I like the sound of this…

TV Anywhere recently announced its upcoming plans to make American television programming available to subscribers residing outside of the U.S. This new service will allow viewers to watch live linear TV, on-demand movies and shows, and daily local news on either a PC client or a digital IP based set top box connected to the subscriber’s television. The service is also broadband enabled.

from imediaconnection.com

Earlier this afternoon, Channel 9 issued a release to the media. It was unusually short for a 9 media release. Only seven lines long. In fact, short is not so much correct as curt:

Negotiations between Jana Wendt and Channel Nine have concluded with the parties agreeing to part company.

Channel Nine thanks Ms Wendt for her contribution to the Network over many years and wishes her well for the future.

Perhaps Eddie should listen to some of his critics. Paticularly Peter Craven in yesterday’s Age.

Craven points out that having programmes like Sunday and journalists like Wendt in your stable sets you apart from the pack.

This new iteration of Sunday will see us out the season and then I will not be surprised if it doesn’t return next year.

McGuire, it seems, is nothing more than just another Cashed-Up Bogun. The changes he makes to 9 remind me of a CUB conversation I recently overheard in which a decision needed to be made between a BMW and a Mercedes. It was all about image and had nothing to do with the quality of the automobile.

Eddie doesn’t realise that shows like Sunday and high quality journalism and reportage, whatever time it is shown, gives a network a soul where others have none. At least 9 had something they could truly be proud of (as opposed to the showing off of figures they wave in our faces every week). Now it seems there is almost nothing left of any decency in commercial television*.

* except, of course, for James Talia.

The following media release was sent out yesterday (Sunday) afternoon:

The Nine Network announced today Paul Waldren had resigned as the Managing Director of Channel Nine Melbourne.

But Nine’s long standing relationship with Mr Waldren will continue, utilising his expertise as a consultant to the Network.

Mr Waldren will remain with Nine until a replacement is found – a process that is already underway.

“Paul has contributed so much to the Nine Network over the last 20 years and he will continue to be a force at Nine as a consultant on many levels,” said Mr Eddie McGuire, Nine Network CEO.

“It’s a fitting departure for Paul, as Nine Melbourne celebrates winning the ratings year, claiming 22 consecutive weekly wins for 2006. I thank Paul for his commitment and drive to ensure Nine is still the one. I am delighted we will be able to draw on his expertise moving forward.”

Mr Waldren said: “My time at Nine has been the greatest opportunity of my business life, one that has given me the opportunity to work alongside some of the greats in the television and media industry. I look forward to the next chapter and continuing to make a contribution to the best television and media company in Australia.”

Sunday, August 27, 2006

It’s interesting to see, I think, that no reason has been given for the split. Obviously it’s amicable with Waldren continuing on and being quoted in the release itself. Still, questions remain as to what would make someone leave a job they so obviously enjoy during such a difficult time at an organisation.

Sure, they spin it as 22 consecutive wins, but the victories have not been nearly as convincing this year as they have in the past.

As reported by Brett in last nights recording The Master has been axed.

This is absolutely ridiculous and shows the desperation of Aussie networks.

Celeb Survivor and David Tench both appeared to rate well enough to continue at least for the time being – Aussie Survivor outrating it’s American counterpart – but it’s early days.

Celeb Survivor was an absolute abomination.

Much more on it when I have composed my thoughts.

RB