Simon Townsend interviewed by Neil Bennetts [sound recording]
- Bib ID:
- 295338
- Format:
- Audio
- Author:
- Townsend, Simon, 1945-, interviewee
- Access Conditions:
- Access open for research, personal copies and public use.
- Description:
-
- 1985 May 15
- 3 sound tape reels (ca. 251 min.) ; 5 in.
- Summary:
-
Simon Townsend, television producer, talks about his family background in Queensland and Sydney; his work as a young journalist with newspapers of the north coast of New South Wales, Tamworth & with the West Wylong Advocate in 1965. He then talks about Australia's commitment to Vietnam War, decision to object; D grade journalist with Sun newspapers in 1965 at 19; conscripted; arrested and charged in 1966; re-arrested and gaoled at Long Bay prison; impressions of Ronald Ryan's hanging at Pentridge, Vic.; organisation of war protest groups. Townsend then discusses his court cases; Holsworthy Detention Camp. He then talks about his trip to US in 1969-70; preselection by Australian Labor Party; career in journalism, 18 months with "Sunday Australian", children's paper "Zoot" (1973), Mike Willesee and Current Affairs Program on Channel 9 TV. He then describes the origins of the T.V. program Wonderworld.
Townsend then recalls that in 1973 he had 2 grants to study children's programs in US and UK, 1974 with ABC Children's Division, 1975 producer/reporter of "This Day Tonight", 1976 Associate Producer of Willesee, 1978 producer for John Laws Radio 2UW, 1979 "Willesee at Seven" reporter, Channel Ten buys "Wonderworld" . Townsend then talks about the working and philosophy of the program, awards it has won and his life today.
- Notes:
-
- Recorded on May 15, 1985.
- Digital master available National Library of Australia ;
- Index/Finding Aid Note:
- Detailed summary available (2 leaves).
- Subject:
- Occupation:
- Television producers and directors
- Other authors/contributors:
- Bennetts, Neil, 1943-2011, interviewer
Request this item
Request this item to view in the Library’s reading room.