The Sun-Herald

Hey David,
Not sure if its too early to be asking, but what was The Bill's ratings this evening? (Both nationally and in Melbourne)
Thanks and much appreciated!
Daniel

Tribal Mind replies: yes it is too early and why do you keep asking? The Bill's numbers do not change much from week to week. How about I try to find out last night's figure (which may not be possible till tomorrow) and after that we leave it until there's a significant change?

• by Daniel on March 18, 2006 at 09:55 PM

I used to wonder what the big fuss was about Prison Break, when it first started out. Everyone used to tell me it's such a great show, and even people who don't watch the show reckon that Wentworth Miller is incredibly hot. But then I actually watched an ep. of Prison Break and figured out waht the fuss was. It is a real good show

• by Erika on March 19, 2006 at 12:55 PM

You know I was just wondering, how many people watch Prison Break????????There are so many fans on this blog. Not to mention the huge amount of wentworth miller fans. i have been counting and this is just to name a few of them: tess, jenna, andrea, mel, fiona, cassie, helena, annabelle, sahrina, margii, kathryn, alexandra, rebekah, abby slater, erika... i could go on forever, jeez i think i should watch an episode of prsion break the way people go on about it!

Tribal Mind replies: It gets about 1.6 milion viewers in the mainland capitals, sometimes more than House, sometimes less.

• by Rachel on March 19, 2006 at 04:23 PM

Is Nine's Today down since the change of anchors? I can't believe Sunrise does better than Today but with the lack of a suitable replacement for Tracey Grimshaw I'd see why people would switch. I"m no fan of Seven's morning hosts - they try so hard - but Nine's hosts don't seem to gel. whatever

• by jeffbart on March 19, 2006 at 07:42 PM

Please somebody get that bloody Jessica Rowe off television. I stick to channel seven for most of my viewing at any time of the day but if I accidently bump the remote I shouldn't have to hear her annoying voice.The people on that show don't seem to gel (I must agree with jeffbart on that one. It seems like they find it hard to be normal people.

• by Sam on March 20, 2006 at 09:42 AM

I think it is a very sensible decision by Seven to re-commence most of its winning schedule this week. Once the swimming is done, care factor tends to die a bit with the Games, and it seems we're a nation fairly obsessed with dancing, housewives, prisons and deserted islands at the moment.
As for Nine's new line up, I predict the only thing that will work is the Ice Skating reality show, and even then I think we're talking 1.2-1.4 million a week. I was so annoyed for years by Seven for treating its programs like crap and copying all of Nine's moves, but if anything, this Ice Skating show is actual proof that the only network copying and playing catch up in 2006 is Nine. Good try, but won't be good enough.

• by Daniel in Dubai on March 20, 2006 at 10:29 AM

Hello Tribal Mind entity,
Can you please advise how the Today Show is faring against Sunrise? Is the Today's laughing hyena outrating Sunrise's humpty dumpty?

Tribal mind replies: see the column, above

• by Steve on March 20, 2006 at 11:19 AM

Have C9 ever wonder why they are not doing the right thing or things? C7 seems to be doing everything right nicely (at least better than Nine) at present. For example, thanking viewers for watching their shows, using more upbeat music for promotions (I saw the latest promo for C9 at the Comm Games - it was terrible music, more like a funeral rather than a celebration of new shows), better graphics, livelier colors and various cross-program promotions (although it is kind of too much of it with Dancing with the stars). To sum it up, some people somewhere in C7 have a better idea of managing the whole presentation of the company to its audience. Of course, with good lucks of getting some good shows recently (remember the deals that the stations had with US networks? Not that Leckie is smarter, just luckier) which C9 had in previous years with shows like Friends and Malcolm.
Another thing with C9 is how they are so bad in tweaking a show by chopping one person and replacing it with another (sheer luck if that replacement comes out good but most likely to be a dud - read Jessica & Cameron). C9 needs to completely overhaul its entire programs and start with fresh goals and fresh ideas (read: replace the whole Today team!).
Eddie McGuire should change the culture of the Network completely. Get the broom in and sweep out the duds, replace the old with the new with good ideas (not the loud mouth or identical blodes).
It is not Eddie's fault that C9 is in such a state. However, it will take time to turn it around (like any struggling firms). With good management and good luck, C9 should be back in say 2 or 3 years time. Put in good investments from all layers of the firm, listen to what audience/customers wants (not like Sam C who was too arrogant) and deliver them. It is not too hard, Eddie.

• by ozboy1999 on March 20, 2006 at 11:25 AM

I am saddened and disheartened by Nine's imminent additions to its schedule. Re-hashed American and UK shows. Cheap bulk lots. It's far cheaper to buy already tested American shows. I wonder if we are losing our identity as a nation? It would be relatively expensive to make an original Australian production, but wouldn't the benefits outweigh the cost? Are we turning into Mini Americans? Have we lost our national culture, language and sense of humour? Remember "Hey Hey" with Darryl Somers out rated everything for many years and it was spectaculary and definitively Australian. The same can be said about "Bourke's Backyard" (until an ego war broke out)Mine's bigger than yours Don!
Are we dumbing down for the lowest common denominator?
There may be another book in this argument for you Tribal Mind!

• by chrysalis on March 20, 2006 at 12:16 PM

I was wondering if anyone knows when the show "Bones" will finally get aired? I have been seeing them, but I would still like to know when it's going to air here. All I know is it's going to be on Ch7.

• by Anne on March 20, 2006 at 12:49 PM

Annon - you're right, I forgot to mention that's exactly what happens - the other night they showed two minutes of the mens' basketball, only to go back to the swimming heats!! Very frustrating.
Also, I did expect more of the team sports this week, but I can guarantee that it won't be at night when everyone is watching...unless it's a gold medal match - and even then it will be highlights...

• by LR on March 20, 2006 at 01:08 PM

As with most people, the TV stations have frustrated me enough. I have downloaded the rest of the Commonwealth Games to avoid disappointment when nine cancels them and re schedules to 10.30pm. For those who can't wait, Australia wins.

• by Dr DK on March 20, 2006 at 02:15 PM

I actually thinks its pathetic how swimming is all ch 9 put on. Its embarrassing to see how bias it is, as Australia is dominating the swimming. It has seriously got to the point of not really Australia vs the other countries, it is more Australia vs Australia, to see who can beat who's record. It so incredibly boring.
I would love to see a bball, hockey, netball game in FULL. Nno crossing to heats of swimming. No boring interviews, just the games!
It makes me wish i had cable even more! As i could be watching what I want, not want Ch 9 want me to watch.

• by Annabelle on March 20, 2006 at 02:55 PM

NINE NONSENSE
No wonder Nines Games ratings are down,the commentary is totally obnoxious and those two 'in studio' compares are odious.A football hasbeen and a never was, they think there so cute or something,makes me wanna throw up.Such biased commentary as well it's embarrassing,and Daryl Eastlake, last I heard the C.I.A were using recordings of his voice to torture and extract information from suspected terrorists,he is the lowest common denominator,all the others aren't much better either they all should be ashamed of themselves.Nine should have spent everything they had on getting Roy and H.G to do the commentary,not the stiff old regulars like Sutcliff and Warren,I sure hope people overseas aren't hearing these saps.I mean I was watching the bike racing and the Aust. commentator actually accused the winning cyclist,i think he was from the Isle of White or Mann of cheating because he beat the Aussie,his English co commentator seemed quite disturbed at this and in his own way showed his indignation.You would think by nines coverage Aust. are the only ones taking part in the games.Also the coverage is technically ordinary as well the camera direction sucks.The whole thing has made me root for anyone going against Australia,someone should have a word in the ear of the whole commentary team and tell them to pull there egos in and learn some humility.Sorry I'm just really anti nine commentary of the games Anyone else feel the same?

• by Antmiester on March 20, 2006 at 03:36 PM

I'm no big fan of Sunrise, but I watch it as an alternative to Today simply because I refuse to watcha show that subjects people to Alan Jones' obnoxious views. If they took his little spot off I might just convert (though I'm not a big fan of any of the presenters on either channel, hard to please I guess...)

• by Jude on March 20, 2006 at 04:09 PM

Please give me a break! The only reason as to why I have been asking is because of the dramatic change in it's figures. In the second week of ratings the show was ranked 38th nationally with 1.1mill. viewers. Today, and 3 weeks later it has lost 400,000 viewers. For any fan of The Bill this would be alarming. So please David don't say they don't change week in week out because this show has changed dramatically for the bad and I just hope the ABC doesn't pull the plug on it anytime soon, because after all it is it's #1 show. David, I know I might we annoying the hell out of you but what is your honest view as to where the show is headed? The better episodes begin May 20th, so would you expect that figure of 1.1m to return? Did last Saturday's Comm Games and Footy steal viewers away from the show, because I doubt The Bill has been under the 750,000 mark for a while?
That's all I have to say for a while, and I promise you that David. Please don't regard me as a TV freak or whatever,because I'm far from it. I'm just a loyal follower of the show, and I hope it stays of the ABC Network for a while to come.
Daniel

• by Daniel on March 20, 2006 at 05:55 PM

If it was more like Playschool then at least the hosts would speak in standard Australian English, instead of the effected ocker twang that passes for 'ordinary bloke' on 'the telly'. There should be a standard for tv journalists, at least in the pronunciation department. I pity any English students who tune into this show by mistake. They'll all adopt the RSL granny accent of Koch

• by jeffbart on March 20, 2006 at 09:06 PM

I'm really glad to hear C9 is showing the latest Survivor(finally). I believe it has been running for weeks in the U.S. When will it start?

• by Boris on March 20, 2006 at 11:18 PM

The reason that Channel 9 is not reaping the rewards for their Commonwealth Games coverage is that the coverage is an absolute disgrace. It is displaying the worst sort of jingoism, nationalism and triumphalism, and I think that viewers are turned off by that.
For example, last evening, so-called track-side commentator, Tony Jones, was interviewing Craig Mottram after the 5000m, and he had the audacity to say something like, "You may have won silver, but for the 80,000 people here tonight you won gold". No, Tony, Mr Mottram won silver, and he was beaten by a better athlete on the night. Do not be revisionist just because 9 did not get its golden moment to replay ad nauseum.
This again shows that Channel 9 under-estimates the intelligence of their (dwindling) audience. I firmly believe that people would have watched competition regardless of Australians being medal chances or not.
Poor old arrogant Channel 9, down the toilet again.

• by David S on March 21, 2006 at 09:13 AM

Losing interest in the games and excited to see that Channel 10 was showing a new Supernatural episode last night. Settled in - only to find they had decided to repeat an earlier episode. What sort of dickheads run these places?

• by Simon on March 21, 2006 at 09:39 AM

Clearly Erika, Rachel and Rhiannon are flamers employed by Channel 7. "Hmm, gee I always wondered what the fuss was about Prision Break but then I watched it and it was great! And now so do all my friends!" They sound like testimonials for either hair removal or premium number phone dating. I can't decide.
As far as Sunrise. I got pay TV specifically to avoid Kochie at all costs. My baby boomer mother loves him though so I suppose that's their target audience.

• by Emma on March 21, 2006 at 10:05 AM

It was a golden night at the pool so it is understandable that the Commonwealth Games ratings would be so high.
Desperate Housewives did well to capture 1.4m viewers with such stiff competition. It will still be one of the highest rating shows this week. If Ch 7 had shown something else last night, they would have handed Ch 9 an even bigger audience for the Comm Games.

• by J Bar on March 21, 2006 at 10:46 AM

TM : figures for A Current Affair ? I assume around 1.1 mil at number 8...
Big drop from 6 pm news if correct. Where did 500 K viewers go ?

Tribal Mind replies: Thanks for pointing that out. Fixed now. Back to Today Tonight, seemingly.

• by paul on March 21, 2006 at 11:58 AM

David,
Can you please advise which mornng show is winning the ratings - Today or Sunrise?
Thanks.

Tribal Mind: Sunrise, every day. See details in column above.

• by Steve on March 21, 2006 at 12:38 PM

Parts of the Comm Games have been good and it's easy to see why 9 is getting good ratings, but I'm over the constant promotions of the new shows!! Don't see anything in them that attracts me anyway.
I was surprised that 9 didn't cover the cyclone in the morning, as 7 did. No wonder their News isn't doing so well.
It'll be interesting to see how the ratings go in the week after the games.

• by neil on March 21, 2006 at 01:30 PM

When (if ever) will 'Gilmore Girls' be back on Nine please? It was halfway through a series!

Tribal Mind replies: Probably not till December. You can buy the DVD of that series through Amazon.

• by Bree on March 21, 2006 at 02:32 PM

i have to agree with rachel, that the most intriguing show on tv at the moment has got to be Prison Break. It really has got everyone talking, and everyone watches it! Even people who never watched actual tv before except for well the news, watch it.

Tribal Mind replies: I'm starting to wonder if there might not be something in the earlier reader's comment which suggested Seven is running a sneaky internet campaign to promote Prison Break. These posts about the hotness of Wentworth Miller and the appeal of the show sound suspiciously similar. The fact is that not "everyone watches it". About 1.5 million people in the mainland capitals watch it, and some weeks it is beaten by 'House' on Ten.

• by Olivia on March 21, 2006 at 05:47 PM

Emma i think you should take a look in the dictionary, last time I checked there was atcually a 'Prison' in there not a 'Prision'

• by David on March 21, 2006 at 05:57 PM

Looks like Desperate Housewives stole viewers from 10 and ABC. Ch 9 Commonwealth Games viewers seem to be hovering consistently round the 2 million mark each night. Perhaps 7s indecision on whether they would show a first run episode also decreased the number of Desperate viewers. A small victory for n9 though as I think they will all be back to Wisteria Lane next week.
Re pauls post on ACA, I've noticed over the first few weeks that even when Ch 9 news gets close to Ch 7, they lose viewers at the end of the news when ACA comes on. Perhaps a change of host wasn't a good idea after all

• by Tracker on March 21, 2006 at 06:38 PM

At last, a place to vent about the Commonwealth Games commentary. I was ready to hurl the tv through the window after listening to the turkey who couldn't refer to the Kenyan winner of the 5000m without calling him a 'little man' with 'little legs' and 'look at the little guy go'. This 'little' man whipped Craig Motram's ass, won the race and was clearly a superb athlete. So patronising. And if this was the best race the commentator has ever seen then he clearly hasn't been watching athletics before 2006.
As for the swimming - perhaps they could get someone to do the poolside interviews who isn't a buddypalchum of the person they're interviewing? Then we might not get male swimmers being congratulated on coming 5th when they clearly performed badly.
I second the request below for information on 'Bones'. Any idea when it will be airing here? I think Channel Seven has the rights.

• by tubbyk on March 21, 2006 at 08:00 PM

hmm, the stentch of paid for posters seems to fill the air...
actually, i'm convinced, might watch prison break now! because, of course, tess, jenna, andrea, mel, fiona, cassie, helena, annabelle, sahrina, margii, kathryn, alexandra, rebekah, abby slater, erika all watch it. i've been keeping count...
maybe i'm just severely outside the target demographic, maybe i'm just to cynical. how about you try australian story for a change?

• by Michael on March 21, 2006 at 10:44 PM

Um... I'm sorry... are there some games on TV. I must have missed the promos.

• by ChesterTheBear on March 22, 2006 at 08:33 AM

The c'wealth games are as meaningless as the cricket.
Relentlessly patting ourselves on the back at our overacheiving against nations who don't take it anywhere near as seriously as we do. We have little man syndrome as a country.
Plus it's a whole bunch of sports I couldn't give a toss about, except freestyle swimming events. But the competition here is not what it would be at the world champs or olympics.

• by tim on March 22, 2006 at 09:57 AM

Hi Everybody!
Saw yesterday that Ten have picked up the rights to the Fox (in the USA) output for the next two years.
As the Simpsons is a Fox product that implies that Ten bought it off another network here in Aus. Any ideas who it was David?
Secondly, Prison Break is weak, go and rent/buy/download/ Oz. The whole concept of PB sounds like chick porn; hot guy in prison....
Plus it seems that only broads like it; like the Channel 7 girls below......

• by miso_kool on March 22, 2006 at 11:01 AM

To Dean H pulling people up for typing errors on a blog site is really,really,really pathetic!!Does it make you feel superior to do this?Be like water dude ,flow,oops I guess using the word dude is improper vernacular.You tell him Tribal Mind,well done the guys a goose.

• by CHAPLIN on March 22, 2006 at 12:23 PM

couldnt agree more, Tim

• by Chris on March 22, 2006 at 12:30 PM

TubbyK posted - "At last, a place to vent about the Commonwealth Games commentary. I was ready to hurl the tv through the window after listening to the turkey who couldn't refer to the Kenyan winner of the 5000m without calling him a 'little man' with 'little legs' and 'look at the little guy go'. This 'little' man whipped Craig Motram's ass, won the race and was clearly a superb athlete. So patronising."
I couldn't agree more. The Channel 9 broadcast of the games is pathetic, embarrassing to anyone interested in a fair and unbiased broadcast of sport, and smacks of racism. The medal presentations... ha! If an Aussie didn't win gold all that's generally shown is the Aussie receiving their medal. What about the other incredibly talented sportspeople standing at the dias? What? No names given? Why? Not Australian? Does that make them a lower form of life channel 9? It certainly seems so. And has anyone noticed that if a non-Australian breaks a world record there's an element of 'oh, look at the freak, they're almost good enough to be an Australian' attitude in the commentators? Someone at 9 really needs to tell the commentators to get a grip on reality. It's the Commonwealth Games, not the Australian Games. (Now it's the 'I'll not watch it again on 9' games.) I think it's time for me to change the channel programming on my tv and remove 9 altogether.

• by Kaz on March 22, 2006 at 01:21 PM

Channel 9 news Melbourne / 6:00 pm ? Com games, 6:11pm first ad break, 6:13 pm Cyclone Larry, 6:15..next story.
?Cyclone Larry, one of the biggest cyclones to hit Australia, smashed into the region on Monday morning. The category-five cyclone caused up to $1 billion damage to homes, businesses and vital infrastructure and wiped out almost all of Australia's banana crop.? The Age
Couple of years ago, nine news would be all over this... reporters , Ray & ACA on location etc... RIP C9

• by paul on March 22, 2006 at 01:27 PM

two points: firstly to tim at March 22, 2006 09:57 AM - Amen to that, you must have read my mind!
Secondly, I have read heaps of comments about Prisonbreak, as yet I haven't found one that says it's a well written well acted piece of television. All I aver see is what a peice of eye-candy Wentworth Falls or Wentworth Hotel or whatever his name is!

• by willow tree on March 22, 2006 at 01:55 PM

Re: prison break - I've never watched it, I don't talk about it and I don't think Wentworth Miller is hot.
Good to see Channel 7 flogging nine though. yet another reason to want the c'wealth games to finish!

• by Herman8 on March 22, 2006 at 03:00 PM

Hello David,
Can you tell me if a brand new episode of the Simpsons rates much higher than a repeat?

Tribal Mind replies: A bit higher, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. In an earlier column, I discussed how Simpsons episodes are designed to be seen at least five times.

• by Mike on March 22, 2006 at 03:12 PM

Nice idea on Swiming With The Stars but we can report that we've already been there. We had celebrities swim-off against Ian Thorpe in some relay races in primetime and raised money for Thorpe's charities ...
The Race Against Thorpe was broadcast in 2003 -- delivered an average audience of 1.46 million viewers live on a Sunday night.

• by channel seven on March 22, 2006 at 04:41 PM

I guess the question of whether other networks besides Ten monitor this blog has been answered. And the suggestion of a "Wentworth Miller is hot" internet campaign is strating to look more credible.
Its a very clever promotional tool, all power to Channel 7 if they are behind it. Its smart and fresh, two concepts that recent ratings would suggest are lacking at 9.

• by JAK on March 22, 2006 at 05:05 PM

You know guys and girls, of course, has it ever occurred to you that all the fans on this blog are actually genuinely obssessed. i mean i am a huge fan of home and away for example, and would do anything fo people to know how much i love it

• by anita on March 22, 2006 at 05:21 PM

how many viewers does Numb3rs get?

Tribal Mind replies: On March 13 (pre-Games) it got 878,000 across the mainland capitals.

• by prefer not 2 reveal that on March 22, 2006 at 05:27 PM

does prison break have hot chicks on it...well relatively decent anyway...yea and not too old...coz thatz just sad

• by Mitch Davidson on March 22, 2006 at 05:32 PM

how many viewers did OC get last nite?

Tribal Mind replies: 792,000 across the mainland capitals.

• by mel on March 22, 2006 at 05:46 PM

i think that everybody should get past the fact that some people are obssessed with tv shows. if they like it,then they like it. i think we should all just move on, and let people think someone is hot if thats what they want to think, i think that making a mockery of it is just plain rude

• by karen on March 22, 2006 at 05:50 PM

for all people said about some entries sounding 'suspiciously similiar', i think you should go and see some fansites. most of the entries on there sound even more similar than this. the thing is people probably didn't want to go on a fansite, becasue they thought well we can just express our views here. i think after everyone started bantering those poor fans, they got driven away to fansites, so i think we should all stop throwing round accusations and do what we cam on this blog to do and rave and rant as much as we want

• by Amelia on March 22, 2006 at 06:03 PM

OK, so we now know Channel 7 monitors this blog...

• by Tracker on March 22, 2006 at 06:27 PM

i guess wentowrth miller might actually be appealing to the women of the world...but i am one of the few who couldn't really care less

• by regina on March 22, 2006 at 06:58 PM

I agree that the Channel 9 commentary has been woeful. What about Eastlakes comment after the lady won the weighlifting event "Boy she has a great snatch" obviously thinking people would think that he was refering to the snatch & jerk event in the weighlifting - well Mr Eastlake she may have a great snatch but you win the Gold for the Jerk part.
If his comment wasn't intended to be a low sexist remark I'll give away my first born.

• by Macca on March 22, 2006 at 07:26 PM

If Sandra Sully had a swim-off with Juanita Phillips, now that'd be a show!

• by peter on March 22, 2006 at 09:35 PM

I think someone has already combined swimming with dancing and its called synchronize swimming. Seriously, knowing the state of the current viewing audience, your proposed show would rate brilliantly.
On the games, the state of commentary has been dreadful, i think we are starting to push this nationalism button, a little too far. I remember the 84 Olympics, when 10 took the American coverage, and everyone whinge about that, especially hearing the Yankee anthem for the 100th time. I think 7 have handled the last two Olympics, a lot better than 9 has this Commonwealth games. I was particulary disappointed at the coverage after the Kenyan won the 5000m and how 9 crapped on about Mottram, without once going to the Kenyan for an interview or anything.
Also, thanks to ABC-TV for showing Ahead of the class on sunday night, best show of 2005 so far.
For the record - our family watches Prison Break -thats one male, one female and two teenage sons. Its not a chick show by any stretch of the imagination .

• by Garry S on March 22, 2006 at 10:14 PM

Breastroke with Jodie Henry and Gian Rooney mmmmmmmmm. Count me in.

• by Steve on March 22, 2006 at 11:14 PM

Combo programs:
The Biggest Commonwealth Losers
A Backyard Affair
Sunrise Yesterday Tonight
Dancing with the Saints
A Current Simpsons
Desperate ABC News Readers
CSI: House
Inspector Bert Newton
The Unit One Bill

• by David S. on March 23, 2006 at 05:37 AM

Good to see that "the Simpsons" is going strong as always. Investing in the simpsons is the only thing channel 10 ha