Good News Bad News

December 17, 2008 @ 08:50

The news that CTV will not produce Canadian Idol this year comes as bad news for potential singing stars across the country, but its welcome relief for thousands of viewers.

It means several hours "less" of the Ben Mulroney factor.

Besides my sweet mother, I'm still searching for another person in Canada who actually enjoys this man's work. It's unbelievable how someone who's so widely rejected by the general public continues to thrive in our television industry.

Mulroney really hasn't improved one iota since he was first inflicted upon the Canadian public several years ago through a series of events that may have had something to do with a former Prime Minister who has friends in high places.

Although Canadian Idol did very well in the ratings, it still only attracted half the audience in Canada that the American version attracts.

I'm convinced that Mulroney has to take a large part of the responsibility.

It's amazing how often you get the same response when you ask somebody who normally watches American Idol, if they watch Canadian Idol - "no I don't because I can't stand Ben Mulroney."

If I'd heard that response once, I've heard it a thousand times and it makes you wonder how the message hasn't made its way to the top of CTV where they make all the big decisions.

Then again, it was way up there that the original decision to hire the untrained, inexperienced Benjamin was first made.

Nothing personal against Mulroney, but when you consider how many young talented performers and hosts are looking for work in this country, it seems unjust that the awkward man with the orange skin and immovable hair continues to collect a pay cheque.

"The economy" has been a convenient excuse for CTV over the past few weeks, allowing the network to backtrack and correct several mistakes that probably had nothing to do with "the economy."

Biting off more than they could chew with the CHUM acquisition was a problem long before "the economy" popped its head up, but as long as "the economy" excuse is still timely, maybe they can do us all a big favour and re-think the Ben factor.

CTV claims Canadian Idol will return in 2010, although that's hard to believe. If it was making any money it wouldn't have been cancelled for 09, and if it aint' making money now, why would they bring it back to lose money in 2010.

I may be a cynic but I can't help but get the impression that "the economy" has provided an excuse to get out from under some expensive Canadian content.

How about this idea?

CTV comes back with another show in 2010 called "So you think you can host." It'll be a lot cheaper.

They scour the country looking for a young Canadian who has the natural ability to stand on a stage or set and host a television show without looking extremely uncomfortable.

The winner gets to take over for Ben - and they can pay him a fraction of the money - which will help, considering "the economy."

Category: Television

24 Responses to "Good News Bad News"

Hank
December 17, 2008 / 14:05

There may be better hosts out there but it's hard to find that combination of reasonable looks and swarminess that he and Seacrest have.

I don't like to see people out of work but declining ad dollars etc...does CTV need a morning show with 4 people for 3 hrs?

Can cross all around the dial on TV and radio and see the economics unfold.

James Edgar
December 17, 2008 / 14:46

No loss for me. If they had the best host ever and the best panel ever and only the very best singers ever born in Canada i wouldn't watch that dreck. The whole idea is just awful IMO.

Pam
December 17, 2008 / 14:49

There is a reason the American version draws more ratings: it's a better show. Watching CI is a cringe-worthy experience. One can only hope E-Talk is next: then Mulroney will be well and truly out of job...

Sam
December 17, 2008 / 15:42

The media in this country love themselves. It's an incnious group that has no clue what is going on with the public.

They all pat each other on the back and love themselves. This is how Ben keeps his job.

Jake
December 17, 2008 / 15:52

If Ben is out of work, apparently, he has an in, on shoe salesman job.

Jed Clampett
December 17, 2008 / 15:54

The media has no idea about the common man.

Pauly Walnuts
December 17, 2008 / 16:40

Ben can run for Politics... it worked for Justin.

John B
December 17, 2008 / 16:45

One less reality show. Sounds like good news to me.

Trish
December 17, 2008 / 17:05

I've always thought programming it right after the finale of American Idol was stupid. AI is a gruelling experience for anyone who watches it from first to last. Who has the stamina to sit through this cheaply made canadian version - even if it weren't fronted by the unctuous Ben Mulroney.

Horonymous
December 17, 2008 / 17:28

CBC should launch its own showcase of talent show.

Enough documentaries about LGBT left handed dentists and the struggles they have. Put on some shows Canadians want to watch.

Maybe the CBC could get Justin Trudeau.

An Idol type show is not for me but enough Canadians seem to like it.

CTV "we have no more money because we spent it all buying other channels".
Just a poor excuse for a network that is full of American programming.

Mike from Lowville
December 17, 2008 / 19:42

Hey Fred, my Mom joins yours watching this crap! Bye Ben.....and stay away, please!

Brenda's Boyfriend from Cambridge
December 18, 2008 / 08:02

If I were ever to find myself in the studio audience during a Canadian Idol show, I would throw a shoe at Ben Mulroney...

"Speyside Phil"
December 18, 2008 / 14:10

Good riddens to the show and Ben. While they are at it get rid of all the other crap reality shows. Enough already with this junk.And what is with peoples obsession with everything entertainment. Puke.

MJ
December 18, 2008 / 14:39

Cut that loser out and theres saving CTV at least 500 grand per year.. thats alot of salaries that could be saved for real pros, not him!

Ryan
December 18, 2008 / 16:11

good riddance.

i know someone who works indirectly with this dickhead, and the word is that he's quite an asshole.

when someone makes a giant salary, is not particularly talented, works maybe 3 or 4 hours a day and shits on the people that make him look good (relatively speaking), then i have no sympathy for the dude. with his type of lifestyle determined at a young age based on his father, he likely expects the world to drop to its knees in his presence. maybe with cdn idol being dropped it'll bring him down a few notches too...but probably not.

Trish
December 18, 2008 / 16:50

Right on, Ryan! I caught a little of E-Talk last night and you'll be happy to know our boy was clearly down in the dumps. That self-satisfied smirk has been wiped clean off his face. Looks good on him.

Stafford
December 18, 2008 / 18:21

If I'm Bill Brioux, formerly at the Toronto Sun, I'm having a nice sexy Christmas coffee right now and thanking Karma. She really IS a bitch.

Hiatus? Every year it was the same final: Cowboy Bob from Alberta versus coal miner's son from Sydney.

Good riddance.

Bruce Mallory
December 18, 2008 / 20:49

The unfortunate part of it is we have a lot of great talent in Canada for any of you that paid attention to that part of the show (some of it was pretty ugly I know) but other then this avenue we would never get a chance to see or hear most of these kids. I am sure our parents thought the same as we (an asumption there)watched and listened to a lot of kids back in our era of change. They completely changed the face of music in the 60's 70's 80's and so on and don't tell me you were not riveted to the Gong Show!!!! The enjoyment I get is potentially seeing it happen again. We are obviously not part of the demographic they are looking for. The young people our kids ( maybe in some cases grandkids) they are the ones that suffer because they don't give 2 you know whats about Ben Mulroney they just want to see the next Superstar in their eyes. I will admit I enjoy watching the shows to see what talent can possibly emerge from it because I am a fan of music and I enjoy watching and listening to people wanting to give it a shot and trying. I just shut out Ben and Seacrest for that matter and make sure my daughter is happy by letting her watch it. I can not believe you would possibly miss the next historical musical change happen because of Mulroney hit the mute switch and watch the kids.
Why doesn't any one use their last name here other then for a few... pussy's

Shark
December 18, 2008 / 21:18

Other words or things...that describe ben mulroney...
1. paste
2. vanilla
3. generic
4. bland
5. gray
6. fake
7. nondescript
8. invisible
9. cardboard
10. useless

lenen zonder bkr toetsing
August 2, 2010 / 20:13

Lenen Zonder BKR Toetsing Lenen zonder BKR toetsing stijgt in populariteit op het Internet. Veel mensen met een zogeheten BKR notatie, die toch geld willen lenen zijn op zoek naar ...

radiowerbung
August 27, 2010 / 02:25

That’s Too nice, when it comes in india hope it can make a Rocking location for youngster.. hope in which come true.

Rufus Janeiro
August 27, 2010 / 07:18

Those desperate miners are so fortunate to be alive. My thoughts go out to them and their loved ones. I do hope they make it out alive and don't go crazy while locked so deep underground.I can only imagine what their families are going through.

Hung Arouri
August 27, 2010 / 07:27

Those poor miners are so lucky to be alive. My prayers go out to them and their families. I do hope they make it out alive and don't go crazy while locked so deep underground.I can only imagine what their families are going through.

Bridgett Dobosh
August 28, 2010 / 11:13

Those desperate miners are so lucky to be alive. My thoughts go out to them and their families. I do hope they make it out alive and don't go crazy while locked so deep underground.I can only imagine what their families are going through.

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