ITV's broadcast of the Oscars 2024 was met with criticism from viewers for its hosting and panel. The show was hosted by Jonathan Ross and featured a panel that included Richard Armitage, Yinka Bokinni, Fay Ripley, and Ben Bailey Smith. However, the panel seemed unenthusiastic about the nominated films, giving off an overall vibe of disinterest in the Oscars. The coverage received negative reviews on social media, with viewers expressing their disappointment.
Many viewers felt that the panel's commentary was not engaging and that the show failed to acknowledge that the Oscars telecast in the UK is primarily for hardcore fans. Instead of providing insightful analysis or excitement for the awards, the panel's lackluster performance left viewers unimpressed. Some viewers even preferred to watch the acceptance speeches on YouTube rather than listen to the panel's commentary.
The article suggests that ITV should cater to the niche audience of Oscars enthusiasts by providing a panel of film critics or stars who are more knowledgeable and passionate about the industry. This would create a more engaging and informative viewing experience for dedicated fans. Additionally, the article emphasizes that the Oscars telecast is a late-night viewing experience for night owls and movie obsessives, and ITV should embrace this audience instead of trying to appeal to a broader demographic.
While there is a place for more accessible Oscars coverage, such as a shorter wrap-up program, the live telecast should cater to the dedicated fans who stay up late to watch the event. By providing a more knowledgeable and enthusiastic panel, ITV can enhance the viewing experience for these dedicated fans and create a more memorable Oscars broadcast.
The decline in viewership of the Oscars since 2014 has been a cause for concern. In 2024, the Oscars only had 19.5 million viewers, a significant drop from previous years. The pandemic has played a role in this decline, as the glitzy image of the Oscars now seems like a display of decadence and excess. The event, which used to represent the American Dream, now feels out of touch with the majority of people who are struggling financially. The Oscars have become insular, cliquish, and elitist, which has further contributed to the decline in ratings.
The influence of celebrities has also diminished, with protests and moments of speaking out having limited impact compared to the efforts of journalists and civilians risking their lives for change. The general public is less captivated by Hollywood, the glamour, and its stars. The significance of the event and the celebrities involved has diminished. While people still love movies, they no longer resonate with the decadence and elitism of Hollywood.
In Ireland, there has been a decline in viewership for Sunday night shows on RTE. The Full Irish Hidden Camera Show, which airs on Sunday nights, started with an average audience of around 344,000 viewers but has seen a drop of 175,000 viewers since its debut. Brendan Courtney's Keys To My Life episode had a drop of 54,000 viewers, with an average of 211,000 viewers. However, The Late Late Show saw an increase of 32,000 viewers compared to the previous week, with an average audience of 418,000 people tuning in.
TVNZ's Sunday programme has aired for the last time, ending 22 years of long-form storytelling. The final episode was emotional for the presenters and staff, who gathered on set to bid farewell to their viewers. Executive producer Jane Skinner reflected on the programme's legacy of in-depth and investigative journalism. TVNZ also made cuts to other news programmes and parts of the newsroom. Following the final recording, the Employment Relations Authority found fault with TVNZ, and the broadcaster and the E tū union will enter mediation. Sunday journalist Mark Crysell expressed gratitude for the privilege of telling people's stories and sadness that younger journalists may not have the same opportunities. Miriama Kamo, Sunday presenter, expressed a mix of grief, appreciation, and hope for the future of journalism.
TVNZ's Sunday team bids emotional farewell as the 22-year-old show signs off. Miriama Kamo, the presenter of Sunday, thanked viewers after presenting the show for more than 13 years. Martyn Bradbury criticizes the TVNZ Board for allowing the show to be canceled and accuses them of protecting their jobs while neglecting their obligations to the Fourth Estate. Bradbury calls for the Boards to stand up against the government's attacks on public institutions. He suggests that TVNZ should deliver harder journalism and cut back on certain shows while launching new current affairs programs. He also proposes funding TVNZ 1 commercial-free, increasing funding for NZ on Air for Kiwi journalism, promoting journalism in the Pacific, and providing baseline increases for Māori media. Bradbury argues that the small population of New Zealand necessitates state support for public broadcasting and that social media is undermining traditional journalism. He believes that a strong public broadcaster and an expanded NZ on Air journalism fund would help rebuild public broadcasting and counter disinformation campaigns.
Viewers expressed disappointment with the guest list on Sunday Brunch. Some criticized chef Jeremy Pang for being boring, while others felt that all the guests were bored themselves. There were also complaints about Ellie Taylor repeating herself and Michelle de Swarte being too loud and annoying. Fran Healy was mistaken for someone else by a viewer. Comedian Andrew Maxwell and athlete Iwan Thomas escaped the criticism. The episode aired after England secured their place in the semi-finals of the Euros. Sunday Brunch continues to air on Channel 4 on Sundays at 9:30 am.
Sunday Brunch viewers criticize host Tim Lovejoy for his obsession with football during the show. Lovejoy wore an England shirt throughout the episode and talked extensively about the Euro 2024 final match between England and Spain. Some viewers found Lovejoy's focus on football to be insufferable and expressed empathy for the guests who were continually drawn into football chat. They called Lovejoy's obsession with football borderline creepy and criticized him for not focusing on the magazine show format of Sunday Brunch. Fans hope that England will win the tournament as they face Spain in the final.