Debra Byrne looks ahead

Performer Debra Byrne has given an intimate and candid interview to Community TV Channel 31 Melbourne.

In the interview on Studio Q, Byrne talks about her past, present and future. She discusses trials and challenges in her life including abuse and the demands of being an adolescent performer in the 1970s.

But Byrne talks of her insight and understanding and how the lessons learned are passed to her children and grandchildren.

It is part of her claiming her identity.

The interview recorded for community broadcast group Bent TV is modestly shot, but intimate and relaxed.

Only a small portion of the interview talks about Young Talent Time and there is no attack on the former host, John Young, which gave much of the media an angle at the time her book "Not Quite Ripe" was released.

Studio Q airs 10:30pm Thursday on C31 Melbourne. Read more...

US Open a hole in one for Ten

Channel TEN has secured the rights to the US Open Golf for the next five years.

The Championship will air from June 14 from Pennsylvania.

It previously held the rights from 2001 - 2003.

Press Release:


Network Ten today announced it had secured the Australian free-to-air broadcast rights to the United States Open Golf Championship for the next five years (2007 – 2011).

The 2007 US Open will be played at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 June. TEN will telecast a total of 21 hours of LIVE and EXCLUSIVE coverage across the four days of the Championship as well as the 18-hole playoff on Monday 18 June, should it be required.

TEN also confirmed that its telecast of the US Open will be available in High Definition Digital, further reinforcing TEN's commitment to deliver major sporting events in HD.

The US Open adds to TEN's outstanding portfolio of major sporting events. This includes the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix and the Australian MotoGP as well as TEN's High Definition telecasts of The Masters from the Augusta National Golf Club, the AFL Grand Final and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Network Ten previously held the broadcast rights to the US Open from 2001 – 2003. In addition to its telecast of The 2007 Masters, TEN will broadcast the first two major golf championships of the year.

In the lead up to the 2007 US Open, TEN will also telecast one-hour highlights packages of the 2005 and 2006 Championships. These packages will air on Saturday 26 May and Saturday 2 June respectively.

In announcing the telecast of the US Open, TEN's general manager – sport, David White, said "TEN is delighted to be broadcasting the US Open for the next five years and we are especially pleased to continue our commitment to telecast major sporting events in High Definition. There will be special interest in the 2007 US Open with Australian Geoff Ogilvy defending the title." Read more...

ABC Head of Factual quits

Denise Eriksen, the ABC's Head of Factual is parting with the broadcaster following a restructure in management.

Eriksen has been responsible for a string of successful documentaries and observational shows including Outback House, Peking to Paris, Operatunity Oz, Choir of Hard Knocks, Collectors, Talking Heads, Can We Help, Difference of Opinion, The Cook and the Chef and the Logie winning Dynasties. She has also been instrumental in the successes of Gardening Australia, Catalyst, Compass and Message Stick.

The role of Manager of ABC2, currently held by Chris Winter, is to also be abolished.

The restructuring will see the creation of a position of Executive Head of Content Creation, creation within ABC TV of a Children’s department, and the integration of the functions of ABC2 into the existing structure of ABC TV.

The Director of Television, Kim Dalton, said “I am confident that implementing this integrated, strategic management framework will ensure that ABC TV can continue to provide to our audiences a range of high quality, Australian content across all our platforms.”

Press Release:

May 24, 2007
ABC TV MANAGEMENT CHANGES
The Director of ABC Television, Kim Dalton, has today announced a proposed realignment in the ABC Television’s management framework. The new structure, to be implemented over the next couple of months, is:

1. The creation of a position of Executive Head of Content Creation, responsible for all aspects of ABC TV content development and production across all genres (except Children’s) and all platforms. The position will report to the Director of TV.
2. The creation within ABC TV of a Children’s department that encompasses all of the children’s related areas that are currently dispersed across ABC TV. This department will be headed by the newly created position of Executive Head of Children’s, who will be responsible for producing, acquiring, commissioning and programming ABC TV’s children’s and educational content across all platforms. The position will report to the Director of TV. The existing position of Head of Children’s will be abolished.
3. The integration of the functions of ABC2 into the existing structure of ABC TV. As part of this process the position of Manager ABC2 will be abolished.

The aim is to ensure that ABC TV is structured and resourced effectively to move forward in the digital arena. These positions will be part of the senior team responsible for taking ABC TV forward in the digital environment, reaching more Australians, in more ways, more often. ABC TV will be advertising and actively recruiting for these positions in the very near future.

Kim Dalton says, “I am confident that implementing this integrated, strategic management framework will ensure that ABC TV can continue to provide to our audiences a range of high quality, Australian content across all our platforms.”

As a result of the changes to the management structure of the ABC TV content creation area, Denise Eriksen, ABC TV Head of Factual, will not be renewing her contract with ABC TV in September this year. Mr Dalton acknowledged the very significant contribution Denise has made to ABC TV over the last three years.

This has included major factual series, including Outback House, Peking to Paris, Operatunity Oz, and Choir of Hard Knocks. Denise has also been responsible for developing and launching the highly successful prime-time program Collectors, the early evening programs Talking Heads, Can We Help and The Cook and the Chef, and the strengthening of the Gardening Australia brand.

More recently she took responsibility for the Catalyst, Compass and Message Stick strands. She has overseen the launching of Difference of Opinion, and this year saw Dynasties win the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Factual series. Mr Dalton said he looked forward to working with Denise in the future.

Mr Dalton said he would also like to recognise the significant achievements of Chris Winter and the ABC2 team. Over the past two years, with limited resources, they have established a distinct and energetic presence for the ABC in the digital television space. The next phase of development for ABC2 will be exciting and productive, but it will be building on and consolidating the groundbreaking work of Chris and his team.

“It is vital for ABC TV to respond to the changing audience behaviours and expectations. This proposed realignment will ensure we focus on content, and that we maximise every opportunity in this multi-platform environment,” said Mr Dalton. Read more...

Rosie vs Elisabeth: Beyond nasty.

The brawls between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck's on The View have made for juicy watching. Hasselbeck is so pro-Bush it's unbelievable, while Rosie couldn't be more anti-Iraq. The two have had regular, fiery debates across the table that have spilled over into the media and driven ratings up.

Yesterday, co-host Joy Behar decided to make a case against Bush, citing a string of presidential failures. What followed was stunning. Her argument was upstaged by an on-air argument that resulted in O'Donnell and Hasselbeck calling each other 'cowards' and all manner of shouting, vindictive looks and accusations.

Hasselbeck clumsily refers to "our enemies in Iraq" a statement that infuriates O'Donnell's view that there are innocent victims in the war.

At one stage the screen even splits in two, as the two women shouted across one another. Behar, left to wonder what she had started is seen to call out for a commercial break, wondering "who is directing this show?"

The clip is a good ten minutes long. But it's a ripper.


It airs today on the W Channel at 1:30pm and can be seen on the timeshift channel or in Sunday's marathon round-up. Read more...

James to sell 9?

Worrying reports today that James Packer is set to sell off most his shares in PBL's Nine Network.

Only weeks ago the company divided into separate divisions, one for casinos and the other for media.

The SMH reports Packer is to reduce his shares to 25% of the company in a bid to concentrate on Pay TV and online media.

I hope it isn't true. If Nine is sold to the CVC Capital Partners group we could wind up with accountants running television. The Packers have a long history of media ownership. Sir Frank Packer was a newspaper man, Kerry was a TV man, but James is seen as an online media guy (despite the failings of One.Tel). Or worse, he's seen as a casino mogul. But at least there is some connection to the product rather than just looking at the bottom line.

Seven also recently sold off a huge chunk of its ownership, meanwhile TEN is trying to find a new owner.
Read more...

ABC under pressure?

Two days ago I told you about a new doco the ABC had purchased, The Great Global Warming Swindle, which prompted the ABC's Director of Television Kim Dalton to say, "There are people who still question the link between human activity and global warming. I believe it's important that these views are heard and debated."

Now there are reports that the ABC Board applied pressure to buy the programme, possibly to stay community disillusionment about the government's perceived inaction.

It is a claim Dalton denies.

Critics of the programme in the UK accused it of "fabricated data, half-truths and misleading statements."

One thing is clear. The ABC now officially has itself a hot TV show, if not for all the right reasons.

You can read more on the claims against the ABC here. Read more...

BB: Family tragedy strikes production

The reports today about a family death for housemate Emma in Big Brother have created a headache for Producers, caught between respecting family wishes and media criticism.

Emma's father died of cancer and was buried on Monday in Adelaide.

Emma's boyfriend Tim has told News Ltd. that her father's dying wish was that Emma not be told, allowing her to enjoy her time in the house.

Significantly, Tim supports BB in not telling Emma. But the sensitive situation has allowed media and psychologists to criticise BB for keeping the news from her. TEN publicists are also respecting the agreed line -but I can't see that lasting. They are all boxed in to an impossible situation.

Clearly there are no winners in this family tragedy, and unfortunately for BB it is part of the territory of reality television. The show has an agenda in which personal lives construct storylines, and as such it is inextricably linked to this news be it inside or outside the house. To pretend this hasn't happened is unrealistic, but to ignore family wishes is also unrealistic.

And what of Emma's wishes?

When 9/11 happened producers broke tradition in the US BB house to tell the housemates of the news.

Unfortunately in this case it is BB and TEN that will simply have to cop the criticism and defend its position afterwards. To involve the family would be worse, and it is the network that has gotten into bed with personal stories.

But dont assume because of their silence that you are hearing all of BB or TEN's side of the story.
Read more...

Thu May 24

[Nine/7:30pm] Getaway. Live from NY. A live and interactive show where viewers get to vote for the stories they want to see. Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski with roving reports from Jules Lund. Featured stories include New York by water taxi, the best street food in Manhattan, the cheapest way to stay in NY and a carriage ride through Central Park.
[Nine/8:30pm] RPA: Where are they Now?

[Seven/8:00pm] My Name is Earl. KEPT A GUY LOCKED IN A TRUCK. The man Earl once locked in a truck dies in a freak accident, so Earl decides to provide him with a proper funeral. Meanwhile, newlyweds Randy and Catalina go hunting for an apartment. Guest: John Waters.
[Seven/8:30pm] Lost. THE MAN FROM TALLAHASSEE. Ben tries to persuade a determined Locke to call off his destructive plan by offering him some of the secrets of the island. Kate loses faith in a friend when she discovers they have made a deal with the devil.
[Seven/9:30pm] The Amazing Race: All Stars
[Seven/10:30pm] Family Guy
SYD / BRIS: Seven

[Ten/7:30pm] Jamie’s Chef. Final.
[Ten/8:30pm] Law & Order: SVU. "Dependent" Guest: Cary Elwes.
[Ten/9:30pm] Law & Order: CI. "Albatross"

[SBS/10:05pm] Wilfred - Sarah is aware of the growing tension between Wilfred and Adam and calls a meeting. She demands a ceasefire. Adam apologises to Wilfred and Wilfred graciously accepts. It seems like they're all friends. However, as soon as Sarah's back is turned, Wilfred threatens to tear out Adam's throat. A silent but deadly psychological war is waged behind Sarah's back. The potential for explosive violence is at every corner. (Commissioned by SBSi, in English) (Comedy Series) MA (L,S) (Rpt) CC WS
[SBS/10:35pm] UEFA Champions League 2006/2007 Final - REPLAY of this morning’s UEFA Champions League Final from Athens Olympic Stadium, Greece. (Football Feature)

[31/10:30pm] Studio Q. Debra Byrne gives a confronting interview in which she talks candidly about some of the personal chapters of her life and how they have affected her.
Read more...

First Review: Big Love

Let’s face it, Sunday nights on SBS have never been much chop. Worthy documentaries. The odd arthouse movie. That’s about it. Now the public broadcaster is making some key changes and it’s got a doozy of a drama that will divide intelligent viewers bored by the soapy antics of Grey’s Anatomy or CSI overkill.

Big Love is a big, bold series from HBO. That alone should be enough to grab your attention. HBO has a stellar track record of quality drama including The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Oz, Entourage and Sex and the City. This 12 part 2006 drama by openly gay writer Mark V. Olsen and co-writer Will Scheffer sits easily in the same company.

Set in Salt Lake City, Big Love looks at a polygamous family headed by Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton). He has three wives and seven children. The family live in separate but adjacent houses linked by a communal backyard. It’s a piece of dirt that Bill spends all day criss-crossing, but his nights are scheduled for equal time sleepovers between his wives. If this is supposed to be a heterosexual man’s idea of nirvana the drama will show us otherwise.

Acknowledging HBO’s reputation, the three central women in his life are big screen actresses Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloë Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin. The wives are all friends, adopting complementary roles that challenge stereotypes of the nuclear family. There are regular “family home nights” that endeavour to chart a sustainable and tempered lifestyle.

But the ladies also have underlying jealousies and emotional responses they harbor as private fears.

While trying to manage his hardware business, Bill is pulled from all ends of the spectrum. The kids are demanding, one wife hounds him for more money, another chastises him for being slack, and he can’t even get an erection with the third. Some nirvana.

If that isn’t enough he learns his father is dying, and his mother played by the delicious Louise Fletcher, has left him festering in his own filth at a rural Utah compound because she doesn’t believe in hospitals.

The tone of Big Love swings brilliantly between character drama, humour and dark observations of American society. One moment when sect leader Roman brings his child fiancé to the compound is chilling stuff. Is this consenting paedophilia?

Other notions like Jonestown, Waco and the Osmonds also spring to mind…

Only in America.

Big Love premieres 8:30pm Sunday June 3 on SBS. Read more...

Coming Soon: Simple Life 4, Night Stalker

Seven is set to air The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part, the fourth in the reality series starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

The series, which premiered in the us in June 2006, sees the girls adopt Wife Swap-style roles with LA families. Each girl lives separately for short-term stints with families who then decide who makes the better wife / mother. It was structured around the falling-out between the two celebrities.

And Seven is also bringing the revived Night Stalker series starring Stuart Townsend as Carl Kolchak, detective with a bent for horror stories. The remake of the classic 70s drama, however, was not successful.

The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part premieres 3pm Monday June 4
The Night Stalker premieres 11:30pm Wednesday June 6
Read more...