Returning: Compass

Compass returns tomorrow night, in its new Saturday timeslot, and introduces new host Kumi Taguchi.

After some 20 years, veteran presenter Geraldine Doogue will pass the baton to Taguchi, interviewing her about her life and work, revealing why Kumi is the perfect person for the job.

Doogue will continue to host specials throughout the year including Modern Prophets, an interview series with on key events in the religious and secular calendar and a special exploring the potential outcomes of the Royal Commission.

Geraldine Doogue said, “I am genuinely thrilled to welcome Kumi Taguchi to the Compass presenting chair, which I’ve happily filled for just on 20 years and has never been more important, given the world’s turbulence. But there are times to renew and re-direct energies and I think this is one of them, personally and for the program. I’ll produce some specials throughout the year because I’m passionate about ABC viewers knowing the big issues of belief and faith and hope to be satisfying that appetite among Australians for years to come.”

Kumi Taguchi, said: “The search for meaning is what drives me: figuring out why I am here, why we are here, what we can do during this short time on our planet. A huge part of this is telling the stories of others, looking at the journeys they’ve taken and learning from their experience and wisdom. Being able to ask and explore life’s important questions makes working at Compass a dream come true.”

Taguchi will also continue her role as news anchor on ABC News 24.

Other highlights of the upcoming Compass season include: Jane Caro’s return with The Staffroom a series that gets inside the heads of our teachers, and Natasha Mitchell presents Ethically Challenged where two families attempt to redefine the way they live.

In this 500th anniversary year of the formation of the Lutheran Church, Martin Luther – An Idea That Changed the World is a compelling documentary that brings alive the powerful personalities and exciting drama of the Reformation. Love Marriage in Kabul follows the extraordinary quest of Afghan-Australian Mahboba Rawi, as she negotiates and challenges old traditions to make a marriage for love happen.

In other highlights, Speed Date a Muslim sees a fiery host invite people to ask Muslim women the hard questions, Love in a Hurry explores the tricky business of having relationships with a life limiting illness, and in Power to the People Kumi introduces an immersive look at social issues that defined Australian society over the last forty years.

Compass Series Producer, Jessica Douglas-Henry. ABC Head of Factual, Steve Bibb.

6pm Saturday March 4 on ABC.