Frontline (Australian TV series)

Frontline
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television broadcasting
Founded	1994
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Television comedy series

Frontline is an Australian comedic television series that parodies current affairs programming. It was broadcast in three seasons, each consisting of 13 half-hour episodes, on ABC TV during 1994, 1995, and 1997.

Production

The creative team behind the show—Jane Kennedy, Santo Cilauro, Rob Sitch, and Tom Gleisner—served as writers, directors, and producers. They were also responsible for earlier projects such as The D-Generation and The Late Show. Between the runs of Frontline, they developed Funky Squad, before moving on to feature films like The Castle and The Dish. Later, this group hosted programs including The Panel, followed by productions such as Thank God You're Here and Have You Been Paying Attention?.

The concept drew partial inspiration from a 60 Minutes special titled "Has the media gone too far?", and shares thematic elements with the British series Drop the Dead Donkey.

A commercial network

The storyline centers on a fictional current affairs show named Frontline, which competes against Nine Network’s A Current Affair and Seven Network’s Real Life, the latter rebranded as Today Tonight in 1995.

Frontline reveals the ruthless strategies employed by producers, a self-important presenter, and cynical journalists who resort to hidden cameras, confrontational interviews, and pay-for-play journalism to increase viewership. These individuals seek favour with network executives while depending heavily on an overstretched production crew.

Within the network's schedule are other programs referenced by Frontline staff: an evening news broadcast at 6 p.m., a three-hour review titled Sunday Forum, sketch comedy called The Komedy Bunch, a game show named Jackpot, teen dramas such as Sunshine Cove (later renamed Rainbow Island), football coverage under the title Ball-to-Ball, late-night talk shows, animated series, morning shows, political debates, and travel-related programs.

As a commentary

Characters and plotlines frequently served as thinly veiled parodies of recent real-life events and public figures, lending the series a sharp satirical edge. For instance, the Season 1 episode "The Siege" reenacted a contentious real incident from 1993 only months earlier, presented as if covered directly by the fictional program.

Mike Moore, the foolish and egotistical host, was a satire of well-known television presenters and journalists. According to Sitch, Moore was an amalgamation of characteristics taken from several prominent media personalities including A Current Affair hosts Ray Martin and his predecessor Mike Willesee, along with Stan Grant, who hosted Real Life.

The ABC’s media watchdog program Media Watch featured prominently within the series. Instances of journalistic malpractice reported on Media Watch were often mirrored in dramatized form on Frontline. A notable example includes when Media Watch exposed Dave "Sluggo" Richardson’s deceptive reporting on Christopher Skase for Today Tonight, resulting in his suspension; similarly, the episode "One Rule for One" depicted fictional reporter Martin di Stasio being suspended for comparable misconduct.

Several episodes incorporated segments from Media Watch that criticized the fictional show itself.

Reporters

Mike Moore (Rob Sitch) serves as the primary presenter of Frontline. Self-absorbed and not particularly bright, Mike fiercely guards his notion of "journalistic integrity" and dislikes being perceived as superficial. He considers himself at the forefront of journalism, yet executive producers frequently exclude him from production discussions. Mike seeks the spotlight, though his media appearances often end in failure. He occasionally resorts to dubious methods, such as appropriating a story from Marty in "A Hole in the Heart" (series 3) or pushing for Geoffrey's show's cancellation out of envy in "Addicted to Fame". Initially challenged for his role by senior reporter Brooke Vandenberg, by the series’ conclusion he has become a prominent network figure wielding significant influence. Although often depicted as simple-minded, Mike sometimes reveals shrewdness, notably when he coerces the network owner into admitting legal violations during a live interview in "Give 'em Enough Rope" (series 2). Many jokes highlight how easily his executive producer manipulates him. Before joining Frontline, Mike worked at the ABC and was recruited away.

Brooke Vandenberg (Jane Kennedy) is an ambitious and ethically flexible reporter on Frontline. Driven by a desire for publicity, she frequently fabricates or exploits gossip about affairs to enhance her profile, exemplified in "The Desert Angel" (series 1). Like most colleagues, she tolerates questionable journalistic practices but exhibits double standards—she protests invasions of her privacy despite using hidden cameras herself ("The Invisible Man", series 1). Brooke is vain and manipulates story edits to increase her screen presence; when footage featuring her is cut in "I Disease" (series 3), she demands the firing of the responsible producer. In "A Hole in the Heart," she accepts an abortion bribe tied to a hosting opportunity after discovering her pregnancy.

Martin "Marty" Di Stasio' (Tiriel Mora) is a veteran reporter and Mike’s chief rival within the team. He ridicules Mike over sensitive matters like his affiliation with an allegedly anti-Semitic golf club ("A Hole in the Heart") and public blunders. Marty is the most seasoned journalist, having earned a Walkley Award. Similar to Brooke, he condones Frontlines dubious journalistic tactics but occasionally voices ethical concerns, such as during coverage of a priest accused of sexual assault ("Judge and Jury"). Trusted by executive producers, Marty often convinces Mike to front stories or undertakes challenging assignments himself. His contractual status is less secure than Mike's or Brooke's; in "Dick on the Line" (series 3), he reveals he renews yearly contracts without bargaining due to his age.

Producers

Emma Ward' (Alison Whyte) acts as Frontlines Line Producer and frequently questions the program’s ethical standards, serving as a moral compass for viewers. In "Heroes and Villains" (series 2), she uniquely critiques the show’s attack on a contentious book. Despite her ethical reservations, Emma often engages in morally ambiguous behavior and occasionally finds it entertaining. In "A Hole in the Heart (part 2)", she consents to a staged dismissal to satisfy a charity director, securing a significant salary increase.

Kate Preston (Trudy Hellier) functions as segment producer, maintaining good relations with Emma but is less concerned about ethical dilemmas. She frequently mediates disputes between Emma and the executive producer.

Brian "Thommo" Thompson (Bruno Lawrence) was the executive producer during series 1 but was removed before series 2 following the actor’s death. His character was portrayed as a tough EP willing to broadcast controversial content for higher ratings.

Sam Murphy (Kevin J. Wilson) succeeded Brian as executive producer in series 2, adopting a similarly stringent approach to programming decisions.

Graham "Prowsey" Prowse (Steve Bisley) assumed the executive producer role in series 3, introducing a more aggressive and abrasive management style characterized by sexism and temperamental behavior. Like his predecessors, he could be personable when necessary to manipulate staff or uplift morale.

Supporting staff

Domenica Baroni (Anita Cerdic) works as the office receptionist and is Mike’s most devoted admirer. Her distinctive hairstyles provide ongoing comedic material. Domenica often mirrors audience reactions and occasionally aids storylines by offering tips or going undercover.

Shelley Cohen (Linda Ross) is secretary to the executive producer and typically remains unruffled amid office turmoil.

Stuart "Stu" O'Hallaran (Pip Mushin) serves as lead cameraman for Brooke’s and Marty’s reports, frequently sharing jokes with Marty and Jase at Mike’s expense.

Jason "Jase" Cotter (Torquil Neilson) operates as sound recordist alongside Stu. Mostly silent until series 3, he is dismissed after leaking private footage involving Brooke.

Hugh Tabbagh (Marcus Eyre) edits video material in the audio-visual suite; he is often seen smoking and using an asthma inhaler.

Trev (Stephen Curry) replaces Jase as sound recordist late in series 3.

Network employees

Geoffrey Salter (Santo Cilauro) is the network’s weatherman and Mike’s closest workplace ally. Geoff frequently questions Mike's confidence in ethical journalism though Mike often disregards these concerns. Unpopular among Frontline staff and barred from set access, Geoff unexpectedly gains fame with his own hour-long program in "Addicted to Fame" (series 3), although Mike cancels its expansion out of jealousy. A recurring joke features Geoff laughing uproariously at Mike’s stories despite not comprehending them.

Ian Farmer (Gerard Kennedy) acts as Station Manager and local studio head, appearing solely in series one. He is close friends with Brian Thompson and frequently seen golfing with him.

Bob Caville (Peter Stratford) holds the position of network managing director responsible for enforcing office discipline.

Jan Whelan (Genevieve Mooy) serves as head of publicity during series 1 and 2; she is recognized for her camp demeanor coupled with practical efficiency.

Trish (Lynda Gibson) assumes head of publicity duties in series 3. Gibson also appears in series 2’s "Workin' Class Man" episode portraying a working-class mother featured in Brooke’s story.

Elliot Rhodes (Boris Conley) performs satirical musical sketches on Friday night episodes as a comedian-musician. Although Mike despises Elliot’s act, he must commend it on air; Elliot is twice dismissed at Mike’s behest.

Special guests

Frontline frequently included celebrity cameos featuring prominent Australian politicians appearing as themselves, often interviewed on-air. Noteworthy appearances include Pauline Hanson in "The Shadow We Cast" (series 3), where she challenges Mike with her signature phrase "please explain?", alongside Noel Pearson in the same episode. Other guest appearances include John Hewson, Pat Cash, Cheryl Kernot, Ben Elton, Bert Newton, Amanda Keller, Anne Fulwood, Glenn Ridge, Glenn Robbins, Molly Meldrum, George Negus, and Ian Baker-Finch. Harry Shearer portrayed Larry Hadges in series 2’s "Changing the Face of Current Affairs," while Merv Hughes featured in "Workin' Class Man."

Guest stars also participated in parodies of their own programs: Mike Moore appeared on fictional episodes of Burke's Backyard with Don Burke, Rex Hunt’s fishing show, and The AFL Footy Show with Sam Newman. Media analyst Stuart Littlemore made multiple appearances critiquing Frontline.

Production strategies

Frontline broke new ground among Australian sitcoms by adopting an accelerated production model inspired by UK’s Drop the Dead Donkey, where episodes were scripted and filmed within one week to closely reflect recent news events.

Scripts for Frontline followed this rapid development cycle, typically written and produced within seven days. The process was highly collaborative: Cilauro, Kennedy, Gleisner, and Sitch shared writing and directing responsibilities while cast members contributed ideas throughout production. Although some episodes coincidentally aligned with current events due to delays, others offered timely critiques on recent news stories.

To enhance documentary-style authenticity, filming took place under fluorescent lighting on an office set using hand-held Hi-8 camcorders operated by Gleisner and Cilauro. This footage was then transferred onto film stock before returning to videotape (a process akin to kinescope). Broadcast-quality material was used for scenes depicted as part of Frontline broadcasts to reinforce satirical realism.

Other airings

In 1997, Channel Seven acquired broadcast rights but aired only a handful of episodes, deeming the show too provocative amid prime-time current affairs competition. The Comedy Channel aired it until 2005; it later returned to ABC TV for runs in 2018 and again during 2020–21.

In the United States, it was broadcast under titles Behind the Frontline on cable networks and Breaking News on PBS—renamed to avoid confusion with PBS's own Frontline. In the United Kingdom, series one and two were shown on Paramount Comedy Channel; however, series three never aired there. In Canada, Showcase aired it as Behind the Frontline starting in 1997.

Impact

Frontline garnered widespread acclaim, securing a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Achievement in Comedy (1995) along with Alison Whyte winning Most Outstanding Actress (1997). Critics consistently rank it among Australia’s finest television productions.

Six episodes from season one were incorporated into New South Wales' Year 12 English Advanced curriculum for the Higher School Certificate between 2000–2008, focusing on media representation themes. The series has also been studied within Victorian Certificate of Education English units and analyzed within Year 10 English syllabi across New South Wales and Western Australia since early 2000s.

MentalAs campaign

In October 2014, Sitch reprised his role as Mike Moore during a brief sketch on Friday Night Crack Up, contributing to ABC's "MentalAs" campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health issues.

Additional resources

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