Dear RobP,

I watched Harold Mitchell on TV last night.
He did say that taste's have changed.
People are no longer amused with things
that "disgust," rather than "entertain."
He did mention that people like - Gordon
Ramsay, and others - were being turned off
by the public. That people were instead
tuning in to feel good programmes like -
"Master Chef," programmes that entertained.

It was inevitable I guess that people like
Kyle and Jackie O (big on shock value -
limited talent) - would sooner or later
outlive their 'entertainment value.'

Still I have to laugh out loud - some people still
don't seem to get it. I read an article
recently in a woman's magazine - that had
the heading, " Would you pay $1,500 for a date
with this man?"

It seems that former AFL star
Warwick Capper has launched a new career as a
male escort and charges a $1,500 fee for the
privilege. The fee by the way buys only "a few
chaste hours," with the flamboyant former AFL
star, "he says he wouldn't rule out sex
on such an outing, 'But I'd have to charge extra
for that,'"

“He did mention that people like - Gordon
Ramsay, and others - were being turned off
by the public. That people were instead
tuning in to feel good programmes like -
"Master Chef," programmes that entertained.”

Who is this Harold Mitchel Foxy?

Sad for people to turn to Master Chef to feel good. Two dudes talking loudly to each other using the same adjectives over and over while the contestants stutter on about being gutted if they lose then they cry if they lose. Poofters. And the final – I’m sure this time they have to cook a three course desert while doing a bungee jump. Oh Hubby and son are telling me there is an Aussie masterchef, who knew.

Gordon – now there is a reason to cry.

Okay so I watch the cooking channel about 8 hours a day. I also like Nigella although don’t watch it if hubby is home – who needs the competition... who could compete?

Kyle and Jack thingi – boring. Kids mum was there and the story was boring, or is right now as husband and son tell me what it was in under ten words. Hope someone made some money.

And slutty AFL players… shocker. Where is Anti?

TPP

You mean, "And slutty AFL players… shocker. Where is C J Morgan?"

That list is C J's, who is keeping it 'just because'.

Kapper did his own XXX home movie so he might already be on C J's list.

I welcome all of the cooking shows, the collectors and so on. I know the networks are only doing it to save money, but my fervent hope is that it will cause more young people at least to leave the Box turned off.

Cornflower,

I agree that humiliation in all its forms should be treated the same way as Sandilands was - it should be ripped to shreds by the public, media proprietors and sponsors. Unfortunately, there are only a few circumstances, it would seem, that press the right buttons to outrage someone sufficiently to precipitate action against belittling behaviour. What has been apparent is that the watchdog for such things (ACMA is it?) is asleep in its kennel most of the time.

Foxy,

Warwick Capper - now there's a guy who didn't need an opposing full-back to give him a wedgie - he gave himself one! He's in the same league as Sam Newman - a self-styled buffoon. These guys are actively looking for new ways to shock/entertain an audience and make some big bucks in the process. Thought bubble to Sam/Warwick: "Hey, why not go where no one has publicly gone before". Sam/Wazza to though bubble: "Hey, yeah!".

BTW, I only meant that Master Chef was better than Kyle and Jackie, not that it was actually that good. There's only so many times the the same pattern of confected personal drama can be recycled before it leaves a sickly sweet taste in the mouth. The manipulation of the contestants to spill their entrails about the way they were feeling was way over the top. But it is Channel Ten.

Piper,

Harold Mitchell is one of the major radio owners as I understand it.

Cornflower,

There's not enough minutes in the day to actively voice personal concerns of all apparent moments of concern regarding the welfare of people being ridiculed in front of millions and being passed off as entertainment, but the more people involved the more chance we have of making some sorta shift in the mentality of the broadcasters.

This one particular 'fight', so to speak, highlighted by me here is one step forward. This comment of yours concerns and saddens me,

"I will believe that certain self-styled social commentators are truly concerned about youth when they broaden their attack to include all abuses of youth for public entertainment."

I don't believe anyone said or suggested that this was the only issue in the media that needs addressing. This example of public opinion making change IS a win but it's also an example that you can make a difference and now more than ever with the use of technology such as Twitter, Youtube, and forums like this we can shut down and control unacceptable content. Those who think they are better than social expectations CAN actually be brought to task, as well. It's a lesson for all those in the industry. Did you know the 'Chasers War on Everything' is gone too?.

Don't sit there and condemn, get involved with those issues that concern you.

Dear Piper,

Harold Mitchell is the head of the Mitchell Communications
Group - Australia's largest independent communications
group. It's the country's largest media buying
agency. As their website says:

"Our Mission is to deliver your communications to
the right people - at the right time, in the right place
with the right message at the best possible price."

According to several sites - "Mitchell has some 700
clients who turn over $900 million using traditional
media including radio stations, newspapers, magazines,
and various forms of advertising..."

I've never watched MasterChef - I have watched Gordon
Ramsay a few times - not a big fan.
Yes - Nigella is divine! I actually encourage my
husband to watch her (as a turn on) :)

Dear RobP,

Newman and Capper - I agree - they're about as
entertaining as running a ten mile marathon through
thick mud.