The best interview ABC’s Leigh Sales never did
Politicians can be tough people to nail down for interviews, particularly if they’re currently embroiled in a scandal or rort, which means ABC’s 7.30 has really struggled to get sport minister Bridget McKenzie into the chair for an interview.
ICYMI: McKenzie is currently facing criticism over sports grants given to marginal seats, or seats targeted by the Coalition, before the 2019 election.
The case against McKenzie is growing, with a spreadsheet of more than 2000 applicants found, colour-coded to which electorate the applicants were based in. A review is currently underway and Scotty from Marketing is staunchly standing behind McKenzie.
Among all this, a good way to set the record straight would be a TV interview. But perhaps it was decided this would be too much for McKenzie, because according to 7.30 she turned down their request for interview four times in a fortnight. So, being the enterprising bunch they are, they went ahead with the interview anyway, with veteran ABC journalist Leigh Sales facing off against an empty chair.
7.30 invited former sport minister Bridget McKenzie for four interviews in the past fortnight and she declined. Here’s what we would have asked her on behalf of the Australian public. #abc730 #auspol #SportsGrants @leighsales pic.twitter.com/GZHQBAxhtW
— abc730 (@abc730) January 30, 2020
The internet has been quick to point out this isn’t the first time this stunt has been pulled on news programming, but Dr Mumbo applauds the drama of an extended shot of the chair in question before a cut to break.
Plus in the meantime, they’ve given satirist Mark Humphries a chance to reunite with his Pointless co-host [Dr] Andrew Rochford. Dr Mumbo recommends watching this one to the end for the ‘Extra Large Pork Barrel’.
WIDE WORLD OF RORTS pic.twitter.com/TGAsXEZzWB
— Mark Humphries (@markhumphries) January 30, 2020
Yeah, I got a good laugh from the chair too. Could a great motif for them to return to, so long as it doesn’t undermine their credibility as at the more serious end of the current affairs spectrum – ie, they don’t abuse it for cheap point scoring.
It’s an interesting question for brand 7.30 and its tonality.
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… actually, it’s a good indication as to how the ABC could save some money – do away with the expensive presenters and just point a camera at the autocue …
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The underlying question “why won’t you answer” is often the most important question.
Morrison refusing to take questions at a presser should see somebody (an ex-AAP with a working dogtag to get past the flakes on the door?) should stand up and shout “thats the bloody problem mate: we ask the questions and you’re an elected public official! answer the bloody question or piss off”
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