Who Wants to be a CTV Host?
Further complicating the issue is an exclusive Strategic Counsel Globe/CTV poll which shows both front runners trailling Don Newman badly in key battleground markets on a dozen host attributes including "cutting through spin", "being fair with the time", and "feigned interest with boring guests".
As a result, CTV insiders are quietly talking about other candidates entering the race. I have placed a poll with the rumoured names below, and included brief arguments for and against some of the dark horse candidates.
Kady O'Malley
PROS: Can live-blog her own shows as she interviews guests. "5:23 pm: I am currently rolling my eyes as I listen to Adler and Rutherford blow hot air. Now my producer is yelling at me to stop typing on my blackberry and listen to my guests..."
CONS: Show's extensive coverage of Senate sub-committee hearings may lead to decreased ratings.
Jason Cherniak
PROS: As influential as the mainstream media.
CONS: CTV can obviously live with partisanship. But Liberal partisanship?
Ben Mulroney
PROS: Has star power. Opens up cross-promotional opportunities for CTV - "tune in Tuesday when this week's celebrity guest judge on Canadian Idol is Tim Powers".
CONS: May be difficult for audience to believe anything said by someone named "Mulroney".
Jean Lapierre
PROS: Media personality. Thinks he understands Quebec well. Has been a member of most political parties in Ottawa at one time or another, so he is well connected.
CONS: If bosses make a decision he dislikes, there is always a danger he may quit in a huff and found his own TV network.
Joe the Plumber
PROS: Media personality. Expert on foreign policy.
CONS: Not conservative enough.
Labels: Mike Duffy




