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The Tribal Mind: Week 47
This is now an out of date blog. To join the latest media discussion, go to www.smh.com.au/sit.
Updated 10.15 pm Sunday November 26 Damien Leith won Australian Idol. At 10 am on Monday we'll tell you how many people watched.
The ABC's election coverage in Melbourne pulled 265,000 viewers on Saturday night, which contributed to a healthy audience share of 21 per cent for the ABC on Saturday. But the ratings chart below suggests the rest of Australia left their sets on Channel Nine all day, for cricket followed by footy, briefly interrupted by news and funny videos. Nine won the week with an average of 31.3 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 27.5, Ten got 19.3, ABC got 16.7 and SBS got 5.1. The final week of the ratings year will see Ten's share boosted by Australian Idol and Seven's share boosted by Dancing With The Stars.
What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 NINE NEWS SATURDAY (and last part of cricket) Nine 1,702,000 524,000 551,000 317,000 196,000 115,000
2 FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS Nine 1,343,000 431,000 384,000 249,000 146,000 132,000
3 THE ASHES: FIRST TEST Nine 1,328,000 403,000 405,000 219,000 171,000 131,000
4 RUGBY LEAGUE TRI-NATIONS Nine 1,181,000 467,000 243,000 425,000 17,000 29,000
5 THE CRICKET SHOW Nine 1,038,000 331,000 313,000 161,000 134,000 99,000
6 SEVEN NEWS SAT Seven 1,035,000 284,000 306,000 150,000 124,000 172,000
7 BEST AND WORST OF RED FACES Seven 1,007,000 217,000 357,000 180,000 121,000 132,000
8 GREAT COMEDY CLASSICS Seven 849,000 183,000 356,000 119,000 93,000 98,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Updated 10 am Saturday November 25The cricket is working wonderfully for Nine. The ratings chart below makes it seem that Nine's news and A Current Affair are sudenly enjoying a resurgence in viewing. In fact, their figures were boosted by the Test match over-running into their timelots in Sydney and Melbourne. That in no way diminishes Nine's victory on Friday, with 33.5 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 24.4, Ten got 18.6, ABC got 19.1 (thanks to Blue Murder) and SBS got 4.4. Nine will win the week.
What Australia watched, Friday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 NINE NEWS* Nine 1,483,000 454,000 489,000 259,000 165,000 116,000
2 A CURRENT AFFAIR* Nine 1,340,000 438,000 454,000 213,000 123,000 112,000
3 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,216,000 323,000 383,000 174,000 157,000 179,000
4 TEMPTATION* Nine 1,204,000 379,000 381,000 193,000 130,000 120,000
5 BLUE MURDER ABC 1,191,000 391,000 303,000 205,000 153,000 138,000
6 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Seven 1,186,000 347,000 353,000 216,000 116,000 154,000
7 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,180,000 296,000 389,000 175,000 147,000 173,000
8 HOME AND AWAY Seven 1,058,000 337,000 308,000 168,000 98,000 147,000
9 MOTORWAY PATROL RPT Nine 1,027,000 319,000 297,000 178,000 107,000 125,000
10 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS Nine 892,000 253,000 350,000 186,000 104,000
11 THE ASHES: FIRST TEST - AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND Nine 884,000 296,000 261,000 127,000 115,000 86,000
12 SMALLVILLE FRI Ten 812,000 214,000 193,000 180,000 123,000 102,000
*Distorted by cricket
(OzTAM preliminary figures, mainland capitals)
Updated 10 am Friday November 24
Predictions that Nine's coverage of the Ashes battle would get the biggest daytime audience in history were sadly awry. Preliminary estimates put the average audience yesterday at 822,000 in the mainland capitals. But it's likely the number watching in the last hour was closer to 1.5 million, as the cricket overran into Nine's usual news time in Sydney and Melbourne. Even so, that is nowhere near the 2.2 million scored by the Melbourne Cup this year. It seems Australians are not taking sickies to see the cricket -- yet.
Nine won Thursday with 31.3 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 29.1, Ten got 17.5, ABC got 16.3 (thanks to The Floating Brothel, clearly a tempting title) and SBS got 5.8 (thanks to Inspector Rex). Nine will win the week.
What Australia watched, Thursday
1. Nine News* Nine 1.37m*
2. Today Tonight Seven 1.35
3. Seven News Seven 1.34
4. A Current Affair* Nine 1.29*
5. Temptation* Nine 1.22*
6. Home and Away Seven 1.21
7. Getaway Nine 1.13
8. Bones Seven 1.13
9. My Name Is Earl Seven 1.13
10. RPA Nine 1.10
11. How I Met Your Mother Seven 1.02
12. The Floating Brothel ABC 1.01
13. Amazing Medical Stories Nine 0.92
14. ABC News ABC 0.91
15. Big Questions Nine 0.88
*Disrupted by cricket
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Updated 10 am Thursday November 23
Ooh, they're a tricky lot at Channel Seven. Normally they define "prime time" as 6pm to midnight, but suddenly they're eager to tell us that, if you redefine prime time as 6pm to 10.30pm, Channel Seven is beating Channel Nine in average audience for the year. This was Seven's statement: "Weeks 7-46, 2006 (excluding Commonwealth Games): Seven is No: 1 Network with a 35.7% Network Primetime Commercial Share, 0.1 share points in front of Nine and 7 points ahead of Ten's share." Sorry, this column is sticking with the original definition, and we won't be declaring a prime time winner till the end of official ratings next week. It's bloody close, though.
Seven won Wednesday with 30.1 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 28.4, Ten got 19.2, ABC got a healthy 17.8 (thanks to Spicks and Specks and The Glasshouse) and SBS got 4.4. Nine looks like winning this week.
What Australia watched, Wednesday
1. Border Security Seven 1.58
2. Seven News Seven 1.38
3. Police Files Seven 1.37
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.36
5. Home and Away Seven 1.36
6. CSI: Miami Nine 1.35
7. Criminal Minds Seven 1.27
8. McLeod's Daughters Nine 1.25
9. A Current Affair Nine 1.23
10. Nine News Nine 1.21
11. Temptation Nine 1.08
12. Spicks and Specks ABC 1.08
13. ABC News ABC 0.95
14. House Ten 0.95
15. The Glass House ABC 0.93
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Updated 10 am Wednesday November 22
The semi final of Dancing With The Stars last night and still only 1.7 million viewers. At this rate, its grand final next Tuesday will be lucky to join the finals of the previous four seasons among the 50 most watched shows of the 21st century (click here to read them). For many Australians, it seems, the silly season has already started, and they're just not watching that much TV. This is bad news for Seven which is so close to equalling Nine's average audience for the year that one big hit next week could make all the difference.
Seven won Tuesday with 34.8 per cent of the prime time audience, while Nine got 27.5, Ten got 19.3, ABC got 13.7 and SBS got 4.7.
What Australia watched, Tuesday
1. Dancing with the Stars Seven 1.71m
2. All Saints Seven 1.61
3. A Current Affair Nine 1.47
4. 20 to 1 Nine 1.44
5. Nine News Nine 1.38
6. Home and Away Seven 1.37
7. CSI Nine 1.35
8. Seven News Seven 1.32
9. Today Tonight Seven 1.27
10. Temptation Nine 1.22
11. Crossing Jordan Seven 1.01
12. The Simpsons 7:30pm Ten 0.98
13. ABC News ABC 0.94
14. Ten News Ten 0.86
15. Futurama Ten 0.86
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals.
For the OC tragics, it got 697,000, just topping The Wedge's 681,000.
To read about and discuss the new programing plans of Channel Seven and Channel Ten, click here.
Updated 10 am, Wednesday November 22
Channels Seven and Ten may be tussling over who deserves the title of TV's biggest winner for 2006, but there's no dispute about who is the biggest loser. That's the ABC - down 9 per cent in average audience across the whole day, with only one show in the top 100 for the year (Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler?).
The list of most watched ABC shows (below) suggests that one way Aunty might stop the slippage would be to commission a 52-week mystery series in which detective David Attenborough investigates the murder of the Queen. But of course, the ABC shouldn't care about ratings. Its role is to service segments of the community that the commercials don't want. Seven and Nine say their target audience is people aged 25 to 54, while Ten focuses on the 18-to-49ers (and puts out press releases boasting that it has "shed" over-55s).
That leaves the kiddies and oldies for the national broadcaster. The ABC works hard at programming for those extremities of life, but with viewers under 17, the ABC is down 26.1 per cent and with viewers 55 to 64, it's down 1.3 per cent. Where did the under-16s and over-55s go? Possibly to pay TV, which this column is hereby declaring the real big winner of 2006, (with Seven getting the silver medal and Ten the bronze). The combined pay stations are up 19.8 per cent with all people, 27.3 per cent with viewers under 17, and 8.1 per cent with viewers 55-64. Here's how pay fans differ from ABC fans:
What Australia loved on the ABC this year: 1 Bogle and Chandler (1.78 million) 2 Planet Earth (1.38m); 3 Andrew Denton and Billy Connolly (1.29m); 4 Midsomer Murders (1.29m), 5 The Queen by Rolf Harris (1.29m) 6 Silent Witness (1.17m); 7 The Queen at 80 (1.16m); 8 50 Years of Television (1.16m); 9 Blue Murder (1.14m) 10 The Worst Jobs in History (1.10m)
What Australia loved on Pay TV this year: 1. NRL Storm v Roosters (220,500); 2-10 NRL matches; 11 Rugby Union - Bledisloe Cup (188,000); 12-29 NRL matches; 30 AFL - Western Bulldogs v Geelong (161,500); 31-94 Footy matches, mostly NRL; 95 Cricket test match (112,000); 96, 97 Footy matches; 98 Rock Star Supernova The Verdict (110,500); 99-113 Footy and cricket; 114 Rock Star Supernova Finale Part 1 (103,000); 115-118 Footy matches; 119 Golf: British Open Round 3 (100,500); 120-161 Footy and cricket; 164 Motorsport MotoGP Turkey (83,500); 165-193 Sports; 194 Movie - Sky High (75,000); 195-217 Sports; 218 The Simpsons Interactive (68,000); 219-240 Sports 241 Movie: High School Musical (62,000). The other non-sporting shows in Pay's top 300 were a documentary on Vietnam on the History Channel (61,500); WWE Raw wrestling (58,000); and the movie Ice Princess (55,000). The first time a new series makes an appearance in the pay chart is at No 308 -- Family Guy on Fox 8 with 48,000.
Based on that, you might think the ABC could boost its audience by showing more rugby league and more Disney movies. But look closely at the audience sizes. After 10 years and millions of Murdoch and Packer dollars, subscription television still has no series able to attract more than 120,000 Australians, while the ABC can find 23 programs that please more than a million of us. So it doesn't have that much to be embarrassed about.
What Australia watched, Monday
1. Home and Away Seven 1.39m
2. Criminal Minds Seven 1.37
3. Seven News Seven 1.35
4. Today Tonight Seven 1.29
5. A Current Affair Nine 1.28
6. Nine News Nine 1.27
7. What A Year Nine 1.27
8. What's Good For You Nine 1.25
9. Temptation Nine 1.20
10. Cold Case repeat Nine 1.13
11. Dynasties ABC 1.08
12. So You Think You Can Dance Ten 1.03
13. The Great Outdoors Seven 1.00
14. ABC News ABC 0.99
15. The 7:30 Report ABC 0.91
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)
Nine won Monday with 30.4 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven got 28.9, Ten got 19.1, ABC got 14.3 and SBS got 7.3. The return of The West Wing on ABC pulled 608,000.
Updated 10 am, Monday November 20
Another talent quest? Another dancing show with a clunky title? And no Australians are involved? Sounds like the kind of concept that would be lucky to make the Silly Season schedule, let alone prime time in the official ratings year. But Channel Ten had a strategy -- launch So You Think You Can Dance off the back of Australian Idol and maybe the under 40s will hang around long enough to get hooked. Study the chart below to see how Ten's scheme worked.
With the groovers locked on Ten and the oldies locked on Nine's power package of 60 Minutes and CSI, Seven was deprived of oxygen and managed only 18.7 per cent of the prime time audience. Nine won Sunday with 33.9 per cent, followed by Ten with 27.4 per cent. The ABC got 15.8 per cent (bring back Poirot!) and SBS got 4.2.
What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Network Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Ten 1,697,000 473,000 508,000 314,000 219,000 182,000
2 CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Nine 1,638,000 459,000 470,000 342,000 185,000 182,000
3 60 MINUTES Nine 1,598,000 383,000 497,000 350,000 183,000 185,000
4 20 TO 1 -RPT Nine 1,487,000 356,000 443,000 317,000 206,000 166,000
5 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Ten 1,425,000 383,000 499,000 224,000 159,000 159,000
6 CSI: NY Nine 1,329,000 412,000 411,000 222,000 148,000 137,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,289,000 300,000 415,000 240,000 184,000 150,000
8 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,254,000 341,000 317,000 253,000 135,000 207,000
9 THE REAL SEACHANGE Seven 1,158,000 332,000 334,000 239,000 108,000 144,000
10 ABC NEWS-SUN ABC 996,000 330,000 248,000 177,000 87,000 154,000
11 YOU'VE GOT THE JOB Seven 878,000 246,000 276,000 187,000 78,000 92,000
12 THE QUEEN'S SISTER ABC 863,000 273,000 234,000 147,000 88,000 122,000
13 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SUN Ten 856,000 204,000 216,000 149,000 84,000 204,000
14 IT'S ME OR THE DOG Ten 855,000 229,000 240,000 154,000 107,000 124,000
15 WILD EUROPE ABC 811,000 274,000 215,000 152,000 79,000 92,000.
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. For further observations of Australian attitudes and behaviour, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind.
COMMENTS
I'm surprised at the media constantly claiming this season of Aus Idol to be the most successful since the first season. If I was an executive at 10, (and one day I'd love to be) I'd be sorely disappointed at 1.7million for the Final 2 performance show. I think Jessica and Damien are brilliant and they certainly have made a media impact, but the figures are certainly not there like they should be. Agree anyone?
- by Daniel (2) in Dubai on November 20, 2006 at 10:34 AM
For the poster who asked last week, it looks probable that Gilmore Girls will make the Ch9 summer scheduling.
- by cronk on November 20, 2006 at 10:38 AM
I thought Ten were taking a big chance putting on a kids show so late on a school night. Well and truly paid off. Good on them I say, although it's definitely not my kind of show. And No Daniel, I don't agree with your Idol observation. I'd be happy with 1.7 million, mostly core audience with a high involvement (or Q score - think about the level of press coverage and general conversation generated by the show as opposed to CSI). Not to mention the constant SMS'ing being churned out by them at 55 cents a time. People in this blog treat ratings like a points system, but it isn't. There are a number of measures to a shows value, and the sponsorship revenue it can subsequently attract. I don't watch the show, but it obviously has a lot of appeal.
- by Dr DK on November 20, 2006 at 10:50 AM
I hope ch7 persists with 'you've got the job' because it is worth it. Surprisingly very interesting.
- by adam on November 20, 2006 at 11:27 AM
For sydney-siders and queenslanders here is how NINE "The home of rugby league" treated the Tri-nations test on saturday in melbourne. It decided to cut the first 15 minutes of the game when "the Chicken Run" over ran (how hard is it to use a calculator:NINE!). So we joined the game with no explanation, no apology, NOTHING. Not only did we miss two aussie tries, but it further confirms that Nine in Melbourne actively sabotage the NRL, because this isn't the first time they have choosen to cut an NRL game to make sure that the late night game-show runs on time. AND I'm sick of NINE saying that it is LIVE when it is not. As Gus says "UNBELIEVABLE". I look forward to seeing what NINE does with the Final on saturday, they say it will be live but I guess they will at the last minute decide to show "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". They have done that before.
- by ned on November 20, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Youtube: Benji Schwimmer
- by canoli on November 20, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Last night's Idol got only 1.7 million because of a strong audience for 60 Minutes, which included a report about a controversial American movie documenting people jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- by johnson on November 20, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Thanks for the info about Gilmore Girls scheduling. Regarding the Sunday program on 9, do you have any figures for this TM? I'd be interested to see if Insiders on ABC has picked up their slack, as I know a few people at work have switched to ABC on Sunday mornings after the demise of Business Sunday.
- by AJ on November 20, 2006 at 12:51 PM
I think I will be well looked after during the non-ratings period.
I enjoyed "So You Think You Can Dance" very much. Some amazing dancers, and the program was fast flowing.
I also enjoyed reality show/documentary "You've Got The Job" which presents real people in real situations.
I hope they will show some employment agency interviews in the future considering that many skilled vacancies are not advertised directly.
- by Tristan on November 20, 2006 at 02:23 PM
Thanks Cronk re the update on Gilmore Girls
- by Cathy on November 20, 2006 at 02:34 PM
I hate the new format of Sunday and how they've combined business talk into the program to save costs, instead of the separate Business Sunday.
I also hate the new long commentary sections and the long sports reports. If I wanted sports commentary, I'd switch to another channel.
Even the sets look cheaper and less classy.
Having said that, I enjoyed the two forums that Sunday has had over the past 2 weeks regarding Sheik El-Hilali's comments, even though they copied heavily from SBS's Insight program with almost identical guests. The cover story about Australia as a possible dumping ground for nuclear waste products was also very timely.
I tape the Insiders but if Sunday is boring, I turn off the tape and watch Insiders.
I actually think they should have Gerard Henderson or Piers Ackerman on the couch with Andrew Bolt occasionally because the other commentators seem to engage in a united attack on him, and surprisingly he is failing to hold his own.
- by Tristan on November 20, 2006 at 03:51 PM
About last nights You've Got The Job - I am wondering what will happen to the unemployed girl who turned down the hostel managers position because she didn't like the comment about her hair. I remember several years ago that high ranking politician was fined for not wearing a seatbelt whilst being interviewed in the backseat. If this girl doesn't already have a job I hope Social Security ends her payments.
- by dab on November 20, 2006 at 03:56 PM
I'm disappointed to see that "Touching The Void" (the movie shown on Channel 7 last night) isn't anywhere on the list. I saw this on the big screen a few years back, and was completely gobsmacked. An amazing story.
That said, I ended up watching "The Queen's Sister", and being rather confused as to who was who (not being a royal watcher). But still, scandalous, and entertaining.
(And part of my brane wanted to watch SYTYCD. I blame hosting a four year old's birthday party that day. Too many cupcakes.)
The West Wing on tonight! Hurrah!
- by tqd on November 20, 2006 at 04:35 PM
I am fed up with Nine, their poor scheduling, and the failure of that f#*khead Mcguire to do anything about it!
Thanks God for the ABC and SBS.
- by alistar p on November 20, 2006 at 04:51 PM
9 stopped showing the Gilmore Girls part way through season 5. This season is available on Australian DVD. Season 6 is also available from overseas for anyone who's interested.
- by rae7 on November 20, 2006 at 05:17 PM
ned says: For sydney-siders and queenslanders here is how NINE "The home of rugby league" treated the Tri-nations test on saturday in melbourne. It decided to cut the first 15 minutes of the game when "the Chicken Run" over ran (how hard is it to use a calculator:NINE!). So we joined the game with no explanation, no apology, NOTHING. Not only did we miss two aussie tries, but it further confirms that Nine in Melbourne actively sabotage the NRL, because this isn't the first time they have choosen to cut an NRL game to make sure that the late night game-show runs on time. AND I'm sick of NINE saying that it is LIVE when it is not. As Gus says "UNBELIEVABLE". I look forward to seeing what NINE does with the Final on saturday, they say it will be live but I guess they will at the last minute decide to show "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". They have done that before.
The match (from Brisbane) was actually live. Because of daylight savings, the match began at 9pm Melbourne/Sydney time when Nine Melbourne joined the telecast. I did not realise the first 10 minutes of the match was omitted until I saw ned's post (in the program guide the match was listed as DELAYED, so the LIVE telecast came as a surprise).
I am sure next week's final will be shown live, simply because Nine Melbourne wants something to fill in between the coverage of Victorian state election.
- by johnson on November 20, 2006 at 05:50 PM
I think one of the reasons that Idol didn't do brilliantly (although 1.7m is a healthy figure)was because some states had goddawful hot weather and many kids and families were probably at the beach or in the pool or whatever to cool off.
As for me? I didn't watch Idol for 2 reasons;- the final 2 just don't do anything for me - and NO i am not a Bobby fan (geez i wish Holden would get his hand off this issue) and I noticed that the final 2 was being repeated next Saturday anyways.
Yep i was actually at the park walking the dog instead. More to life than TV - hey bobmar28???
- by bettestreep on November 20, 2006 at 05:56 PM
I'm fast losing interest in the Real Seachange. The calibre of the subjects is going downhill to a point I half expect Noelene and Laurie to move back into Sylvania Waters...
Jericho is on a big down-slide too. Can't see this one surviving.
- by Wixy Gosford on November 20, 2006 at 08:10 PM
Mick Carlton is a jealous, unfunny, hypocritical, loathsome piece of excrement. Carlton married a female young enough to be her daughter, yet criticises Jones for being involved with young men. What a homophobic piece of filth. Whenever I hear his voice I switch off as he sprouts such vile, jealous driven dribble. He obviously needs help on his morning program as they saddled him with Fitsimons, if he didn't get that help I doubt whether the boring, unfunny, ignorant, pathetic old man would survive.
- by Fitz on November 20, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Hi TM and everyone else.
I'm young and sorry in advance if this sounds stupid but that's why i'm asking..to learn
How exactly does the ABC make money? I watched last wednesday to check out Spicks and Specks(first time EVER watching it) and stayed around for AB FAB and the Glass house (also never seen before) and i noticed not one commercial.
So how does the ABC make money...and please don't tell me taxpayers fund it???
- by steve on November 20, 2006 at 10:59 PM
are the last two comments from outer space???
- by ac on November 21, 2006 at 07:34 AM
That was pretty good ratings for 'So you think you can dance' but I think it only rated so highly because the curious Idol viewers stayed on to find out what it was about. I think viewers might stay interested while they show all those wackos in the auditions but once the competition starts Aussies will switch off. Watching extroverted Americans on reality shows gets very annoying, very quickly. A lesson for Ch 10 is that they would benefit from programming more shows with similar target audiences after Australian Idol, Big Brother such as Smallville, Charmed etc... rather than shows like Law and Order which has a completely different target audience.
- by J Bar on November 21, 2006 at 08:42 AM
My question is this: if PayTV is up across the board, then do they ever release a figure that shows how many people were actually watching ANY of the stations at a particular time, rather than the avge 100,000 per program?
Foe example- how many people were watching any PTV channel on a low rating night like Thursday or Friday versus the FTA channels?
I figure its not going to break records, but I think it may be an interesting figure.
Oh, and Steve, re: your question on who funds the ABC - damn straight our taxes are paying for it, albeit less and less each year, thanks Howard! Enjoy it now before you have to start funding it when you work...
- by Mat on November 21, 2006 at 09:14 AM
steve, the taxpayers fund the abc.
- by James on November 21, 2006 at 09:17 AM
Steve (November 20, 2006, 10.59pm), The ABC is non-commercial, and is funded almost entirely by direct annual grants from the federal budget. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation and http://www.abc.net.au/corp/ for more information. Why does the prospect of the ABC being taxpayer funded terrify you so much?
- by Wendell on November 21, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Steve,
Taxpayers fund everything ol' mate! This government and the previous started selling off "public assests" in the 80's. Out present government will sell off all public assests if they wish.
You are either "young and ignorant" or just ignorant.
Everything that works as a business in this country is subsidised by GPAY tax earners.
Go back to your "pay tv" and do a google search.
- by TonyGrant on November 21, 2006 at 09:43 AM
The only reason I'd subscribe to pay TV (I don't intend to though) would be to watch Cricket coverage in the off season and possibly the odd Tennis match. Oh and probably, the odd documentary.
However, documetaries I can get online and do I really want to be paying a monthly fee for the occasional cricket match in the off season? Nope.
- by damien on November 21, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Sorry, Steve, but yes - the ABC is almost entirely taxpayer funded through grants from the Federal budget. Unlike the system in the UK, we don't have license fees anymore to help support the corporation.
The only other real source of revenue for the ABC is through it's book/DVD/video sales and stores.
The government has some control over ABC decision making, and is responsible for appointing people to the board. Aside from that, the government generally stays out of most ABC issues as a means to allow the broadcaster to remain largely impartial.
- by cronk on November 21, 2006 at 09:50 AM
How exactly does the ABC make money? I watched last wednesday to check out Spicks and Specks(first time EVER watching it) and stayed around for AB FAB and the Glass house (also never seen before) and i noticed not one commercial.
Unless you count self-advertising.
So how does the ABC make money...and please don't tell me taxpayers fund it???
Taxpayers fund it. That's why it's "Your ABC"
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/sp/fundingabc.htm
- by John W on November 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM
sorry steve, hate to burst your bubble but taxpayers fund it.
at least you got some back by watching it.. ;)
- by mike on November 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM
Fitz - What on earth was that all about? Do you walk around the street muttering this stuff to yourself also?
Anyhow - biggest loser. I was a fan the first time around but am baffled as to how it gets away with its severe lack of content. They drag out the weigh-in and elimination to being more than half the show. Those weigh-ins could be over with in a matter of minutes.
- by Dr DK on November 21, 2006 at 10:04 AM
if the abc is meant to be impartial then why axe the glass house? that isnt impartial that is sukking up!
- by ajm on November 21, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Given that a Licence fee is another form of tax I say we shouldn't have one - and if I were paying one I would expect something better or more entertaining than the current ABC with it's grand total of one half hour of entertainment (The Chaser) per week.
I find it funny that most of the time I happen to flick past the ABC I happen to see commercials anyway for their retail outlets. Hmmm doesn't sound like much of a commercial operation to me...
- by jimmy james on November 21, 2006 at 10:12 AM
G'day TM,
Any word on how Stupid Stupid Man went on TV1 last Tuesday night at 9:30pm?
I hope that us Aussies support good Australian comedy. It's good to see pay tv taking risks that Commercial FTA won't.
Tribal Mind replies: I answered this already in the report about new shows on Ten and Seven (go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind to see that), but here goes again: SSM does not appear in the top 100 shows on Pay TV last week, so presumably it got less than 40,000 viewers.
- by Martin Lester on November 21, 2006 at 10:20 AM
Now I see Ten has the NYE fireworks for the next 3 years, how will Richard Wilkins and all the other Nine personalities cope, now that they will not be attending the parties for Nine?
That is a coup for Ten - my only fear is they will have either Gretel or Mike Goldman or the Oz Idols dills hosting, or worse Kyle Sandilands.
- by Cathy on November 21, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Pay TV may only get 120,000 people to watch it's top rating show but at least it's shows run on time. If a show is scheduled to start at 8.30pm, it starts at 8.30 pm, not 8.40, not 8.45 or worse. FTA should take a leaf out of it's book. And while i'm ranting, please leave the credits ad free at the end of movies and shows, instead of squashing them up with promos.
- by Rob Brollo on November 21, 2006 at 10:31 AM
Just curious - pay tv shows may have lower figures for individual shows, but there are more channels than FTA. Do the pay TV channels publish data on how many people are watching all shows on pay TV at a given time, so that can be compared to how many people are watching all shows on FTA?
Tribal Mind replies: Pay TV doesn't publish anything useful. Next week's column will examine average audiences for all the main fta and pay stations.
- by nick on November 21, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Hi TM do you know if ten have announced there summer line up?Is American Idol apart of it?
thanks
- by matt harrison on November 21, 2006 at 11:36 AM
David: how well did The West Wing rate last night? I enjoyed the first two new episodes on ABC, with a big cliffhnanger at the end.
My prediction for Dog of the week: Channel 9's new Cricket Show, premiering tonight.
Tribal Mind replies: I knew somebody would ask about WW, so I put that information in the column (just after the ratings chart for Monday.
- by Evan on November 21, 2006 at 11:39 AM
And while i'm ranting, please leave the credits ad free at the end of movies and shows, instead of squashing them up with promos.
Posted by: Rob Brollo at November 21, 2006 10:31 AM
Well said sir!
I'm fed up with the practice of destroying the end mood of movies, tv series etc. Some of us are genuinely interested in finding out who did what and listening to the music etc.
And don't spin us the line that the networks need the time to tell us what's coming up.
We all know how to read TV guides and we get enough station promos during programmes to GET it.
NYE fireworks would be at their dire death hosted by Shane Bourne.
And here's a hint for the camera operators and vision switchers when shooting fireworks. If you zoom in on a firework display with NO context as to where it is and only display fireworks against the backdrop of sky, you might as well shoot a sparkler.
Nine has wrecked it year in, year out with bizarrely framed shots that hold no value to the viewer at home.
- by david @ wahroonga on November 21, 2006 at 11:53 AM
I was just wondering how Pay TV report the ratings for a show when it screens more than once in a week? Stupid, Stupid Man screens Tue 9.30pm and then repeated Thu 9.30pm and Sunday 6.30pm. So would they report that as three separate ratings figures or report it as total viewers, for that show, for the week?
Tribal Mind replies: The Pay TV stations do not reveal their ratings, presumably because the audience figures are so low. We wicked media people have to get them from secret sources. The OzTAM figure for a Pay program is the showing during the week that attracted the biggest audience. If Pay stations think a more accurate indication would be obtained by adding together all the various showings, they should put out ratings charts of their own.
- by J Bar on November 21, 2006 at 12:21 PM
I am glad Stupid Man is rating so badly. What did they expect? The very audience they are trying to attract are the ones they are taking the piss out of. We get enough TV commercials citing men as dim witted. This show, which I have only seen once, is badly written, patronising and boring.
- by Dr DK on November 21, 2006 at 12:44 PM
I would just like to say thanks to TM and all the bloggers for there comments. In this instance in regards to the West Wing I didn't relise it was back on so thanks I will save it in my programme planner righ now.
- by shelly on November 21, 2006 at 01:14 PM
Ahem to that...it is a complete insult to squish the end credits so small it is impossible to read them...while advertising for the 1000th time the following TV show. Maybe they forget without all those people listed they'd no have show to screen in the first place. I always expect sometime soon we'll have promos on the screen for the entire show...like the news flash line that scrolls along thru Sunrise and Today..eck.
- by Lisa on November 21, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Very sad to see that The West Wing didn't rate its little socks off last night. Surely there was no competition? Oh well.
Quoth david @ wahroonga at November 21, 2006 11:53 AM: "Nine has wrecked it year in, year out with bizarrely framed shots that hold no value to the viewer at home."
Hear, hear! They also seem to change cameras at random, so you can hear the fireworks, but the view we're getting is of black sky.
Honestly, it can't be that difficult. (There was someone on that ABC 50 years retrospective the other night saying that they learnt to film birds flying by having to film cricket and follow the cricket ball, no matter where it went. Note to Channel Nine: if ABC cameramen can follow birds in flight, why is it so difficult to film fireworks, which are pretty much stationary. Sparkly, but stationary.)
- by tqd on November 21, 2006 at 01:55 PM
Hey TM, you wrote that your column next week will discuss average audiences. I'd be interested if you wrote about how well (or not so) ABC2 (digital) performs. I particularly enjoy most of their concert footage. In the last few weeks they've shown REM, The Pixies, Midnight Oil circa 1982 recorded live in concert. And I also enjoy watching the new clips shown on Rage on a Sunday morning on ABC2.
(Disclosure: Yes, I am a taxpayer).
Tribal Mind replies: Sorry, I don't get figures for ABC 2 because they are miniscule.
- by Sacs on November 21, 2006 at 02:42 PM
Lisa said - "I always expect sometime soon we'll have promos on the screen for the entire show...like the news flash line that scrolls along thru Sunrise and Today..eck"
Lisa - dont knock the banner - the content in this banner is sometimes far superior than the content of either the today program or sunrise.
- by Geoff on November 21, 2006 at 03:22 PM
Is anyone aware how "Stand-Off" rates. Not the best show going around, but it's better than a lot of droibble shown elsewhere.
Interesting to note that Criminal Minds, which started off slowly, is moving up the ratings. Pity it ends tomorrow night for the year but it looks like a solid fan base has been developed for next year.
"anyone" replies:: 864,000.
- by Steve Carroll on November 21, 2006 at 03:44 PM
TM, I don't know if you can confirm or not, but when stations squash the credits up to advertise or put an advert banner across the bottom of the screen during a show - that these "station adverts" do not count in the limits of the amount of advertising permitted per hour? Meaning, the TV stations don't use up precious advertising revenue time with their own promos but legally squash it into another programme?
Tribal Mind replies: Station promos do not count in advertising time.
- by AlphaVictor on November 21, 2006 at 04:05 PM
What a year went up by over 200,000 last night...how did the biggest loser rate last night??
Tribal Mind replies: 627,000
- by MEMEME on November 21, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Are you sure you're not being a tad too sensitive there Dr DK about Stupid, Stupid Man. I'm in that group that's being targetted and I reckon it's a brilliant show. What's wrong with a good piss-take anyway? I think it's very well written and cleverly plotted out. It is Shakespeare compared to some the rubbish comedy that the commercial networks have wheeled out lately like Comedy Inc, the Wedge and Ronnie Johns. If only the commercial networks were brave enough to show some decent comedy writing like SSM. At least Ch 10 is trying. They should be commended for commissioning a second series of the new drama 'Tripping Over'.
Also, just because the Stupid, Stupid Man rated below 40,000, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a flop on Foxtel. Having a look at the past pay tv ratings figures, apart from sport, very few shows on Foxtel ever get over 50,000. With SSM, the same episode will screen three times, so the total audience could end up being much higher. If it gets another run in the future, it will reach more viewers again.
Anyway, I wish them well because we need more Aussie shows on screen. Then we can pick and choose from a variety of Aussie stuff rather than just put up with all the overseas stuff.
- by J Bar on November 21, 2006 at 04:31 PM
Last weeks episode of Stupid Man was one of the funniest Oz comedies I have seen and hope that it gets an audience. Rarely do you find a comedy that makes you physically laugh out loud. It may be about men being stupid but if you cant laugh at yourself you will turn out to be rather sad like DR DK
- by Craigs on November 21, 2006 at 04:34 PM
I love the homely surprises and sincerity that the ABC delivers again and again...
Spics and Specs
Australian Story
An Australian Story episode about Gemma Sisia's school in Tanzania changed my life. I've become a dedicated supporter of the school, through donations and this blog...
http://schoolstjude.blogspot.com/
It's not the numbers who watch, it's the quality of the watching!
- by Gillian on November 21, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Posted by: steve at November 20, 2006 10:59 PM
Best you go back to the shite broadcash on channels 7, 9 and 10...
- by Marie on November 21, 2006 at 04:52 PM
The West Wing's 608,000 is a pretty respectable figure, considering it used to be getting around 400,000. It's only beaten that figure once and that was its last season finale at 615,000.
- by Samuel123 on November 21, 2006 at 06:10 PM
can't wait to see 'Stupid Stupid Man' tonight.
About time a decent Australian comedy was on tv. Huge potential.
- by adam on November 21, 2006 at 07:18 PM
'You are either "young and ignorant" or just ignorant.
Everything that works as a business in this country is subsidised by GPAY tax earners.
Go back to your "pay tv" and do a google search.'
Posted by: TonyGrant at November 21, 2006 09:43 AM
No you're right...
I am young and ignorant...are you jealous? It certainly seems like it since a great deal of animosity seemed to permeate from your reply.
But thanks to everyone who just wanted to keep me informed. I do appreciate it. Now the reason why i have a problem in knowing that taxpayers fund it is because i believe it has potential...and has already shown that with Kath and Kim. So why not focus alot of Aussie home grown talent..put it on the ABC so the government (although we are the government) start making money FROM it instead of pouring money INTO it (before anyone says it..DVD sales...yea right).
'Best you go back to the shite broadcash on channels 7, 9 and 10...'
Posted by: Marie
Thanks for the suggestion Marie but i had already made that decision without you!
End of rant
- by steve on November 21, 2006 at 10:49 PM
Steve, what do you mean by 'put it on the ABC so the government starts making money from it...before anyone says it, DVD sales, yeah right!'
?
The only way the ABC can make money is from sales of its programmes.
True, it does mean that the more aussie shows there are, the more sales there can be, however programmes cost a LOT more to make, than to buy. Look at the commercial channels - they have massive amounts of money, and still their schedules are over-flowing with American pap.
- by andy on November 22, 2006 at 08:10 AM
Those missing ABC viewers are still watching, but they are watching via pay TV. This whole issue shows how meaningless ratings are. Unlike the other free-to-air channels the ABC is shown on pay TV and so ratings for its programs are wildly inaccurate.
I'd watch more ABC (on Austar, naturally)if they ditched some of the dead wood like The Bill, The Chaser, all those incredibly boring nature shows they insist on showing at 7.30 on Sunday evening and continual rehashes of the lives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
The West Wing probably creamed the opposition on Monday night but because the ratings system is so flawed it just didn't register.
Listing the 'most watched' pay TV programs is also pointless. Trying to rate who is watching what on, say, Monday night at 8.30 is a useless exercise. Pay TV programs are repeated over and over and viewers might well opt to watch a repeat later in the evening rather than the original shown at a ratings time. Contrary to popular belief we don't all get pay TV for sport. Like thousands of others I signed up to get away from sport. Austar, due to popular demand, is now offering a no-sport option for its basic package and that has been well received.
- by margaret on November 22, 2006 at 08:56 AM
'Stupid Stupid Man' is brilliant. I think it will become a cult classic. If you like 'Frontline' and 'The Office' then you should love 'Stupid, Stupid Man'.
- by J Bar on November 22, 2006 at 09:29 AM
how did The O.C do last night???
it was a fab epi! i hope it pulled in some ratings!
Tribal Mind replies: Not many -- see the column, above
- by Shez on November 22, 2006 at 10:28 AM
Lisa - dont knock the banner - the content in this banner is sometimes far superior than the content of either the today program or sunrise.
Posted by: Geoff at November 21
Geoff, I wasn't knocking the banner at all. I was simply refering to the overkill of the promo during end-credits, and that I would hate to see a future where promos are displayed in a news banner format constantly throughout normal TV shows. That is NOT a put-down of them being used throughout a news-type program like Sunrise because I agree. They are normally more informative that the actual program itself.
- by Lisa on November 22, 2006 at 10:42 AM
The American website Crooks and Liars are running a competition to re-cast the West Wing in a less serious manner e.g. Paris Hilton as CJ. I wanted to suggest Matthew Newton as the press secretary (he could bluff his way out of anything), Betty from Hey Dad as the President's Secretary and Scott Cam as speech writer but they would not know who I was talking about. Might have helped the ratings though.
- by Cat on November 22, 2006 at 10:58 AM
hi TM would you have the ratings for the oc last night?
- by matt reilly on November 22, 2006 at 11:03 AM
That's right Craigs. I am sure you can find plenty about yourself to laugh at. You may identify yourself as a stupid, stupid man, but it seems only about 30,000 or less viewers do as well. Probably, coincidentally the same number as the circulation figures for Zoo weekly.
- by Dr DK on November 22, 2006 at 11:12 AM
J Bar, I take your point and agree that Aussie comedy should be encouraged (except the Wedge which should be disparaged). My problem with the show is they have taken the easy target. Stupid white males. Can't offend anyone there as even the stupid white males know how to take a joke. I like Ronnie Johns as they push the boundaries. Hell, they even found a way to make fun of blind people and starving Africans. Try getting a show called 'Stupid Stupid woman' out there and see what happens. Anyhow, I have to take issue with the favourable comparison to Frontline and The Office. Not in my stupid opinion.
- by Dr DK on November 22, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Hi TM im a bit confused about next tuesday night on ten.At the end of the oc it said its on next week while the tv guide says its not on but rove live runs from 8:30-10:30 instead but on the 10 website it says rove is not on but the oc runs from 8:30-11:30 could you shine some light on the situation?
thanks
Tribal Mind replies:I'd be going with The OC. But Ten will no doubt tell us quickly.
- by Matt Harrison on November 22, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Anyone know why A Current Affair was the most watched program in Melbourne last night (with an extraordinary audience of 546,000), relegating All Saints and Dancing with the Stars to 2nd and 3rd respectively?
- by johnson on November 22, 2006 at 12:08 PM
TM, what did "Geldof in Africa" (Tuesday 8pm ABC) rate? Last night's episode was one of the most disturbing pieces of TV I've seen in a long time.
Tribal Mind replies: 585,000.
- by Fats on November 22, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Matt,
Given that his wife just died do you really think Rove is in the mood to do his show? This would have been in the original schedule and Ten needs to fill the tmeslot with something else.
- by Wake up, Matt on November 22, 2006 at 12:49 PM
Any idea how Ashes to Ashes rated last night ?
- by Drew on November 22, 2006 at 01:07 PM
Fantastic ratings for "Crossing Jordan" plus a great episode too! I think Channel 7 should take better care of CJ because it is a reliable series for them.
TM, I know you sick of hearing this BUT Channel 9 have been promoting "Weeds". Is there any chance of "Nip/Tuck" being apart of the line-up this summer?
- by Signor Nick on November 22, 2006 at 01:37 PM
I reckon Nine has bribed those who have the tv boxes, i mean come on, 546,000 in Melbourne last nite, that is outrageous. Good to see All Saints doing good numbers for its season finale!
- by Reid on November 22, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Shame the OC did so badly as it was the best ep of the show in a long time. 100,000 viewers have dropped off since the first ep
* Matt Harrison at November 22, 2006 11:30 AM
The TV guide on city search has the OC at 8.30 followed by another comedy festival show at 9.30 until 11.30. My guess is this has just been accidentally left out of the guide on channel 10 when they removed Rove from the program after he cancelled his show for the rest of the year
- by krissyg on November 22, 2006 at 01:58 PM
*Fats at November 22, 2006 12:35 PM re: Geldorf in Africa.
I watched this as well, but I must admit I'm getting a little tired of "Celebrity Africa" programs that on one hand want the "developed" world to help with money but then preach at the very audience it is trying to get on side how terrible it is that Africa is "aid dependent".
On another topic (but still with Aunty), I thought WW was terrific! and am so pleased we have some quality TV to watch at least once per week during the silly season.
TM, I know that The Panel will probably be doing their Christmas show, but was there any reason that the regular Panel show was not on this year? Is it going to be back in the New Year?
- by AJ on November 22, 2006 at 02:12 PM
'All Saints' had a brilliant cliffhanger for its season finale and deserved the big ratings. However, I really think the impact of the shocking ending was ruined by the loud Ch 7 promo for 'Prime Suspect' that followed, while the credits rolled at the bottom of the screen. Then they jumped straight into 'Crossing Jording'. I realise that they're trying to get maximum exposure for Prime Suspect and not lose the audience for 'Crossing Jordan', but at what expense? They ruined the explosive moment at the end of 'All Saints' that could have left a bigger impression on viewers and ensured that the return episode of the new series would be compulsive viewing.
- by J Bar on November 22, 2006 at 02:47 PM
I've been a fan of DWTS, but this season is plain boring, the contestans just don't appeal to me. Besides I've had enough of Todd.
- by Peachy on November 22, 2006 at 03:19 PM
Well, I'm glad to be informed that The West Wing's ratings were actually rather good. (I still think they should have been better however.)
And, does anyone know if Stupid Stupid Man is getting a gig on FTA? (For those of us who don't have pay TV.)
Quoth J Bar at November 21, 2006 04:31 PM: "At least Ch 10 is trying. They should be commended for commissioning a second series of the new drama 'Tripping Over'."
Good to hear there will be a second season! I'm looking forward to tonight's episode, I'm getting quite hooked.
But don't forget that the ABC also creates Australian drama (even if we didn't much care for Stepfather of the Bride, they also deserve kudos for creating local product).
- by tqd on November 22, 2006 at 03:31 PM
RE: "Last night's episode was one of the most disturbing pieces of TV I've seen in a long time."
Really ... ? Was he that self-righteous?
PS: IMO the cultural significance of SBS's 'Pizza' is incredibly underated
- by canoli on November 22, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Evan - good call on dog of the week: Ashes To Ashes on NINE 461,000.
- by paora on November 22, 2006 at 03:40 PM
matt harrison - American Idol Starts Sat 9th Dec 6.30pm
- by paora on November 22, 2006 at 03:45 PM
Please dont use those Oztam ratings to say how many are watching a show. They are inaccurate.There have been enough postings pointing out the inconsistencies.A poll which does not cover country areas or clubs or hospitals etc etc is flawed.I think 15% of viewers,maybe more are watching FTA on Foxtel?
- by danny on November 22, 2006 at 03:53 PM
Nick - Nip/Tuck is in the Ch9 summer lineup.
Rove Live is finished for the year. Statement was issued by Ch10 the day his wife passed away.
- by cronk on November 22, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Regarding the Rove Live issue, there were plans for Peter Helliar to host a two-hour end-of-year wrap up (highlights of the year) on November 28.
However, news came through today, it has been pulled in favour of a double episode of The O.C. Understandably, there will be no Rove Live (hosted by Rove or Pete) until at least March or April next year.
- by Samuel Capelin on November 22, 2006 at 05:27 PM
Ashes to ashes was shocking. After the first 10 minutes i switched off when there was 3 poms and 2 aussies....Come on we are in Australia and besides in every show they are buliding up the ashes it is very repetitive, i mean we all know it is on. If only channel 7 or 10 had it
- by Nic on November 22, 2006 at 05:27 PM
Whoops. I didn't mean a double OC on the 28th - it will be a The OC and a Just For Laughs special.
- by Samuel123 on November 22, 2006 at 05:35 PM
Really ... ? Was he that self-righteous?
Posted by: canoli at November 22, 2006 03:31 PM
No, but the small boy talking of his experience whilst kidnapped by the so-called "Lord's Resistance Army" - being forced at gunpoint to kill another kidnapped child, crack his skull open and wash his hands with the dead child's brains - was pretty disturbing.
- by Fats on November 22, 2006 at 05:45 PM
Hi i hae pay and watch 2 and SBS on pay,also have the recorder box as well taping the wire and conviction plus the show Thief,I hae it for winter when 9 in Perth show my code a 1 am better watch it on pay live.
Have not watched commerical FTA for quite a while,one reason is I object to being treated like a 5 yr old, most if not all commerical TV is mindless rubbish.
Someone was asking about the funding of the ABC you should be watching the Howard Govt huge handout to the cosseted FTA,with the changes to the media laws
- by John Ryan on November 22, 2006 at 06:54 PM
hey Tribal Mind, any idea what 9 plans to screen at midday when Dr Phil goes to ten?
Anyone know when 9 is going to launch their plans for 07?
Is there any truth in the young and the restless (a cbs show) going to ten at 3:30pm? or was that just a recommendation i read on another page.
Ten should screen letterman at 11am and get rid of their boring one hour news which is nothing but a cheap hour cause its recycled from their 6am news.
Thanks.
Tribal Mind replies: I asked Nine for information on next year's programming, to go with our reports on Ten, Seven and the ABC (to read them, go to www.smh.com.au/tribalmind). So far all Nine has sent is a release about two new game show formats it has bought. As soon as Nine sends me anything, you'll be the first to know. Meanwhile, other readers might have inside info.
- by david on November 22, 2006 at 07:57 PM
Posted by: andy at November 22, 2006 08:10 AM
True..there is too much American Pap on the other channels which is why many Aussie spin offs shows are so popular (Australian BB, Australian IDOL, Australian DWTS)
So i say the ABC should keep with the theme of having programs which appeal to Australians which is why as i said Kath and Kim is so popular as with Spicks and Specks, Glass house ect.
Also when you said that it's cheaper to buy programs than make our own..i have no problem with that. The ABC are somewhat successful in that regard by having The Bill and Blue Murder...but they can do better...and make money from it as the other networks do.
Oh and for the people who will say that it's better not to have commercials, well, obviously it's not since on most days of the week, ABC programs fail to reach into the top 15!
So obviously alot of us don't mind getting up to go to the toilet every once in a while.
Lastly, what i meant by the DVD sales remark was, sure the ABC does make money from those sales BUT surely those sales wouldn't be very high since the actual show itself isn't that popular, which a majority of ABC shows aren't
All i'm saying is it has potential to be a big money maker for the country which of course would benifit us all.
Thankyou
- by steve on November 22, 2006 at 08:37 PM
TM, Is there a way to tell what the total audience is after 10.30pm? Is it a lot less than the audience between 6pm and 10.30pm?
I always think it's amazing that some nights when Ch 9 fails to have many shows in the top 10, it still manages to win the night. They must be skewing the percentages with what they show late night. I've often thought that prime time should be reclassified to the hours that are actually prime viewing and it looks like Ch 7 now agrees.
- by J Bar on November 23, 2006 at 09:53 AM
Looks like Grant Denyer is leaving Sunrise.
- by cronk on November 23, 2006 at 11:56 AM
It appears only ch 7 personalities win DWTS.Does Kouta have a current contract with seven or a contract in 2007 since 7 has the AFL?
- by Dazza on November 23, 2006 at 12:41 PM
I pity the poor fools who are going to watch more game shows on channel 9 in 07, now that the other channels appear to be building up their content.If 9 thinks more gameshows(on top of Bert's family feud and temptation)are going to bring back the viewers, it's time to change management there.
- by Geoff on November 23, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Looks like Grant Denyer is leaving Sunrise.
* Posted by: cronk at November 23, 2006 11:56 AM
Wasn't Denyer going to head up the V8 coverage on Seven? That might be the reason why he was leaving Sunrise.
And also strange that Matt White could be returning to Ten to host Sports Tonight when you'd think he would certainly be part of the V8's coverage as well.
- by Martin Lester on November 23, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Ten should screen letterman at 11am and get rid of their boring one hour news which is nothing but a cheap hour cause its recycled from their 6am news.
Thanks.
* Posted by: david at November 22, 2006 07:57 PM
No no! Keep it on late at night. At least it's half an hour less of Hot Dogs.
And is it me or did the Channel Seven Up Late Game Show rip-off get pulled off the air quickly.
TM, How long did it last and do you know if there was any official reason why it was axed?
- by Martin Lester on November 23, 2006 at 12:52 PM
RE: Fats - " ... being forced at gunpoint to kill another kidnapped child, crack his skull open and wash his hands with the dead child's brains - was pretty disturbing."
Seen it .... sad thing is it sounds like every second report about Africa.
- by canoli on November 23, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Looks like Grant Denyer is leaving Sunrise.
Posted by: cronk at November 23, 2006 11:56 AM
And I left Sunrise a long time ago last year. Never returning either.
Not with Mel and Kochie and their TV horror.
But it would be nice if the Today show alternative could let Steve Jacobs go - as well as Richard Wilkins.
Mr. Jacobs has added nought to the show.
- by david @ wahroonga on November 23, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Oldest trick in the book Ch7 - change the goalposts and declare yourself the winner. What 19 year old marketing exec came up with doozy?
- by AlphaVictor on November 23, 2006 at 01:17 PM
So 'Ashes to Ashes' got viewed by a massive 450,000 people ............NATIONALLY.
I think we have a new Gold medal winner for the worst show on Oz Tv for 2006.
Overtaking the World Cup Footy Spec'crap'ular.
Atleast with the WCfooty show u can forgive C9 - a non Football Channel. to produce such bad tv.
But as far as I know C9 have been a cricket station for 30 years. So whats their excuse for the rubbish on Tuesday Night.
- by Zenden on November 23, 2006 at 03:52 PM
how did tripping over go??
Sad to see it didn't rate very well
Tribal Mind replies: 708,000. Seems unlikely Ten will fund it for a second season.
- by NICK on November 23, 2006 at 04:59 PM
This may be a stupid question, but does this blog keep on going with all the rating numbers and stuff during the off season?
Tribal Mind replies: A reasonable question. Answer: Sort of. The blog editor, who does it for love not money, goes on leave for eight weeks on Dec 18, and I suspect Fairfax won't pay anyone while I'm away. But lets see how it turns out.
- by Marilyn on November 23, 2006 at 05:37 PM
It was reported in SMH and The Age today (and later confirmed) that Seven and Ten will show all eight AFL matches per week for the next five seasons, after talks with Foxtel broke down. It means that the two networks will show footy at the same time on Saturdays and Sundays (similar to the NFL in America where a dozen matches are shown on CBS and Fox at the same time). It also raises many questions such as:
1. how will Seven arrange V8 Supercars and domestic rugby tests around its AFL coverage?
2. How will people living in NSW and Queensland watch AFL games? It has been reported in recent weeks that Seven and Ten are considering using Channel 31 community channels in Sydney and Brisbane to show AFL matches on Friday nights or even Sunday afternoons (and the AFL is not happy about it).
3. How will the clashing matches affect the ratings and advertising revenue?
- by johnson on November 23, 2006 at 05:58 PM
While i personally think the game of AFL sucks. I believe the answer to the problem of how 7 and 10 get themselves out of the potential rating disaster is staring them in the face.
Digital TV has about three channels allocated to 7 and 10. Why don't they simply put the matches they don't won't to show as normal viewing on these channels and show their normal programs on their main channel. I know it would mean our Federal Government would have to pull its collective head out of the ground on this issue. But currently the whole digital TV situation is a joke and waste with all these channels going to waste.
The same would apply to 9 with the cricket and its constantly annoying habit of cutting off the final overs for the news etc. Simply put the Cricket on the other spare channel and then put the news on delay after 6.00pm. The same would apply to the NRL and the union in the states like Victoria, SA and WA.
But i suppose this is just to simple a solution. This would mean all viewers would win and the FTA Channels would look like they actually cared about the viewers for once. I know bloggers stop laughing about that last comment.
- by Garry S on November 23, 2006 at 08:24 PM
Sorry, Steve.
But if the choice was between an ABC with tonnes of money and ads, or the current model - I would MUCH prefer the current.
Ads are a horrible intrusion into a programme, which is why I don't watch commercial tv.
The ABC can use its lack of ads as an asset and drawcard.
Oh, and it is a complete mistake to say that 'most ABC shows are not popular'
many ABC shows are very popular - in fact some nights the ABC has the most watched show.
Besides...since when was 'popular' equated with 'good'???
- by andy on November 23, 2006 at 09:12 PM
were did 200,000 border security viewers go this week?
any suggestions as to why its ratings fell by that amount?
- by a on November 23, 2006 at 09:23 PM
Jericho is the best show out. Well done to ch10 for keeping it up even though ratings wern't increasing.
- by JB on November 23, 2006 at 10:15 PM
Hi TM
Do you know what h
Surprising. "You Think You Can Dance" might actually work for Ch10, especially on the back of Idol, as you mentioned TM.