The four Quebec networks have just released their fall 1993 schedules and there were no major surprises.
Radio-Quebec and tqs are playing the continuity game, while tva and Radio-Quebec, which had to improve, made more moves in their programming.
Here is an executive summary of what to look for next fall:
Radio-Canada
Actual situation – Leadership position: Seven of top 10 in 25-54; eight of top 10 in 18-49 (source BBM Spring 1993 – Montreal EMA).
Perception of general strategy:
– Continuity – build on 1993 success.
– High-profile miniseries
– Quality programming to improve its 25-54 daytime performance (attractive to packaged goods advertisers.)
New shows to look for:
– Blanche – The sequel of the miniseries Les Filles de Caleb. High quality drama. Great expectations from the public. Might perform as well as Les Filles de Caleb.
– La petite vie – Half-hour variety at 7 p.m. Saturday. Hosted by two of Quebec’s well-known characters, Ding et Dong. Should perform better than Metropolis.
– Les pieds dans les plats – Written by Sylvie Payette. Community service program presented by actors in real-life situations. An interesting and dangerous new format – mixing reality with real people is always difficult.
Blockbusters or flagships:
– Blanche – Fall 1993
– Scoop III – Spring 1994
– Sunday night comedy – Surprise sur prise; Juste pour rire
Interesting changes:
– La Soiree du Hockey moves to 7:30 p.m.
TVA
Actual situation – Lost ground over the last few books. Reworked its schedule a few times in 1993.
Perception of general strategy:
– Improve its 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. time-block
– High-profile miniseries in sweep periods
– Reworked 30% of its schedule
– Aiming at a younger audience, which corresponds to consumer target groups.
New shows to look for:
– Piment fort – Daily at 5:30 p.m. Quiz hosted by Normand Brathwaite, the No. 1 morning man in Montreal, who might attract a younger audience just before dinner.
– Genevieve – Half-hour sitcom written by Andre Dubois, a well-known comedy writer. All important casting has not yet been confirmed.
– Ent’ Cadieux – Comedy-drama on Thursday at 7 p.m. Written by Guy Fournier (Jamais deux sans toi). A very solid lead-in for Chop Suey at 7:30 p.m.
Blockbusters or flagships:
– Rene Levesque – High-profile miniseries in Fall 1993.
– Chambres en ville
– Chop Suey
Interesting changes:
– New talk show Friday and Saturday night at 10 p.m. A younger version of AdLib.
TQS
Actual situation – Comfortable No. 3 position, particularly strong between 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and with a younger audience.
Perception of general strategy:
– Continuity – build on 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. success.
– Extend 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. success to shoulder periods.
– Does not have the budget to support expensive productions.
New shows to look for:
– Quelle Histoire – Daily at 7:30 p.m. Quiz show hosted by Bernard Fortin and Edgard Frutier. Follows Sonia Benezra and will profit from its solid performance.
– Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur – Two shows, same concept. One Tuesday and one Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tuesday for women, Wednesday for men. Variety show hosted by Pauline Martin and Daniel Pilon. Interesting concept. The hosts will need the support of a strong and active team to fill 60 minutes.
Blockbusters or flagships:
– Les Guerre des Clans (Family Feud)
– Sonia Benezra
– Le hockey des Nordiques
Interesting changes:
– Monday to Wednesday movies move to 9 p.m.
– Le Grand Journal second edition at 11 p.m.
Radio-Quebec
Actual situation – Complementary network with an education and cultural mandate.
Perception of general strategy:
– Facelifting of show hosts
– One fall and one spring historical miniseries to raise the network profile.
New shows to look for:
– Quebec Magazine – Wednesday at 8 p.m. Aggressive public affairs show hosted by Monique Simard (formerly of cjms and cns)
– Bric-Brac-Broc – Variety broadcast from a Montreal theatre. Hosted by Guildor Roy and Gilbert Sicotte.
Block busters or flagships:
– Les Batisseurs d’eau – Three-hour miniseries (Spring 1994) on the founding of Hydro-Quebec. With strong pre-promotion support, this miniseries might perform as well as Bombardier.
– Avec un grand A – Fall 1994.
Interesting changes:
– Major changes, including host and format, to Droit de Parole, Nord-Sud and Tele-service.
Alain Tardy is vice-president, media director at Montreal-based Marketel.
