Chalk And Cheese (Press, 20 May 1980)

On 20 May 1980, television critic John Collins discussed the intriguing programming choices available to viewers on a Sunday afternoon, focusing on the episode of “Newsmakers” aired on TV2. The episode featured an interview with Father Felix Donnelly and Auckland’s Bishop Mackey, addressing sensitive topics such as homosexuality, masturbation, contraception, and abortion. Collins highlighted the peculiar timing of the broadcast, traditionally meant for family-friendly content like “The Wonderful World of Disney,” which led to concerns about appropriateness given that children were the main audience during that time. Collins expressed his views on the show’s placement, suggesting that it was out of sync with its serious subject matter and the adult interests of viewers. He noted that many adults might be preoccupied with recovering from the weekend, making the airing time ill-suited for such a weighty discussion. Despite acknowledging “Newsmakers” as a top current-affairs interview programme and lan Fraser as a skilled interviewer, Collins lamented that Fraser had been relegated to a less prominent time slot following a television schedule reshuffle, restricting him to lighter subjects and animal-themed segments. The interview itself, while insightful, was described as lacking confrontation, with Bishop Mackey and Father Donnelly displaying familiarity and concern for one another. During their discussion, Bishop Mackey reiterated the Church’s aim for excellence while acknowledging Father Donnelly’s struggles with controversial issues. Collins detailed the emotional nuances of the conversation, particularly a moment when Father Donnelly appeared near tears, which was accentuated by the directing choices made during the broadcast. Collins juxtaposed this serious dialogue with the subsequent programming that followed, indicating a shift in tone towards more uplifting entertainment. He described the transition from a heavy topic to a light-hearted musical segment, highlighting the contrast and the expectation for viewers to find solace in cheerful performances right after a serious discussion about faith and contentious moral issues. In his critique, Collins conveyed a sense of frustration regarding the scheduling and thematic dissonance within the television programming, suggesting that serious conversations deserve appropriate placements in the viewing schedule to engage viewers fully. The piece ultimately reflects on the challenges of balancing sensitive topics with audience expectations in television broadcasting during that era.

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