Here isn't the NEWS

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

It's nice to have somewhere to post, but lets hope the NEWS is better in future:

Bad news for NEWStopia

* By David Knox on March 12, 2009
* Filed Under News, Top Stories
*

newstopia-0231How to break this gently? Sorry, it can’t be done…

Don’t expect to see NEWStopia back on television.

When TEN announced Shaun Micallef would front its new panel show (now entitled) Talkin ‘Bout Your Generation everyone had expected he could continue with SBS’ NEWStopia. The show had enjoyed three series on SBS, becoming a cult favourite and generating good reviews.

TEN’s official press release even promised, “Micallef will continue his work on SBS series NEWStopia” -a nice nod from one network to current obligations.

Behind the scenes the fallout has been less cheerful.

SBS confirmed to TV Tonight yesterday that its series has not been re-commissioned. Axed? Technically no, just not recommissioned. The network instead nodded to three new series that are instead moving forward.

There is no guarantee it will ever be re-commissioned.

TV Tonight understands that NEWStopia has become a victim of production clashes.

Micallef will be seen on TEN’s new show alongside Amanda Keller, Charlie Pickering and Josh Thomas, produced by Granada, while the lingering memory of FremantleMedia’s comedy with Kat Stewart and Nicholas Bell may well prove to be its 2008 finale featuring “Inspektor Herring.”

www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/03/bad-news-for-newstopia.html

[milokerrigan]

Its so sad. But we did have a fairly good run with Newstopia, i guess.

I hope the new show is good - its quite possible it may not be

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

I'll wager it'll be better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

I agree, at least NEWStopia went out on a high. Leave 'em wanting more & all that.

[sezzarucchi]

WOWEE Viv, what a cracker of a first post!

This is very sad. I thought Newstopia was a great format for Shaun, and secretly hoped it would go on forever. But I'm sure we were all in that boat.

I'm not too sure about the new show on TEN (why the emphasis on capitals, by the way?) but still will be watching regardless.

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

Mar 13, 2009 8:51:01 GMT 10 sezzarucchi said:

WOWEE Viv, what a cracker of a first post!

This is very sad. I thought Newstopia was a great format for Shaun, and secretly hoped it would go on forever. But I'm sure we were all in that boat.

Thanks, finally somewhere to comment on my Google alerts!

I bet SBS were as well. How many Logie-nominated shows do they make?

The original news article about the <caps>ten<end caps> show said that the quiz was part of a deal for other things in development. They sound more interesting, if only as it's such a vague description!

[sezzarucchi]

Come on, Silvio Riviere and his Global Village must be up for nomination this year...

Ooh goodie. I missed that bit in the original news article. Sounds much more interesting!

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/stay-in-touch/aussie-icons-play-new-yorks-carnegie-hal/2009/01/21/1232471393082.html?page=2

"CROSSING OVER

Like many parents, the comedian Shaun Micallef is often bemused by his children's interests. "They're constantly introducing me to new things," he told Stay in Touch yesterday. "Like all those internet sites where you can download music. I buy CDs and I don't see what's wrong with it. Don't people do that any more?"

The comic will explore the generation gap on a new show, MyGen, on the Ten Network this year. Acting as quizmaster - "a role I've never played before" - Micallef will pit celebrity baby boomers against generations X and Y to find out who knows most about the world. The move into commercial television comes after years of working largely for the ABC and SBS. Micallef will continue to present and produce Newstopia on SBS, but will work for Ten both as an on-air personality and developing new shows."

OOPS! Think I've got the new threads tangled already

[jen]

Damn shame, NEWStopia was one of the better shows on telly. At least it got three decent seasons.

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

SBS' director of television, Matt Campbell, has confirmed that Shaun Micallef's current affairs satire Newstopia will not return because of a scheduling clash with My Generation, the panel show Micallef is developing for Ten. Campbell says he had planned to move it to the prime 8.30pm Monday slot, following Top Gear. Campbell says there are no hard feelings between the parties and that SBS is looking to develop a new series with the Newstopia team.

www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/networking/2009/03/25/1237656981784.html

When I first read this, I thought it meant a new series of NEWStopia, minus Mr Micallef! Or does it mean a totally different series of something else?

[13schoolyards]

I'm guessing the "Newstopia team' equals production company Freemantle Media. Tho' who knows? If the reason Shaun didn't come back was because he didn't want to (which seems kinda likely, considering he's never done more than three seasons on anything on TV) then maybe he'd be available for a different kind of show? Maybe hosting the finance report?

[milokerrigan]

Hopefully dressed as the grim reaper like he did at the end of that episode of newstopia during the market report theme music. That was quite amusing

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

NEWStopia has been nominated for an AWGIE (think I got that right. I've misplaced my link around here somewhere... that was it really, no urther info).

[beanisacarrot]

Jun 30, 2009 10:14:36 GMT 10 yorkshiremoorsviv said:

NEWStopia has been nominated for an AWGIE (think I got that right. I've misplaced my link around here somewhere... that was it really, no urther info).

Well deserved.

[yorkshiremoorsviv]

Jul 3, 2009 23:00:50 GMT 10 beanisacarrot said:

Well deserved.

Indeed! I was watching it again for the nth time tonight whilst finishing some work, & I still noticed bits I hadn't the first time. & I like to think I'm fairly observant!