Peter Hitchener vs John Safran Controversy

Two noteworthy things took place on television last night.

John Safrans show Race Relations went to air. The show was steeped in controversy. Safran sniffed panties and pleasured himself to the lovely Obama smile. We know this was controversial because some chap from a Christian lobby group said it was offensive, and because the ABC kept telling people that there was controversy.

Peter Hitchener on Channel News in Melbourne had the news broadcast interrupted by a wandering seagull.

Everyone is talking about one of these TV shows. And it isn’t the one hosted by Safran.

So, why is it that people care more about the seagull than the Eurasians underthings being sniffed? Its simple: more people are more invested in TV news.

The Chasers controversial moments gathered mass attention because it was an oft-discussed program featuring very popular performers. Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s blackface incident had a heap of attention placed on it as there were millions of people watching.

In regards to Race Relations, a good majority of people around the country would be asking “What’s a John Safran?”

Ratings for John Safrans Race Relations were 705,000 (metro national). The ABC would surely be content with that. The desired audience would have tuned in in droves. It was the faithful watching the show. Those that know Safran already and understand his brand of humour.

There’s also the fact that everything was known to the viewers before they tuned in. A joke is never as funny if you already know the punchline.

The seagull was unexpected, large audiences were watching (those outside of Melbourne who are talking about it are familiar with the tropes associated with a news bulletin, so its easy to relate), and it was handled magnificently by the on-air team. It was live TV failing at its best.

Fake controversy will not get viewers watching a TV show, or talking about it the next day. Excite us. Thrill us. Surprise us. That’s the key to generating buzz.