40th anniversary for A Current Affair
Today marks 40 years since A Current Affair first hit Australian screens.
- Published by David Knox
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Today marks 40 years since A Current Affair first hit Australian screens.
Mike Willesee hosted the show for Nine back on November 22nd 1971, with Paul Hogan giving social commentary.
Other presenters in the 1970s included Mike Minehan, Sue Smith, Kevin Sanders and Michael Schildberger.
The show ended in 1978 but returned as Willesee from 1984 – 88.
Jana Wendt hosted from 1988 when the ACA brand returned and was later succeeded by Willesee, Ray Martin (twice), Mike Munro and eventually Tracy Grimshaw who has hosted since 2006 and Leila McKinnon.
There have also been various state-based editions.
Some of its reporters have been part of ACAÂ for years including Martin King and Howard Gipps.
While the landscape has clearly shifted with less politics and more consumer stories, it’s still an amazing run for any television brand.
…and a special shout-out to John Clarke and Bryan Dawe for their former comedic contributions.
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26 Responses
On fact the format has never varied much, whatever the year and whoever the presenter. the 1984 return of Willesee used exactly the same template as previous iterations, and was succeeded by versions following the same format. Only the host, the graphics, titles, and durations of items varied.