The Newsreader Podcast

Well, we didn't see that coming… It's Australia Day 1988, the biggest television event of the 1980s and the News at Six team are bringing the action to their viewers in a marathon live TV extravaganza. Helen makes plans for the future, Dale moves into a new flashy house and Gerry asks Dale for help when he's caught with his pants down. Hosts Lisa Millar and Leigh Sales have a cuppa with Sam Reid (Dale Jennings) to recover from the dramatic, sometimes dark and emotional season finale and to unpack Dale's ruthless power play. Show creator and writer, Michael Lucas also drops by again to enlighten Leigh and Lisa on all of the behind-the-scenes goss from the writer's room. And Dale, wow, Dale. Credits: Production credits: A Werner Films Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and financed with support from VicScreen. Worldwide distribution is managed by Entertainment One (eOne). Created by Michael Lucas. Written by Michael Lucas, Kim Ho, Adrian Russell Wills and Niki Aken. Directed by Emma Freeman. Produced by Lucas and Joanna Werner. Executive Producers Werner, Stuart Menzies and Emma Freeman. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

Christmas party season is in full swing and as the cameramen and crew write themselves off. Noelene cooks her first ever roast chook for an awkward pre-Christmas lunch with Rob's family. Kay Walters wants to sell her story of addiction to News at Six and Lindsay sees a huge opportunity to end the year on a ratings high. Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar sit down with William McInnes (Lindsay) and Michelle Lim Davidson (Noelene) to uncover the inspiration behind Lindsay's foul-mouthed, newsroom rants and to unpack the casual racism of the 80s during Noelene and Rob's family lunch. And no, there's no MSG in the roast chook. Credits: Production credits: A Werner Films Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and financed with support from VicScreen. Worldwide distribution is managed by Entertainment One (eOne). Created by Michael Lucas. Written by Michael Lucas, Kim Ho, Adrian Russell Wills and Niki Aken. Directed by Emma Freeman. Produced by Lucas and Joanna Werner. Executive Producers Werner, Stuart Menzies and Emma Freeman. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

The News at Six team film a snazzy promo ahead of the network's coverage of the "bicentennial celebrations". Helen is determined to cover the Aboriginal perspective on the anniversary and tries to secure an interview with activist Lynus Preston. Kay is in rehab and Geoff and Evelyn reluctantly participate in family therapy. Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar meet the writer of the episode, Adrian Russell Wills. He reveals the inspiration behind the character of Lynus, and the very personal connection he has with this storyline. Plus John Logue, hair and makeup artist for The Newsreader, reveals how he created Helen and Noelene's hairdos, the importance of keeping behind the scenes secrets, and the origin of "Cheryl-ing". Credits: Hosted by: Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar Executive Producer: Alex Lollback Producer: Michele Weekes Sound Engineers: Angela Grant and Matthew Crawford Manager, ABC Podcasts: Monique Bowley Original Music Composer: Cornel Wilczek Special thanks to: Adrian Russell Wills, John Logue and Sue Hollins Production credits: A Werner Films Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and financed with support from VicScreen. Worldwide distribution is managed by Entertainment One (eOne). Created by Michael Lucas. Written by Michael Lucas, Kim Ho, Adrian Russell Wills and Niki Aken. Directed by Emma Freeman. Produced by Lucas and Joanna Werner. Executive Producers Werner, Stuart Menzies and Emma Freeman. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

The Wall St Crash sees CEO Charlie Tate lose millions, yet he still finds time to help Helen. A gossip columnist threatens to reveal secrets about Helen's past. Evelyn and Geoff Walters discover their daughter Kay has a drug problem. Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar meet Marg Downey, who plays "villain" Evelyn Walters in The Newsreader, and they find out what it was like being on the other side of Helen's furious monologue. Plus costume designer for Season Two, Zed Dragojlovich reveals the secrets behind those amazing '80s outfits and provides tips on sourcing vintage treasures.

The News at Six team have their journalistic standards challenged by a mass shooting in a sleepy Melbourne suburb. Helen's accused of being too cold and aggressive, while makeup artist, "tea-and-three sugars" Cheryl, is being used by Evelyn to level the score. Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar meet the star of The Newsreader, Anna Torv to hear about the inspiration behind Helen's news voice and to get the inside-scoop on the inner workings of Helen and Dale. Lisa calls on an old journo mate to take us back to the real-life scene of the shocking Hoddle St shootings in 1987. Credits: Production credits: A Werner Films Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and financed with support from VicScreen. Worldwide distribution is managed by Entertainment One (eOne). Created by Michael Lucas. Written by Michael Lucas, Kim Ho, Adrian Russell Wills and Niki Aken. Directed by Emma Freeman. Produced by Lucas and Joanna Werner. Executive Producers Werner, Stuart Menzies and Emma Freeman. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

In the first episode of Season Two of ABC TV’s The Newsreader, Helen and Dale feel the pressure of a live election broadcast from the 1987 federal election tally room. It’s Hawke vs. Howard as we meet the new CEO of News at Six, Charlie Tate. Geoff Walters has a new gig on a rival network, while Geoff and Evelyn’s daughter Kay is back from London and acting strangely. Join real-life journalists Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar as they meet the director of The Newsreader, Emma Freeman. Writer and creator, Michael Lucas is also stopping by to talk about the inspiration for the fabulous '80s show. Credits: Production credits: A Werner Films Production for the ABC. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and financed with support from VicScreen. Worldwide distribution is managed by Entertainment One (eOne). Created by Michael Lucas. Written by Michael Lucas, Kim Ho, Adrian Russell Wills and Niki Aken. Directed by Emma Freeman. Produced by Lucas and Joanna Werner. Executive Producers Werner, Stuart Menzies and Emma Freeman. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

The Golden Couple of News is back. And so are the spiral perms, shoulder pads and boxy '80s cars.