ABC Backstory

Aspiring journalism students with autism are back to grill some of Australia's most prominent figures, and this time they've got seasoned peers behind the camera cheering them on.

Over the course of two decades, Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski have enthralled millions, telling the remarkable stories of more than 3,200 guests. We asked listeners to share which Conversations guests have stayed with them long after the mic was turned off.

When Lisa Millar and the Back Roads crew set out to film along the mighty Snowy River, they were quickly reminded that the landscape can be as unpredictable as it is stunning. 

As a child, Richard Fidler was endlessly curious. That same thirst for understanding has guided him behind the Conversations mic, gently drawing captivating stories from his guests.

Heather Ewart was a powerhouse political reporter when she was asked to create a show about regional Australia. A decade later, and with her final season going to air, Ewart admits that getting the idea off the ground was no easy feat.

Andy Lee is no stranger to TV, but when it came to turning his best-selling kids' book into a show for the ABC, it was a process unlike anything he had experienced before.

You'll remember The Assembly's Dylan from his volley of questions to some of Australia's biggest names. Dylan joined the Compass team as an intern, where he was on the hunt for fame, filmmaking skills and funds to buy more bricks.

In the new TV role, the Australian Story host mentors a cohort of autistic journalism students before they grill high-profile celebrities. But the learning wasn't one-way — this is what she learned about interviewing and the tips and questions she's banked for future interviews.

In his last week at the ABC, Landline's highly respected Murphy says a remarkable 45-year career that had him chasing stories all over the world has taught him one thing: "Everyone has a story." 

From filming in some of the most remote and inhospitable areas of Australia, to working with an A-list Hollywood actor, this is how the ABC Science team investigated what killed our ancient megafauna.

Sharing a feed, being outdoors, and spending time with loved ones: Australians are singing together about the unique experience of Christmas Down Under in the ABC Classic Choir. 

Brendan Esposito was last year crowned the Walkley Photographer of the Year. Here, he gives an insight into the art of photography and how covering news events has changed him.

The ABC broadcasts hundreds of emergency warnings each season, but for the first time in 24 hours the broadcaster transitioned from emergency fire coverage to emergency flood coverage in the same region.

Ashley Renehan had a dream of opening up the bush to wider audiences, so he reached out to his former colleagues at the ABC for help.

The ABC's Days Like These podcast was conceived as a short-term audio offering when COVID-19 up-ended the world, but its stories about life-changing events continue to resonate.

Back in 2017, Bridget Brennan and Isabella Higgins were the only two members of the Indigenous Reporting Team. As referendum day approaches, they reflect on how far coverage of Indigenous affairs has come and how far there is still to go.

As the fourth season of the beloved series premieres, its impact has been felt far and wide. The show has helped spur on academic research, informed legislation and contributed to the creation of dozens of intergenerational playgroups.

During a natural disaster, many turn to ABC Radio. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how the team brings you vital information when you need it most.

With a career spanning 70 years, Rupert Murdoch is no stranger to facing the same kind of interviewing and investigative treatment that he has dished out in his media outlets.

After two decades working as a journalist and presenter at the ABC, Jeremy Fernandez is taking over from Juanita Phillips as the main anchor of the NSW 7pm News.

Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar started their careers at a time when TV news looked a lot like the big-hair, big-shoulder pad, big-personality newsroom depicted in The Newsreader. They take us behind the scenes of their 30 years in journalism.

He never planned on becoming a beloved local voice, but Craig Hamilton's career as a broadcaster touched countless sports lovers. After 23 years on air, now he's focusing on mental health advocacy.

As Australia prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our withdrawal from Vietnam, actor Kate Mulvany opens up about the toll the war took on her veteran father and her and the unanswered questions about Agent Orange.

The ABC Science team spent six weeks travelling all over Australia to record 200 sounds for a soundtrack of the country. It was a challenging undertaking. Here's how they did it.

Annabel Crabb reveals what happens behind the scenes filming Kitchen Cabinet and how cooking encourages politicians to open up.