The ABC has been forced to move production of the premiere episode of Q&A due to the ongoing bushfire crisis.
New host Hamish MacDonald was planning to broadcast live from the Bega Showgrounds on the south coast of NSW on Monday night as part of a special episode examining the bushfires. Those plans have been thrown into chaos with news the location is now being used once again as an evacuation centre.
In an e-mail sent out to those who had planned to be in the audience on Monday, MacDonald explained how they could still take part;
“We respect the fact that your community is facing extreme challenges once again. Our thoughts are with you as you endure another high fire danger period. You, the people of Bega and surrounds are more important than ever so we’re looking forward to receiving your questions. We are relocating the show to the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre to ensure safety and will let you know over the weekend how we may be able to involve you in our broadcast”
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Viewers from the area have been invited to share their questions via Skype.
It’s a blow to new executive producer Erin Vincent and MacDonald who had been planning to make their mark with the premiere episode of the refreshed ABC classic but such is the nature of television.
Joining MacDonald will be;
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Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Kristy McBain, for many locals the voice of the unfolding emergency at the operational HQ in Bega
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NSW Member for Bega Andrew Constance, who fought to save his home and has since temporarily stepped back from ministerial duties to support his community
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Indigenous fire practitioner Victor Steffensen, who’s worked extensively with South Coast traditional owners on cultural burning practices
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Far South Coast Director, Surf Life Saving NSW Cheryl McCarthy, who oversaw the evacuation of thousands at Bermagui
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Renowned US climate scientist Michael Mann, who’s on sabbatical in Australia – and found himself with a front-row seat to the unfolding fire emergency
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NSW senator and volunteer firefighter Jim Molan, who’s been battling the blazes with his RFS brigade
MacDonald will essentially be the face of ABC TV on Monday night as he also presents a special episode of 4 Corners titled ‘Black Summer’, which will also focus on the bushfires.
Delighted to have @hamishNews fronting @4corners for our first show of 2020, ‘Black Summer’ Monday on #4Corners pic.twitter.com/jsqMyvv654
— Sally Neighbour (@neighbour_s) January 31, 2020
According to the ABC the episode press release;
“A team of reporters and producers have fanned out across the country to track down the Australians who found themselves in the centre of the firestorms. What emerges are incredible stories of survival, bravery and heartbreak”
Co-Creator and Editor of the TV Blackbox website, Robert McKnight is highly regarded Australian Television Producer, he has worked at SEVEN, NINE and TEN, and is most well-known for creating and producing STUDIO 10. Currently Rob is the host and producer of the TV Blackbox, McKnight Tonight and Monsters Who Murder podcasts.
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