Encores? We got Encores!

Encore. int, noun, verb. a demand, as by applause, for a repetition of a song, act, etc., or for a performance of a number or piece additional to those on a program. – Dictionary.com

Encore. verb – the facility by which a programme can source a wider viewing audience regardless of whether anybody actually has called out to see the thing or not. – Australian TV industry.

Repeat. verb. to go through or undergo again – Dictionary.com

Yes regardless of whether anyone actually calls for them again, networks are making more and more liberal use of the word ‘Encore.’ Shows that haven’t managed to attract expected numbers are re-scheduled in low key timeslots to build up a following.

This week Nine has an Encore of The Lost Tribes at 5pm Saturday. It’s not a bad show as factual entertainments go, but c’mon, a repeat is a repeat, guys.

And Seven is re-screening Sunday’s Ugly Betty at 2:30pm Saturday for all of you who were glued to the Red Carpet Arrivals or Big Brother (admittedly they haven’t used the word ‘encore.’)

A few weeks ago Seven had a What About Brian marathon on Saturday to try to lift its lowly audience figures.

But you know the drill. We’ve had a slew of Encores over the last 18 months. Several have been scheduled before the first run even airs. How does the audience cry for more if they haven’t seen the thing in the first place?