ABC and Screen Australia have announced two new prime-time factual programs which will air on ABC TV and ABC iView in June.
“Meet the Penguins” will provide a close-up look at the world’s smallest penguins living on the southern coastline of Australia.
It will track the famous penguin parade on Phillip Island to the penguins living in the city suburb of St Kilda as they attempt to complete their mission: to stake their territory, partner up and raise their chicks.
“Meet the Penguins” will reveal both tales of domestic bliss and neighbourhood dramas within the colony, as well as showcase the trials of tempestuous weather, strong currents and migrating fish stocks.
It will be hosted by Dr Ann Jones and screen on Tuesday, June 28 at 8:30 p.m.
The week prior, Jones and journalist and presenter Hamish Macdonald will host “Southern Ocean Live”.
The 90-minute special will screen on winter solstice, Tuesday, June 21 at 8:30 p.m.
It promises big creatures, big science and big thrills.
From ‘Southern Island HQ’, at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, Macdonald and Jones will cross to special guests who will tell the stories of incredible creatures, including the resident fairy penguins.
Marine scientists Sheree Marris, Lucas Handley and Dr Dean Miller will also be reporting from under the water. They will detail stories of giant spider crabs, giant cuttlefish, whales, dolphins, seals, albatross and great white sharks.
Both projects received principal production finding from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, as well as finance from Screen NSW and Vic Screen.
“Meet the Penguins” and “Southern Ocean Live” are both helmed by Karina Holden as series director and executive producer.
