The Newsreader
2021–2025 · ABC iview · 54 min · 3 seasons
S03E06 · The Fall
Sun, 2 Feb, 12:00 pm
Dale is falling apart, leaning heavily on alcohol to get through his day. When Helen's relationship with Bill deteriorates, her ability to produce her show is questioned, as news breaks of the Berlin Wall falling. (Final)
About
In the maelstrom of a commercial television newsroom in 1986, Dale Jennings is a diligent young reporter, desperate to become a newsreader. Helen Norville is a notoriously ‘difficult' star newsreader determined to build credibility. Paired together over three months, Dale and Helen will cover an extraordinary chain of news events — from the shock of the Challenger explosion, to the hype of Halley's Comet, to the complexities of the AIDS crisis. From messy beginnings, a deep bond is formed that will upend their lives and transform the very fabric of the nightly news bulletin. This is a story of a grand, unconventional relationship in a world on the cusp of change.
Episodes
- E01
Night of Nights
Sun, 2 Feb· 52 minIn 1989, and Helen and Dale are reaching new peaks of success. Helen has been given her very own current affairs program, and Dale has become the biggest name in news with a Gold Logie nomination.
- E02
A New Era
Sun, 2 Feb· 50 minWhen news of an Alaskan oil spill breaks on the day of Public Eye's launch, Helen is pressured to rethink her show format, whilst combatting a brutal act of sabotage from Lindsay. Dale tries to land an interview with the PM.
- E03
Behind The Front Line
Sun, 2 Feb· 53 minDale embraces his success, hosting a lavish birthday party. Meanwhile, Helen is struggling personally and professionally - Public Eye's ratings are dire but when offered an exclusive, she sees an opportunity to save her show.
- E04
One Team, All Brothers
Sun, 2 Feb· 50 minAs Public Eye climbs ever closer to News At Six's deteriorating numbers, Dale teams up with Rob, pushing the CEO to replace Lindsay. Rob makes a controversial comment on air when discussing Apartheid sports boycotts.
- E05
On the Brink
Sun, 2 Feb· 54 minAs Public Eye reaches number one, Helen is blindsided by a front-page article revealing her history of mental health struggles and institutionalisation. As she considers how to respond, she focusses her energy on a special report about the mental health system.
- E06
The Fall
Sun, 2 Feb· 57 minDale is falling apart, leaning heavily on alcohol to get through his day. When Helen's relationship with Bill deteriorates, her ability to produce her show is questioned, as news breaks of the Berlin Wall falling. (Final)
Cast
Anna Torv
Helen Norville
Sam Reid
Dale Jennings
William McInnes
Lindsay Cunningham
Chum Ehelepola
Dennis Tibb
Michelle Lim Davidson
Noelene Kim
Stephen Peacocke
Rob Rickards
Marg Downey
Evelyn Walters
