Creepy Guy Meets Recording Device: The True Origins of Reality TV
According to Pulitzer-Prize winning critic and New Yorker staff writer Emily Nussbaum, the genre actually pre-dates television altogether, beginning with audience participation shows on radio in the 1940's. But she tells host Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole, Mastermind) that it's really thanks to a guy named Allen Funt that we have shows like Survivor, The Kardashians, and MasterChef today.
His weird obsession with making secret recordings of people and spying on them eventually turned into a hit TV show called Candid Camera and laid the foundations for a phenomenon that would not only change television, but would affect us as a society, to the point where a reality TV star now sits in the Oval Office (yes, Donald Trump).
Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. And check out Emily's book on the history of reality TV: Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV.
Candid Camera (CBS) theme created by Bob Crane.
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The Advertiser
38 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Lynne McGranger wins Gold Logie
Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network.
ABC News
38 minutes ago
- ABC News
Tourism Australia nabs Robert Irwin, Nigella Lawson for new international marketing campaign
Australia's tourism bosses have hired wildlife ambassador Robert Irwin and British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson to front a new multi-million-dollar campaign aimed at luring international travellers Down Under. Tourism Australia is set to launch a fresh wave of advertisements across five countries, backed by a $130 million investment that builds on its "Come and Say G'day" platform first rolled out in 2022. Loaded with "mates," "G'days", and a nod to Paul Hogan's infamous "throw a shrimp on the barbie" catchphrase, the $130 million campaign serves up a fresh spin on well-worn Aussie cliches — this time starring a global cast to reel in the tourists. The advertisements feature the animated mascot Ruby the Roo and are tailored to individual markets, a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. "Traditionally tourism campaigns have leveraged one famous face across every market," Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said. "But for our latest campaign, Ruby will be joined by well-known talent from five different markets to showcase personal lasting memories of a holiday to Australia." Tourism Australia is no stranger to bold and sometimes divisive campaigns. From Paul Hogan's 1984 invitation to, "Slip an extra shrimp on the barbie" to Lara Bingle's infamous, "Where the bloody hell are you?", the agency has a long history of attention-grabbing efforts. Hogan helped sell Australia as the land of laid-back charm and Tourism Australia has been chasing that magic ever since. They've previously enlisted Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Delta Goodrem and poured millions into glossy global advertisements. The 2006 Bingle campaign was briefly banned in the UK for its language, but like the latest instalment, it showcased geographical icons like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. Professor Daniel Gschwind from the Griffith Institute for Tourism said campaigns packed with Aussie icons and big-name talent can still strike a chord. He said cliches like kangaroos, wide landscapes and even throwbacks to the "shrimp on the barbie" line can be powerful if they reflect what Australia genuinely offers. "They exist for a reason, people respond to them," he said. "Why not build on brand familiarity? Tourists want to see the Australia they imagine and if trusted celebrities can help tell that story, it can absolutely work." He said Paul Hogan's campaign was a game changer for Australian tourism. "There's a whole generation, mostly baby boomers, who still remember that ad and the humour of it. So yes, absolutely, why not lean into it and build on that familiarity? When the campaign launches in the United States visitors will see 21-year-old conservationist Robert Irwin hooning across sand dunes in South Australia's Lincoln National Park, before rescuing an American tourist whose phone has been stolen by an emu. Audiences in the United Kingdom will see television cook Nigella Lawson hosting a winery lunch in Western Australia's Margaret River, where a guest drops the line, "throw another shrimp on the barbie" — prompting an awkward pause before someone corrects him, "Mate, we actually call them prawns". Other localised advertisements feature Indian influencer Sara Tendulkar, Chinese actor and TV host Yosh Yu, and Japanese comedian Abareru-kun who are joined by Australian actor Thomas Weatherall. The campaign is being previewed for Australian audiences ahead of its international debut, with official launches staggered across key market starting in China this week, followed by India later in August, the US, UK, Japan and Germany in September and South Korea in November. The advertisements will run across TV, streaming platforms, YouTube, cinema, outdoor billboards and buses. The campaign comes as Tourism Research Australia data shows international tourism to Australia continues to recover from border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 7.7 million trips to Australia in the year ending March 2025, an 11 per cent increase compared to the previous year. New Zealanders made up the bulk of visitors, followed by China, the United States, United Kingdom and India. Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said the number of international arrivals to Australia was expected to reach a record 10 million in 2026, growing to 11.8 million in 2029. "Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs," he said.
ABC News
38 minutes ago
- ABC News
Logies 2025 winners list: Lynne McGranger wins gold, Fisk sweeps comedy categories
Lynne McGranger has taken out the Gold Logie for 2025. The Home and Away stalwart also won the Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. ABC comedy Fisk was the biggest winner for the night, taking home all five of the awards they were nominated for. Check out all the winners from the 65th annual Logie Awards. You can catch all the ABC's Logie nominated programs on ABC iview. Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter SILVER LOGIE — Best Lead Actor in a Drama SILVER LOGIE — Best Lead Actress in a Drama SILVER LOGIE — Best Lead Actor in a Comedy SILVER LOGIE — Best Lead Actress in a Comedy SILVER LOGIE — Best Supporting Actor SILVER LOGIE — Best Supporting Actress Best Drama Program Best Miniseries or Telemovie Best Entertainment Program Best Current Affairs Program Best Scripted Comedy Program Best Comedy Entertainment Program Best Competition Reality Program Best Structured Reality Program Best Lifestyle Program Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report Best Factual or Documentary Program Best Sports Coverage Best Children's Program
