A Unique Approach to Journalism and Entertainment
In an unexpected twist, Andy Lee shared a surprising career aspiration before he met Hamish Blake at university. During the first episode of the current season of The Assembly, the author, TV host, and producer was asked about his dreams before becoming a comedian. “I wanted to be an accountant,” Lee said. “I love numbers, I love spreadsheets, I love schedules.” However, this ambition was derailed by a significant mistake made during a summer job, which could have cost his employer $80 million. This experience led him to reassess his goals, enroll in a branding and marketing course, and ultimately embark on a path in the entertainment industry.
This anecdote is just one example of the engaging and enlightening content that The Assembly consistently delivers. The show has become a beloved annual attraction on the ABC, offering insights into high-profile individuals through thoughtful and spirited interactions. With a winning grin and a touch of self-deprecation, Lee illustrates that even successful people make mistakes and that there’s always hope for recovery.
For the 19 autistic journalism students who participate in the show and for its viewing audience, The Assembly provides a unique platform for learning and growth. The series offers a glimpse into the lives of prominent figures, with questions asked and answered in good spirits, creating an entertaining and family-friendly viewing experience. It fills the Sunday evening slot vacated by The Piano, showcasing a clever adaptation of an imported concept.
Based on a French format that has been adopted in over 20 countries, The Assembly is now in its third season. The show has earned a loyal following, regularly averaging between 500,000 and 600,000 viewers on broadcast TV, with additional viewership from iview. This season has celebrated the achievements of graduates from previous seasons, who are furthering their real-world journalism training under the mentorship of host Leigh Sales.
Despite its success, The Assembly has faced some criticism. It has been accused of being “inspiration porn,” seen as condescending to its participants. However, similar to past factual and light-entertainment shows like Attitude, Race Around the World, and Hungry Beast, the program aims to provide talented young people with access and opportunity, which can serve as valuable stepping stones in their media and entertainment careers.
Several participants have benefited from their involvement. Abbey, for instance, secured an internship with ABC Sport and also worked with the ABC’s social media team. Andrew has earned an internship with ABC Canberra, while Angus is currently working at Triple J and does not appear in the new season.
The show’s appeal lies in its diverse range of guests. The original French version of the show, Les rencontres du Papotin (created by filmmakers Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, known for The Intouchables), featured notable figures such as President Emmanuel Macron, Call My Agent! star Camille Cottin, and singer and actor Julien Doré. These choices set the tone for the show: featuring prominent individuals typically shielded by teams of publicists and media managers.
Yet, part of The Assembly’s manifesto, read by a student at the start of each episode, is that “No subject is out of bounds, no question is off the table, and anything might happen.” Guests who agree to participate do so knowing they might face unpredictable inquiries. And indeed, they often do.
Despite this, it’s worth noting that everyone in the room at the ABC’s Ultimo HQ understands the exercise is framed by a fundamental goodwill. Even unexpected and disarming questions won’t be harsh. The students aren’t aiming to ambush the guests; instead, they approach the interviews with genuine curiosity and a desire to uncover essential truths. This is evident in the way they research the subjects and workshop their questions.
In one episode, actress, writer, and producer Claudia Karvan was interviewed. Silas, known for his probing and insightful questions, asked how growing up around nightclubs shaped her views on recreational drug use. Later, Finn explained that two people close to him are schizophrenic and can be volatile, asking how Karvan maintains a good relationship with her brother, who also has the disorder. He then followed up with, “Before having children, were you worried about the strong genetic component at all?”
It’s hard to imagine another public situation involving the media where such questions might be allowed, let alone asked and answered with candour.
In a standout episode that had the highest ratings of the past two seasons, Abbey asked Jimmy Barnes about his daughter Elly-May, a musician who lives with cerebral palsy: “What’s one thing she has taught you that no one else could?” The question was inspired, and the response was inspirational.
In that episode, Oliver observed the dichotomy of Barnes: once a hard-rockin’, hard-livin’ working-class man who’s openly emotional about his devotion to his wife of more than 40 years and their family. Not the classic rock-god stereotype. In the final episode, Oliver asked former Olympic swimmer and anti-bullying activist Ian Thorpe, who came out as gay in 2014, “How can Australians do a better job at widening what Australian masculinity looks like?”
Many of the guests, such as Lee and Barnes, seem at ease in The Assembly arena, conveying the impression of people comfortable in their own skin and confident enough to be candid. Thorpe seems a little more vulnerable but makes an effort to answer honestly, with thoughtful and revealing responses to questions about mental health.
The Assembly is cleverly constructed. The guests are astutely chosen, as are the students, many of whom have become increasingly confident and skilled over the seasons. Sales also brings a wealth of experience and a supportive spirit.
Beyond the show’s value as entertainment, Finn says, “Since being on The Assembly, I’ve learned what I’m capable of and feel a sense of worth. Now I’m more optimistic about the future.”
It’s hard to imagine a more persuasive endorsement.
The Assembly airs at 7:30pm on Sundays on ABC and ABC iview.
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