Throng

A month ago, I praised Seven for finally providing an accurate EPG that reflects the TRUE starting times of shows on their two channels rather than just saying "8.30" for something that starts up to 10 minutes later than that time. You can read that article here.

Now, I take all of that praise back.

It sould seem that now we are into the first week of serious ratings competition (although officially, the ratings season starts Feb 7) with numerous shows premiering this week or returning for new seasons, Sven have gone back to their old ways.

Last night, I gave "My Kitchen Rules" a go. But it did not finish until 8.40pm, after starting around 7.34. The EPG said 7.30 for MKR and 8.30 for the following show Desperate Housewives. I also had planned to record 30 Rock later in the night, but given past experience with 11.30 shows on Seven starting early or late - you never know which, had to make sure I record from 11.20 - 12.20 - just to catch new 30 Rock which actually ended up being 25 minutes (it started at 11.35, ended at 12) as there were so few ads in it.

Upon checking Seven's EPG for tonight (Tue Feb 2), it is the same. Deal or No Deal - which we all know realy starts at 5.27 says 5.30. MKR says 7.30 - 8.30 - but we all know it will end up being 7.34 - 8.39 or something. Same with 7TWO - no more accurate EPG. Programming times on 7TWO rarely match exact times like 7.30, 8.30, etc so it just makes it all that more frustrating (once again) to be watching or recording shows off these channels.

So why did Seven go back? Is it because Nine did not step forward and offer an accurate EPG? Surely Seven, being number 1 for something like the 4th year in a row would be past copying channel Nine by now? In 2010, will we have to once again suffer through archaic programming practices based on 1980's style assumptions that a late running show somehow attratcs a few more viewers, is better for ratings and screws up any chance of viewers flicking to another channel?

Will we again see Underbelly on Nine start as much as 13 minutes late this year? Because that is the way it is looking. Maybe we should turn to Nine to break the trend, but can't see that happening either with most shows last night running 5 minutes late.

Once again, cudos to Ten for providing accurate EPGs. When you see Loser finishing at 8.38 in the EPG, you know it will. But you also know on any twin tuner recorder, it can screw up recording a show on Seven at the same time that does not start until 8.40 even though the EPG says 8.30.

Seven have demonstrated they are able to offer accurate times on their EPG and should have stuck with it.