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Crossing the line on opinion

So when is it fair for a TV journo to have a go at a network and when does it cross the line?

line-in-sandSo when is it fair for a TV journo to have a go at a network and when does it cross the line?

That’s the question we should be asking after an interesting article in today’s Australian sheds light on the prickly relationship between networks and TV journos.

It notes how Crikey’s media writer Glenn Dyer is apparently considered no friend to Nine.

The former Business Sunday producer was made redundant by Nine in 2004 when David Gyngell was running the network before his stint in the US. According to the article he has even been branded a “Nine hater” within the network due to articles considered pro-Seven.

It’s fair to say that in many industries, not just television, corporates sometimes fall out with commentators, but in television it seems to come with that little extra passion. That’s the result of the personalities and immediacies of the medium. When they’re in you’re living room, you write like you know them and you take it to heart when they let you down.

Reviewers and crits do need the room to express robust opinions, which to some will often run close to borderline (especially those on the receiving end). I’ve certainly written some broadsides from time to time….. “Lift. Your. Game” is a phrase that springs to mind, although I’m struggling now to remember who I aimed it at!

The trick is to do so with balance. Back up opinions, spread the friendly fire, direct it at the work not the person (not always easy), and do it from an informed position.

On the other side of the coin, networks would do well to remember we need to keep investing a little fun into the game -note we’re one less critic today who says the fun trickled out….

Crikey is also a snarky site, having a go at politics, business, media and more.  If there is any bias showing, Crikey has new Editor who can do the subbing.

If Dyer has fallen off Nine’s Christmas card list he wouldn’t be the first and he won’t be the last to fall out of favour with a network.

Source: The Australian

7 Responses

  1. David, you mean the “friends” who “would gladly kill me as half-time entertainment at the grand final. Or any occasion, event or gathering. For a laugh. And simulcast it.” ? I miss you already Catherine!

  2. It says more about Nine that they have so many poisonous relationships with critics and journos than any other network.

    I have had direct experience with Nine culture and it pains me to see a place that has so much talent, but places most emphasis on petty point-scoring.

    Has it actually helped them at all? No.

  3. It certainly doesn’t help that LM is married to DG. Dyer may have a point, but he doesn’t conduct himself with any tact.

    Personally, Leila is a not a charismatic performer. It does not harm any Ch 9 producer’s career to give her a job whilst DG is at the top.

  4. I think people will find a lot of Nine haters on this site. Hmm wonder why? Poor quality programming, no viewer loyalty, constant schedule changes, no soul.

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