You can't move Coronation Street. Seriously, what are you thinking, TVNZ?
The network is moving Coronation Street to 5.30pm every weekday so the final weeks of MasterChef Australia can screen at 7.30pm. They say it's because last year's MasterChef Australia final proved a primetime winner with New Zealand audiences.
There hasbeen a mixed reaction from Rotorua readers.
While one or two weren't worried others spoken to on the street can't understand why they would put such a popular programme in a time slot when people are either still working, travelling home from work or are busy preparing dinner.
What happens to those who don't have the ability to record the show?
Sure, they are going to screen an omnibus on Saturdays but there is nothing like watching the programme on the night it initially screens. Why would you want to be cooped up inside on a Saturday afternoon when you could be enjoying the warmer months outside. It's also available on demand on TVNZ's website but one would imagine some of the Street's fans would not know how to use that service. And some won't be happy about reports that parts of the show will be edited due to its earlier time slot.
I have watched Coronation Street for many years but it was only in the past three or so years that I've become addicted - since I got married.
My husband is that much of a fan that during our wedding vows I had to promise never to disrupt him while he was watching the show.
I even got my brother to send over the Wasgij Coronation Street jigsaw puzzle from London. I've read the book about William Roache's 50 years on the Street as Ken Barlow and I recently bought the book about the character who plays Jack Duckworth.
TVNZ has justified the change, saying that it will provide a settled time slot for avid viewers with Rugby World Cup games and coverage of the general election potentially disrupting episodes of Coronation Street if it were to stay in its time slot.
TVNZ hasn't decided whether the show will return to its original 7.30pm time slot but hopefully there will be enough of an uproar to ensure it does. You simply don't mess with the Street and its viewers.
