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TV men call for more women in Logie Hall of Fame

Updated: Some of the biggest names in TV call to end gender imbalance.

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EXCLUSIVE: Some of the biggest names in the Television industry have rallied behind a call for more women to be inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame.

The roll call of male TV personalities from ABC, Seven, Nine, TEN, SBS & Foxtel includes three Gold Logie winners: Karl Stefanovic, Rove McManus, Scott Cam, plus stars such as Shaun Micallef, Eddie McGuire, Charlie Pickering, Tony Jones, Adam Hills, Lachy Hulme and David Koch.

Amongst the icons they nominated are Denise Drysdale, Jana Wendt, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Noni Hazlehurst and Noeline Brown.

Since 1984 twenty-seven men and just one woman -Ruth Cracknell- have been inducted, but Eddie McGuire says it is time to acknowledge legendary female figures.

“There are so many women who have played major national roles and it is a disgrace that the gender imbalance is such,” he says.

A social media campaign #morelogiewomen has also been circulating in recent weeks.

This year’s inductee will be Seven’s long-running soap, Home and Away, only the fourth time a show has been honoured. While it is a worthy inductee, it’s clear the men of TV want change next year.

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Rove McManus:
“Denise Drysdale – this should be a no-brainer. Denise is a multiple Gold and Silver Logie winner who has a career that is up there with the likes of Bert Newton for longevity as well as popularity. From her days as Ernie Sigley’s barrel girl, to hosting her own daytime talk show, to holding her own with a new generation on The Circle, it’s fair to say ‘Ding Dong’ has more than earned a place in the gentlemen’s club that is the Hall of Fame.”

Karl Stefanovic:
“Kerri-Anne Kennerley. She’s been a force for a long time. She’s one of the best live TV personalities this country has produced. She’s sharp on her feet, has a wonderful sense of humour and most importantly, always has energy to burn. Go KAK!!! “

Eddie McGuire:
“Liz Hayes. Jana Wendt. Noeline Brown. Rebecca Gibney. Tracy Grimshaw. Jane Turner. Gina Riley. Magda Szubanski. Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Denise Drysdale. Jane Kennedy. Claudia Karvan. Just as a starting point. There are so many women who have played major national roles and it is a disgrace that the gender imbalance is such. There is a degree of understanding because of the on-air gender imbalance and the times in general in the early days, but now is the time to widen the eyes and acknowledge these legendary figures of television.”

Scott Cam:
“Ita Buttrose.”

Charlie Pickering:
“Denise Drysdale has to be front and centre. She’s done it all and she did it better than men. And she often did the job when the men weren’t doing their job properly. She’s a fantastic, strong, wonderful woman. And surely Noeline Brown? She was hilarious. They are crying out for recognition.”

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Shaun Micallef:
“For me it would have to be Noeline Brown. Why? Venerable, of course – but still funny and unfailingly supportive of others making their way in the industry. Her work beyond show business with the Aged is also a testament to her being a thoroughly decent person; and this in a world where talent sometimes absolves its owner of the need for selflessness. Women and men making their careers in TV could all learn from her example, professionalism and grace.”

David Koch:
“Denise Drysdale. She invented the role of the female variety show host. In her hey-day, she has always been loveable to both men and women, which in this day and age is unheard of. Throughout her long career, she has always been fun. Never tacky or smutty. With a heart of gold. She’s my pick.”

Adam Hills:
“Can someone please induct Denise Drysdale into the TV Week Hall Of Fame? She has been so funny, for so long, on so many different TV shows. And because it all looked so natural, no one realised how brilliant she was. She outshone everyone she worked with, including me, and is the most supportive person to be around as well.”

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David Speers:
“Jana Wendt should definitely be there. For nearly three decades, Jana set the benchmark for reporting quality news and current affairs on Australian television through her unwavering commitment to investigative journalism and inimitable interview style – which contributed to shaping the country’s news agenda at the time. In my own career, Jana has been a source of great inspiration.”

Andrew O’Keefe:
“So many great names….Noeline Brown, Jan Chapman, Jane Turner & Gina Riley, Kylie Minogue, Lee Lin Chin….the list of notables is massive. But if I had to pick one I’d go with Maureen Duval. She was a pioneer and an icon for so many other women, hosting her own talk show for ten years, and always exuding a classy professional demeanour that mixed style with substance, and humour with heart. Mausy was not only a trailblazer but a beacon too.”

Tony Jones:
“Jacki Weaver -the pint size colossus of stage, TV and film who just keeps getting better. I have a second candidate in the factual TV category: the ABC’s Liz Jackson. Former presenter of Media Watch and Four Corners, beat known as a fearless Four Corners reporter. 3 time Logie winner. 5 time Walkley winner (including the Gold Walkey).”

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Troy Kinne:
“Noni Hazlehurst. She was my favourite in Play School (when I was a kid) and still works today without being known as the woman off Play School. Need I say more? Magda Szubanski- every character she plays is memorable. Jane Turner / Gina Riley – they write/produce, generally create which is inspiring considering they’ve done Full Frontal, Fast Forward and STILL come up with gold.”

Steve Liebmann:
“Liz Hayes, Tracy Grimshaw and Geraldine Doogue.”

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Adam Zwar:
“Kerri-Anne’s smart, funny and an enormous talent. She’s made good shows shine and ordinary shows watchable for nearly 40 years. There are so many iconic moments featuring Australian and international stars where she’s been in the interview chair. And she gets politicians to dance!”

Chas Licciardello:
“Rebecca Gibney would be a show you would think. Oh, and Ann-Maree Biggar #NeverForgetCartoonConnection”

Craig Reucassel:
“Margaret Pomeranz. Noni Hazlehurst. Tracy Grimshaw. Liz Hayes.”

Julian Morrow:
“Noeline Brown, Denise Drysdale, Lisa McCune, Kerri-Ann Kennerley, Jana Wendt, Sam Newman in a dress.”

Anton Enus:
“Someone I would love to see in the Hall of Fame is former SBS Dateline presenter Jana Wendt. No one epitomises grace under pressure more than she does. Apart from her extraordinary reporting career, she also manages to inject a dimension of elegance, depth and consideration to her studio work. She is a role model to journalists everywhere.”

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David Stratton:
“As a writer-producer in the early days of SBS television, as executive producer and co-host of The Movie Show for 18 years on SBS and co-host of At The Movies for ten years on the ABC, and now a presenter on Foxtel, Margaret Pomeranz has championed the world of cinema with a fierce intelligence and passion for 35 years. She fully deserves the honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

David Campbell:
“Anne Wills has something like 23 local Logies and Jana Wendt was a pioneer of news and current affairs in this country and she deserves it. There needs to be more women.”

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Lachy Hulme:
“Lorraine Bayly, without question! One of the truly great Australian TV superstars, and a woman who should be anchoring her own TV drama right now (in my opinion)! That lady is a genuine, hands-down national treasure, and an acting force to be reckoned with. Her contribution to Australian TV is undeniable.”

Graeme Blundell:
“Jennifer Byrne for almost single-handedly keeping arts programming alive on the ABC. Margaret Pomeranz, TV’s longest reigning film and now TV critic. Toni Lamond, the first woman to host a tonight show back in Graham Kennedy’s era when it was hard to get a look in. Deb Cox, one of the great creators of local enduring content. Deb Mailman, simply one of our greatest actors.”

Peter Hitchener:
“There are so many women who have contributed hugely to Australian television, that they all deserve recognition. Where to begin:  Jana Wendt, Tracy Grimshaw, Liz Hayes, Lisa Wilkinson and Sandra Sully in News and Current Affairs. Performers like Noni Hazlehurst, Denise Drysdale, Noeline Brown, Patti Newton, Sigrid Thornton, Maggie Taberrer, Caroline Jones, Hazel Phillips, Toni Lamond, Sue McIntosh Sue Smith and Lisa McCune. Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths and Deborra Lee Furness have reached international audiences. And I haven’t even started acknowledging the amazing women whose creative work behind the scenes keeps the industry functioning.”

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Ricardo Goncalves:
“For anyone to survive the media industry for more than 25 years is an amazing feat, whether you’re male or female. Sandra Sully represents the perseverance, determination and talent it takes to make it in television news. I remember watching her read the late night news as a kid and more importantly still have her kind letters of support and advice when I reached out to her as a student seeking direction in the industry. Credibility and a recognisable face which can only come from years of experience is important in delivering the news. Sandra Sully has staying power.”

Mark Beretta:
“Jana Wendt. As a journo, she was as great as they got for a long time.”

Peter Helliar:
“Surely Denise Drysdale. It shocks me a little that she hasn’t already been inducted. She has been a constant breath of fresh air and her performance in the second series Please Like Me confirms her breadth of talent. Funny, honest and never taken herself too seriously, this honour would be well overdue for Denise.”

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Joe Hildebrand:
“The woman I would most like to see inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame is Ita Buttrose. Not only is she Australia’s most iconic female media identity, but it might also stop her from picking on me for a couple of weeks.”

Osher Gunsberg:
“Leigh Sales. Because she has brought us some of the most memorable TV moments in recent times!”

Rob Carlton:
“My two would be Noeline Brown and KAK. And if we don’t put them in the Logies Hall of Fame, I’d put them both in a life hall of fame! Both fantastic, gifted women, bright minds, bright sparks and too much fun to party with.”

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Marc Fennell:
“I think Caroline Jones and Geraldine Doogue are great options.”

Jono Coleman:
“There needs to be more women in the Logies TV Hall of Fame. People like Kerri-Anne, Ena Harwood from the first Beauty and the Beast. Also Joy Chambers -actress, panel shows, Mrs Reg Grundy. Also Dawn Lake, Bobby Limb’s late wife and comedy partner. Or Noeline Brown, Sue Cruickshank, some of those great ladies on Number 96 like Abigail and Dorrie. And Prisoner stars like Val Lehman. I could go on. Power to the ladies!”

Tom Williams:
“Jana Wendt.”

Keith ‘Foreman’ Schleiger:
“Kerri-Anne Kennerley – as she appeals to everyone and has been such a great and successful television entertainer over so many years.”

Hugo Johnstone-Burt:
“Essie Davis was in Cloudstreet, Miss Fisher, The Slap. I’m a little biased because I love her and work with her all the time. And Noni Hazlehurst.”

#morelogiewomen

To support the campaign you can tweet #morelogiewomen with the name of the female you would like to see inducted.

NB: Any other male talent who wish to include their views please contact David or tweet with #morelogiewomen, as this post will be updated.

UPDATE:

Craig Foster:
“Lee Lin Chin struck a blow for diversity on Australian television well before the word entered the public consciousness and her individuality, perfect diction and unflappability spoke volumes for those in all walks of life of not just Asian descent, but indeed anything other than Anglo Saxon. For this alone, Lee Lin Chin would be thoroughly deserving as a pioneer on Australian television, were it not of course for her outstanding work over a period of thirty plus years.”

Peter Maddison:
“Margaret Pomeranz for digesting so many films and being herself.”

Brett Climo:
“There are few actresses in Australia that have contributed as much to our industry as Noni Hazlehurst. Noni has been a fixture on our screens for decades, starting with the early days at Crawfords and continuing to award winning roles in acclaimed mini-series such as Nancy Wake, The Shiralee, and Waterfront and most recently to her lead roles in City Homicide and A Place to Call Home. Her talent as a presenter on Better Homes and Gardens and of course Play School made her a more than just a household name, audiences recognised Noni’s warmth, sincerity, integrity and intelligence, and she continues to be a role model for us all, as she moves effortlessly between the various mediums without ever compromising her beliefs or ideals. A passionate campaigner on behalf of the television industry and particularly children’s TV, Noni is an artist who understands that to give is to receive, and Noni gives an awful lot.”

Simon Burke:
“Anne Wills – hands down! Although known predominantly in South Australia the fact that ‘Willsy’ has won WAY more Logies than any other person in TV history – I think it’s 19 or 20? – more than qualifies her for Hall of Fame consideration. She began on television 50 years ago and is still going strong with her unique and irresistible combination of fun, warmth and absolute engagement with her audience. Also more obvious names to be considered: Caroline Jones, Kerri Anne Kennerley, Gina Riley and Jane Turner, Margaret Pomeranz, Lorraine Bayly every of them a trailblazer in their own particular television endeavours.”

Dr. Chris Brown:
The likes of Liz Hayes, Denise Drysdale and KAK have been strong, credible and respected voices for long enough to warrant induction into the Hall of Fame. And if it’s still too hard to induct a woman…why not start with Dame Edna?! Maybe that’s how they can ease their way into doing something that’s long overdue…”

Which woman should be inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame?

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17 Responses

  1. Would I be correct in thinking that there are more woman on TV these days than men, particularly on the ABC? I exclude blokey footy shows. And if you extend that comment to radio, I reckon the ABC has more women than men, on air and behind the scenes.

  2. There are lots but I go with Ding Dong. She has been going since the 1960s and is still current. Couldn’t help notice a lot of the comics suggesting her as well. Also Kak Jana Noelene and Noni really stand out and are no brainers for Hall Of Fame.

  3. My vote would be Jana. She was one of the first females to read prime time news. One of the first serious female current affairs reporters and certainly the first female to host prime time current affairs on commercial tv. And she was 100% quality. She changed the world for females on the box. And sadly we have had nobody as good since.

    1. Well said. I also recall her interview with Gaddafi quite vividly. He was very attracted to her and I understand propositioned her off camera. But Jana was always the essence of class and intelligent questioning.

  4. My picks. Denise drysdsle. Claudia karvan. Jacki woodbourne. Rowena wallace. Colette mann. Jana wendt. Kylie. Sandra sully. Could and another twenty more names!

  5. This is great! A credit to all the men who have put forward such a plethora of worthy female entrants to the Hall Of Fame, as well as David’s ongoing committment to addressing this issue out there in the industry. What’s it gonna take, TV Week/Logies? Open the doors and let the grand dames of our industry hold their rightful place. My own picks: Caroline Jones, Denise Drysdale, Noni Hazelhurst = covering journalism, light entertaiinment and acting.

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