After 30 years of television, Australian Story reveals the storytelling secrets behind 1,125 episodes
The Australian television program 'Australian Story' is celebrating its 30th anniversary after producing over 1,100 episodes. Founding executive producer Deb Fleming reflects on the show's humble beginnings and its evolution into a staple of Australian current affairs journalism.
Why it matters
It highlights the longevity and cultural impact of long-form documentary journalism in the changing landscape of television media.
Former guests, together with Sam Mostyn, Deb Fleming and Leigh Sales, gather at the Sydney Opera House for Australian Story Live. ( Australian Story: Tom Hancock )
Link copied Share Share article Deb Fleming is relaying a tale from the embryonic days of Australian Story, laughing about the time a crew left the car phone off the hook and she overheard their doubts about whether the program would survive.
Deb was their boss, the founding executive producer of this "experiment" in a new style of current affairs documentary, but things were not off to a great start.
Before the show could air, the ABC slashed its budget and what was meant to be a one-hour program was cut to 30 minutes.
Deb Fleming leads a meeting in the early days of Australian Story with Patricia Barraclough and David Gunzberg. ( ABC Archives )
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