Friday Flashback: ABC3 launches

With ABC ME about to make way for ABC Family and ABC Entertains channels, I was reminded of the ABC3 channel launch in 2009 when PM Kevin Rudd pressed a big red remote button.

The one hour event included hosts Amberley Lobo, Kayne Tremills, Prank Patrol‘s Scott Tweedie, cast from Dance Academy, skateboarders, BMX, motorbikes, Cassie Davis, Short Stack and more. Even Top Gear’s Richard Hammond appeared in a video reel especially recorded for his show Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab.

Rudd’s arrival was pumped like a rock star to an audience of kids, with comedic updates on the progress of his official car stopping at a McDonald’s drive-thru, complete with a surfboard strapped to the roof.

Upon his arrival he high-fived kids in the crowd, took SMS questions from child viewers and even sang the Play School theme. “It was on when I was your age.. . a hundred years ago,” he said.

“It’s a really good channel, isn’t it guys?”

But days after the big event, a scandal had emerged with number of contract cleaners hired for the night being marched out of ABC’s Ultimo building by security guards.

While details never emerged, it appeared to be linked to Prank Patrol.

Then-ABC managing director Mark Scott sent a memo to staff saying no further comment would be made on the incident with the matter being referred to federal police.

“The AFP does not comment on security matters surrounding the Prime Minister,” a police spokeswoman said. “So I can’t confirm, deny or provide any response. I’m aware of what the ABC News [website] is saying, but we’re not going to comment on anything regarding this matter at all.”