Australian election TV debate rescheduled

... because it clashed with Masterchef finale

A televised general election debate in Australia has been moved forward so it does not clash with the Masterchef final.

The two politicians in the race to be Prime Minister have agreed to lock horns at 6.30pm this Sunday instead of 7.30pm, when the popular TV chef series reaches its climax.

More than four million viewers are expected to tune in and amid fears only ‘political tragics’ would choose policy over pastry, the change was agreed by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the opposition leader, Tony Abbott.

Compromise: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has agreed to delay the election television debate with rival Tony Abbott to ensure it does not clash with popular TV show Masterchef

Claire Winton Burn, one of the Masterchef Australia finalists, puts the finishing touches to a dish

Masterchef started life as a BBC cookery show in 1990 hosted by Loyd Grossman but has gone on to become a hugely successful franchise and is now aired or filming in Norway, France, Finland and the USA with Gordon Ramsay taking the role of the host.

In Australia it has become a runaway hit with regular viewing figures of more than one million. 

It has also generated product placement fees worth an estimated £56million, turning the producers into powerful media players.

‘I can understand the fascination with cooking and eating, so I know many Australians will watch that show,’ said Ms Gillard, who in the past has admitted to forcing her boyfriend to do most of the cooking.

‘But I think Australians too will pay some regard to the debate and to the election campaign and what's said in it.’ 

Mr Abbott has called on Ms Gillard to have three debates during the five-week campaign - the rest will be Masterchef-free.




http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1296296/Australian-political-rivals-TV-debate-avoid-clash-popular-cooking-programme.html
http://www.throng.com.au/masterchef-australia/political-debate-moves-aoivd-masterchef-clash