Waleed Aly drives home a message
Waleed Aly is defining his Project hosting with editorials -but how are they chosen and what are the inherent dangers?
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
Since Waleed Aly has taken the (permanent) chair on The Project his editorials on domestic violence, the Bali 9 duo and climate change of attracted plenty of interest.
Social media has lit up with cheers for the TEN host, while media have republished his quotes with plenty of admiration.
Aly recently told TV Tonight producers had approached him with the idea of incorporating editorials when he became a fulltime co-host.
“It was an idea they came to me with, saying ‘It would be really good if we could use you for an editorial side.’ I write editorials all the time, and radio as well. Particularly in analysis. The fact that I’ve been writing columns for a long time they thought would lend itself to doing TV.”
The editorials, in which he stares down the barrel of the camera to drive home his point, are generally supported by graphics and music. The subject ideas are part of the collaborative process.
“Sometimes they come to me and say ‘Do you think this would be a good topic for an editorial?’” he explains.
“Other times it will be ‘I really want to do one on this.’ We have a few ideas down the track that we want to do but we need to research to figure out -not whether it is an issue- but whether it’s an issue that works in our format.
“Once you’ve decided, it’s a very collaborative process with a producer or two to get the script right, figuring out what the performance is meant to look like. Once it gets to the music and all of that I’m out of that picture. I couldn’t tell you how that works, but they’re good at what they do.”
The trick is also to make sure the subjects are organic, authentic and not contrived. Otherwise the audience can see right through them.
“We’ve come up with ideas we haven’t proceeded with for that reason. You think there’s something there but realise not really…” he assures.
“But we’re not tied into it. We do it whenever it feels right. At the moment I think it’s working OK.”
Yet while his editorials have garnered attention, they aren’t necessarily new for the experienced media commentator.
“The reality is –which a lot of people don’t necessarily realise- I’ve actually done quite a few editorial pieces at The Project anyway,” he adds.
So far it seems to be working in his favour.
“I haven’t been fired yet and I haven’t been told off. So I assume it’s going ok.”
The Project airs 6:30pm weeknights on TEN.
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13 Responses
I find the presentation of Waleed’s editorials to be a bit overwrought, and incompatible with the show’s format. I mean, this is the show whose presenters famously draw penises on the back of their scripts, and pepper their news discussion with the comedic equivalent of ‘poo jokes’. The frequency of Waleed’s editorials lessens their impact, as well. There are hundreds of issues worthy of an editorial, but presenting each of the chosen issues as the ‘Most important issue ever!!’ comes across as a bit contrived after a while. I know they have five hours to fill each week, but less is definitely more when it comes to Waleed’s soapbox.
I knew there were reason why we never watch The Project. Is it called that because they try to ‘project’ their opinions onto their audience?
They walk a fine line – they can’t be too preachy or lecturing. I always thought Waleed was the perfect replacement for Charlie, because he brings a similar mix of comedy and thoughtfulness – and that’s proved to be the case.
Watch out Waleed and The Project – you may loose the bogan viewers.
I think he is great, but he does have to be careful – he’s offended Andrew Bolt a few times and you can’t have that.
The Project is marketed as “a lighthearted look at the news” I don’t think the over use of the soapbox helps it.
I like it, but would like to see him take on some more controversial topics, so far they’ve all been easy targets. I thought georgi was pretty courageous in her pro-jumps racing speech even though I completely disagree.
Sometimes the best part of a segment on the project is the discussion after the package. It always frustrates me that it is so short, sandwiched before the ad break. Like on Monday following the gay marriage story Steve price was really put on the spot, there was potential for some great discussion, but they went to an ad break.
Think this was one of Charlie’s frustrations. A little more room for discussion rather than getting to the next package. But it’s clear Waleed Aly is finding room to bring his own voice.
I like his editorials but I hate the music they put over the top. It adds nothing and takes away from what he is saying in my opinion.
I support him and I like having him on. He’s a very straightforward anchor /host and it appears he leaves much of his own opinions and comments to these editorials. Yes, they could be less “preachy” but it all needs to be said.
A really welcome addition to the show, proving they can combine both a serious news/current affairs and with a light & watchable format. I was unsure about Waleed in the beginning (and sometimes he’s a little full on) but overall he’s fantastic. I look forward to seeing where the show goes from here.
I think Waleed has been such an amazing addition to the show, and I’ve been loving the editorials. A really interesting feature. I don’t always agree with what he has to say, but I always learn so much listening to him!!
It got too much for me the other day, I was just like shut upppp!!! and flicked the channel (not because I don’t support tackling domestic abuse, but because I found the way he was saying it bloody annoying) I think there could be a better way to do things like that.