Gold Coast forks out for Channel 10’s The Bachelor reality television show
Readers had their say on the city’s love affair with The Bachelor after it was revealed ratepayers’ money helped fund the reality TV juggernaut.
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Bulletin readers have vented their frustration over Gold Coast City Council’s decision to use ratepayers’ money to promote the city on a reality TV show.
Last week it was revealed council struck a deal to bring the 10th season of The Bachelor to the Glitter Strip as part of its Screen Attraction Program.
The program aims to showcase the Gold Coast to audiences, create jobs and bring economic benefits to the city.
A council spokeswoman said the amount City Hall spent to attract the show was subject to “commercial in confidence” and could not be revealed.
Readers were encouraged to have their say via a poll on the Bulletin website, asking: Should council fork out ratepayers’ money to bring The Bachelor to the GC?
Of the more than 170 respondents, 79 per cent said ‘no’, while 21 per cent said ‘yes’.
In a Facebook poll asking the same question, 349 respondents said they were not in favour of the move, while just six people said they supported it.
“I’m loving the new season, but we shouldn’t have to foot the bill,” one Facebook user commented.
“The story of a guy dating 15 different women, and those women desperately fighting to be chosen. It’s very on brand for the GC,” an Instagram user said.
The Bachelors trended No. 1 on Twitter last Monday and Tuesday nights and was the No. 1 show watched by those in the 16 to 39 age bracket.
Last week it was also rated the top entertainment show for under 50s and 25 to 54-year-olds.
The Bachelor Australia was adapted from the United States series of the same name in 2013.
The original format focused on a single bachelor who went on dates with a pool of potential partners.
Contestants were eliminated during rose ceremonies until the bachelor chose a partner.
During Sunday night’s episode, contestants were taken on group dates at Wet’n’Wild and Palazzo Versace.
The show’s host, Osher Günsberg, told contestants: “Here on the Gold Coast, it’s important to remember to make sure you go on all of the rides at the theme park before you find the one you want to stay on all day.”
Why council paid for Bachelor reality TV - won’t say how much - January 13
Gold Coast City Council can’t reveal how much of ratepayers’ money was used to promote the city on the latest series of reality TV juggernaut, The Bachelors.
The dating show, filmed on the Gold Coast last year, had its lowest premiere in franchise history when it aired this week on Channel 10.
In a major shakeup to the franchise, the series swapped its Sydney mansion for a $14.5m ‘Beverly Hills inspired’ property in Broadbeach Waters.
Council confirmed it struck a deal to bring the tenth season of the series to the Glitter Strip as part of its Screen Attraction Program.
A council spokeswoman said City Hall’s spend to attract the show was subject to “commercial in confidence” and could not be revealed.
The spokeswoman said the Screen Attraction Program aimed to showcase the Gold Coast to audiences, create jobs and bring economic benefits to the city.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates said film and television was an important industry to tap into.
“Over the past 30 years, a diverse range of feature films, television series and documentaries have bought impressive economic benefits to the city and created many jobs,” Cr Gates said.
“A recent study (found) the number of people working in the film and television industry as a percentage of the population on the Gold Coast was second only to NSW.”
Destination Gold Coast head of marketing and experiences, Dion Workman, said the show was a good fit for the city.
“For viewers of The Bachelors, this is a great opportunity for them to see parts of the Gold Coast that they might never have seen before,” Mr Workman said.
“Where better for love to bloom than on the Gold Coast? Our diverse mix of thrill-seeking, romantic and relaxing experiences continue to be sought after by families, couples and honeymooners.
“It is pleasing to see the Gold Coast continue to grow its credentials to host an expansive number of film and television productions in our backyard.”
The glitz and glamour of the Glitter Strip has been on full display in the first three episodes of the series – including the Q1 penthouse, pristine beaches and the sparkling skyline.
The Bachelor Australia has been one of the most popular shows on TV since it was first adapted from the U.S series of the same name in 2013.
It focuses on a single bachelor who goes on dates with a pool of potential partners.
Contestants are eliminated during rose ceremonies until the bachelor chooses a partner.
In a major reboot this season, three bachelors are looking for love instead of just one.
Episode one premiered to 309,000 metro viewers on Monday night and peaked at 478,000 – its lowest premiere in franchise history.
The Bachelors is the number one on demand series on broadcast video on demand, now with 19.9 million minutes viewed.
The Bachelors airs at 7.30pm, Sunday to Wednesday, on Channel 10.
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Originally published as Gold Coast forks out for Channel 10’s The Bachelor reality television show
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