The Observer Effect: June 2

Ellen Fanning’s first guest on The Observer Effect on SBS will be maverick National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce.

The new show will endeavour to show another side to well-known Australians by getting their take on news events, often on topics that are outside their area of expertise.

Ellen will reveal his likes, dislikes and motivations in the show which uses the news events of the week as a window into the lives of prominent Australians.

In an age where media is dominated by sound-bites, news-grabs and 140-letter character assessments, The Observer Effect will give viewers the chance to see a different side to the people who shape our politics and culture.

Senator Joyce, the self-proclaimed “great shot”, is now taking aim squarely at independent Tony Windsor, a seat in the House of Representatives and a pivotal role in the cabinet of a Tony Abbott-led government.

The Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water, Senator Joyce has also been seen as polarising figure with his frank and outspoken views.

The Observer Effect on SBS ONE will mark a return of the long form interview to national television where viewers will get a fresh view of the news of the week through the eyes of “The Observer”, offering a deep understanding of both the observer’s role in the news and its impact on them in a forum where no question will be out of bounds.
Ellen said the unique format will be engaging, informative and entertaining.

“Imagine, if you had a chance to engage a public figure in conversation what would you like to find out?” Ellen said. “Would it be the guest’s perspective on a news event outside their areas of expertise? Or how and why they influenced or were influenced by a news story that week?”

“People want to see their leaders, particularly their political leaders, speak directly and frankly, not only to gauge their policies but to better understand their overall world views.”

Sunday, June 2, on SBS ONE.