The big election question
As an occasional media commentator, I’m sometimes asked: ‘Tell me Tim. Given that politicians want to engage the electorate beyond the hardcore politics junkies, would it be a good idea to schedule the leaders’ debate at the exact same time as the final of Masterchef, arguably Australia’s favourite TV programme and likely to be the most watched show of the year?”
When I get asked that question, I usually answer: Are you kidding? What sort of clowns would do something as idiotic as that?
Tim Burrowes
check out news.com.au
10.04 breaking news story that Julia Gillard has called a federal election. They’re on the ball.
User ID not verified.
Thanks for the tip, Mike:
https://mumbrella.com.au/apparently-theres-an-election-30042
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Mastchef final is on track to become the most watched show on Australian television EVER.
It’s as though the politicians don’t WANT us to watch them parade their wares.
User ID not verified.
Lauren – ya think?
I had to chuckle at a report yesterday (sorry, I forget where I saw it!) describing it as “tradition” that the debate be held on the first Sunday after the election is called. Um, right. The first televised debate was 1984, so that “tradition” hardly has the status of holy writ.
It’s my understanding that the real “tradition” here is that the PM basically says how many debates there will be, and when they will be. Every good marketer knows that you will pick the time, place and method for your message that best suits your audience.
So by picking a time when much of the audience will be otherwise engaged, what is Julia Gillard telling us?
Obviously, MasterChef will romp all over the debate in the ratings. MasterChef is full of people doing what they are passionate about, doing their best to excel and stretch themselves. Tellingly, while they want to win, they encourage each other and are supportive of each other and acknowledge that others have strengths and good ideas – nothing nasty. And the Australian public love it…. and it’s the complete opposite of how politicians behave when they want to win.
But perhaps there’s a whole new thing here – perhaps we could turn the election into a game show and vote them out of the house. Whaddaya think?
– Haz (voting for the Old Spice Man, just to the left as I type. He listens and responds quickly and is nice to watch).
User ID not verified.