by Halliwell Hannah
The last big ratings season is upon us, and all the television channels are
eager to win.
Channel 7 recently used a colour brochure, in daily papers, to promote its
Spring line-up. All Time Greatest Bloopers and
Working may prove a winning combination on Sundays, and
Ally McBeal and Something Stupid could be a big
success on Mondays. The 200th episode of Blue Heelers (9/9)
should also win its slot. September is Aussie rules football final time,
and Channel 7 has all the telecasts including the Grand
Final. Some of this footy fever may rub off on Live and
Kicking, which could use the boost. Big movies heading for 7
include: Get Shorty (with John Travolta),
Sabrina (with Harrison Ford), Goldeneye
(Pierce Brosnan as 007), Dangerous Minds and
Sleepers.
Channel 9 will also expect footy fever to boost the ratings of The
Footy Show. However, it will be the Commonwealth
Games that will be the channel's trump card. Big specials like
Moby Dick and movie premieres are also on the station's
line-up.
Channel 10 is pinning its hopes on a series of blockbuster movies (mostly
starring Jean Claude Van Damme) and is already advertising these
Knockout Movies.
SBS only had one big gun, but what a gun it is. New episodes of South
Park. The surprise hit of 1998, which Channel 10 is trying to snap
up, is sure to continue its successful run.
The ABC will be pinning its hopes on the Federal Election. Their news and
The 7.30 Report traditionally fare better at these times.
Unfortunately, Channel 9 has The Great Debateon 60
Minutes, so the ABC won't have it all their own way.
by Halliwell Hannah
