Bert Newton says television today is too safe

SHOWBIZ legend Bert Newton says television today is too safe and there should be more surprise and spontaneity.

MELBOURNE legend Bert Newton says television today is too safe.

The four-time Gold Logie winner believes TV would be better if there were more elements of surprise and spontaneity.

Newton, who hosted his first Logie Awards in 1967 and has hosted the awards a record 19 times, said TV played so much safer now than in the early days of the industry when the likes of Graham Kennedy thrived.

“I think flying by the seat of the pants is one of the reasons why I have such great memories of an era which is not going to come back, because not just with the Logies but now generally in television, I never get the feeling that someone is talking to just me as a viewer, and I never get the feeling that I am going to see something I shouldn’t see,’’ Newton said.

Bert Newton says TV is too safe.

Graham Kennedy and Bert Newton in 1962.

Looking back on his extraordinary association with Australian TV’s biggest awards, Newton said he was lucky to have been given the freedom to put his own stamp on the host’s role.

“I am pleased I was compering at a time when it was totally live because most of the moments on a show like the Logies, which are worthwhile talking about and remembering, are moments that basically should not have happened,’’ he said. “I think they play it so much safer now.’’

Newton said he believed the Gold Logie should be renamed the Graham Kennedy TV Week Gold Logie in honour of Kennedy — his great friend and legendary host of In Melbourne Tonight who is still the yardstick for variety show hosts in Australia.

“I know there is the Graham Kennedy Award for most outstanding newcomer, I think that is a terrific idea, but I would broaden that. I think the Gold Logie deserves to bear his name,’’ he said.

Bert Newton. Picture: David Caird

“He chose the name (Kennedy named the awards the Logies) and he has won the most Gold Logies.”

While he is slowing down a little to enjoy time with his four grand­children and keeping a close eye on his health — Newton, 78, was in hospital for several days last month with pneumonia — he said he was not ready to call time on his career.

“For me the show is still going on. I have been lucky. I have had key people throughout my career who have believed in me and helped me.

“And now toward the end of the career, I can’t see the finishing post but it has to be there somewhere.

“I love what I have been able to do, I want to continue doing it. I have had a long career, I have enjoyed every moment of it and retirement to me is not necessarily in my vocabulary, but it is also perhaps not totally in my hands either.’’

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