The Back Side of Television

I decided to start with episode 2 because it was reportedly about an infamous news report to be revisited. Anyhow, 7 or 8 minutes in, I'm still being preached at about how terrible straight, white men are and how Australian TV is awful for not having more LGBTQ content 40 years ago, and how all the representations of gay characters weren't good enough.

After an ordinary day, I don't want to put on a show and be given a sermon about what a despicable person I am just for existing. If the presenter wanted to address this issue, at least don't make such sweeping generalisations about a demographic of his audience (incidentally the same thing he reports he doesn't appreciate being done regarding his own demographic) and maybe lose some of the giant chip on his shoulder. I just wanted to watch this 'infamous news report' from the past, free from being lectured.

I only discovered this recently. I watched S03E01 and enjoyed the wit and comedy as well as the well-researched and deep analysis. Went back and watched from S01E01 and it gets better and better.

Not afraid to pull punches, not afraid to criticise commercial networks for their awful practices. I find it insightful and entertaining. Please make more of them!

The part of S02E03 about the downward slide of commercial network news bulletins is something I've been concerned about for a long time but couldn't quite put into words like Mitch McTaggart does here.

The Chirper7 review suggests that he's a bit to harsh on middle-aged white men as a demographic. I think the reviewer missed the point of the article, which was to suggest that middle-aged white guys tend to complain about anything that is not directly targeted at them. Disclaimer: I'm a middle-aged white guy, and I love it.

I thought I was a discerning viewer until I watched this show. A behind-the-scenes analysis of the decision-making processes that determine why and how shows come and go. Not what I was expecting, but entertaining and enlightening.

S2/E3 my favourite episode overall. Great insight into current news reporting and its ability to exaggerate and catastrophise and dramatise even a non-story. Also includes a historical comparison of news, now and then.

MIght have scored a 10/10, but minus one point for the blatant omission of any Foxtel show combined with the shameless plugging about the opening credits of a Foxtel show... isn't it ironic?