In this special episode of The Assembly on ABC on Monday evening, viewers are taken behind the scenes as Leigh Sales meets with five students from the program: Abbey, Stephanie, Mitch, Silas, and Angus. Together, they reflect on their unique journey as the first cohort of Australia’s autism-friendly journalism course at Macquarie University.
The episode, titled “Becoming The Assembly,” reveals never-before-seen footage and shares insights into the challenges and celebrations these students experienced during their studies. It captures their initial nervousness and their remarkable growth as journalists, showcasing the power of inclusive education.
The students open up about their favourite personal moments from their celebrity interviews and the barriers they have faced in pursuing their dreams. They take audiences on a journey through their most memorable firsts, including conducting short interviews, hearing their voices on the radio, and presenting in the news studio.
The episode builds towards their practice interview with Leigh Sales, marking the first time they meet her and their inaugural group interview. The students’ nerves are palpable, but the interview unfolds with a delightful mix of emotion and humour. As Leigh experiences being in the hot seat, the students gain valuable insights from her extensive interviewing career.
The episode concludes with a heartwarming reflection on their graduation day from the Journalism Foundations course, where Leigh’s congratulations bring tears of joy and a sense of accomplishment to the students.
The Assembly: Behind the Scenes airs on ABC Australia, Monday, 30 September 2024, at 9:35 pm.
