Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal included an article about Paula Deen! The article’s title is "As Stars Lose Spice, Food Network Bets on Sassy Southerner." Mostly it is about the Food Network’s attempt to "augment fading stars, fend off competition from rival networks and attract a younger audience." Paula will have a new show called "Paula’s Party" that airs on September 29th. She also has a new cookbook coming out October 10th (Paula Deen Celebrates) and is writing her memoir, to be published in April. Her magazine was also mentioned briefly.
According to the article, some of the originally highly watched programs ("Emeril Live" and "Food Nation with Bobby Flay" - to mention two) have seen a drop in ratings. Yet Paula’s evening specials have drawn great ratings. Furthermore, other networks are venturing into the food territory with their own shows.
I can’t help but wonder if this is the Food Network’s response to Rachael’s new talk show, to have one of their own, with Paula.
I’ve been enjoying the new shows they’ve started this summer ("Road Tasted," "Feasting on Asphalt" and "Throwdown with Bobby Flay") - they all have that spunk that got me hooked on the Food Network in the first place.
Speaking of other networks, I watched "Anthony Bourdain in Beirut" on the Travel Channel, and thought it was a great piece of journalism. What I liked the most was seeing the events going on there, from his point of view, not just what we are fed in the media by reporters. He conveyed how everyone was feeling and what they saw. I'm not sure if I would go so far as to say it was worthy of an Emmy, but I do think the episode should qualify for some sort of journalistic award.
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