The Newsreader is an Australian television drama series created by Michael Lucas, broadcast on ABC Television. Starring Anna Torv and Sam Reid, the series, which explores the personal and professional lives of journalists and crew within a 1980s Australian newsroom, premiered on 15 August 2021.
The first series was ABC's most-watched drama program of 2021, airing to critical acclaim and achieving the most nominations of any show or film at the 11th AACTA Awards. A second series, commissioned in 2022, premiered on 10 September 2023. A third series was officially confirmed a month later.
Cast
Main
Anna Torv as Helen Norville, the first female newsreader of the ratings-dominant News at Six. Coming to the position in a time of misogyny and sexism sets up roadblocks in her career, especially as her fragile mental health begins to worsen, and charts a journey of recovery by leaping head-first into a relationship with junior reporter Dale. Sam Reid as Dale Jennings, initially a junior reporter for News at Six whose eagerness to helm a bulletin sees him become Helen's producer, and the two become romantically involved - to the receptive eyes of the media - as he becomes concerned over his private life, and his personal secrets, potentially leaking onto the screen. Robert Taylor as Geoff Walters, the long-time co-anchor of the News at Six, who is critical of Helen's position, believing it to be a part of the news genre's move towards entertainment and glamour to retain viewers. As a result, he feels he is being pushed out, as part of the old guard, and lets his health suffer as he perseveres on, resolved to not let that happen. William McInnes as Lindsay Cunningham, the overbearing, easily irascible, casually bigoted, and ratings-obsessed head of the News at Six newsroom. Marg Downey as Evelyn Walters, Geoff's wife, who diligently manages his career off-screen, often to his irritation. Stephen Peacocke as Rob Rickards, the sports editor, and former VFL player, for News at Six who struggles when temporarily promoted to co-anchor/relief anchor. As his prominence grows, he often asks Noelene for help, and as he becomes attracted to her, he appreciates her more. Michelle Lim Davidson as Noelene Kim, the assiduous News at Six library researcher and autocue operator, determined to try and make her mark, despite being a put-upon, badly treated, and unduly pressured dogsbody. Chum Ehelepola as Dennis Tibb, the meticulously working and hot-headed head producer of the newsroom. Rory Fleck Byrne as Gerry Carroll (series 2), an affably charming variety show host and one of the most popular personalities and comedians on television. Daniel Gillies as Charlie Tate (series 2), the network's new insidiously suave CEO determined to push and shape the channel and its news division in a more informal direction with a certain brand. Philippa Northeast as Kay Walters (series 2), Geoff and Evelyn's complicated daughter, who often rushes to her father in light of a strained relationship with her mother, with whom she is less able to exploit parental affection for her from in comparison to Geoff's more unconditional approach.
Recurring
Chai Hansen as Tim Ahern (main, series 1; recurring, series 2), one of the News at Six cameramen who develops a partially-requited crush on Dale. Caroline Lee as Jean Pascoe, the newsroom secretary with a keen, but well-intended interest in - and keeps tabs on - the newsroom gossip. Maria Angelico as Cheryl Ricci, the talkative and warmly brash News at Six make-up artist. John Leary as Murray Gallagher, News at Six operator. Jackson Tozer as Ross McGrath, co-cameraman to Tim. Rhys Mitchell as Brian Mathers, News at Six cameraman. Maude Davey as Val Jennings, Dale's attentive and doting mother, keen to see her son do well, aware of his past traumas. Queenie van de Zandt as Donna Gillies, a headstrong, wily, experienced gossip columnist for The Sun, well known for her attempts to publish the private lives of the network's personalities and talent. Bert La Bonté as Gordon (series 1), News at Six director and camera operator. Dom Phelan as Brett (series 1), the other sports editor for News at Six. Damian Callinan as Frank (series 2), News at Six director and camera operator. Jane Harber as Carla Carroll (series 2), Gerry's outgoing wife. Cazz Bainbridge as Marta (series 2), Charlie's mistreated housekeeper. Nick Simpson-Deeks as Paul (series 2), a calculating, assiduous member of Geoff's production team. Dan Spielman as Vincent Callahan (series 2), a rival network newsroom head whom Dennis tries to poach, and who tries to poach Helen.