Numerous Twitter users have adopted comedian Wil Anderson's hashtag 'Shows I Want Russel Howcroft To Make At Channel 10', with satirical suggestions including Publicity Blues and Don't Tell The Client.
The hashtag, started by comedian and ABC Gruen Planet host Wil Anderson yesterday afternoon, suggests fake advertising-related shows Howcroft could start once he joins Network Ten.
It appeared on Anderson's Twitter account just hours after Network Ten confirmed it had appointed Howcroft as its executive general manager and head of Melbourne operations. The announcement followed months of increasing industry speculation, with the move effective from early 2013. Howcroft is Y&R Brand's current chief executive and chairman in Australia and New Zealand.
The comedian originally suggested I Wil Survive and The Tod Couple, with several users quickly adopting the hashtag to voice their ideas.
Don't Tell The Client, Farmer Wants A Product Placement, Prison Ad Break, Beauty and the Howcroft, The Sampsons, Puberty Gruen and Bondi Ad Agency were among the industry relevant shows suggested.
Anderson has since retweeted several responses including Deal or Deal, The Price is Always Right, Wheel Of My Fortune, The Bald and The Beautiful and HowzAD: Russel's War.
One consumer suggested We're Really Sorry About Don't Tell The Bride.
The Twitter trend followed weeks of low ratings for the struggling network, with its much-hyped new formats like The Shire, Everybody Dance Now and I Will Survive failing to attract high numbers.
Everybody Dance Now, fronted by Sarah Murdoch, was axed after only a handful of episodes.
Howcroft's upcoming position at Network Ten will require him to oversee its Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne operations. He will report to Ten chief executive James Warburton.
However, it is understood Howcroft will continue to appear on Gruen Planet despite the move. The ABC show posted the following statement on its Facebook page yesterday: "Russel's change of job does not mean he's leaving Gruen. It does mean we will probably make more jokes about Ten shows #iwontsurvive."
The news saw Y&R Brands announce it had strengthened ANZ chief financial officer Jason Buckley's duties, with Buckley set to adopt the additional role of Sydney chief operations officer. Buckley will oversee George Patterson Y&R, VML and Ideaworks' Sydney offices and continue to work both roles.
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