Six reasons why Waleed Aly should not win Gold

There’s no doubt Waleed Aly’s nomination for a Gold Logie has sparked chatter and has many fans hoping he wins. Here are six reasons why he shouldn’t.

There’s no doubt Waleed Aly’s nomination for a Gold Logie has sparked chatter — not in the least because he’s now pitched against his co-host on The Project, Carrie Bickmore, for TV’s top prize.

But Aly shouldn’t win, and here are the six reasons why.

1. We need better programming on commercial TV, and Aly is the exception that proves the rule.

Remember The Verdict? No biggie if you don’t, because after a few outings late last year, Channel 9’s attempt to engage viewers in a panel discussion show — usually the preserve of the ABC and SBS — seemed to sink without a trace. The format hadn’t been fully considered, the talent was patchy and the whole enterprise seemed rushed to broadcast.

But it shouldn’t have been a flop, because Channel 9 were on to something; we need more intelligent debate on commercial TV. The only caveat? It needs to be well considered and properly produced; Aly’s appointment has injected rare gravitas to a commercial network, and he has found a loyal following.

Carrie Bickmore and Waleed Aly face off for the Gold Logie. (Pic: Mark Dadswell)

And if TV bosses were in any doubt, evidence of audience fatigue with dumbed-down reality shows can be found any time you scan the latest ratings. Channel 10 has steadfastly stuck by The Project and given it resources to thrive, but the other commercial networks haven’t managed to do the same with their own attempts at “serious” shows. Which should change, fast.

2. There’s more worthy talent in his field on SBS and ABC.

There are a host of shows that — like The Project — also cover current affairs on both the ABC and SBS, and incredible talent fronting these programs, not to mention the wealth of experience among the reporting and production staff.

This year, the nod to Lee Lin Chin for the Gold Logie is a start, but why isn’t Leigh Sales up there too? Every night she’s on 7.30, asking tough questions of politicians without fear or favour. And she’s not afraid to release her inner geek fangirl when interviewing an arts luminary — she’s TV’s real renaissance broadcaster, and one of many of TV’s unsung heroes when it comes to Logie nominations.

Leigh Sales isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. (Pic: ABC)

3. Aly’s biased — but that’s not exactly his fault.

One minute, Aly’s professing journalistic neutrality, such as when he interviews Shane Warne about his charity foundation, and the next, he’s editorialising about terrorism. Granted, that’s an academic speciality of his, but in the mix of current affairs, panel show and interviews that make up The Project, Aly’s role is a bit unclear.

Sure, he’s smart and tenacious enough to pivot between perspectives, but is he there as a journalist, analyst or a TV host?

4. Diversity needs to become the norm.

Aly’s appointment to a high profile panel show on a commercial network seems significant, because it is. But it shouldn’t be — why is that the majority of faces on any panel are white, Anglo Australians?

His voice has risen because of a fierce intellect, sharp wit and talent, and that should be the only reason — the fact that he’s an Australian of Egyptian background and a Muslim should be incidental, not remarkable.

5. Aly needs to be truly popular to win.

It would be great if Aly was popular, but his show isn’t yet the league of breakfast television juggernauts Today and Sunrise. As prosaic as those shows can be, there’s no arguing with their huge draw with audiences.

The Project isn’t (yet) in the same league as Today and Sunrise. (Pic: Channel Ten)

If Channel 10 were ever to wade into the breakfast TV wars again, perhaps they could look to the format they’ve already had success with in The Project — if he was on a breakfast show, Aly would be a shoo-in for the gold.

6. He’s not on social media.

Rejecting social media is no crime, but how can Aly run a campaign to win without it? I understand anyone’s wish not to be involved with that side of technology, as it can be all consuming, but if used judiciously, it’s just another way to engage with your audiences.

And when you’re in the running for TV’s top gong, it might make the difference between winning and losing — Aly is going to be hard pressed to compete with Lin Chin and her social media sass. Almost a year ago she tweeted “Just decided to win the gold next year, I deserve it #TVWEEKLogies”. Touché.