Winning streak — but no surprise

Press, 8 September 1989, Page 1

Winning streak — but no surprise

By RICHARD CRESSWELL The “TV Guide” has blown the outcome of Monday’s “Sale of the Century” showdown for Hamish McDouall. The guide, distributed yesterday, has printed an article about Mr McDouall’s win of more than $96,000. Christchurch residents called “The Press” yesterday, annoyed at the revelation. Mr Andrew Brooke, the Aus-

tralian vice-president of light entertainment for. Grundy Television, which produces the show, said: “A lot of people are going to resent TV Guide’.* '■ . “Broken embargoes ’provoke a reaction from viewers; who have had their entertainment spoilt” The editor of “TV .Guide,” Mr David Williams, said I the story had been supplied by a Wellington correspondent v | \- “There is nothing we can do

about it now. Anyway, I believe the outcome was fairly common knowledge,” he said. He said “TV Guide” had been unsure' when, the,,TTl-‘pr<K-gramme was to be screened. Mr Brooke said people might not bother to watch the show in which Mr McDouall wins, and it would “take the gloss off” the screening. Withdrawing the episode was

considered, but it was too late to be effective, he said. According to the “TV Guide,” Mr McDouall, aged 20, a Dunedin law student; won nine games to become the youngest contestant to win “the lot” He took home a record $96,513 in cash and prizes. “Sale of the Century” is recorded up to three weeks in ■ advance, and •Mr McDouall’s final appearance was recorded on August 21.