Are You Smarter Than a Pussycat Doll?
By Barry Garron
Normally, the premiere of "Rock and a Hard Place" at 7 p.m. Wednesday (10 p.m. ET) might qualify for one of the more unremarkable events of the new year.
The game show, hosted by Meat Loaf (who now bears more than a passing resemblance to Louie Anderson), pits two teams of three music performers against each other. Questions are asked--some hard, some not--and money is raised for charity.
In the first of 10 episodes, Grand Master Flash (and teammates Twizzle and DJ Demo) goes against three members of the Pussycat Dolls: Carmit, Ashley and Melody. Future contestants include Sheila E., Eddie Money, the Pointer Sisters and former finalists of "American Idol."
The show itself is lively and fun and I admit I was surprised at how many answers the Pussycat Dolls got right, particularly Melody. But even more significant is the channel on which the show is telecast--The 101. Never heard of it? Don't be embarrassed. The 101 is the original entertainment channel of DirecTV. If you don't subscribe to satellite TV via DirecTV, you don't get it.
Over the years, satellite TV (DirecTV and Dish) has taken a bite out of cable's business. Satellite boasts more digital and HD channels than cable and at a lower price. Many people say they get better reception with satellite. Others like the unique sports or foreign language packages. But the availability of original programming has thus far not been a factor.
To be sure, many cable systems offer original programming on public access channels. The best of it is mildly entertaining but you don't see this being touted in any of the full-page ads begging you to give cable a try.
And while it's hard to imagine that any one except a Meat Loaf groupie (if such a carbon life form exists) would switch to DirecTV to be able to watch "Rock and a Hard Place," the very existence of the show suggests a new strategy taking shape. In time, satellite and cable systems may compete, in part, with original programming.
Of course, the programming will have to get better. While Meat Loaf's game show is superior to nearly everything on cable public access, it's not likely to be the focus of any "For Your Consideration" ads in the near future.
Still, who'd have ever thought that Meat Loaf, Grand Master Flash and the Pussycat Dolls would be at the vanguard of a new and revolutionary marketing strategy?
Sounds like Meatloaf enjoyed his appearance on the BBC's long running "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" comedy music quiz that he decided to borrow the idea.
Slightly surprised as to why NMTB hasn't been ripped off by the USA before, unless its been deemed a bit too naughty.
The big question is; "will he get back to the UK to finish his cancelled UK tour?"
Posted by: steven Harker | January 25, 2008 at 06:55 AM