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Airdate: The Checkout

ABC1's new factual consumer affairs series premieres next month fronted by Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel.

The CheckoutABC1’s new factual consumer affairs series The Checkout premieres next month with Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel, Hungry Beast’s Kirsten Drysdale and Kate Browne from Choice magazine.

The 10 part series from Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder and Giant Dwarf has pledged to “inform, entertain and empower the ordinary consumer – as well as getting a little bit of revenge.”

Jennifer Collins, ABC TV’s Head of Entertainment, said: “The Checkout is consumer affairs TV for the 21st century, and who better to go into battle for consumers than Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel?”

Presenter and Executive Producer Julian Morrow said: “I can think of so many people who would be better to go into battle for consumers. But the election’s not until September so this should pass the time.”

The Checkout will turn consumer TV on its head, with a no-holds-barred, irreverent and entertaining approach to the subject that would have Helen Wellings turning in her grave, if she wasn’t still alive.

Each episode will tackle issues that face all of us when we open our wallets – identifying ways consumers are being taken advantage of, manipulated and ripped off… even if there’s nothing illegal about it. With support from Australia’s consumer group Choice, The Checkout team will give viewers a healthy and/or dangerous mix of info and attitude that hopefully might lead to smarter spending decisions.

Regular segments will include:
· Beat the System – light-hearted tips for changing consumer behaviour based on consumer psychology;
· As A Guilty Mum… – a Brand Power style infomercial that showcases the way marketers play on parental guilt to flog an ever-expanding suite of products;
· Product vs Packshot – showing some of Australia’s most lovingly photographed products as they look in real life;
· If I Could Say One Thing – bite-sized chunks of advice for consumers from some of Australia and the world’s leading consumer advocates and researchers, including Ralph Nader and author of “The Paradox of Choice” Professor Barry Schwarz.

But wait, there’s more!

Building on the audience participation of Q&A’s video questions, The Checkout will fire-up the already explosive world of consumer problems on social media. Disgruntled consumers with legitimate gripes will be able to send in their complaints, tips and rumours – as well as upload their video consumer gripes on the web and maybe even see them on TV courtesy of the national broadcaster. Details below.

Executive Producer Nick Murray said: “Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder has a proud track record of producing innovative and engaging factual television. There’s every chance that working with Craig and Julian will ruin that.”

Former ABC Director of Television Kim Dalton said: “I am so glad I’m not going to be at the ABC for this.”

* Since the Australian Consumer Law prevents misleading and deceptive conduct, the ABC no longer uses the term “The Chaser boys”.

How viewers can get involved in The Checkout:

thecheckout.net.au (where you can send in consumer tip-offs, suggestions and video complaints)
[email protected]
facebook.com/checkouttv
twitter.com/checkouttv

Thursday, March 21 at 8pm.

6 Responses

  1. It sounds a bit like Gruen Transfer meets Today Tonight? I’ll give it a go, but am more interested in the marketing aspects (Gruen part) than the consumer ripoff parts (TT).

  2. Classic chaser press release……

    Wait until if/when it is shown and see whom does not realise that this will be – shall we say – “a bit satirical”…..

    This may rate its socks off (for ABC1).

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