Anyone who missed Wayne Carey on Enough Rope tonight has missed one of the best pieces of journalism you're likely to see in Australia this year. Make sure you check out the website for any video that pops up or keep an eye on ABC1 or ABC2 for repeats. And I'm sure bits and pieces will turn up on YouTube.
It was a great character sketch of Carey and a demonstration of what a rough upbringing, stupid choices as an adult, sudden sporting fame and the wrong type of football culture can do to a person. I am not a fan of AFL or of Wayne Carey. But I am a fan of good journalism and you don't need to be either to get something out of this. Denton demonstrated why he's one of the best interviewers in the country by showing that you can ask tough questions and demand tough answers without resorting to the in-your-face tactics of outlets like Today Tonight and A Current Affair.
It's no secret Denton had chased John Howard for an interview before his election loss last year and I'm glad the former PM didn't come on the show afterwards. I know Denton had said he probably wouldn't be interested but he may have been tempted to have him on for his first show back in 2008 if Howard had put up his hand. But the Carey interview was so much more interesting, engaging, honest and genuinely tough to watch than Howard would have ever been.
It's a reminder that good journalism is good storytelling and you can pursue answers without having to turn that pursuit into a bloodsport ala the media's treatment of Britney Spears.
It was a great character sketch of Carey and a demonstration of what a rough upbringing, stupid choices as an adult, sudden sporting fame and the wrong type of football culture can do to a person. I am not a fan of AFL or of Wayne Carey. But I am a fan of good journalism and you don't need to be either to get something out of this. Denton demonstrated why he's one of the best interviewers in the country by showing that you can ask tough questions and demand tough answers without resorting to the in-your-face tactics of outlets like Today Tonight and A Current Affair.
It's no secret Denton had chased John Howard for an interview before his election loss last year and I'm glad the former PM didn't come on the show afterwards. I know Denton had said he probably wouldn't be interested but he may have been tempted to have him on for his first show back in 2008 if Howard had put up his hand. But the Carey interview was so much more interesting, engaging, honest and genuinely tough to watch than Howard would have ever been.
It's a reminder that good journalism is good storytelling and you can pursue answers without having to turn that pursuit into a bloodsport ala the media's treatment of Britney Spears.
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roberthoge- Robert Hoge
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I feel for him and hope that he has the strength to make it through to the other side. I don't believe he is a bad person, just a confused and slightly messed up man who can with the right help get back on track. I support you Wayne Carey and all the other people in the world who have temporarily lost their way. And the rest of the world have some compassion!!!! Are you perfect in everything you do?
Cheers,
John Back