- Advertisement -

REEF LIVE a breathtaking two-part live event in December on ABC & iview

- Advertisement -

Latest

- Advertisement -

Share

ABC and Screen Australia announce that, broadcasting live over two big nights from the Great Barrier Reef, Australian audiences will be able to watch one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles unfold – the once-yearly phenomenon of the majestic mass coral spawn.

Jordan Nguyen (image – ABC)

Reef Live, airing Friday 4 December 8.30pm and Sunday 6 December 8.40pm on ABC & iview, will let you experience the anticipation and the wonder of this unique and very special natural event. As corals across the outer reef synchronise their spawn release, scientists will capture the spawn in a race against time to help regenerate the reef before it’s too late. As well as the coral spawning, we’ll watch the reef come alive in the breeding bonanza of fish, birds, and turtles.

Joining our hosts Hamish Macdonald (Q+A, The Project), Brooke Satchwell (SeaChange) and Dr Jordan Nguyen (scientist and inventor), in studio at the ‘REEF LIVE HQ’, will be an array of world experts looking at ways to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the reef for the future. They will discuss Indigenous perspectives, conservation initiatives and how we can all get involved in citizen science projects.

- Advertisement -


We’ll also have experts filming above and below the water with Marine biologist Dr Dean Miller, free diver and marine scientist Lucas Handley, and shark advocate Madison Stewart reporting from remote areas of the reef. Back at shore, Dr Ann Jones host of RN’s natural history program Off Track, will broadcast from the world famous hi-tech Seasimulator in Townsville. She’ll be there to watch millions of coral larvae being ‘born’ in captivity, mirroring the events taking place at sea.

Jennifer Collins, ABC Head of Factual & Culture said,

“REEF LIVE is a first for Australian viewers, an event for the whole family to share in the magical natural wonder of our Great Barrier Reef.”

“What better way to celebrate the end of the year than with the biggest regenerative event on the planet! Broadcasting live from the Great Barrier Reef as it’s spawning is a massive logistical challenge with high-stakes, but the anticipation is building and we’re hoping it’s a bumper year and we’ll be there in the thick of it” said Karina Holden, Head of Factual, Northern Pictures.

Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary Bernadine Lim said,

“We are proud to support this highly innovative project celebrating the wonder of the reef, from the team at Northern Pictures who have a solid track record of creating engaging natural history stories. It’s set to be a must-watch event.”

Screen Queensland’s Chief Creative Officer Jo Dillon said,

“REEF LIVE will transport Australian audiences to Queensland in an unmissable screen event that captures rarely seen footage of one of our state’s most iconic natural treasures and tourist attractions.

“The production is truly an example of the power and importance of factual screen stories to ignite passion and curiosity in our precious, natural habitats.”

REEF LIVE is part of the ABC Your Planet initiative, which builds on the ABC’s coverage of climate and environmental issues by enabling audiences to counter challenges such as climate change and the increasing toll of extreme weather events, such as bushfires and floods, in their daily lives. Inspired by REEF LIVE and want to participant in a citizen science project? The ABC has joined with Virtual Reef Diver – an online platform that provides a unique opportunity to get involved in monitoring the reef. More information about Virtual Reef Diver will be available at ABC Your Planet

Production Credit: A Northern Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Principal production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia. Financed with production funding support from Screen Queensland. Produced by Karina Holden. ABC Documentary Manager: Stephen Oliver, ABC Factual Manager: Julie Hanna, ABC Head of Factual and Culture: Jennifer Collins.

- Advertisement -


REEF LIVE – Friday 4 December, 8.30pm and Sunday 6 December, 8.40pm on ABC & iview

- Advertisement -

Know more about this or another Australian media story?

Contact the team anonymously at TV Blackbox

Media Release
Media Release
TV Blackbox - Where People In The Industry Get Their News!
Comments

Join or social media

- Advertisement -

Podcasts

CAUTION: The Aus has the inside line on the new ABC Chair (allegedly)... | S09E09

Latest Stories

Advertisement