Deb Fleming shares a humorous memory from the early days of “Australian Story,” recalling a time when a crew inadvertently left the car phone off the hook, leading her to overhear their concerns about the program’s future. As the inaugural executive producer of this innovative current affairs documentary series, Deb faced significant challenges right from the start.
Before it even aired, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reduced the show’s budget, transforming what was intended to be a one-hour program into a half-hour format. The crew, understandably anxious about their prospects, expressed doubts, with some saying, “This is just going to be a disaster … this is going to go down in flames,” as Deb listened in silence. This early uncertainty reflected the common reality in television, where many new programs falter within their first year.
Despite the initial turmoil, Deb reassured the team, leading to a moment of shared laughter. Reflecting on the past, she notes, “Fast forward a few years and we were standing there collecting another Logie or another Walkley [for excellence in journalism], and it was a wonderful thing to think back on in terms of how close to disaster we thought we were.” Deb remained at the helm for 19 years, guiding the show through its transformative journey.
Since its debut in May 1996, “Australian Story” has built a reputation for uncovering the extraordinary within everyday life, featuring a diverse range of subjects—from passionate farmers to celebrities with hidden stories. With 1,125 episodes produced, the program has undergone visual and pacing changes but continues to be a “beacon of something affirmative,” according to Deb. She emphasizes the importance of providing positive narratives in a time when many people are struggling with unhappiness.
Producer Ben Cheshire highlights a significant achievement from his three decades with the show: securing the cooperation of the notoriously private AC/DC band for a segment about their late lead singer, Bon Scott. This particular episode has garnered 7 million views on YouTube alone. Meanwhile, Helen Grasswill, a retired founding producer, fondly remembers her challenging interview with media mogul Kerry Packer about the life-saving kidney donation from his helicopter pilot, Nick Ross.
Deb has a particular affection for a segment produced by Janine Hosking, which tells the inspiring story of a Queensland woman who lost her arm in a fencing accident but continued to thrive on her farm with the support of her husband. For Caitlin Shea, a founding producer who became the executive producer in 2018, one of her standout episodes was a collaboration with current executive producer Greg Hassall, focusing on basketball icon Luc Longley. This episode resonated widely, especially after Longley was overlooked in the renowned documentary “The Last Dance,” where he shared how that omission affected him.
The episode’s impact was profound, quickly gaining over 12 million views on platforms like ABC iview and YouTube, illustrating the program’s potential to reach a global audience.
Caitlin recalls a pivotal moment in 1999 when rugby league coach Wayne Bennett opened up during an interview with producer Vanessa Gorman, who, despite her limited knowledge of the sport, delved into what makes people tick. This candid portrayal of Bennett’s softer side and his dedication to his children, two of whom have disabilities, marked a turning point for the show. Caitlin noted that it showcased the unique storytelling style that “Australian Story” could offer, focusing on personal, confessional narratives that resonated with viewers.
While the program initially struggled with its format and scheduling, finding its current slot on Monday evenings in 2000, Bennett’s story became a breakthrough that clarified the program’s strengths. Caitlin emphasizes that “Australian Story” adheres to the same editorial standards as other ABC news programs, tackling tough questions in a format that seeks to understand the human experience without resorting to sensationalism.
