The Assembly, a forthcoming series from ABC, presents an innovative format: autistic student journalists, mentored by Leigh Sales, interview prominent Australians. Adapted from the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin and the BBC’s The Assembly, this six-part series produced by Helium Pictures offers a unique take on current affairs.
The autistic students, enrolled in a specialised journalism course at Macquarie University, will prepare for and conduct interviews with notable figures, including the Prime Minister. Their goal is to go beyond the public facade and reveal the person behind the politician or celebrity.
Leigh Sales will mentor the students as they enhance their skills and navigate the challenges of interviewing high-profile individuals. Sales characterises the series as “honest and authentic,” highlighting the students’ direct approach that prompts interviewees to move beyond spin and offer more candid responses.
Several organisations dedicated to inclusivity and diversity are collaborating on The Assembly. Aspect, Australia’s leading service for people on the autism spectrum, provides vital support, and Bus Stop Films, a production group empowering people with disabilities, contributes its expertise.
Executive producers Mark Fennessy and Melissa Maclean emphasise the importance of diverse voices and perspectives, promising audiences a compelling and groundbreaking television experience that explores national interests from fresh and unexpected angles.
The series not only champions inclusivity but also demonstrates the advantages of embracing diverse talents in journalism. By giving autistic student journalists a platform, The Assembly challenges conventional interview formats and provides a unique insight into the lives of well-known Australians.
