WILL YOU BE WATCHING?

Unless you have been hiding under a rock the last few days you have no doubt heard the leaders' debate had to be rescheduled so not to compete with ratings blockbuster MasterChef. What does this say about the state of a nation when the only televised debate between the two possible leaders is trumped by a reality tv cooking show? Is anyone really surprised at this? Can we really blame the average joe for becoming disillusioned with national politics or should we bow our heads in shame for being more interested in people we will never know and who will have no influence over our lives?





















The leaders' debate is "traditionally" scheduled for the first Sunday after the election is called and normally held in the 7.30pm time slot. The current PM decides the number of debates, rules and timing. I say "traditional" as the first televised leader's debate was held in 1984 between Bob Hawke and Andrew Peacock so it's hardly an ingrained part of our social fabric (speaking of Hawke, since watching the telemovie on Sunday night I can't erase the image of his withered old man chest - so unattractive yet in such contrast to his manly head of hair *shudder*). The debate has generally favored opposition leaders which may explain why Julia is only prepared to engage in one debate. Over the years the popularity of the televised event has steadily declined. 


















The MasterChef phenomenon is unprecedented. It is the most watched television show in our history. Last year 3.72 million viewers tuned in to the season finale, this year punters are predicting over 4 million will tune in. As far as water cooler shows go, MasterChef is a pearler - people obviously relate to it and love to talk about it. Michael Idato TV critic for the Sydney Morning Herald explained it beautifully on last night's 7.30 Report when he said of MasterChef "Food is fundamental part of our lives and it really taps into that without being cynical, with out being brutal, without being nasty, it's gentle and illuminating and they are very, very rare qualities". On the same show, Marc Brennan from the University of Sydney explained that one series of Big Brother drew more votes than the general election held that year which goes some way to illustrating the bond people have with reality tv over politics.
  
It appears to me there is a massive disconnect between our leaders and the general public. It is a sad state of affairs when the wider public feel they have more of a connection with ordinary people who ultimately have no influence or effect over our lives (ok, so they may influence the odd decision re. what to cook for dinner but that's about it). The same can't be said for our two leaders. It may not be the most interesting election campaign, it has been described in the media as the Seinfeld election, however this election will determine who will lead our country. Surely that warrants more interest in the debate? It saddens me to think of all the people who have died for their right to vote in other countries and we as a nation can't even feign any kind of faux interest in our upcoming election. 
 


Julia suggested that she wouldn't be 'dancing nor cooking' on Sunday night and that Australians will make up their own mind as to what they will watch. Maybe she should try a little Tango? On second thoughts absolutely not. It's fascinating stuff - both Julia and Tony are pretty authentic people in so far that they both wear their hearts on their sleaves. You may not agree with either one but you can't accuse either of being fake. I may not want to see her dancing and I think Abbott's budgie smugglers get far too much air time but I do want to see a genuine attempt to reconnect with the Australian public. Abbott's appearance on Hey Hey last night was risky but he seemed to get away relatively unscathed. Personally I find it extraordinarily uncomfortable watching our leaders on variety tv but if that's what it takes to connect, then that's what it takes.

I have to admit that I am a fan of MasterChef, not the most loyal viewer but what I have seen I have enjoyed; probably because I love being able to sit back and criticise or compliment each contestant as I see fit. So being a fan of MasterChef and someone who takes an avid interest in the characters that are charged with running this great country I am grateful that the decision was made to change the debate's timeslot.

Will you tune in to either show?