The annual TV WEEK Logie Awards are upon us and this year the event has been the subject of more lacklustre controversy than usual.
First, the morning breakfast show hosts across Channel 7 and Channel 9 got into a biffo about who exactly was and wasn’t attending the industry event.
Embracing his inner Mike Moore, Karl had a few words to say about Hugo Weaving’s boycott and then aimed his anger straight at the team from Sunrise.
"I hear our opposition isn't coming either this year. What, they're too good to support the local industry?" –@KarlStefanovic #9Today pic.twitter.com/j0TnyhQ43L
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) June 19, 2018
But Sunrise shot straight back and defended their decision.
Bit rich @karlstefanovic. First you said you’d boycott the Logies if they moved from Melbourne. Now you’re slamming @sunriseon7 for not attending? The exercise is simply too costly for us in 2018. Responsible budget management = supporting local industry.
— Michael Pell (@MichaelPell) June 20, 2018
I agree @karlstefanovic we are boring. So boring you can’t stop talking about us on your show…???????????? https://t.co/r21lrz7bSF
— Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage) June 20, 2018
Then, major drawcard Jessica Marais pulled out of the award ceremony due to apparent heath issues.
It’s been a palaver.
But every dark cloud has silver lining, and this year that silver lining is the gift bags.
Like most big-ticket award ceremonies, the Logies gift nominees and presenters with a gift bag packed to the brim with free goodies.
And hey, who doesn’t love a whole bunch of free stuff?
Sadly, recipients of the prestigious Logie goodie bags might be a bit disappointed this year.
The contents have been revealed and umm, they’re not great.
Items include everything from chocolates to frozen pizza vouchers, hand cream, candles, tea, socks, Artline pens, a bottle of wine and an eye pillow.
Basically, it’s like that trip you made to Woolies the other day.
There are two items in the bag that are a bit more high end, but they’re only good if you plan on having a random vacation in the Gold Coast sometime soon.
Anyone keen on a free night at The Star or a week-long Super Pass to Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild?
Anyone?
If there was ever a metaphor for the current state of the local media industry, these gift bags are it.
Tired, out of money, and oblivious to what people really want.
While we were never expecting Logie winners or presenters to receive a stash like the ones they receive at the Oscars, surely we can do better than coloured pens?
In 2015, Logie gift bags included Seafolly sunnies, french champagne, and a gift pack from La Prairie.
In 2016, freebies included a Logie statue cookie, sterling silver pearl stud earrings and a prestige at-home hair treatment.
Last year, perfume and vitamins were on the list…
No wonder this years’ gifts looked so bleak.
Bring on next year, when no one gets free stuff anymore.