Need some evidence about the case for media diversity? You only needed to watch The Logies last night.
Host, Sam Pang made the job look easy, with hilarious reflections on the world of Australian television and the personalities that comprise it, hitting every mark.
A well-loved comedian, Pang’s graced our screens for years on shows like Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention. But, like the majority of culturally diverse talent in this country, Pang, who is of Chinese heritage, landed his first television break on SBS when he hosted ADbc, a quiz show based on history-related topics.
Not one to miss the moment, the perfect dig at Australia’s still measly cultural representation in media, was made by Pang in his opening remarks.
“I would like to acknowledge a win for diversity tonight. I am the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half – half Channel 7 and half Channel 10,” Pang began.
“Let’s be honest, it’s just great to have an Asian on Channel 7 who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security,” he continued, telling viewers to strap in for the “two-day” ceremony.
Some of Pang’s best bits included the delivery of a faux In Memoriam segment dedicated to all the TV shows that had tanked in ratings that year, including Seven’s ill-fated balloon show Blow-Up – “A show with entertainment, artistry and family fun, all taken out of it” – and Ten’s The Real Love Boat: “After watching the first episode, I’ve never been more in favour of stopping the boats in my life.”
He also thanked Aussie darling, Hamish Blake (a two-time Gold Logie winner) for turning down the hosting role.
“I appreciate it, mate, some of us have a mortgage,” he told Blake. “By the way, a mortgage is when the bank loans … Ah, don’t worry about it.”
He then added that Kenny star Shane Jacobson said yes to hosting, “before even knowing what the question was.”
“Karl Stefanovic said yes, as long the show was held in a park in Noosa.”
Eventually, it came down to two candidates, but “Rolf Harris died, so here we are.”
Nearly all of Pang’s jokes were zingers; sharp but never caustic. And viewers were quick to show their appreciation.
By contrast, Nine’s Today host, Karl Stefanovic proved exactly why the old guard of middle aged white blokes on a mission to stay relevant isn’t really working anymore.
Ad libbing as he took to the stage late in the ceremony, Stefanovic referenced rival Seven Sunrise host, David Koch’s earlier award presentation where he named Stan series Bump as one of his favourite shows.
“I did want to just check something … I am pretty sure before I heard Kochie say he loves Bump’s … season 3. Did anyone mishear that? Because I am pretty sure I did. Anyway, those are the headlines tomorrow morning …” Stefanovic said, to a muted response from the crowd.
The joke, alluding to Kochie’s alleged cocaine habit fell brutally short with few people laughing (or even understanding) and a bewildered David Koch looking unimpressed.
Thankfully Pang saved the awkwardness with a perfectly timed burn:
“I don’t want to say Karl’s joke about Kochie sank … but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it.”
Honestly, thank god for some-hard earned diversity reviving The Logies. If only Leigh Sales had taken home the Gold, it would have been the perfect affair.