The Assembly

2024

ABC

Melissa Maclean, Mark Fennessy, Therese Hegarty, Vanessa Oxlad and Julie Hanna

The Assembly follows autistic journalism students as they interview high-profile Australians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and actor Sam Neill. Under the guidance of acclaimed journalist Leigh Sales, the students develop their skills in research, question planning, and interviewing, resulting in candid and unpredictable conversations that reveal unexpected sides of their guests.

Each episode celebrates authenticity, with the students' unique perspectives cutting through public personas, delivering a blend of humour, insight, and emotional depth. These heartfelt interviews challenge assumptions about neurodiversity and journalism, showing that fresh perspectives and diverse voices enrich storytelling and uncover meaningful truths.