Hungry Beast FAIL

What to make of Hungry Beast? It’s pitched right at media geeks so I should love it. Trouble is, it’s mostly cringeworthy stuff. And it got off to a bad start by being totally pwned by Media Watch before the first episode aired.

Hungry Beast is founded on the best of intentions. It’s Andrew Denton’s latest project and aims to give new media talent a chance to shine and “tell us something we don’t know”. All very laudable.

Unfortunately, Hungry Beast consistently demonstrates something I do already know. 90% of media students are smug, arrogant, worthier than thou arsehats.

It’s all here, folks. The balding bloke who insists on having a wacky hairstyle to show how frickin’ crazy he is. The earnest “somewhere in the world right now something bad is happening and you’re too lazy to do anything about it” preaching and worst of all, Dan Ilic - a man who has the self satisfaction gene so deeply embedded in his DNA it fixes a permanent irksome smirk on his face.

Also, how the hell did Marc Fennell get a gig? No disrespect but is he really new talent?!!

There has been one diamond in the rough. Interviews with the families of servicemen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were deeply affecting and are worthy of a documentary in their own right.

If Hungry Beast provides the opportunity for one or two people to launch a successful TV and/or media career, then great. I wish all who sail in her the best of luck. But why should viewers sit through their taxpayer funded audition tapes? If this show was on Channel 31 it’d be OK. But it’s not. It’s on our ABC and it’s simply not good enough to warrant the air time.

Denton admits “I expect it’s going to be quite rough around the edges to start with”. It’s a few weeks into the series and there’s no discernible improvement in quality. Hungry Beast better find its feet if a second season is to be commissioned. Quickly.

Nice ice shady (headline)

Mook has previously ranted about media hypocrisy and double standards regarding the reporting of ABC foreign correspondent Peter Lloyd’s arrest for possession of the drug ‘ice’ in Indonesia.

Mook also has a pretty twisted sense of humour.

But even Mook would hesitate to use this headline…

ABC’s 7.30 Report needs to go back to skool

Tsk, tsk. Standards nowadays…

Last night’s 7.30 Report featured a report by the always (genuinely) excellent Michael Brissenden about the stoush over non-government school funding and a proposed national curriculum.

Family First senator Steve Fielding urged reporters to “go away and do your homework”.

It’s advice The 7.30 Report caption writers would also do well to heed (note misspelling of the word ’equivalent’ during the report).

Who is the best Media Watch host?

David Tennant’s decision to quit as Doctor Who last week had Mook pondering whether Australia also has a TV institution which continues despite the lead leaving.

Of course it does. ABC’s Media Watch.

Just like the actors who play the good Doctor, every so often the Media Watch host fears being typecast and moves on to pastures new. And each time it’s a nerve racking affair for viewers as they assess whether the new host is up to scratch.

It’s time for Mook’s Media Watch host v Doctor Who comparison guide.

Stuart Littlemore (1st Media Watch host 1989 – 1997) ‘is’

Tom Baker (4th Doctor Who 1974 – 1981)

Media Watch purists claim they haven’t watched Media Watch since Stuart Littlemore left in 1997. “It’s just not the same”, they say. “Nobody could ever be as good as Stuart Littlemore“. “It’s not Media Watch without Stuart Littlemore“, they moan. Pretty similar to how some Doctor Who diehards see the post-Tom Baker Doctor Who era. They refuse to acknowledge any of the six actors who’ve taken on the Doctor’s mantle since 1981.

Richard Ackland (2nd Media Watch host 1998 – 1999) ‘is’

Peter Davison (5th Doctor Who 1981 – 1984)

He tried. Oh how he tried. It was a tough act to follow. Who was this interloper fighting evil and villainy everywhere? Did he think we’d forget his better predecessor so easily? Such was Peter Davison’s lot despite actually being rather good but underrated at the time. Ditto Richard Ackland.

Paul Barry (3rd Media Watch host 1999 – 2000) ‘is’

Paul McGann (8th Doctor Who 1996)

Two tales of ‘what could have been’. Paul Barry was sacked by then ABC head Jonathan Shier for allegedly watching the issue of ABC government funding a little too closely. Shier also axed Media Watch but was then himself replaced as Media Watch was effectively placed in limbo before eventually returning. Paul McGann was the best thing about a shoddy 1996 American produced Doctor Who telemovie that unsuccessfully aimed to relaunch Doctor Who after the BBC axed it in 1989. Like Barry, McGann showed promise but didn’t get the chance to shine in the role and like Barry, also has fans who’d welcome his return.

David Marr (4th Media Watch host 2002 – 2004) ‘is’

Jon Pertwee (3rd Doctor Who 1970 – 1974)

Jon Pertwee’s Doctor was a man of action. Kids at the time were loving the movie exploits of James Bond so the Doctor Who producers decided a bit more derring do was the order of the day. Marr also didn’t mind a bit of verbal biffo in questioning whether newspaper columnist Janet Albrechsen was a suitable candidate for the ABC board due to a prior breach of journalistic conduct highlighted by Media Watch. The fact that Pertwee’s Doctor is affectionately known as “the cosmic Dandy” seals this comparison. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Liz Jackson (5th Media Watch host 2005) ‘is’

Christopher Eccleston (9th Doctor Who 2005)

Liz Jackson’s tenure as Media Watch host was a short one season, the same duration Eccleston decided to stay onboard the TARDIS. She left “a tough gig” in 2005, as did Eccleston. In both instances producers insisted the departure was preagreed and amicable. They’ll still both always be referred to as ‘ex-Media Watch host’ and ‘ex-Doctor Who‘ respectively though.

Monica Attard (6th Media Watch host) ‘is’

Colin Baker (6th Doctor Who 1984 – 1986)

Monica Attard found the Media Watch hosting gig “extremely taxing” and her serious on screen demeanour jarred with the humour shown by previous hosts. The majority of Doctor Who fans never really took to Colin Baker’s arrogant and grumpy portrayal of the Doctor and he became the only actor to be sacked from the role by the BBC.

Jonathan Holmes (7th Media Watch host) ‘is’

David Tennant (10th Doctor Who 2005 – 2010)

Both present incumbents. Jonathan Holmes has brought the fun back to Media Watch but knows when to be serious and when to turn on the humour. There’s a real sense of mischievious about his delivery at times. David Tennant also has brought some lightness back to Doctor Who after his predecessor Christopher Eccleston’s darker interpretation and some even reckon he’s the best Doctor ever. Both will be hard acts to follow.

Who’s your favourite Media Watch host? Or Doctor Who? Agree or disagree with the above comparisons?

And how good would it be if the ABC’s budget could stretch to a regeneration scene for the introduction of the next Media Watch host?…a media/Doctor Who tragic can but dream…

Gadget Guy really loves TiVO

Gadget Guy Peter Blasina must really love TiVO.

He regularly appears on Channel 7’s Sunrise program to help viewers understand the latest in technology and is now featured in Channel 7’s first infomercial advertising TiVO, launched in Australia by Channel 7. That’s great synergy in action.

Blasina must really be giving an unbiased view on the product too since he does not have ‘financial arrangements’ with companies and is not supported, funded or in any way is his opinion or endorsement paid for. As he advised ABC’s Media Watch in 2005.

The ultimate irony is most viewers use their PVRs (personal video recorders) such as TiVO to fast forward adverts and informercials. Channel 7 is rumoured to be introducing ad banners on TiVO at some point in the future to combat this troubling development for commercial TV stations.

There could even be another opportunity for Blasina to provide his services for such ad banners, free of charge.

Our ABC’s weasel words

The latest series of ABC’s Media Watch has been excellent.

It’s been noticeable that Jonathan Holmes and co haven’t been scared to have a crack at the ABC’s own current failings. Monday night’s report on the axing of ABC Radio National’sThe Religion Report was a case in point.

Mook reckons Media Watch could have been harsher on this occasion though. Check out the use of weasel words/corporate bullsh*t speak used in this correspondence from Radio National manager Jane Connors in referring to “the changes to his [Stephen Crittenden's The Religion Report] program”. Changes?! Cancelling a show and taking it off air is certainly a “change”.

And is it too much to expect correct apostrophe use from the ABC Media Release department (note the missing apostrophe in the word ‘networks’ [sic] in this release dated 15th October)?

This all may seem rather pedantic and churlish but it’s only because Mook cares about the quality of the ABC’s generally superb service.

Have your say on our ABC’s future here at www.abc.net.au/corp/haveyoursay/

Mook will.

Are The Chaser team the six million dollar men?

Rumours today that The Chaser team are set to agree a $6 million deal to remain with the ABC next year.

Mook enjoys The Chaser but watching the last series couldn’t shake the feeling that their best days (brilliant APEC stunt excepted) could be behind them. They’re now too recognisable to effectively pull pranks incognito. It’s Ali G Syndrome (hey – if adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg can invent syndromes so can Mook…). Ali G had to move his show to the US to continue effectively tricking unsuspecting media types and the public at large.

And if the $6m figure is correct, it’s far too much tax payers’ money to be spent on one project when ABC managing director Mark Scott is asking the Federal Government for more funding and Radio National’s high quality coverage is effectively being gutted despite claims to the contrary.

If The Chaser boys want more money it may be best for all concerned to let them leave and sign for a commercial network.

The ABC is a fantastic supporter of unproven inovative ideas the commercial stations wouldn’t dare or care to air. It shouldn’t be paying such a high price for individual programs to the detriment of its other offerings.

Enough Enough Rope for Andrew Denton

Andrew Denton has decided the current season of Enough Rope on ABC1 will be the last.

And lo there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth in this fair land.

Mook however has always considered Denton to be a smug, self satisfied little git.

But then that’s probably due to the fact his wife Jennifer Byrne is so hot. As anyone who’s watched ABC1’s First Tuesday Book Club would know.

Damn you Denton!

Michael Carr-Gregg, adolescent psychologist

‘Australia’s Dr Phil‘, according to his own website, Michael Carr-Gregg appears ABC radio, 3AW, Channel 7’s Sunrise and regularly writes Herald Sun and Girlfriend magazine columns.

Advice generally from the ‘I blame the parents’ school of thought. Likes to invent phrases to describe adolescent and parental behaviour e.g. the Princess Bitchface Syndrome.

Works at a Melbourne health clinic but makes so many media appearances on a daily basis must be difficult to find enough hours in the day. Has commented on issues ranging from Heath Ledger’s death, Wayne Carey’s off-field indiscretions and the William Street shootings. Name the adolescent in that line up.

Busy schedule may explain example of creative quoting featured in a Herald Sun column wherein Carr-Gregg attempts to pass off the conclusions of a 1990 Australian Institute of Criminology report as his own views on boxing.

Carr-Gregg’s Herald Sun column: ‘The arguments commonly used to support boxing are that it is an art of self-defence, amateurs are not at risk and it provides a social and financial ladder for disadvantaged youth. All these arguments are seriously flawed. The final point is particularly poignant in that it allows for disadvantaged youth to be exposed to the risk of injury when, for most, the hope of some advancement is illusory.’

1990 AIC report: ‘The arguments commonly used to support boxing are that it is an art of self-defence, amateurs are not at risk, and that it provides a social and financial ladder for disadvantaged young. All these arguments are seriously flawed. The final one is sad in that it allows for disadvantaged youth to be exposed to the risk of further handicap in the, for most, illusory hope of advancement.’

Interesting given that a 2005 survey found one student in five routinely copied from the internet when doing homework. 1200 students were surveyed……by adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg.

MediaMook verdict: Bareface Hypocrite Syndrome

Ray Martin’s 60 minute media lecture

ABC1 will screen the annual Andrew Olle Media Lecture – this year delivered by Ray Martin – on Sunday night at 10:10pm.

The hour-long lecture’s focus is on addressing the role and future of the media. Some may argue Martin is yesterday’s media but Mook will watch with interest. Semi-retirement seems to suit Martin as he’s now more willing to name names when highlighting the declining standards of Australian journalism.

Channel 9 and Fairfax have copped a serve from Martin during the lecture on Friday evening for abandoning their commitment to news and current affairs.

Of course, it could also be argued that the likes of Martin have done more than most to contribute to the dumbing down of the media by happily accepting Channel 9’s money for all the years he hosted pap like A Current Affair.