Airdate: High School Musical 2

Lock up your children, High School Musical 2 is about to round out the ratings year for the Seven Network.

After blitzing the ratings on subscription TV, the mega-musical will air at 6:30pm on Saturday Dec 1 - the last day of the 2007 ratings year.

The sequel to the phenomenal Disney hit stars teeny superstar Zac Effron and the mostly-clothed Vanessa Hudgens, who admitted to some "privately taken" (is there any other way?) naked photos earlier in her career.

When it screened in September the movie rocketed to a whopping 185,000 viewers, more than the premiere audience for The King. If it follows the same trend on Free to Air (and it will), it will be the final ratings triumph on Seven's last ratings night.

The original HSM will also be repeated earlier that day at 9am.

HSM2 will compete with a Shrek special on Nine Shrek The Halls and the final of Funniest Home Videos.

The record-breaking movie hit, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens - premieres on Seven. School's out and East High School hoops star Troy Bolton, A-student Gabriella Montez and the rest of the Wildcats are getting ready for a fun summer vacation. But that all changes when scheming drama queen Sharpay Evans uses her dad's connections to get Troy a job at their ritzy country club – and a chance at a college basketball scholarship. The catch? He'll have to turn his back on his friends and pair up with Sharpay in a musical extravaganza for the club's annual talent show. But when Gabriella and the Wildcats starting making plans without Troy, he must decide where his loyalties truly lie.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 stars Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella Montez, Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans, Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans, Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth, Monique Coleman as Taylor McKessie, Olesya Rulin as Kelsi, Chris Warren, Jr. as Zeke, KayCee Stroh as Martha Cox, Ryne Sanborn as Jason Cross, Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus, Bart Johnson as Coach Bolton and Mark L. Taylor as Mr. Fulton. Read more...

First Review: Dexter

December 2 is the first day of TV’s silly season, so I’m getting in nice and early –which is just as well because you will need to install Pay TV to enjoy the pleasures of Dexter, a gloriously twisted, serial-killer drama launching on Foxtel’s newest channel, Showcase.

And the pleasures are many, beginning with Michael C. Hall.

You probably remember him as Six Feet Under’s “David”, one half of the show’s gay couple. If you thought he was fragile after that freaky car-jacking in Season 4, you won’t recognise him here.

Showtime’s Dexter is based on the crime novel series “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” by Jeff Lindsay. Our anti-hero is a forensics blood-spatter expert for the Miami Police. And he’s also a serial killer. Yep, he’s the homicidal equivalent of a fire-bug under the very noses of a fire brigade. But Lindsay has Dexter target Miami’s murderers. He unleashes gory killing sprees as a way of balancing society’s dis-order, taking out the tropical trash in Florida, America’s southernmost refuse.

Hall is supreme in this most delicious of roles.

Everything is underplayed, only allowing a fleeting crack to chip in Dexter’s porcelain personality. Dexter is a loner, but an intelligent, charming, even sexy one. Wicked voice-over thoughts like, “Another beautiful Miami day, mutilated corpses with a chance of afternoon showers,” add to the show’s blood red DNA.

Despite an intellectual career, Dexter is resolutely shy, unable to forge a mature relationship. “When it comes to the actual act of sex, it's always just seemed so undignified,” he observes. He befriends Rita, a recovering rape victim, because “she is as damaged as me.”

But it’s the tone of Dexter that makes this startling television. It teeters between malice and flippancy. Dexter thinks little of answering a call in the middle of carving up his latest victim. “Hi honey, I’m just in the middle of a project.” SLICCCCCCE.

There have been too many American vigilante flicks where justice without morality is seemingly validated (The Brave One, anyone?) but Dexter has the luxury of time to delve deeper in order that we understand and empathise with the character. Like Hannibal Lecter we are mesmerised by what makes him tick.

Fittingly, the show has critical buzz. Smart, sexy, salacious, it deserves every accolade. Spend your summer with Dexter. He’s just dying to meet you.

Dexter premieres 8:30pm Thursday December 6 on Showcase. Read more...

TT vs Chaser round 3

This reprinted photo is one of two photographs that Seven appears to have removed from its brand new Sunrise website that used to be hosted here.

The new-look site has promised to "set the standard" by updating everyday, but updating seems to include deleting too.

UPDATE: Google cache

This evening Today Tonight managed to milk a full fifteen uninterrupted minutes out of an opportune Chaser blunder.

TT's version claimed the Chaser boys trespassed on Seven property -a claim Seven's vision seems to uphold. They did however neglect to mention the ABC's position that Anna Coren graciously participated in a sketch about current affairs re-enactments.

It was this footage that Seven sought the injunction over. So if you're going to the trouble of getting the injunction, shouldn't you concede there was more to the story than the trespass?

Bryan Seymour, with a nose for a good story, quickly pounced on the moment and started firing off questions about trespassing. He knew this was a moment to seize and he was right.

And like a good journo he turned it round to make it look like the Chaser boys were in the wrong. It's hard not to agree with him on that point. But it's also hard not to agree with Chas Licciardello that the furore is bigger than the stunt itself. Licciardello can't have it both ways. It's a bit rich to continually execute stunts and then when they backfire to argue everyone is over-reacting.

But while real issues in the lead-up to an election barely make the grade on current affairs programs, Seven milked this for all its worth. But who can blame them?

Just the mention of the word Chaser is likely to add another 100,000 to their nightly ratings and they weren't going to let this opportunity go by.

How Anna Coren, who has reportedly been along to Chaser parties, could scold the ABC team in her introduction without letting the audience know whether she had complied with the ABC boys is beyond this author. All she admitted to was that they hadn't been 'invited." That's selective semantics, surely?

There's no doubt the naughty Chaser boys were doing what they always do, ambush tactics, which ummm, to the best of my memory is a hallmark of current affairs journalism too.

All we need now is for the Chaser to show us footage of Seymour with similar foot-in-door journalism, followed by both shows getting #1 and #2 positions in the nightly ratings and then we can all get some sleep.

UPDATE: The Chaser's inclusion of this incident in their Wed show was low key, belated and lasted for about 3 minutes which is the sum total of its worth. Chas and Andrew "re-enacted" the TT invasion, parodying themselves and the Seven staff.


Of course Seymour and the Chaser boys have a history of rivalry as the adults-only clip illustrates below. Can we say Payback?
Read more...

When wireless was wireless

A "who's who" of Melbourne radio gathered today for the launch of Thanks for Listening: A History of Australian Radio.

Household names like Derryn Hinch, John Blackman, Barry Bissell, Phillip Brady, Bruce Mansfield, Bud Tingwell and Red Symons joined with other colleagues from 3AW, MMM, MIX and GOLD to help launch what is shaping up to be the most comprehensive look at the medium of radio in this country.

Foxtel is conducting launches of the 5 part series right around the country, with Sydney's big day due tomorrow.

The History Channel has a good track record of locally-produced documentaries and this one by producer Graham McNeice looks like being no exception.

McNeice, who has produced the successful Crime Investigation Australia series, has criss-crossed the country to talk to more than 100 radio figures.

The series looks at serials, news, talkback, music and FM radio.



The History Channel will air the highly anticipated, locally-produced FOXTEL series THANKS FOR LISTENING - The History of Australian Radio on Sunday, November 18 at 7:30pm AEDST.

Hosted by Mike Hammond, the five part series will feature interviews with more than 100 of Australia’s biggest radio names – past and present.

Produced by Graham McNeice Productions (Crime Investigation Australia), the one-hour episodes include a multitude of great Australian radio moments and in-depth interviews that will examine the impact radio has had on the lives of everyday Australians since its introduction in the 1920’s.

A first for Australian television, the must-watch new series covers all aspects of Australian radio.

Some of the countries best-loved voices take viewers on a nostalgic journey from the days of radio plays and comedies to the vast array of radio stars now heard every day all around the country.

EPISODE ONE - Theatre of the Mind – This episode examines how radio takes hold of our imagination, how it transports us to other places and times, and opens up new worlds of music and entertainment, creating powerful pictures in our minds.

EPISODE TWO - We’re on the Air – How does it work? How did radio in Australia begin? These questions are answered, and we look at the emergence of radio networks, commercials and the important role of women throughout the history of Australian radio.

EPISODE THREE - Music, Music, Music – We all remember hearing our favourite songs for the first time on the radio. In this episode we showcase the effect of music on the Australian radio industry as well as the emergence and power of breakfast radio.

EPISODE FOUR - You Say You Want a Revolution – A look at the almighty talkback genre, as well as the introduction of the FM band and a new generation of FM radio stars.

EPISODE FIVE - Here’s What’s Happening – In radio’s early history, most Australians received their news and sport from the wireless. This episode highlights radio’s role in reporting the biggest news events and happenings from Australia and around the world.

THANKS FOR LISTENING – The History of Australian Radio will premiere on The History Channel on Sunday, November 18 at 7:30pm AEDST. Read more...

Burke back for summer special

Don Burke will be back for one more bite of the cherry when Nine airs Burke's Backyard Summer Living.

It will air at 6:30pm Sunday November 25.

The special follows a Spring special by the gardener in September. It snared an impressive 1.5m viewers, although it was aided by an earlier NRL match.

Nevertheless he managed to beat his former stablemate Jamie Durie on Seven.

We watch with interest to see if Burke can land a permanent slate in Nine's 2008 schedule.

Celebrate the return of the long, hot Aussie summer when Don Burke presents BURKE’S BACKYARD SUMMER LIVING this Sunday, November 25 at 6.30pm on Nine.

Don is back with handy hints on how to create a garden so enticing you’ll feel like you’re on holiday every day of the year, summer and winter. Joining him are Scott Cam, Nigel Ruck, Giaan Rooney and Dr Chris Brown.

Everyone’s favourite handyman, Scott Cam, joins Don on a special makeover to turn a tiny suburban backyard into a holiday at home complete with its own miniature Garden of Eden created with dwarf fruit trees. This is no small feat, so to get the job done the Seven Dwarfs drop in to lend a hand, led by Nigel Ruck.

Don visits what many regard as Australia ’s finest garden, Cruden Farm, near Frankston in Melbourne , and catches up with its spritely 98-year-old owner, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, mother of media baron Rupert, who has cared for the garden for the past 79 years.

Discover how, with a few simple changes, you can create stunning decorative effects with Don’s tips on taking the indoors outdoors when he shows how to light an outside tree with fittings you’d expect to see inside a home.

You can’t buy fresher than straight from the source so Giaan Rooney hits the road to discover the best roadside stalls for fresh flowers, produce, pies, Christmas trees and more.

Scott Cam looks at what products work and what don’t for the age-old summer problem that affects Aussie homes – how to deter nasty mozzies.

And veterinarian Dr Chris looks at one of the hottest new pets around as well as giving advice on how to help wildlife adapt to the city and reducing your pet’s carbon footprint.

Plus the top six all-time best trees for shade and picnicking in summer and Don’s tips on where to get the inspiration you need for your garden – no matter how big or small. Read more...

Producers gather for Gold Coast conference

The Screen Producers Association of Australia is having its annual conference at the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast once again.

Film and TV producers from Australia have gathered to exchange ideas, pitch concepts and listen to keynote speeches that seek to inspire them all (when they're not in the bar or by the pool of course). It's the ultimate industry win-win.

Noni Hazelhurst from City Homicide delivered the Hector Crawford Memorial Speech in which she criticized a "cultural drought" of Aussie film and TV.

"The lunatics are truly in charge of the asylum," she said. "Millions of dollars are poured into making junk palatable.

"Bells and whistles, garish sets, flashy cutting, wobbly cameras ... try to disguise the fact that the emperor's got no clothes."

Hazelhurst argued that commercial values and market forces had replaced creativity and quality, leaving us with a "mish-mash of recycled and watered-down insulting dross."

The former Play School host was particularly vocal about poor children's programming.

"I believe our children's imaginations are dying too, and it scares the hell out of me. They are growing up in the age of terrorism and fatuousness - the images that will be their earliest memories are the images of 9/11 and Britney Spears. And no one's doing anything about it.," she said.

Meanwhile the Executive Director, Geoff Brown, has welcomed Howard's promise of $83m for an ABC children's network but worried that commercial networks would not feel an obligation to continue children's production.

Sources: Herald-Sun, ABC Read more...

Networks announce Electronic Programme Guide

Like a slumbering bear, the commercial Free To Air networks seem to have finally awoken from hibernation to the rapidly expanding digital age and announced an FTA electronic program guide (EPG).

Channels Nine and TEN will be transmitting data by as early as next Monday. Seven will join from January 1st.

Prime and NBN will also join as of Monday, with Southern Cross added one week later.

An EPG is already provided by the ABC, SBS and WIN.

Each network will be providing up to 7 days program data which is expected to be receivable free of charge by any digital set top box, integrated television or personal video recorder (PVR) that has an EPG functionality.

The Nine Network famously took legal action against ICE TV for supplying an EPG which it claimed was a copyright infringement. Nine lost the case.

Press Release:

Commercial Free TV broadcasters announced today that they will all be openly broadcasting program listing information by 1 January 2008, creating Australia's first free electronic program guide (EPG).

Networks Nine and TEN will transmit their program data from Monday, 19 November, and the Seven Network is expected to commence from 1 January 2008.

WIN Television has started providing its 7 day EPG. Prime and NBN will commence on Monday 19 November and Southern Cross on 26 November.

Each network will be providing up to 7 days program data which is expected to be receivable free of charge by any digital set top box, integrated television or personal video recorder (PVR) that has an EPG functionality.

David Leckie, Chairman of FreeTV Australia said: “This is an exciting new initiative for the free-to-air digital platform which will provide a compelling consumer offering that will further drive take-up of free digital television.”

Julie Flynn, the chief executive officer of Free TV Australia added: "This is a great benefit for consumers who will find it easier than ever to plan their Free TV viewing and never miss their favourite shows.

"Just as Free TV networks reach every household in Australia, we want our program data to be out there as well.

"This initiative will also accelerate take-up of free-to-view digital television, which given the rate of adoption, is now certainly in more than 30 per cent of Australian homes."

Today’s announcement builds on Free TV’s announcement earlier this year that broadcasters would be providing EPG data under licence to EPG service providers.

Ms Flynn added that although Free TV networks were agreeing to transmit the data free and unencrypted, broadcasters reserved all their rights with respect to copyright and protection of intellectual property.

Note: The ABC and SBS are already broadcasting EPG data and Free TV will continue to work with them. Read more...

Seven slaps injunction on Chaser

Two incidents, one in Sydney and another in Brisbane, saw the team from The Chaser questioned by police again yesterday.

Chas Licciardello and Andrew Hansen gatecrashed Channel Seven in Sydney yesterday, barging their way into the offices of Today Tonight.

The fracas led to "a feisty debate between Chas Licciardello and a Today Tonight reporter Bryan Seymour."

The boys were recording a segment What Have We Learned From Current Affairs This Week for which Anna Coren cheerily participated. But when the crew was leaving, Seven detained the ABC boys.

“Before we knew it we were being detained, and we were told to hand over the footage, and all kinds of threats being made, said Licciardello. “But thankfully sanity prevailed and we left unharmed with our footage. But since then it seems like the action has continued.”

Seven has since won a court injunction preventing The Chaser from airing the footage, resulting in the comedy show prepping two different versions. “What we've done is that we've recorded two versions, one if we're allowed to show the footage, and if we're not allowed to show the footage,” he said.

According to the new Sunrise website, police were called and the ABC boys are also to be charged with trespass.

Seems a little foot-in-door interview wasn't quite to TT's liking.

Don't be surprised to see both sides milk this for all its worth (not much).

Meanwhile, in Brisbane, three other Chaser crew members were detained by police. Craig Reucassel and two cameramen were held by police for the duration of the Liberals' campaign launch, then released without charge. "We wanted to redecorate the stage a little bit and hopefully warm up the crowd," Reucassel said.

Sources: Sunrise
news.com.au,
Herald Sun
Read more...

TV Bloggers join strike

TV Bloggers (yes my American counterparts) will strike today (Nov 13: USA) in support of the Writer's Strike.

"As fellow writers and as TV fans, we are coming together to express our strong support for the writers and their goals. We believe that when a writer's work makes money for a company, that writer deserves to be paid," they claim.

The following TV Bloggers will be falling silent today in solidarity:

The CineManiac
Daemon’s TV
Ducky Does TV
Gabby Babble
Give Me My Remote
Glowy Box
I am a TV Junkie
The Media Pundit
Mikey Likes TV
Pass the Remote
The Pie Maker
Ramblings of a TV Whore
Seriously? OMG! WTF?
Silly Pipe Dreams
Tapeworthy
Televisionary
TiFaux
Tube Talk
The TV Addict
TV Series Finale
Watch with Intelligence

"After the blackout, we intend to continue our campaign to support the WGA until the dispute has been resolved fairly. Since we will not be posting any new content on the 13th, we encourage our readers to visit United Hollywood instead for frequent updates about the strike."

TV Tonight supports the writers (isn't it obvious from all the coverage?) but not being in the US of A this site can continue to bring rich, wholesome TV news to Aussie readers without crossing any picket lines.

Oi oi oi. Read more...

NZ sponsors pull ads from Californication

It's ended its controversial run in Australia, but Californication has just started in New Zealand. And already it's causing debate in the land of the long white cloud.

Cadbury, Flight Centre, Ferrit, Burger King, CRC and Finish have all asked their ads not be played during the show.

"We were unaware of the explicit nature of the programme," said a Cadbury spokesperson, "which we do not support or endorse in any way. We have since instructed our agency to ensure that no Cadbury advertising takes place before, during or after the programme."

A Flight Centre spokeswoman said the company had asked that, "it doesn't happen again." Asked why, she replied, "Feedback."

The Ministry of Economic Development's Buy NZ Made campaign has withdrawn its advertisements saying, "Our media booking schedule, prepared on 16 October, showed a booking with TV3 for a comedy programme at this time. The ministry has taken steps to ensure that it will not advertise in future during this programme and we have reinforced with our media buying agency our requirement to avoid advertising on programmes of this nature."

Californication has been the target of a campaign by Family First lobbying. TV3 acknowledged it had received "a few dozen phone calls" complaining about the show. Ratings were up by 44,000 viewers in the same timeslot onweekly averages.

Source: Stuff Read more...