Comments on: ABC: Timing the Time Lord

By: mc

mc — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:13:42 +0000

Stan makes a good point regarding TV program economics. The way things are heading, no programming will be produced for males aged 25-35 before too long, and for the rest of humanity not long after that. Of course, that position won’t be reached, because less traditional methods of monetisation will have taken over.

In November, the ABC will have four TV channels in Australian households with pay TV. The BBC will have seven and a half. The BBC advertises premiere programs on these channels in Australian newspapers.

While pay TV penetration is currently fairly low, it is only a matter of time before it and other legal methods of direct-from-the-BBC distribution occur.

Not to mention the soon to be launched “Kids Co” which draws from most of the few suppliers of children’s programs that don’t already own channels on the main pay TV platforms.

The ABC clearly can’t remain as dependant on imports as it is. The plans for ABC3 and ABC4 reflect this – both include large quantities of new Australian programming. But it appears that ABC1 and ABC2 are destined to fade in importance as fewer people watch their imported programs.

Re Compass, it is not shown in a prime timeslot. The ABC’s commitment to “religion and ethics” programming is minor at best. The axing of the Religion Report at the end of last year was but the latest sign of this.

By: Jack!

Jack! — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:58:13 +0000

As a fan of WHO and part of the Victorian Fan Club, I have to say that I really appreciate the effort that the ABC has gone to to fast-track the recent episodes … we do understand the delays and limitations that they have to contend with … that does not stop fans from downloading the episode the day after it screens in the UK, but we still watch it again on the ABC when it screens … yes, obcessed, I know! At least they are trying!
Jack!

By: Belinda

Belinda — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:49:08 +0000

Planet of the Dead aired in the US just over a month ago.

By: NJJC

NJJC — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:32:24 +0000

We should be thankful we get Doctor Who as fast as we do! I dont think Planet of the Dead has even aired in the US and they have BBCA!

By: wamdue

wamdue — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:04:24 +0000

@Craig

you know I can totally understand downloading if you are not sure if the show will even air, you don’t have any kind of time frame for it to air, or it airs on PayTV, however I dont think any of this is the case with Who.

and yes I totally understand the frustration when a TV channels does not commit to a TV show, even 1 season at a time, it seems to happen more in Aus but its something ive experienced in the past. In that sitution I can understand downloading, but lets give the network a chance to screw things up first.

By: Russell

Russell — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:47:06 +0000

Would love to hear why ABC1 does not air Breakfast between 6a-7a

By: KFed

KFed — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:07:59 +0000

@Mike TV networks, commercial ones at least, are required to screen religious programming by law. I’m sure there would be a similar requirement of the ABC which explains Compass (aside from the fact that, whether anybody watches it or not, it is obviously providing content that nothing else on TV is).

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:55:54 +0000

To add to Stan’s point – taxpayers also contribute to the cost of drama on the commercial networks through the federal and state funding bodies

By: Marco

Marco — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:48:35 +0000

Ah, the good old days when I had to wait about a week for a Doctor Who tape of new episodes (circa Sylvester McCoy) to arrive in the mail! Ah the anticipation! Now only a couple of hours has to pass et voila! new episode ready to watch!

By: David Knox

David Knox — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:17:16 +0000

Mike read Part One. There is a defence for other programming that isn’t as broad.

“We have a strong commitment to science programming, religion and ethics, and like the other networks we also have a commitment to drama, documentary and entertainment programmes.”

Also there are plenty of ABC Aussie shows hitting a mark. The whole point of her interview is that it isn’t all about ratings in the same way as commercials.

Web Warriors is not Australian.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:05:57 +0000

Stan you missed the point. Marena claims to want to have programmes on ABC1 that appeal to a broad audience and she bases that on ratings. Clearly then, Compass is not for a broad audience and should not be shown on ABC1 in that timeslot. Her logical is flawed not to mention that she seems to dump certain programmes that do not rate well (The Bill on tuesdays) but is quite happy for other underperforming shows to remain where they are.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:40:57 +0000

@wamdue – thing is Doctor Who at it’s best is a month after the UK and yes fans won’t wait that long if they can help it. I will wait a couple of days or up to a week if I know a show is coming (House, NCIS) but viewers have become jaded and don’t want to wait for when the networks might air a show, then we run the risk they might take it off mid season.

By: Stan

Stan — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:53:11 +0000

Mike (11:26am),

It should just be an added bonus that ABC programmes might beat the other networks in ratings occasionally; not the rule. If you’re a taxpayer who exclusively watches Seven, Nine, TEN or Pay TV, then I might remind you that your tax dollars goes to a range of people & government programs that you don’t benefit from, but does that mean you should stop paying? Should your local council ask other people to pay for the repair of a residential road just because you don’t drive on it?

Also, to all the geeks that download their favourite international TV programmes before it airs on a local network. Where do you think most of the revenue that goes to these programmes comes from? Answer: International TV network sales! So, if everyone did what you’re doing, what would be the point of other TV networks around the world continuing to purchase these shows? Or if they still did, do you think the pay rates would be the same?

I think sci-fi nerds should get used to having their beloved shows filmed on HandyCams with budgets of $10 in the near future. Because I don’t see any money in serving such a selfish audience…

By: wamdue

wamdue — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:04:10 +0000

@Craig

your second point is part of the problem, can people not wait even 7 days for kinda of import any more? can you really not wait for a legal copy in superior quality?

Sounds to me like ABC needs to be in touch with the BBC more about these issues, publicity can not be that hard to put out early, its a trust issue, as channel rightfully fear a show being leaked before it airs on TV.

@Dyson

at one point CBC was co producer of Doctor Who, I dont believe that is the case now.

at the end of the day we live in a global age, and whilst TV viewers are international, TV channels are not, all channels need to work these things out, even more so those ones who make programs hoping to sell.

By: Evan

Evan — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:03:44 +0000

I wonder how Wallace & Gromit slipped through last December.

It aired on the ABC on 3rd December, 3 weeks before the BBC’s Christmas Day airing.

By: KFed

KFed — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:57:25 +0000

Whenever you have a show with a core audience of nerds, be it Lost or Doctor Who, downloading is going to be an issue.
The American studios didn’t mess about coming to the party with fast-tracking.
If the BBC and ITV haven’t caught up with modern viewing habits then perhaps it is time ABC started discussing heavy discounts for lost viewers.