Thread: Time to write to Foxtel again

The problem with this argument, whish is a fair on I think, is that from my memory the HowTo channel is in the premium package so subscribers have to shell out even more money for the privelage of watching it. I reckon they'd get a huge number of emails/calls from disgruntled customers because I reckon they chop programs all the time.

Hey Ticky,

No offence taken and I hope none given. I, like all of us who would hate to see Norm disappear from our screens, am only upset about Lifestyle's attitude, and, having knowledge from a different perspective, just want us to take every opportunity. I think it is a credit to everyone who has taken action on this for what they have done and are doing to have Norm retained and perhaps even revitalised on ANY channel. As for Seriph1's comment about How To being on the Platinum package - it is somewhat of an impost, but I think a small price to pay for the priviledge - especially if How To does take NYW up for us.

I intend to keep pushing every chance I can - even think I will send Lifestyle, How To and Norm's Webmaster a URL for this forum to let them see the kind of audience they're missing out on.

So yes folks - lets get everyone we can think of to send all three if necessary as many emails as possible. We might even be able to jam up Lifestyles feedback area with protests if we try hard enough - but lets be kind to How To and just send them encouragement.

Cheers,

Graeme C.

This is the follow on from my letter to the ABC. Not a resounding success but maybe a faint hope. At least if they ran with it those of us that can't justify throwing ALL our cash at Foxtel for the Platinum package would get to see Normie too...

"Dear John

Thank you for your email regarding The New Yankee Workshop.

Regrettably the ABC does not hold the broadcast rights for this program however your
comments have been forwarded on to our Television Programming Department for their
consideration for future programming. We are constantly assessing all of our
programming to ensure we are providing our audience with the types of programs they
require and your comments will play a part in this process of program evaluation.

I appreciate you taking the time to contact us and for your interest in the ABC.

Best regards

ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs"

thanks John - good to be kept in the loop. FWIW I have spoken with several people regarding an idea I had a couple of years ago to do with a NYW/TOH style show created in Australia. Will let folks know if/as discussions progress. Anyone who might be interested in sharing their ideas is welcome to PM me.

have fun!

I've emailed 'NYW' and 'How To'. I just wanted to have a few Woodworking shows to watch when I finally put my hands in my pockets a couple of months ago. Now all that's left is Dave Marks!

I think that the 'How to' channel is probably the right channel for NYW and a commercial decision will need to be made by that channel but I suspect that Joe public IS interested in fixing/making things around the home and WOULD consider upgrading or even joining Foxtel for the 'How to' channel (like me) to get good instructional shows that he can watch every week. I agree with others not the commercial crap that is the stready diet elsewhere, I though How to was there to fill the void in shows that were actually useful instead of the entertainment (brain dead) crap. Am I being too harsh???(Roy)......

30+ years ago, I used to watch a Mitre 10 sponsored program on Brisbane TV. IT was in Black and White, ran on saturday mornings.

The presentor was very knowledgeable, would build a project from scratch during the 30 min, or show some aspect of home repair.

I was 10, and I would say this program had a major impact on my interest in woodworking.

Watching the current group of DIY programs, they are high on marketing, and low on content.

John,

Fully agree. The B&W show sounds interesting, goes to show that the concept isn't new but these days has become (to steal someone else's words) 'before and after' with some weird presenter...

I just think it's pretty sad when you have to buy DVD's from America / UK to watch the stuff that you want to watch and that will actually help you learn techniques or build things, woodworking is actually a pretty common / universal hobby which appeals to many and can be related to many other hobbies you just have to look at this BB to see that.

Originally Posted by jshaw

At least if they ran with it those of us that can't justify throwing ALL our cash at Foxtel for the Platinum package would get to see Normie too...

G'day Jshaw,

I agree that Foxtel is expensive & to celebrate their 10th birthday, they made it a bit more expensive, but you don't need to have the Platinum package to watch the How To & Lifestyle channels.

I sent an email to How To 2 nights ago to find out the latest news & to help keep the ball rolling. Last night, How To sent me a reply saying they are waiting to see what Lifestyle are goin to do with the show & I sent How to a copy of an email that Lifestyle sent to me stating that they would not be screaning NYW & that How To might be picking it up. Still no reply.

I think it would be a good idea to send how to an email & ask about the latest news on NYW even if you only did last week. Chances are they will take more notice of the total number of inquiries they get, rather that how many inquiries they get from each person.

So put finger (or fingers if you are clever) to Keyboard & keep the inquiries rolling in to How To or ABC or who ever you think can help to get Norm OFF THE COUCH, & us on it.

ticky

After being one of the many to write to the Lifestyle Channel re them cancelling NYW I finally received a reply from them today (sent the email on Sept. 30th so they work very fast over there!!). I enclose the text here.......

Dear Michael,
Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.
We are no longer screening The New Yankee Workshop but I have heard that the How to Channel have picked up the series.
If you would like to find out more about their scheduling for the series you should contact them on the website below.
www.howtochannel.com.au
Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy The LifeStyle Channel.
Regards,
Programme Manager
The LifeStyle Channel......

I checked the How to website but couldn't find anything there re NYW so I sent them an email asking when it was going to be on. Might get a reply by the end of the year if they are anything like Lifestyle.

Mick.

Hopefully the How To Channel will pick it up in the near future, but I doubt that we'll see it back on Foxtel this year.

If I don't see it appear in the February program guide I'm going to write yet another email to the How To Channel.

BTW, I've just noticed that the How To Channel is now into its third (or at least second) re-run cycle of David Marks' Wood Works.

C'mon Foxtel - lift your game!

Originally Posted by micknews

After being one of the many to write to the Lifestyle Channel re them cancelling NYW I finally received a reply from them today (sent the email on Sept. 30th so they work very fast over there!!). I enclose the text here.......

Dear Michael,
Thank you for writing to The LifeStyle Channel.
We are no longer screening The New Yankee Workshop but I have heard that the How to Channel have picked up the series.
If you would like to find out more about their scheduling for the series you should contact them on the website below.
www.howtochannel.com.au
Thank you for your interest and I hope you continue to enjoy The LifeStyle Channel.
Regards,
Programme Manager
The LifeStyle Channel......

I checked the How to website but couldn't find anything there re NYW so I sent them an email asking when it was going to be on. Might get a reply by the end of the year if they are anything like Lifestyle.

Mick.

Mick I received the exact same email from them today. I guess they sent the same email to the lot of us.

The How to Channel "Bah Humbug". They dont seem terribly intersted in us blokes anymore (excuse me ladies).
Martha Stewart Living
In Marthas Garden
Marthas kitchen
At home with Martha
As Jan said "Martha, Martha Martha"
dont forget Knitty Gritty
American quilt etc, etc.
Interest for me weigning

I got the email too, not only did they take our show away, the baskets spammed us with a form reply.

I wonder if they'll comment on the cancelled subscription, fat chance I guess. Still, another half hour in the shop...

Well The How To Channel were much faster answering my query re NYW.
This is what they had to say.........

Hi Michael,

At this stage nothing is confirmed. We are in initial discussions with
the New Yankee Workshop people but that is all.

Hopefully we will know more so stay tuned for an update.

Cheers
The HOW TO Team..........

Or perhaps I should say it's what they didn't say, because it told me stuff all!!

I am also getting a bit peed off with Foxtel, replacing shows I am interested in with crap or replaying repeats of repeats. They must not realise that there are some intelligent people watching Foxtel who realise a new show is a repeat of one they saw 12 months ago. Come on Foxtel, use some of the expensive subscription rates we are paying to buy new series of the shows we all know and love!!!

Mick.