The Best Niche Always Wins
As has been the case each year, talent is only a small part of the competition.
The winner must not only present a fresh niche that will attract the right viewers in sufficient numbers to make it profitable for the network.

If a contestant has a persona and point of view similar to an  established network star, unless the hopeful’s  goal is publicity, a win is not possible.

Six weeks ago, I would have said the South didn’t stand a chance but with all the drama lately, it seems there is a spot now open…

Update: Three finalists have now submitted videos and viewers will vote for their favorite. Having viewers vote in the new star is a shrewd move.

If the South wins, then the overall resentment level for Paula Dean’s replacement would be minimal. Although the South is not, in terms of cooking authority and experience, the strongest member of the trio, the contestant with the bubbly personality and talent represents a point of view in the marketplace, which currently is not filled on the Food Network.

Food network.com
Behind the Scenes Season 9
http://tinyurl.com/m72xkqr

Why Good Contestants Can’t Win Food Network Contest
In 2011, the final two were narrowed to a man and woman who prepared demo tapes, one of which offered Mexican cooking with a twist, while the other specialized in creating sandwiches.

Some people seem to think it was a close call between the two, but I don’t believe that’s true. The judges are primarily in business to put original programming on the air that will expand their viewing audience. If you watch Food Channel regularly, you already know that they have Mexican cuisine covered, but they don’t have a program about sandwiches.

It was a foregone conclusion who would win and the sandwich king was crowned.

Last year, the winner was a charismatic contestant offering East Indian cuisine. There was no surprise about the judge’s decision in that case, either.

This year, there’s an interesting mix of talent, and the audience has the final vote. This may change the outcome.

Lesson: TV is an industry that survives on marketing to niche markets.
A cooking show based on a popular cuisine that is already covered extensively on the air is not competitive or profitable.

Reference
http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-food-network-star/index.html