Australian Story

Behind the Mask (1) (22x39)

Uitzenddatum: Nov 06, 2017

After a career spanning 50 years, legendary broadcaster Mike Willesee is facing his greatest challenge –throat cancer. Mike was diagnosed 12 months ago and has been through radiation and experimental drug treatment. He is determined to fight it. Mike launched his television career with the ABC’s ground-breaking current affairs program This Day Tonight. He moved to Four Corners before producing the template for commercial current affairs when he created A Current Affair for Channel Nine. He went on to present top-rating programs on channels Seven and Nine throughout the 1970s and 80s, displaying an uncanny knack for knowing what viewers wanted. Despite a stellar career, Mike has not always enjoyed a happy domestic life. He has been married and divorced three times, which is a source of great regret. He is, however, the father of six children, who he counts as his greatest achievements. Part one concludes with Mike’s infamous appearance as guest host on A Current Affair in 1989, when he slurred his way through two episodes before being replaced. It was the wake-up call he needed, forcing him to acknowledge a problem with alcohol that he continues to deal with. He speaks candidly about this and the impact it has had on his life.