Logies 2017: Journalist Ray Martin says current Gold Logie voting model downgrades award’s value

FIVE-time Gold Logie winner Ray Martin has hit out at Logie voting campaigns, saying the voting model downgrades the value of the award.

ESTEEMED journalist and five time Gold Logie winner Ray Martin has spoken out against the onslaught of Logie voting campaigns, saying the current voting model downgrades the value of the award.

“‘Cheapen’ is not the right word, but I think it has certainly watered down the value of them,’’ Martin said on Friday.

Viewers and fans can’t escape the push by networks, shows, and stars to garner precious votes, with reminders and calls to action popping up with tedious regularity on TV screens and social media in recent weeks.

Ray Martin. Picture: Mark Rogers.

“I am really surprised every network is pumping its stars to win the Gold Logie.

“I think, to me, it downgrades and under-rates the Gold Logie,’’ Martin said.

“It seems like who (wins is who) has got the biggest publicity machine these days. Maybe it was always the case.

“Channel Nine did not push anyone in particular in the days I was there, or Bert (Newton) was there, or Graham (Kennedy), or Don (Lane) or Daryl (Somers).

“You had to win it on merits.

“I am surprised to see even SBS and Sky are pushing their stars for Logies these days.

“It is interesting to see what social media has done.’’

Martin said while he was not a fan of the campaigning, he was honoured to have been named Australia’s Most Popular TV Personality on five occasions.

Peter Helliar, Lisa Wilkison, Jessica Marias expected to get push for Gold nominations

And he said the system in some cases did produce the right winner.

“People like Waleed and Carrie deserve to win. I think they are terrific talents and so maybe,

in the wash, the good people do win, but I am not crazy about the format at the moment,’’ he said.

“It is a campaign, who campaigns best, but beyond that who makes the most noise.

Martin, who over his illustrious career has been part of 60 Minutes and hosted Nine’s Midday show, A Current Affair and Sunday, won the Gold Logie in 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

Voting for the Logies closes today with the awards being presented in Melbourne on Sunday, April 23.