Logies voting defended by organisers

LOGIES voting is fair, nominations are a win for "all TV-loving Aussies", magazine boss says after storm of criticism.

Chrissie Swan

CRITICISM of the TV Week Logie awards reached fever pitch last week, forcing ACP Magazines to publicly defend the voting system.

Late on Friday, ACP publisher Peter Holder released a detailed statement accusing critics of "a lack of understanding" of the new online voting system.

In it, he acknowledged the faults in the old voting system as well as the part played by the aggressive campaigns run by some networks this year.

"Criticising the Logies may fill air time and space on a page, but we've recognised historical faults in the system and have gone to considerable lengths over the last few years, and this year in particular, to address them," Mr Holder said.

"The voting system this year proved that a determined campaign by talent, as well as broadening the voting process for all TV-loving Australians, has given the TV Week Logie Awards a fairer field of competitors in all categories."

Mr Holder was responding to comments made by Nine celebrity Eddie McGuire, who had attacked the nomination of Ten host Chrissie Swan for Gold because she is a relative newcomer to TV.

"Despite what has been intimated by certain sections of the media, voting has been restricted to one vote per person," Holder said.

"A valid contact phone number, and full name and address details were required to be provided with the entry form for it to be deemed eligible.

"After votes were cast, Roy Morgan Research scrutinised every vote using a detailed process which ensured all invalid votes were removed."

The Circle ran a strong on-air campaign encouraging its viewers to vote for the show and the hosts.

One of the ads said: "You know it's your favourite morning show - now's your chance to make sure everyone else knows it too!"

The campaign worked. Swan was also nominated for most popular personality and most popular newcomer. The Circle was nominated for most popular light entertainment show.