The Sun-Herald

Hey TM,
Are those figures from this week or last week, because I was certain Tuesday's episode of last week got 1.12 mill viewers as well.
Thanks for the figures though.
Daniel

Tribal Mind replies: well spotted. I had gone back a week too far in my figures. Last Tuesday should be 1.035m. I will correct above.

• by Daniel on July 02, 2006 at 10:11 AM

In todays Sun Herald... Mr McGuire said: "We are in a strong position to win the ratings this week, our news ratings are very strong and that's all we are worried about.
Oops - wrong on both counts Eddy!

• by Tracker on July 02, 2006 at 10:34 AM

I believe that I've woken up in bizarro world. Eddie Mcguire running what used to be the premier tv network in the country. CH10 running soft-core porn in prime time and sexual assaults late at night live.
Eddie sacking or boning people left and right while taking a group of AFL and Leaguies to Germany to host and talk about the Soccer world Cup.
Mel and Koch dominating breakfast, the world has gone stark raving MAD, or I have, I'm not sure about anything anymore.

Tribal Mind replies: To be perfectly fair, Channel Ten did not show any sexual assault on TV. The activities were visible on the live internet stream.

• by graham on July 02, 2006 at 11:19 AM

It seems the Eddie budget cuts have started with some on-air talent. The Rugby league footy show usually has 5 panelists-today they are down to 3. What happenned to Gus Gould?

• by wazza on July 02, 2006 at 11:49 AM

Well it seems everyone else likes The Bill's return to more copshow type themes. It was bloody boring last night, except the "you bitch" undercover prison guard scenes. Bring back Mad Kathy!

• by PopGoesCanberra on July 02, 2006 at 01:30 PM

- Whats all the ruckus about the host of morning TV - it isnt that important commercially in TV - in any event I like Jessica Rowe.
The show like, the programming at Channel nine, lacks 'direction/statement' -not sure if its news/entertainment/sport or footy club.
Only the executives can fix that - has Eddie taken a pay cut yet? or is it just the women who are being kicked out of the club - even KP thought women were good to look at on TV.
For a business that is having its last rites read it seems to be rating OK - Channel 10 would die for its ratings and revenue.

• by Steve H on July 02, 2006 at 02:15 PM

Oh oh...the Sunday Tele has a quote from Eddie and he's not happy. He thinks we're all harassing him and to quote "I have a long memory".
Watch out all of youse Eddie knockers and TM you're not going to get a Christmas card from Eddie this year.

• by Graham on July 02, 2006 at 03:38 PM

Is it my imagination or has everyone in Channel 9 lost their smile? Jana looked decidely gaunt and haggard this morning and even Fatty and the boys weren't their ebullient selves.
I think the rot began when Hendo retired, he seemed to hold the Willougby HQ together like the superglue that kept his hair in place.

• by freddy on July 02, 2006 at 04:49 PM

Thank you (the post annoyed) for sharing my disappoitment and anger.

Tribal Mind replies: But why do you want to know Saturday night's news ratings? Do you have a theory to share with us? It only needs one sentence. You don't even have to say please.

• by Matthew on July 02, 2006 at 05:00 PM

It all boils down to this.....does Eddie bone or not?...he says he doesn't use the term "bone"..Llewellyn said he used the term in reference to Rowe.
It would be highly unusual for Llewellyn to make up such an odd phrase. The time has come for anyone who has been boned or heard the term used by Eddie to come forward..or are they scared of his long memory?

• by Joe on July 02, 2006 at 05:33 PM

G'day David,
Let me firstly again say how super your blog is and what a great job you do answering everyone's questions and comments.
I've said thanks before to you but I will say it again.
What you do is not taken for granted. You provide the best Tv business blog in the country without peer.
So keep the passion. You're an asset.
Now that's out of the way, Dave time for a little self indulgence !!
What chance any normal network showing repeats of the Wonder years - a show that use to be CHn 10, 430 weekdays back in the early to mid nineties?? just a light question !! secondly - what's your take on Jessica - do you think Ed will eventually bone her and show her the exit door?
If so where would she go next? over to 7?
Many thanks for the reply and help.
Best regards
Michael

Tribal Mind replies: Thanks for the cheering words but I think there is no chance of any "normal" network (by which you presumably mean free to air network) repeating The Wonder Years. There is every chance the pay network TV1 would repeat it, though. Re Jessica: I think she is safe for the rest of the year.

• by Michael on July 03, 2006 at 04:42 AM

from gretles comments last night it seems that it was not a serious as it was made out to be and was just a bit of fun, would she be saying that if galen last night when evicted turkey slapped her ?

• by Original dan on July 03, 2006 at 08:38 AM

Just need to vent my disappointment in Channel 9 for Saturday night's coverage of Wimbledon. The telecast began with the Agassi v Nadal match. They decided to cross over to Hewitts match after the first set of the Agassi/Nadal match. What for? Only because Hewitt is Aussie? Pulease! It would have been nice to see the Agassi match. It was his last match ever at Wimbledon. Not happy Eddie!

• by SC on July 03, 2006 at 09:55 AM

freddy said "Jana looked decicedly gaunt and haggard"When did she not look gaunt and haggard?She looks unwell.I hope she is ok as I have been a fan of hers for years.

• by bobmar28 on July 03, 2006 at 10:12 AM

must agree with SC- Channel NINE....I hate you- who in the world wants to see that little twerp Hewitt play every match...surely Agassi in his last match is more interesting than the other dickhead.....even in the event nine did choose to put on ferral....then how about letting FOX put agassi on...but when i switch over they have some other boring match.....no agassi.....so nine dont put it on and wont let fox either.....Good god...give the full rights to fox and nine could show the anitque road show or something.....by the way ...while eddie is giving out the redundancies...give one to Fred , newk and mark woodforde....cringe....they way they rabbit on about hewitt , drool every time he hits a forehand makes me puke...FRED is senile and past it...he makes so many mistakes...= old goat

• by shanna on July 03, 2006 at 10:35 AM

Figures for AFL on Saturday night in Sydney please ?
Can the Swans sink any lower in interest in Sydney.

TM replies: 122,000.

• by Jeffrey Hampton on July 03, 2006 at 10:58 AM

I'm not going to get into the whole Camilla/John/Ashley controversy here, but Channel 10 must be secretly rubbing its hands with glee over all the publicity and the subsequent increase in ratings. I predict they will milk this thing for all it's worth, and put a Gretel interview with the two blokes on sometime this week. And, it wouldn't shock me either if they put a couple of evictees(ie. Michael, Dino or Katie) back in the house for the last few weeks of the series.
Wimbledon: of course Nine will only show matches featuring Hewitt or any other Aussies. I tend to avoid their coverage until the Semi Finals. John Newcombe and Fred Stolle's commentary in particular verges on bias, flag waving and pure pro Aussieism. Thank goodness for Tony Trabert, someone with objectivity who knows something about tennis.
Jessica Rowe: I'm bored with her already! Everything about the Today Show is abysmal, especially Karl Stefanovich, who has the personality of a block of wood, and Richard Wilkins(don't get me started on that twerp).
Silent Witness: the best thing on the box right now!
NCIS: my second favourite TV show right now. Glad to see it's rating so well! A good combination of drama, suspense and humour, and great characterisation!

• by Evan on July 03, 2006 at 11:13 AM

Re Big Brother removal: John and Ashleigh should forever be known as Dumb and Dumber. Losing guaranteed eviction prizes including a car in this way is beyond belief. They fully deserve being kicked out of the show, and by their moronic behaviour have possibly ruined their reputations- solely by themselves. How apt their surnames are-Cox (say no more) and Bric (heads as thick as???)

• by Jed on July 03, 2006 at 12:26 PM

re: damien at July 3, 2006 11:12 AM
I'd have to disagree with you. Who cares what Hewitt is doing? Him and Bec have hit the cover of Womans Day yet again. (Give me bucket right now!!!) Agassi is a legend in the game of tennis. If Nine began the telecast with that match, they should have stayed with it. It would have been good to see his last match in full. Plus Hewitt won the match convincingly anyway. I definitely won't be tuning in tonight. I've got better things to do that see him play and hear those commentators drool over his every move. Sooo over it!!!!

• by SC on July 03, 2006 at 02:46 PM

I seriously doubt Ch10/SSE will put more housemates into BB06. The sooner it finishes up, the better - moreso by their own standards than any other.
The controversy certainly has made people tune in to see what is happening, but I am led to believe that advertisers have been pulling out of BB06 at an alarming rate.
I think it will sound the death knell for this program.

• by pete on July 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM

Sammi Lucas for Jessica Rowe

• by Ben on July 03, 2006 at 04:01 PM

Every year there has been a HUGE CONTROVERSY on BB - and there have been calls for it to be axed. The fact that our little dictator Johnny has now called for it to be axed is gobsmacking hypocrisy! The other day he came out and sympathised with Channel 9 with what was going on there! Johnny - Kerry is dead and Jamie is NO Kerry so you can put your tongue away.
Sure I am disgusted by the 2 HMs actions and they deserved their punishment - but the bully-boy tactics, mass sackings while the bosses fiddle overseas, and referring to Jessica Rowe in the derogatory term "bone" is as disgusting if not more so!
Leave BB on - it is fascinating to watch what young men and women believe is "acceptable" behaviour and such viewing will make parents very very concerned that this is what their kids are (probably) up to at the moment! Reemember the HMs were more upset about the missing toothbrushes than this incident!!! Welcome to the real world everyone! Ouch!!

• by bettestreep on July 03, 2006 at 04:08 PM

bettestreep; you're a perfect example of why people should research before they post. The term 'to bone' was not sexual in anyway, if you had of bothered to look past the headlines you would have noticed its the aborinial term for getting rid of someone, so I guess instead of being 'derogetory' its 'racist'.
As for using the term dictator to refer to John Howard, that's simply an insult to anyone who has ever lived under a dictators rule.
Next time read instead of skim.

• by mattb on July 03, 2006 at 05:07 PM

BB? I just can't seem to care.
That Murder in Rome show was pretty weak. Would not have bothered normally but there was NOTHING else on and was still really hungover after a swans win.
However did stick around for Jericho which was great, but last of the series the voiceover advised.
How much did I miss, was it any good? Great Noir feel to the episode I caught. Any other fans?

• by miso_kool on July 03, 2006 at 06:15 PM

I am appalled at John Howard's call for Channel 10 to shut down Big Brother, for doing the right thing. Two participants go too far and indulge in behaviour that could have sent them to jail if the victim decided to press charges; she chose not to, but network executives decided to send the message that this was unacceptable behaviour and evicted the idiots concerned despite the wishes of the victim. They go so far as to turn the tapes of the incident over to the police. If the network were truly concerned by sponsor withdrawels, as suggested by a number of posts to the blog, surely they would have attempted to downplay it? Publicly addressing the issue as they have done may have given the programme a short-term ratings boost but risks alienating sponsors. I note that both channels 7 and 9 have jumped on the "cancel Big Brother" bandwagon as well - why is that no surprise? At least Ch7's "Today Tonight" segment which has just aired took a reasonably balanced view of the issue; Ch9's showed that they had decided for us that "it was all a ratings stunt". But that paternalistic perspective was the inevitable result of pandering to their target audiance - the older segment of the community who want to be informed, not stimulated. What's next, Herr Fuhrer, a book burning?

• by Mike Bourke on July 03, 2006 at 07:14 PM

Of course Melbourne watches more TV than Sydney. Isn't it obvious why? There's nothing else to do in Melbourne

• by Macca on July 03, 2006 at 08:42 PM

mattb - thanks for clearing up "bone" for me. The media articles i read implied it was "sexist" not "racist" - so naturally i assumed they were correct.
As for the "dictator" remark - my dictionary defines "dictator" as a "person with absolute authority". Howard has demonstrated on a number of occassions this particular character trait - so i stand by my use of the term.
Thanks again.

Tribal Mind remarks: That definition of bone was explained in this column a week ago.

• by bettestreep on July 03, 2006 at 09:57 PM

Eddie McGuire and Channel 9 suck. Ten has lost the plot it seems like SBS and more importantly 7 are our only solace. I love channel 7. They are the best.

• by Pop on July 04, 2006 at 08:22 AM

Did any of you BB comentators watch GA last night. It was hysterical. A fantastic episode - I laughed all the way through. There is more to life than BB.

• by Jane on July 04, 2006 at 09:36 AM

Why did ACA do so well last night? and Nine News?
Did 7 news and T&T still win all the cap cities?

Tribal Mind replies: Any reader able to tell us what was so special about ACA last night? Seven news won in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. TT beat ACA only in Adelaide and Perth.

• by JAK on July 04, 2006 at 10:30 AM

Greys was soo funny last night. I loved it. It was very entertaining. Makes Monday night TV all the better. Hopefully the figures continue to rise...
In regards to the tennis, I agree with SC and don't like Hewitt one bit. He is an arrogant tennis player. Australian or not who cares if he wins or loses.

• by Shez on July 04, 2006 at 10:58 AM

GA was great last night!
Too funny.
It's great to see more and more people tuning in.
It's an incredibly great program.
I'm really ticked off that an awesome show like "House" will not be shown tomorrow. Instead Channel 10, decides it will replace it with "the biggest loser". Seriously...are they nuts?
And not to mention NCIS is going to be a repeat tomorrow night.
Why Channel 10, why???? What a joke!

Tribal Mind replies: Ten does not want to waste new episodes of hot programs against Nine's State of Origin -- nor does Seven, hence no Prison Break.

• by Love My McDreamy on July 04, 2006 at 11:09 AM

Don't forget the ABC too, TM - Denton's discussion with the three cabbies was a tad trashy. Though they were quite funny at times - the discussion regarding people having sex in the back of the cab, the driver watching it then going home and servicing his wife was a little 'too much information'.
As a parent there are moments in everything from the Simpsons to wildlife shows - it comes down to supervision of television viewing and being present to discuss values which help guide kids, especially teenagers. The issue I have is that they assume what they see on Big Brother is indicative of all society - when it is only a portion and you choose whether you want to conduct yourself that way, rather than feeling you have to join in to be accepted. Well done to those who didn't just accept it. I'm sure it won't affect Big Brother in the long run, but it's good for kids to see that behaviour like this does offend.

• by VJ on July 04, 2006 at 11:10 AM

I think the reason ACA did so well last night was because they were advertising in the Channel Nine news breaks a story on Big Brother. There was nothing new in it - just calls for the show to be axed which is a predictable and ridiculous position for Nine to take. Both ACA and Today Tonight ran stories on the Big Brother hype but TT didnt advertise it in their news breaks. I was switching channels at the time and noticed the similarities between the two shows.
It does seem odd that Channel Nine and Seven would run stories, albeit negative yarns, on a Channel Ten program - surely any publicity could only result in viewers switching across.
The networks all seem to be running around chasing their tales at the moment!

• by craig on July 04, 2006 at 11:14 AM

I think the most striking thing this year in the ratings is the fall off in the ratings for the biggest shows of 2005. Am I correct in asserting that since about the end of March, Desperate Houswives, Lost, Grey's Anatomy and the CSI shows have lost somewhere between half a million and million viewers each from last year/Feb/March this year? Given the premium rates seven is charging for those shows (especially DH) you would wonder whether those sponsors would be demanding some discount for the loss of viewers. Its also worth noting that those same shows (particularly Lost) and other stuff like Scrubs, the West Wing, 6 feet under, 24, Arrested Development) are at the forefront of the best that American TV drama has probably ever been. If you don't agree think about the best stuff from there 15-25 years ago - (Hill Street Blues, Northern Exposure, 30-Something, LA Law?). You would be hard pressed to suggest that those were all better written shows and they were relatively few shows in the line-ups that were dominated by crap such as Dallas, Dynasty, Knight Rider, the A-Team). So if this new stuff isn't drawing more than 2 million viewers, and there isn't much quality UK or locally produced shows, the future of free-to-air tv isn't looking very bright.

• by the watcher on July 04, 2006 at 11:23 AM

Did anyone catch last night's Arrested Development? Another exceptional episode. Casting Jason Bateman's real-life sister Justine as Michael's long-lost sister Nellie was a stroke of genius. Season three has been the best one by far and I still can't quite believe that a program of this this quality hasn't been renewed. Only two episodes to go. Sob.

• by sub_liminal on July 04, 2006 at 11:28 AM

How Ironic, Channel nine could not wait to bag Big Brother and air the scenes, they even aired an interview with John/Ashe's mother, they are so desperate to divert the flack of bad media they copped last week, it was the lead story in nines news. Then in a riveting follow up we got to see how salmonella levels are risng and three formerly fat ladies competing for Weight watcher of the year. How many times does it need to be said, if you don't like it don't watch it, that's freedom of choice and freedom of the press Mr Beazley and Mr Howard.

• by Peter G on July 04, 2006 at 12:11 PM

What's happened to Commander in Chief? Damn I hate the way commercial netwroks shaft good shows without explanation.

Tribal Mind replies: Seven used all episodes it had. They promise the last three eps after they are shown in the US in August.

• by Paul on July 04, 2006 at 12:22 PM

This quote is from a news.com artical about channel 9
" it seems the trials and tribulations of the Today show and host Jessica Rowe being one of last week's biggest stories has boosted viewing figures.
Today's audience rose by 8000 viewers in the five capital cities on average each day, while arch rival Sunrise's audience on Seven dropped by 16,000"
is this true?, the figures you published the other day contradict this

Tribal Mind replies: The audience varies day to day, but there's no rising pattern.

• by original dan on July 04, 2006 at 12:28 PM

television from both america and the uk has lifted in quality over the last decade or so, since many film makers and actors realise that the popularity of dvd home theatre and internet downloading means that films seen in cinemas are no longer the main entertainment attractions they once were.
this is why writers such as Alan Ball and Joss Whedon, along with most of the Hollywood elite are now sensing that quality Tv is quite lucrative.
Australia falls very far behind in catching the wave of this trend.

• by pete on July 04, 2006 at 12:33 PM

Look, all up, TV is pretty woeful with a plethora of crime & reality shows.
By the way, is this weekends AB - Wallaby clash being shown live into NSW on Channel 7? Sadly, down here in Melbourne, we have to wait until 10.30 to tune in with Channel 7, the self proclamied 'home of rugby' deeming some average movie more likely to pull in the viewers......sigh.....

• by PSH on July 04, 2006 at 12:46 PM

Gretel your 5 minutes of fame are up.

• by james on July 04, 2006 at 01:13 PM

I'll tell you why boomers are watching more TV. It's beacaue they cannot get a job, because Australian employers think anyone over 45 is too old.Well, bugger you lot, because you will have to pay more tax to keep us alive and watching TV all day, instead of using our skills and experience and giving us something useful to do.As for internet Tv check out "PP Live english" on a search site. Free movies, and good quality.

• by Tee cee on July 04, 2006 at 01:47 PM

"If anyone in the Big Brother house broke the law then it can be dealt with by the legal system. Attempting to force a television show off the air because of an incident that wasn't even screened is an excessive intrusion into the lives of Australians by moralising, preaching politicians."
I don't think asking for the banning of a TV program which encourages or shows illegal sexual behaviour is necessarily preaching, is it? Australian Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett needs to think about what he is saying, if we saw minors being sexually harrassed would we want that on TV? Sure we can say that the people harassing the minors must be prosecuted but I doubt anyone would think we are invading someones privacy if we asked for the show to be canned? Or am I seriously out of touch with the society I live in.

Tribal Mind replies: It was never shown on TV, and Ten threw out the offenders.

• by stephen on July 04, 2006 at 01:52 PM

I hope Eddie was watching carefully in Deutschland. Soccer teams that kick no goals in normal time or extra time go to penalties to end the agony...
A lesson there for Today, which is in injury time after triple extra time. Let Jessica, Karl and Richard take a penalty shot, one story that decides which person will get another gig on another show - and then blow the whistle on it. Move on.
In their place, live shows with Hi 5 stars would be a more interesting vehicle for the news of the morning than these insincere clowns. My daughter would approve of that. Thomas the tank engine could cover the weather. At least his smiley face is convincing. And he travels well.
In addition, Guus could teach Eddie something about introducing new talent after half time. Talking about dropping the new blood when they badly need goal scoring potential is madness.
Nine stinks of staleness and try hard - Jessica Rowe is a perfect barometer of their culture of fake, having lost her groove the minute she arrived. Let Jessica go back to being Jessica rather than the Desperate Ninewife slash Willoughby Consensus version. She is the perfect key indicator of Nine's woes. Let her host with Reg Regan, the most sincere pretender Nine has. (That's assuming she wins the penalty shoot out, of course)

• by bruce on July 04, 2006 at 02:08 PM

Mattb -- I was aware of the other definintion of the verb "to bone". This definition was quickly provided by the media. I find it interesting that this was deemed necessary, considering Eddie denies using the term at all. I think the question is, should we believe that this was the intended, slightly less offensive meaning (not that Eddie said it of course)?
Secondly, I think we're missing the point when we reflect on Camillia's reponse to the BB incident. I think the fact that she dismisses it as a joke and APOLOGISES for it sends just as dangerous a message to the hoards of impressionable young viewers out there as the incident itself. I agree with Tim Brunero: the most important thing to come out of this is not the possible axing of this stupid show (can't believe I'm quoting John Howard!), but the discussion that should follow about attitudes to women and sex.

• by bec on July 04, 2006 at 02:27 PM

Ban this, ban that, blah blah blah... Let's ban the pollies instead. Useless twits who apparently have nothing better to do than moralise about what we should be watching on our TV screens.

• by Greg on July 04, 2006 at 02:43 PM

miso_kool, I saw a couple of the Jericho eps and really liked it. Quality sets, plus a good mystery.
Grey's was excellent last night. Very funny, but still had some drama. I used to watch Desperate Housewives, but Mythbusters cracks me up and last night's capturing of Jamie's 'flatus' ensured that I'll keep on watching it for the laughs rather than trying to sort through all the dramatics on DH.

• by tubbyk on July 04, 2006 at 03:54 PM

Just a little bit hypocritical for Ch 7 & Ch 9 to be slamming Big Brother but then screening the controversial footage during their 'evening news and current affairs variety hour'. Why are these programs allowed to screen this footage in an evening G/PG timeslot? This footage should be classified 'MA' or 'R'.
Where are the pollies now? Why aren't they calling out for the axing of these tabloid programs?

• by J Bar on July 04, 2006 at 04:02 PM

Re: Arrested Development Another exceptional episode. Season three has been the best one by far
Whilst still outstanding TV, I dont think season 3 was the best ever, the whole wee britain story line for the first six episodes was pretty annoying.
But nonetheless, by far the best comedy on television (which scrubs a close second)

• by tim on July 04, 2006 at 04:10 PM

TM: I see that the AFL broad cast in Sydney got a miserable 122,000 viewers. Do you think it has anything to do with the way Channel 10 promotes the Swans games? The promos make it sound like an edition of the OC, not a footy match. I am an AFL fan, but I find it hard to get interested when I hear those embarrassing promos. The thought of having to endure Quartermain, Lane, Walls and Hudson as well is a real turn off.
Also TM, on the topic of AFL...has Channel 7 announced who their on-air commentary team will be when they take over from Ch9 in 2007? Please, let it not be that awful Rex Hunt. His radio commentary is dreadful - I defy anybody who can work out which teams are playing, let alone where they are on the field. He used to do the game commentary when Ch7 had it last time, and he was bad them. From his radio efforts, he has got worse.
Tks, in advance

Tribal Mind repies: Not that I know of.

• by FOEHN on July 04, 2006 at 05:31 PM

Hi TM just wondering how bb uplate rates is it the number 1 late night program? thanks

TribalMind replies: Last night Lateline on the ABC got 274,000 viewers. BB Up Late must have got less than that, since it does not appear in the top 50 shows of Monday. Last Friday BBUL got 284,000.

• by Boi_scout_rob on July 04, 2006 at 07:19 PM

hey TM
did u find out how KerriAnne did against david and Kim since she is broadcasting from Alaska?
And whats Ten done with Ellen at midday?
Thanks

Tribal Mind replies: Each day I receive a list of the top 50 most watched shows of the day before. Both Kerri Anne and David and Kim do so badly they do not normally appear in the top 50 -- so they clearly attract less than 250,000 viewers.Last week, just to give you an indication, KAK averaged 165,000 a day, and D and K averaged 111,000 a day. There is nothing to indicate either of them changed yesterday. If either show gets into the top 50 at any point this week, I will let you know. How long is KAK away?
No idea re Ellen, but hopefully Ten, which monitors this blog, will give us an answer.

• by david on July 04, 2006 at 07:50 PM

I continue to be SHOCKED at how high a ratings Border Security gets. The top TV show!! My god can anyone please enlighten me to why this show is so populer??

• by Shocked! on July 04, 2006 at 10:06 PM