Daniel Doody: “Mother Nature wasn’t going to play nice.”

Update:

Weather has prevented Studio 10‘s Daniel Doody from travelling to Antarctica for a second time, and unfortunately he will no longer be going.

Next week he will explore Hobart and surrounds for 10.

“It’s a shame but safety is paramount,” he said. “The weather in Antarctica is unpredictable and this season Mother Nature wasn’t going to play nice. Australian Antarctica Division has ensured Studio 10 will be back next year. So until then I’m going to practice my Happy Feet routine!”

Earlier:

Studio 10 reporter Daniel Doody will broadcast from Antarctica on Monday in a rare television Live cross.

Doody was granted access from the Australian Antarctica division media program but the young father had to undergo 14 days of quarantine in Hobart first -just 6 weeks after the birth of his second child, Arlo.

When he broke the news to his wife some months ago, he wasn’t sure how it would be received.

“When I told her that most likely I’d be going to Antarctica at the end of the year there was a bit of a pause,” he told TV Tonight.

“There was a little bit of a tear down her cheek and then a hug. She was like, ‘No, that’s okay. You’ve got to do it. You’re never going to get this opportunity.”

But there was also a last minute hitch.

Doody was due to fly on Wednesday from Hobart to Wilkins aerodrome, about a four and a half hour flight, before another three and a half hours by terra bus to Casey Station. But bad weather has pushed that trip back to today.

Still he appreciates the importance of taking every precaution and quarantine.

“Each station has one doctor and a couple of medical assistants who usually look up up to around 200 people. So the thought of COVID coming into Antarctica would be quite disastrous,” he said,

“I guess that’s why they’re making sure that they take every precaution necessary.

“It is tough, I miss my family. But  I’ve been Facetiming them every single day and keeping occupied because I’m preparing for this fantastic trip.”

It’s not the first time an Australian crew has broadcast from Antarctica, but it is rare, with Sunrise and Totally Wild having visited before, while Australia Live in 1998 included a satellite cross.

Joining Doody is camera operator Owen Wynne. Both will spend around a week in Antarctica, filing for Studio 10.

“We’ve got a whole team on the ground (in Sydney) supporting us at Studio 10, helping us with graphics and scripts.

“I’ll be reporting on the amazing work that goes on there by the expeditioners that are working as part of the Australian Antarctic Division,” he explained.

“Whatever I see through my eyes, the viewers will see.

“It’s pretty special moment to take in and hopefully it will be spectacular. I’m sure it’s going to be very cold!”

Doody has been with Studio 10 for just over a year, having moved from ABC, but Antarctica is well up on his list of career highlights.

“I’m absolutely loving it. It’s such an amazing show. The people behind the scenes, the team, the producers, the crew in the control room, camera operators… everyone is just so amazing. And under the helm of Tamara, who’s my boss, I’m really enjoying my time now. I’ve been learning loads. I’ve been making mistakes, but I’ve been learning from them!” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring.”

Studio 10 airs 8am weekdays on 10.