Television


Community TV is on its death bed, when will Conroy step in?

Digital television is screwing community television stations like Channel 31, since they are stuck broadcasting in analogue and not yet allocated any space on the digital network. Emma Rugg explains.

Why the government wants to ban toddlers from watching TV

A Federal government report to be released next week calls on parents and child carers to ban TV for children under two, with research showing it can stunt their development. Is this what they mean by “nanny” state?

Is raising kids on a diet of TV child abuse?

Sex, violence and mindless manipulation: if TV came in a bottle, it would be illegal to sell it to children, says Jeff Jacoby. Why do we work so hard to keep our kids away from booze and drugs, then willingly plonk them for hours in front of an equally destructive addiction?

Crikey Says: TV is dead, right?

The internet just turned 40 and everyone is now permanently online. Right? Turns out, broadcast media still has some fans…

Television enters the third dimension

3D technology — thus far utilised mostly by the novelty film industry — may finally come into its own, with Sony announcing it will have 3D TVs in homes by the end of 2010. Though the prospect of Neighbours popping out of the screen is a bit scary, it holds huge possibilities for the console gaming industry.

Conroy’s anti-siphoning review set to king hit subscription TV

All the risks in the anti-siphoning review lie with the subscription television sector, or, as Stephen Conroy’s Department has taken to calling it in a minor but noticeable change of usage, the “pay television sector’.

TV: it’ll make your blood boil

Your mum was right: watching too much TV is bad for you. New research shows it significantly raises the blood pressure of children, regardless of weight.

Future of journalism: Jon Stewart with journalists?

How does a show a la Jon’s Stewart’s Daily Show with real journalists sound? That’s what NPR’s Ira Glass is proposing as the future of the journalism: real news using real language.

Plus-size TV programming the latest fad diet

TV networks have suddenly discovered that “fat sells” and are flaunting it with shows like Dance Your Ass Off and More to Love. But what does it actually mean for larger women’s empowerment? asks Kate Harding.

TV networks reel as ad revenue slumps 12.6%

The damage done to the finances of the three TV networks is savage.

MasterChef! The true truth!

Why is it the most watched show in the history of everything?

Meet the mind behind Mad Men

Creator Matthew Weiner tells Rolling Stone about Season Three and the inspirations behind the show’s twists and turns. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

Hypocrisy watch: Foxtel lectures Free to Air TV on competition

Foxtel CEO Kim Williams spoke yesterday about the need for greater competition in TV. Perhaps the problem is more that he’s just about to get some.

The best TV of the past decade

Members of the Television Critics Association nominate the best actors and shows on the small-screen from the past decade. Some controversial omissions, in our opinion, but not a bad little list.

The box set: season 2009-2010 TV round-up

Because what they’re watching in America now, is what Australia will be watching next. The Futon critic has a wrap of new shows, pilots and which sitcoms are being cancelled. RIP Boston Legal.

The Fresh Prince’s continuing fashion influence

New Yorkers have been channelling Will Smith’s ’90s-era Fresh Prince of Bel Air with a mix of bright pastels, neons, and loud prints.

TV on the way out?

Crazy times: people are watching television shows… on the Internet! Tell us more, Washington Post!

The gnawing pressure of traditional TV

People can now construct an entire TV schedule without ever flicking on a remote control. The trends plainly worry some in the TV business, particularly cable companies.

US sees surge in recession-themed sitcoms

Recession-themed comedies are all the rage this pilot season.

Media briefs: Never mind the lesbian kiss, Home and Away gets violent

That kiss … Chicago Sun-Times collapses… New life for Life Magazine…

Regional TV in SA: still stuck in the sixties

Do you get the impression that, as far as big business and politicians are concerned, regional South Australia doesn’t matter? asks regional TV veteran Chris Jeremy.

Where have all the good shows gone?

Where did TV news programs go over summer — to the beach? Asks Crikey intern Chris Paver.

American Idol: Obama’s TV ratings success

President Obama continues to be the biggest drawcard in US apart from the Super Bowl. He’s certainly a bigger drawcard than Fox TV’s American Idol, writes Glenn Dyer.

Foxtel outfoxes the ABC — again

Foxtel has again dealt a devastating blow to the major core competence of the ABC, News and Public Affairs, writes Peter Cox.

Last night’s TV ratings

Winners and losers from last night’s TV.