News

Let’s Talk: Carols in the Domain too commercial?

Dec 20, 2015

Many turned in early to watch Carols in the Domain last night from the comfort of their armchair. The Channel Seven favourite was hosted by the Sunrise on Seven team, with the star David Koch at the fore. Like it or hate it, the event has people divided on social media. Some say there was too many ads, others say there wasn’t enough interesting entertainment on show, and many left completely satisfied.

Remembering back to the good old days we have memories of Molly Meldrum, Kerry-Anne Kennerley, Tony Barber and a myriad of important faces on TV gracing the stage. It seems like last night was just an X Factor reunion.

But did the concert and TV broadcast bring us a Carols in the Domain we would expect? 80,000 people turned up to the Domain in Sydney to hear stars sing Christmas carols, and performers before the show were largely un-anticipated, but included Samantha Jade, Cyrus, Justice Crew, Ky Baldwin, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and the cast of the Sound of Music theatre production.

Comments this morning on social media have accused the show of too many ads, too little star factor and too much David Koch. Are they just having a whinge or do you think the Carols in the Domain has become a forced commercial event that needs more heart and more memories included, and maybe a few more memorable stars? Or perhaps people haven’t stopped to consider that this event needs every bit of support it needs to stay with us in the changing media and advertising marketplace and if we complain too much it might disappear.

Advertising we must all agree is a mandatory part of getting events like this “for free”. The families and the kids love it and no-one has to pay for the event because commercial TV and major brands get behind it to support it being offered for nothing. But are we happy when events like this start to feel highly advertising driven?

Did you watch Carols in the Domain last night? Share your thoughts.

Thanks for having us back as hosts again Woolworths Carols in the Domain. It is a real… https://t.co/qgaZjTg4vx pic.twitter.com/gEZzOsf65V

— david koch (@kochie_online) December 19, 2015

Backstage beauties! @lucydurack @samantha_jade_music @paulini______ #ChristmasTogether ??? A photo posted by Woolworths Carols (@carolsdomain) on Dec 19, 2015 at 3:21am PST

@officialhomeandaway’s @johnny_ruffo siting ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ Amazing! Had us rocking. That’s for sure! #ChristmasTogether

A video posted by Woolworths Carols (@carolsdomain) on Dec 19, 2015 at 3:01am PST

@cyrusvill and @damiim singing ‘Silent Night’ – this sent shivers down our spine. #ChristmasTogether A video posted by Woolworths Carols (@carolsdomain) on Dec 19, 2015 at 2:01am PST