numbers. NOT! If the end result wasn't so seriously flawed the AusTam ratings would be laughable, erm they are laughable. They just DONT work, they dont show who is watching what and when truthfully and why are so many people writing in about Stargate?

  • by gasbo on February 17, 2006 at 11:00 AM

get it together channel 7 bring back stargate

  • by jason on February 17, 2006 at 12:20 PM

The only way to prove these fluff ratings as bums on seats : Take 30 min window during say Medium ... whack up free SMS/ 13 number.. inviting all viewers to simply register one is watching. Fancy computer system logs all hits. Networks can take issue with Oztan if results surprise on upside or destroy info like a Howard minister.

  • by fibhack on February 17, 2006 at 12:31 PM

Why Bert Newton? He is so early 20th century it is not funny. When he and Graham Kennedy (the king?) first came on TV in the early days we were told they were the best and funniest things since the Model T Ford. Well not to me, I never liked either of them then and I cant stand Bert Newton now, the stupid unfunny jokes they told and the infantile way they carried on turned me right off, and nothing has changed. There has to be new talent out there, why don't we nuture that instead of trying to resurrect the someone who is way past it.

  • by Carmel on February 17, 2006 at 12:52 PM

Stargate please 7.

  • by George on February 17, 2006 at 01:00 PM

What in blazes is going on with programming this year? There's a dogawful amount of shuffling of schedules going on. Take Ghost Whisperer for e.g. - 8:30 Tues then whacko! New Time of 7:30 Tues, when even if you live under a rock it was clear that Singing with Daryl was coming back next week. Now we're waiting until March and a Saturday Night!

As for Veronica Mars - don't get me started. Cutting it short during it's first season for the excretia of D List celebs making fools of themselves disguised as entertainment. Give.Me.A.Break.

Until we get consistency and the viewing public is treated like we have more than one brain cell ... yeah I know ... snowball's chance in ...

  • by Befeft Skerrick on February 17, 2006 at 01:40 PM

Please, NO Stargate Ch7.

FYI - Australia has the same number of rating boxes as America, and there is a slight difference in population.
Explains why Arrested Development has been canned.

  • by miso_kool on February 17, 2006 at 02:23 PM

GIVE ME STARGATE!!!

Come on channel 7, you did sooooo well last season, even showing before UK! (OK you dropped the ball by skipping an episode but that's in the past).

If Channel 7 isn't going to show Stargate soon, can they sell it to the ABC instead? Then we can continue to have scifi saturdays after Doctor Who airs season 2 later this year :-)

I agree with all the Bert bashing. He was boring as bat droppings on GMA, why would I watch him in anything else?

Hopefully SG-1 will return with "Seven's Amazingly Boring Thursday" and be shown at 10:30PM again. Hey, at least it's on! And I'm having another baby in April so I'll most likely be doing a late-night feed at that hour and be able to catch it.

  • by Sandra on February 17, 2006 at 02:37 PM

All you fans of cult TV and low rating shows that get pushed to the late night or daytime timeslots should start writing letters to the networks demanding that they support the quick introduction of Digital TV multi-channels.
It's the only way that you'll ever see your favourite shows on free to air. Only 7 is supporting multi-channels. 9 and 10 are so far opposed and that's why it hasn't happened yet. Channel 9 wants has a vested interest in Pay TV and that why they don't want more competition from more channels. They want to make maximum profit from minimum channels. Channel 10 doesn't want to spend any more money on more channels.
If thhy get the message that viewers are unhappy with the current arrangement, then maybe they'll reconsider their stand on digital multi-channels.

  • by Jim on February 17, 2006 at 04:10 PM

Whatever idiots work out the programming on the commercial networks (yes, all three of them), need to be fired. It is abysmal how bad the programs have been treated this year and rating season has just started.
With all the shows moved around it takes you a couple of hours of scrutiny of the tv guides to figure out which nights are screening which shows.
Hopefully, this year the networks won't treat the viewing public to a game of hide and seek by showing one new episode and then half a dozen repeats. I lost track of the story line in CSI(channel 9 don't care because even the repeats rate well), and SVU last year and I wasn't even sure when SVU actually finished because of all the repeats that were thrown at us. Not to mention the way channel 7 treated Las Vegas when it was finally aired. Skipping episodes left, right and centre only to show them at the end all out of order.
As for this year, Channel 9, COME ON!!!!!! show the rest of Third Watch. I know it was classed as a "summer filler" but you once treated it with such respect. As it is the final season(no longer made in the U.S), show the last 9 or so episode so we can at least see how it ends.
Finally channel 7, WAKE UP!!!!!!!. Honour your word and screen Stargate in March and hey why not surprise us all and screen Stargate Atlantis at the same time. Many fans will watch both and you will be redeemed once again.

  • by Lynda on February 17, 2006 at 05:42 PM

I hope seven put Stargate on soon. And Ten need to get season 2 of Battle Star Galactica. And what happend to Threshold!?!

  • by Matthew Tyers on February 17, 2006 at 06:53 PM

Yes Seven should seriously consider getting on with screening at least one of the Stargates (followed by the other later in the year).
We're yet to see Seasons 9 and 2, and Seasons 10 and 3 are a couple of weeks from filming!
The last stint of shows was awesome (ahead of the UK).

  • by Sean on February 17, 2006 at 07:14 PM

Channel 7 plz bring back stargate sooner rather than later and at a decent time for once

  • by Sarah on February 17, 2006 at 07:15 PM

i am another unhappy fan of stargate, channel 7 have killed it in australia, its good to see so many people working to get it back. 7 killed it when the put it on so late, like they did with so many good shows, buffy, angel, dark angel, arested development, family guy, you get my drift. Its clear to see that stargate will rate well, just look at sales of boxed sets, and also the download rate of the show. Channel 7, some advise, look after your viewers, put stargate on at a resonable time, ideally, run sg-1 followed by atlantis. PLEASE

  • by Brad on February 17, 2006 at 07:30 PM

Ch 7 are really missing out on a good thing here by not airing the Stargate franchises. Sci fi fans are amoung the most loyal, you're not going to get that kind of viewer commitment by screening repeats of Lost and Desperate Housewives for the 5th or 6th time. There's a reason some of us didn't watch them the first time.

  • by Danielle on February 17, 2006 at 08:20 PM

I and many of my friends are still waiting for Channel 7 to show Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis. I have totally had enough of so called reality shows. When will Channel 7 understand that when a TV show is in it's 10th season, it is for a reason. SG1 and Atlastis are the best ScFi shows currently being made and they have a huge following. Come on Channel 7.

  • by Anne Coleman on February 17, 2006 at 10:48 PM

Why can 7 not play Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis? They are both great shows and instead of playing repeats 7 needs to smarten up!
WE WANT STARGATE! Who here is with us? WE WANT STARGATE!

  • by Linda on February 17, 2006 at 11:34 PM

Channel 7 - you suck! I would like to thank you on behalf of all sci fi fans around Australia for absolutley ignoring us. :( Open your eyes and ears, bring back Stargate, screen it at a decent time and give it an add or two. Is it too much for you to even list it on the 'coming up tonight' program?
Don't you realise the huge fan base Stargate has? There is a reason why Stargate is about to become the world's longest running sci fi. There's a reason why it has a successful spin off show. Maybe if you treated it properly from the start instead of jamming stupid home improvement shows down our throats and changing Stargate's time slot five times during a season, you would have had a ratings winner.
Shame channel 7, shame!

David Dale comments: The topic of stargate on this blog is now closed. Please send future complaints directly to Channel Seven.

  • by SciFiFan on February 18, 2006 at 12:19 AM

I'd love to see Nine reporting on how much taxpayer money was spent on eulogising the richest man in Australia - but not likely!! While KP did contribute to the Australia we have and various charities, I don't believe the general public should have funded this service. KP did his best to minimise his taxes - why has the goverment used mine to fund his memorial service?
I didn't watch much of it, too depressing. Bert & FF seem to be fading, but I'm sure Nine will change formats / timeslots to confuse us all.
The ratings race looks to be interesting this year - what specials will the stations pull out next? And come on 7, get Stargate on!!

  • by Neil on February 18, 2006 at 08:56 AM

Can someone please tell me why in this day & age the FTA stations in this country do NOT have an e-mail address direct to the program department or a general e-mail address?
Wouldn't it make much more sense if a viewer could directly & instantly contact the Channel rather than having to write (snail mail) or fax (okay if we all have access to one)!
Surely then they would not have to rely on results like this one (as good as it is) or the so called ratings system (such a huge laugh in their own rights) - they would get a better and quicker understanding of what we the viewer want to see on TV.
As far as channel 9 goes, it made it's mistake a long time ago by letting Bert slip through their fingers - and it's waaaaaay too late to try and make up for that error. If Bert lasts for more than a month on FF then that proves that the channels don't pay attention to viewers, polls or ratings!

  • by Hannah (Disappointed Stargate Fan) on February 18, 2006 at 03:07 PM

I HATE channel seven for showing us a glimpse of the pure genius that is American Dad, then banish it to 11pm when i'm asleep. I'm frustrated with Channel Nine showing prgorams like Gilmore Girls over summer, yet they can have 500 versions of CSI during ratings season. Proud to say, i've never watched one of them. Bring back Joan of Arcadia while you're at it. I'm frustrated with channel ten for cutting off Veronica Mars, a clever show that is honestly different, to replace it with excretia of D List celebs making fools of themselves disguised as entertainment (sorry to steal your line, Befeft Skerrick, but I couldn't put it better myself!!!)
PS Thank you for stopping the Stargate discussion - if you're that desperate - get it on dvd. That's what I've done with The Family Guy! $10 for seven episodes, that bargain is going straight to the pool room!

  • by Rebecca Kiejda on February 19, 2006 at 10:58 AM

We want Stargate Sg-1 S9 and Stargate Atlantis S2, Channel 7 what if the did'nt do it what about 10 or 9. They need to think about that and anyone should contact "sunrise" on 7. at the website.

www.seven.com/sunrise

Thanks and go to www.gasbo.net (Stargate Australia)

email me if ur with us so we can make a poll or something.

sg1master@gmail.com

thanks

Christopher Smith

  • by Christopher Smith on February 19, 2006 at 07:44 PM

I care for all the Stargate fans waiting to see when 7 airs sg1 and atlantis - personally i have downloaded all the latest episodes, and the current seasons are drawing to a close (including battlestar galactica). Not everyone has broadband or even the know how how to do this. BTW i am part of the ratings and i really think it stinks!

  • by Shane on February 19, 2006 at 07:57 PM

Channel 9's two big programs this year are "20 to 1" and "Magda's Funny Bits". Clip shows reliving the past glories of Television.
Where is the original programming? There's hardly any original drama, comedy or variety programming. What will Channel 9 have in the future for its clip shows? I wish one of the networks would bring back a saturday night variety show like Hey Hey It's Saturday.

  • by J Bar on February 20, 2006 at 09:47 AM

Looking at the ads for all the crap US sitcoms and Cop dramas is the reason i got Foxtel. Now i am out of the loop of all the Network shows and loving it. I suggest if you are all sick to death of this horrible programing, make the switch..

  • by Coops on February 20, 2006 at 11:49 AM

re: Original drama and comedy shows.
Sorry, dears, but these cost money to make! If you believe the stories, "Blue Healers" got the Reebok to the derriere because 7 had to stump up so much cash for the Winter Olympics and the AFL bid (if the Big Fella is wrong and there is somewhere else after this life, you can just bet he's chuckling about that right now!)
Painting a set in bright pretty colours, shipping in a studio audience, and having Toni Pearen waffle on about 5-year old video clips of some poor infortunate getting whacked in the Jatz with a baseball (and at least two-thirds of those clips are American, by the look of things) with all the prizes contributed by sponsors, costs 9 close to nothing apart from Pearen's and the crew's wages.
Ditto for "20 to 1". It would have cost them a bomb to get Bert back to Richmond, so they may as well make the best/most use of him.

  • by Garry on February 20, 2006 at 11:49 AM

I'm interested in how many people tune into Dateline on SBS - for me this is the only show worth watching every week. I also have always loved Monday on ABC - Australian Story, 4 Corners and Media Watch, Lateline. What they need is a satirical current program added to the line up. Frontline or Rubbery Figures inspired. Also Insiders Sunday morning is compulsory viewing.

The Tribal Mind replies: Dateline ranks as number 175 program of last week, with 263,000 viewers in the mainland capitals.

  • by Llewellyn on February 20, 2006 at 11:57 AM

How about some comedy?
it's getting rather depressing watching these all these american crime shows on during prime time.
hell, i'm getting so desparate i'd even ask for seinfeild back on.

  • by Starving for a laugh on February 20, 2006 at 11:58 AM

Go ABC and SBS and now ABC2!!!!!
Only show I watch on Channel 9 is Six Feet Under - where is the 5th series MAY I ASK???
The only time I watch Channel 7 is every 4 years for the Winter Olympic Games - just beautiful - puts the summer olympic games to shame. The rest of Channel 7's shows suck! Nobody intelligent can watch any of it.
Channel 10 - forget it.

  • by Carrie on February 20, 2006 at 12:00 PM

I've been curious for years about ratings ... why is 1.76 million viewers considered good, when there are how many million households, televisions, people ...

what is everyone else watching/doing?

  • by antimatter on February 20, 2006 at 12:11 PM

shows that I'm watching: House, winter olympics

shows I'm curious about: Prison Break (House wins the timeslot for me), Lost (I watch sometimes), Amazing Race (will clash with West Wing)

And finally, The West Wing is back on TV! Unlike a lot of people, I haven't bought or rented it so I'll be very very interested in watching it once it comes on (although darn it will clash with The Amazing Race). I hope everyone who has already seen it will still tune in and show that yes, it is brilliant drama and the ABC made a brilliant decision to buy it (although Nine should've let them have it earlier)

Looks like Seven's lineup is so strong that Stargate will get bumped.

  • by parker on February 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM

David Dale's comment on writing complaints directly to the networks in relation to TV programs. A few years back, I wrote to Channel 9 regarding screening the repeats of a program rather than playing new episodes. I received a letter from Ch 9 but not from the the Director of programming. Rather, it was an unsigned (no name of the writer either) letter advising that Ch 9 is still waiting to receive the program (at that stage, Aust is about 3 seasons behind the US) and that it is normal in the US to keep playing the repeats while waiting for the programs. Really, I didn't know we're living in the US. In the end, I just gave up and bought the R1 DVD over the internet. The "new" episodes screened two years later in Australia. So, it makes you wonder who pays for the advertising and why? Audiences are turned away in droves, as many have attested to the screening (or non-screening) of Stargate.

  • by Geoff on February 20, 2006 at 12:16 PM

What's the bet that Channel Ten will pull their old trick of having a few weeks of the new series of the Simpsons then 5 or 6 weeks of repeats followed by more of the new series and so on throughout the year. Thank god for Bittorrent. I don't have to put up with this crap anymore and watch what I like when I like. Latest series of Smallville(two years behind the US)? Downloaded, no worries. To hell with commercial free to air! They treat their viewers with contempt they should expect it back, you reap what you sow.

  • by Rossco on February 20, 2006 at 12:22 PM

I think most viewers agree that the ratings frenzy by the commie (sic) networks has gone beyond a joke. I love The Fatties (Biggest Loser), but even the most avid fan must feel Ten is stretching the frienship by dragging it out five nights a week. The only interesting bits are the challenges and when someone gets booted off, and I think even Fast Eddie MacGuire would be hard put dragging that out for a week.

I'd also like to add that even though Nine has added Jessica Rowe to Today, I will not watch it if they continue to inflict Alan Jones upon me.

Just keep NCIS coming channel Ten, although it was better on Sunday nights.

  • by JQ on February 20, 2006 at 12:29 PM

I am a great fan of Malcolm in the Middle and distressed whenever it is unceremoniously dropped. Is it just too cerebral for the average punter, or genuinely unpopular, or what?

  • by peter wilkins on February 20, 2006 at 12:31 PM

I'd love to see if anyone else out there is watching "Wonderfalls" on channel 9, Saturday afternoons!

And I've always been curious - how are ratings for 'rage' worked out, if at all?

  • by Dan on February 20, 2006 at 12:41 PM

Despite dire predictions that Australians would illegally download the finale from the internet I think everyone who downloads TV shows on the interent also posts here.

Despite what this column seems to project, Bittorrenting off the internet is not widespread. How many people do you know who actually do it (do not answer if you are male aged 16-25)

  • by tim on February 20, 2006 at 12:46 PM

Forget the FTA networks. Show them as much respect as they show us and download your favourite shows less than an hour after they've screened in the US. Find a bit torrent client and go for it. There's a reason Australia us first in the world for television piracy and the blame lays squarely with the networks.

  • by Matty on February 20, 2006 at 12:47 PM

What is it about Bert Newton that the networks feel he is a "star". Maybe once, not any more. He is physically repulsive and that mouth..... Sorry, got carried away.

  • by Claire Murphy on February 20, 2006 at 12:52 PM

I haven't watched FTA telly since 1998 and going by the absolute total crap I see in the TV guides now days I won't ever be again.

The unfortunate fact is that no matter how bad the garbage on the tube people will watch it.

  • by Shamu on February 20, 2006 at 12:55 PM

Getting back to the original purpose of this artcile, i.e ratings curiosity, which some poeple have mistaken for mad rantings about the television stations programming, I would like to know the ratings for Garth Marenghi's Darkplace on SBS Monday nights. It is a very bizarre comedy that I can't imagine too many people watching...but i like it.

Also, what about Guthy-Renker Australia. Strange thing about this show it is on both channels 7 and 9 at 3am. I don't even know what it is, but how do you end up with one show on 2 competing commercial channels at the same time? It would be inetersting to see who gets more viewers.

  • by Dr DK on February 20, 2006 at 12:56 PM

I want to see the ratings for the Today Show vs. Sunrise. Jessica Rowe seems to have gotten off to a shaky start and I'm curious to know how she's affected ratings.

  • by John on February 20, 2006 at 01:10 PM

The real question is how big is Magda Zubanski? How would she rate (size wise) against Australia's Biggest Losers?

  • by Glen on February 20, 2006 at 01:16 PM

Mr Tribal Mind: Ratings for The Ronnie Johns Half Hour & Office ?

Good to see that crap looking Clever drew low figures.. Would rather watch Al Queda training video on explosives than some try hard Brainiac / Mythbusters..

  • by fibhack on February 20, 2006 at 01:17 PM

MEDIUM's the best PERIOD!

  • by Rcat on February 20, 2006 at 01:25 PM

Trailer Park Boys

Best show on tv.

  • by adam on February 20, 2006 at 01:28 PM

What is it with you nerds and Stargate? It was a crap movie, a crap Tv and now we have to put up with a spinoff. Grow up, get a life and do someting useful with your time!!!

  • by Slammin' Sam K. on February 20, 2006 at 01:31 PM

I tell visitors from overseas that we have 4 FTA channels in Australia - ABC - ABC2 - SBS - and 'the commercial channel'.
7,9 &10 are just clones of each other and rarely offer anything innovative or intelligent. I am at a loss to explain why we need a nightly visit to the USA on all 3 channels for most of the prime time slot. All commercial current affairs programs are just muckraking - especially 60 Minutes, A Current Affair and Today Tonight and all seem to have a real problem with the truth!

  • by evernow on February 20, 2006 at 01:32 PM

What is the lowest rating show on Australian TV? I've heard that it is the Japanese News on SBS at 5:30am.

  • by David Grant on February 20, 2006 at 01:35 PM

Have to agree with the others regarding Veronica Mars. Something must have gone terribly wrong at the Channel Ten Programming Department for Veronica to be pulled for Reggie.

  • by Agnes on February 20, 2006 at 01:37 PM

Read a book. Hey it works for me! The only programs I watch on TV are News and Docos. Nothing else is worth watching really.
p.s 60 minutes is a joke.

  • by David on February 20, 2006 at 01:49 PM

David -

Two shows - Mythbusters on SBS, it should rate quiet highly, if my sons's age group (15) had anything to do about it.

The other - Palace of Dreams - an Aussie TV show (repeat) tucked away late on Thursday night.

Thanks
GarryS

  • by GarryS on February 20, 2006 at 01:50 PM

I was interested to know how many people enjoyed Bondi Rescue on Network Ten on Sunday night?

  • by Adricia Moon on February 20, 2006 at 02:02 PM

After almost a month on air, would it be possible to get a comparrison of the new channel 10 morning show "9am" up against KAK

  • by Brad on February 20, 2006 at 02:03 PM

When will networks cater for the 30+ parents home on a Saturday night who are sick of The Bill? Why are we left with drivel like True Lies and Kindergarten Cop??? Why can't shows be repeated that people miss during the week because we're too busy doing day to day jobs. The UK cater for these two things very well. Thank god The West Wing is now on the ABC where it should've been years ago.

  • by ... on February 20, 2006 at 02:04 PM

I'd be really interested to know what the ratings of the West Wing on ABC is like.

It's a great show, but for most people, it's a repeat of what we saw (or more precisely - given their propensity to shuffle things to random timeslots - may have seen) on Channel Nine.

Don't get me wrong - the West Wing IS one of the better shows to come out of the US in the last few years. I just don't understand why the ABC thinks it will rate.

In all likelyhood, those with a passing interest will be the only ones watching.

Fans will either have bought the DVDs, or at least rented them from the local video store.

And those people who do come into the show and find themselves glued to the TV will probably only watch half a series before hiring the rest (as well as the other 4 or 5 series) from the video shop.

Hence why I'd like to know the ratings.

  • by Jon on February 20, 2006 at 02:13 PM

Is there a record of when they take off a show, (eg West Wing or Stargate or whatever) and replace it with a repeat of something old or another crappy show, what is the difference in ratings? The stations claim to not show something because of bad ratings then put something else on that no one is watching? Does not make any sense to me, but then as the "great" KP once said, I don't own a tv station!

  • by Michael on February 20, 2006 at 02:16 PM

Prison Break is the best thing to hit television in a long time. Not overwrought with secrets like Lost or Desperate Housewives and not drawn out and boring like CSI. Just enough to keep you interested with an imaginative plot, keeps you coming back for more. I'm waiting patiently for new episodes from America in March.

  • by G on February 20, 2006 at 02:25 PM

I'm just hoping that the ABC sees the light and stops showing the current 6pm dross and reruns the whole of Dr Who again.

And only just recently joining this country, the entire Bert Newton phenomenon is beyond me. Just who is he?

Mind you, a recent trip to the US reminded me of how dire the TV is there, and how even more dire it is in Australia. Ah well, back to the DVD collection.

  • by Geraint Lewis on February 20, 2006 at 02:30 PM

Shows I am curious about: Arrested Development, Rage and The Glass House.

  • by Rosei on February 20, 2006 at 02:39 PM

I'm really interested to know whether Channel Ten is doing any better now in the ratings with "9am with David and Kim" (what a really ordinary name, by the way) against "Mornings with Kerri-Anne" after dumping "Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton".

Also, I'm keen to know what else rates well in the daytime slots and late at night?

  • by Jim on February 20, 2006 at 02:43 PM

Bert was great in his hey day. Just hit the spot with all the viewers. No offence to Bert, but I tend to think we are over him.

Eddie - Sorry I can't quite address you as Mr. Maquire!! I don't think we could ever quite look at you as CEO material, although I hope your offsiders can help you build the ratings.

  • by Jackie on February 20, 2006 at 02:59 PM

Hey Carrie, I'm with you! What the hell has 9 done with Six Feet Under?? I've been patiently checking the TV guide every Sunday for I don't know how long, and every Sunday I'm dissapointed. CH 9 is an old mans channel (queue Bert) and the only good show they had/have was Six Feet....

  • by Justin on February 20, 2006 at 03:06 PM

I rest my case : We truly are becoming the newest State of the U.S.A.
I pity our poor kids who'll probably know very little about Australian culture but heaps about American.

  • by esmrelda rant on February 20, 2006 at 03:16 PM

If I may add a few comments regarding this topic.

I am a devout Foxtel viewer due to the contempt displayed by the FTA stations towards their viewers with the programs they show (you know they are what interrupt the ads).

I have found that Foxtel shows the programs that they advertise up to a month in advance and ON TIME. They also repeat shows so you can watch them when you want to - not when some ad exec wants you to.

I am also a believer in downloading the shows that I want to see from the internet. ie true TV/Video on demand.

I also believe in eBay - this is for the Stargate viewers. I got so sick and tired of what all you people are complaining about a few years ago and decided to buy the entire seasons 1-8 in one go. I can now watch at my leisure.

So folks - based on the 3 methods of TV watching available - My question is

Why doesn't everyone do the same ?

and give the FTA's the flick.

  • by Foxtel forever on February 20, 2006 at 03:30 PM

surely it's not that important to see a show that you must download it an hour after it has screened ?

come on people get a life. throw you tv away and within a week you won't even realise it is gone.

  • by stephen on February 20, 2006 at 03:39 PM

Right on JQ! I have had to stop watching nine because of Alan Jones. That and Jessica Rowe's perma-botoxed happy little fairy demeanour makes me sick at 7 in the morning.

  • by SbLocal on February 20, 2006 at 03:43 PM

Question: Clever?? Clever to who?
Answer 1: Channel 9 for ripping off its gags from Brainiac.
Answer 2: Channel 9 for failing to see Georgie Parker's appearance on the Glass House in 2005. She was appauling, and consistency is clearly her main attribute. Get back to Wandin Valley. Fattso where are you when we need you most?

Question: Does Channel 7 have a special on Kerry Stokes on its shelves just in case his bucket is knocked over? James Packer how noble you are in trying to elevate 9's rating through the death of your father.

  • by Ed on February 20, 2006 at 03:43 PM

I don't care about ratings and I couldn't care less about who watches what when because I have pay TV.
I don't watch FTA anymore. Well, hardly ever. If I'm interested in a new series - like Lost - I'll watch the first episode or two and then buy the whole thing on DVD.
That way I get to see the whole thing as it was meant to be seen, in sequence, with no missing bits or missing episodes and best of all, NO ADS. I don't care if I have to wait.
I loathe the way FTA channels muck about with programs - they start off at 8.30 on, say, Monday, then after a couple of weeks get moved to 9.30 on Tuesday, then they take a few weeks off because they can, then if the series is really good, like the West Wing or Boston Legal, they shove it back to 10.30 or 11 at night. A pox on them!!! I just can't be bothered with their games and their ratings.
FTA is full of pure drivel and utter trash. You can keep your Idol and BB and Bert Newton.

  • by meg on February 20, 2006 at 03:53 PM

Wonderfalls - not a bad show but always out and forgot!
Veronica Mars - stayed home and made sure i watched - wished it was back already. may just buy it!
Can't stand to watch anymore crime, law, dancing or shows about rich people doing stupid things and getting richer from it!

  • by mel on February 20, 2006 at 04:13 PM

Well, I seems that I have been waiting all of my life (25yrs to be exact) for a moment like this (yes, very sad some might say). Ever since mum put me if front of the telly to watch such shows as Thomas the tank engine and friends, humphrey, fat cat and play school (with noni hazelhurst!), i have been a huge fan of television! So to find out how MY shows rate was a dream comew true!!! Here is my listI spent 30 minutes thinking up!
- Weather watch and music (on any given night!) (SBS); temporary close (SBS); Mandarin news (SBS); The Nanny (SBS); Kenneth copeland (10); Passions (7); BUSINESS SUCCESS (9) The up late game show (10); 9am with David and Kim (10); Mornings with Kerry ann (9); young and restless (9); bold and the beautiful (10); judge judy (10); enjoying everyday life with joye meyer (10).
Don't blame me - you asked for it! hehehe. Thanks heaps.

Tribal Mind replies: Here goes, as best we can establish. Mornings with Kerry-Anne 135,000. 9am with David and Kim 105,000. Young and Restless 167,000. Judge Judy 320,000. Still searching the others.

  • by Evren on February 20, 2006 at 04:18 PM

NOTE to channel 7: DO NOT put star gate on again - big waste of good air time. THANKS!

  • by not a fan on February 20, 2006 at 04:20 PM