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What I’ve Been Watching: Michael Usher

Seven presenter secretly wants to appear on Have You Been Paying Attention?

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The Latest‘s Michael Usher is a fan of Netflix doco series The Last Dance and secretly wants to appear on Have You Been Paying Attention?

Here’s how else he describes his viewing….

What shows are on your must-see TV list lately?
I just binge-watched The Last Dance. I found that compelling. Sport, news, culture, personality politics all rolled into one series. I binge view any News shows and documentaries all day long. My last compelling drama that stole my attention was Mindhunter. Shame the next series has been binned.

How has lockdown affected your viewing?
We’ve definitely watched more TV during the lockdown, and interestingly it’s brought my kids back to the couch to watch TV together as a family. Especially at the weekend. So I’ve really enjoyed that.

Which guilty pleasure show are you reluctant to admit to watching?
No matter how times I’ve seen them, I will watch and re-watch any James Bond film. I’m a huge fan. And any Sci-Fi films. I don’t care if you can drive a truck through the holes in the plots, anything that help escape from the heavy load of News shows I consume all day long, helps me unwind and tune out.

When you settle down for a night on the couch what are your ‘must-haves? 
I’m at work at night usually, but when I’m not – a glass of Scotch, 3 remote controls and my mobile phone. I’m a terrible dual device user – will often be watching News or shows on my mobile, and the TV at the same time.

What show would you secretly love to appear on?
HYBPA – love that show. And Gardening Australia. I quite enjoy pot plants.

How does The Latest differ from other bulletins and are the late hours a blessing or curse?
The big point of difference with The Latest is that its content is all interviews and crosses. We don’t run reporter stories. I like to think our audience has been flat out all day and evening, and we can help them catch up on the day’s news, and give them an idea of what’s brewing in the morning, so they can go to bed up to speed. I also always try to end The Latest on a positive note. An image of thoughts that’s uplifting before the day ends. As for the hours – I’ve never worked a regular set of hours or days in 30 years in TV. So I wouldn’t know if they’re a blessing or curse!

The Latest airs late nights Monday – Thursday on Seven.

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  2. Michael Usher is undoubtedly one of the finest newsreaders of our time. Poaching him from Nine in September 2016 was a clever choice. He has terrific questioning technique when he communicates to a guest and gels when he is paired up with someone whether it be Melissa Doyle or Angela Cox or anyone from the Seven News stable. Yes, I do love his work.

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