All language subtitles for The.Newsreader.S01E05.1080p.HDTV.H264-CBFM_track4_[eng]

You gotta watch yourself wit her, OK?

She's gonna hit you with a lot
of shitty ideas

about cross-eyed single mothers
and AIDS and Christ knows what else.

I have been in contact with a woman.
Her name is Caroline Gibson.

She has two children
and she's HIV positive.

Elaine Carlisle mentioned
something else on the phone

Elaine Carlisle mentioned
about Adam Lyndell.

About Adam Lyndell.

He hasn't tried to be in contact
with you, has he?

He hasn't tried to be in contact
No.

No.

Hi, Dale.
It's Adam here from school.

If you ever have any time, will you
talk me through a footy game?

Aussie Rules footy is
the single best sport on the planet,

and I am the single best person
to explain it to you.

And I am the single best person
Geoff? Oh!

Geoff? Oh!

Geoff suffered a heart attack
Geoff? Oh!

Geoff suffered a heart attack
late last night.

Obviously, there will be
public interest

and Geoff had a quote he was
very keen for me to pass on.

I will absolutely be back on air
in July and I can't wait.

Please don't tell anyone.

Of course.

I'm committed to Helen.

I care about her deeply.

The last thing I want to do
is hurt her.

I love you.

(CAR DOORS SHUT)

(CAR DRIVES AWAY, HORN HONKS)

(DOOR OPENS)

(DOOR SHUTS)

Helen, morning.
Good morning.

Five hours for one photo shoot.
Yes.

What, is it really going to take
half a day?

What, is it really going to take
Yes.

Yes.

It says... it says
Yes.

It says... it says
"candid shots of couple at home".

It says... it says
Yes.

Yes.

So why do we need a stylist?

Uh, it's a photo shoot.
This is nothing.

Uh, it's a photo shoot.
I dress up as a bon-bon

I dress up as a bon-bon

on the News At Six Christmas card
I dress up as a bon-bon

on the News At Six Christmas card
the other year.

On the News At Six Christmas card
Oh, where can I see those photos?

Oh, where can I see those photos?

I've got really good news.

I have got the Caroline Gibson
story across the line.

I have got the Caroline Gibson
Caroline Gibson?

Caroline Gibson?

The mother who contracted HIV
Caroline Gibson?

The mother who contracted HIV
through a blood transfusion

and unknowingly gave it
to her children.

Lindsay signed off on it?
Yes.

Lindsay signed off on it?
And I think you should do it.

And I think you should do it.

It's your story.

It's going to do
more for you than it is for me.

You imagine? You on camera,
empathizing with a mother.

Every woman watching is going
to fall in love with you,

and they're going to call
the switchboard

and ask for more Dale Jennings.

(LAUGHS)

OK.

Thank you.

Noelene, could you check
some dates for me?

Noelene, could you check Sure.

Sure.

I need to know when AIDS
first arrived in Australia

and when the blood bank started
screening donors for HIV.

And when the blood bank started
On it.

On it.

Jam donuts.
Aw, thanks, Noels.

Jam donuts.
You're a champion. Oi, um...

You're a champion. Oi, um...

..who's your pick for this Saturday?

Demons or Swans?

What? I thought you wanted a bit of
office footy chat?

I do, but I don't want anyone
to know you're teaching me.

I do, but I don't want anyone
Why?

Why?

What? So I'm banned from talking
about the footy with you?

What? So I'm banned from talking
In here, yes.

In here, yes.

Everyone else can,
but... not me?

Everyone else can,
Until further notice.

Until further notice.

We allowed to chat about
other topics?

We allowed to chat about
Do you have other topics?

Do you have other topics?

Cricket.

(LAUGHS)

It's going to be the Swans.

I'm tipping three goals.

Hey, Dennis, is there a crew
available?

Hey, Dennis, is there a crew
I'm doing the Caroline Gibson story.

I'm doing the Caroline Gibson story.

She's in Beaumaris.
I'm doing the Caroline Gibson story.

She's in Beaumaris.
Ah, mate.

What?
Poisoned chalice.

Lindsay signed off on it.
That's 'cause Helen wore him down.

Lindsay hates AIDS stories.

He's gonna want to see a cut
and he's not gonna be kind.

He's gonna want to see a cut
I'll be right.

I'll be right.

Your funeral. Take Tim's crew.

Anyone else available?

You always go out with Tim's crew.
Anyone else available?

You always go out with Tim's crew.
What, has he got BO or something?

Whatever. Give me a second.

I need a crew.

What, no, not Tim's crew.
Give me another crew.

No. Thanks.

Well, it's higher
than I would have liked.

You haven't been exerting yourself,
have you?

Just a gentle walk most evenings.

How far?

End of the road and back.

Attempted the full block yesterday
End of the road and back.

Attempted the full block yesterday
and...

Attempted the full block yesterday
..never heard the end of it.

..never heard the end of it.

Good.

It's paramount to give your body
the time it needs, Geoff.

Remember when they sent me
to cover Vietnam?

Of course.
I came to you to get my jabs.

Yes.
I could only get three at a time.

Yes.
You made me pick.

You made me pick.

Disease roulette.

I gave you tetanus, cholera
Disease roulette.

I gave you tetanus, cholera
and diphtheria,

I gave you tetanus, cholera
and you got typhoid.

And you got typhoid.

Yes.
Yep.

Chucking my guts up
on a dirt road somewhere.

Chucking my guts up
Seconds later, shooting a story.

Seconds later, shooting a story.

But I soldiered on.

We all did.

Your second Walkley.

Yes, well, you know,
soldiering on with typhoid at 43

Yes, well, you know,
is very impressive,

is very impressive,

but soldiering on after
is very impressive,

but soldiering on after
a heart bypass at 60 is...

..something else entirely, Geoff.

I'll see you out.
No.

You stay right there. Rest.

I'll check in on you
in a fortnight, alright?

Realistically, when do you think
he'll be ready for work?

Realistically, when do you think
Months yet.

Months yet.

Months?

Two at least, preferably three,
and even then I'd suggest part time.

I know my husband.
He is not built to be at home.

I know my husband.
He gets agitated.

He gets agitated.

Evelyn, he could die.

The warning signs
have been there for years.

He's ignored them.

And if he keeps ignoring them...

What? I'm sorry, what?

Maybe you don't know everything
about your husband.

Maybe you don't know everything
Hmm?

Hmm?

OK.

She specifically said not OK.

She specifically said not
to get her kids' faces on camera,

She specifically said not
so if they are in frame,

so if they are in frame,

make sure you explain to her
what you're filming,

'cause she might be OK
with background shots with them.

'cause she might be OK Got it.

Got it.

We don't touch her, right?

No, you're not going to be
touching her.

What about door handles and stuff?
I read you can get it from that.

What about door handles and stuff?
Well, that's a myth.

Well, that's a myth.

You can only get it if some of her
Well, that's a myth.

You can only get it if some of her
blood gets physically inside you.

You can only get it if some of her
Sorry. I'm not good with sickness.

Sorry. I'm not good with sickness.

She's not sick.

She's HIV positive, and right now
She's not sick.

She's HIV positive, and right now
she doesn't have any symptoms.

Are we good here?

Yeah.

OK?

WOMAN: I was six months pregnant
with my second child.

The hospital suggested
that I have the AIDS test.

And when it came back positive,
I thought...

..it had to be a mistake.

I couldn't even think
how it was possible.

Till they asked me
if I'd had a blood transfusion.

And you did have one,
after the birth of your son.

And you did have one,
That's right.

That's right.

So you went undiagnosed for...
Four years.

And I passed it on to my children.

If I'd known, I never
would have breastfed and, um...

..I certainly wouldn't have gotten
pregnant for the second time.

(SNIFFS)

Oh, sorry, are you sick?

What?
Do you have a cold?

Just allergies.

I'm so sorry, I just really
can't afford to get sick.

Of course.
So sorry.

Brian, can you lock the camera off
and go and wait in the car?

Are you serious?
Yes.

Sorry.
Of course.

Thank you.

Caroline, could you...

Could you explain to me a bit more

about what it's like living
with the virus day to day?

Well...

..people treat us like lepers.

Our dentist has stop seeing us.

My son's been ostracised
from school.

And the clinics
we have to go to for treatment

are just full of homosexual men.

Are you angry that this happened?

Of course.

I was told that this blood
transfusion had saved my life,

but really, it was...

..it was a death sentence for me
and my children.

You're gonna have to lose
30 seconds out of that.

You're gonna have to lose
30 seconds.

30 seconds.

It is dire.
It's wrist-slashing stuff.

It's moving, sure,
but isn't that the point?

The point, Dale,
is not to drop viewers.

Every time we put one of
these bloody AIDS stories on,

Every time we put one of
we drop 100k - every time.

We drop 100k - every time.

I'm worried if we cut that much,
we'll lose the impact.

We left out the best bit.
No, we didn't.

We left out the best bit.
What's that?

What's that?

When she says they poisoned
the blood bank. The gays.

It's unsubstantiated.
She was upset...

It's unsubstantiated.
Let's see it.

Let's see it.

Mate, you've just woken me up.

Poofter poisoning the blood bank.
That is gold.

The whole focus is the family impact.
Here.

"If it takes threatening
and perhaps donating blood

"to get us the attention we need,
that may be what we have to do."

That's a quote
from a US gay activist.

I'll see if I can get another
source, but it looks good.

That's your story.

OK, if we put the quote in,
can we keep the 30 seconds?

Oh, you're learning.

Yes, we can.

Great.

In 1983, Robert Schwab,
a US gay activist

frustrated by the lack of funding
for AIDS, told his followers,

"If it takes threatening
and perhaps donating blood

"to get us the attention we need,
that may be what we have to do."

Some gays thought that AIDS
would only get attention

if straight people had it too.

That's what I've heard.

And now they do.

Are you angry that this happened?

Of course.

I was told that this blood
Of course.

I was told that this blood
transfusion had saved my life,

I was told that this blood
but really, it was...

but really, it was...

On my hand.

..it was a death sentence
On my hand.

..it was a death sentence
for me and my children.

..it was a death sentence
This is Dale Jennings, News At Six.

This is Dale Jennings, News At Six.

To the Philippines now where deposed
President Ferdinand Marcos

and his wife Imelda
remain under siege.

You first hatchet job.

Congrats. It's quite a milestone.

Sorry?

You don't actually believe

that there's people
deliberately out there

that there's people
poisoning the blood banks, do you?

Poisoning the blood banks, do you?

I don't always get a final say
about what goes into the edit.

Well, you do get a say, though,
don't you?

(WHISPERS) I know
it's a sensitive issue for you.

(WHISPERS) I know
Nah. It's just shit journalism.

Nah. It's just shit journalism.

Oh, hell of a story, mate.

Brave.
Thanks.

Just hope you washed your hands.

Ha.

Yep.

(LAUGHS)

Night.
See ya, mate.

You sure that she...
she said it on the record?

Of course.
OK.

Look, I admit that bit was bad,
but it was definitely on the record.

Look, I admit that bit was bad,
OK, OK.

OK, OK.

You were still really great.

But?

No buts.

I can tell you've got
more thoughts.

I don't.

You have a version in your head
that you think's better.

You have a version in your head
Uh-uh.

Uh-uh.

Just tell me.

I probably would have asked more
about the marriage...

I knew it!
'Cause I just...

I just... That's the only thing.
(LAUGHS)

I knew it.
(LAUGHS) That was the only thing.

I knew it.
No! It was good! It was good.

No! It was good! It was good.

(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)

MAN: Maybe laughing now.
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)

MAN: Maybe laughing now.
Just laughing.

MAN: Maybe laughing now.
One more time.

One more time.

Amazing.

That was so much better.
You look beautiful.

Just your standard
Thursday morning outfit.

(LAUGHS) Well, we decided that
it's cocktail hour, so.

We have?
Yes.

Mr Jennings, if you just
want to stand beside her,

and maybe put your hand
on her shoulder?

And maybe put your hand Sweet.

Sweet.

Um, isn't the bulletin Sweet.

Um, isn't the bulletin
at cocktail hour, though?

Dale, you don't have to fact check
the photoshoot.

Dale, you don't have to fact check
OK, just loosening up the shoulders.

OK, just loosening up the shoulders.

And if you just want to
pick up the martini glass,

maybe like you're offering
a toast?

Cheers.

Is that real gin?

Maybe laughing now.

(LAUGHS) Laughing. Just laughing.

Couple in love,
enjoying each other's company.

Mate, you look like
you've been kicked in the nuts.

Mate, you look like
OK. What's wrong? What is wrong?

OK. What's wrong? What is wrong?

It just feels
OK. What's wrong? What is wrong?

It just feels a bit artificial.

It just feels
Yeah, but that's the magic of it.

Yeah, but that's the magic of it.

It's not us presenting
who we really are.

It's more what people
might imagine us to be.

It's more what people
Just relax.

Just relax.

It's just supposed
to be romantic and fun.

OK.

No tension. (EXHALES)

One, two, three, looking.

(SAFETY DANCE
BY MEN WITHOUT HATS PLAYS)

One more time.

♪ We can dance if you want to

♪ We can leave your friends behind

♪ 'Cause your friends don't dance
♪ We can leave your friends behind

♪ 'Cause your friends don't dance
and if they don't dance

♪ 'Cause your friends don't dance
♪ Well, they're no friends of mine

♪ Well, they're no friends of mine

♪ Say, we can dance, we can dance

♪ Everybody's taking the chance

♪ Safety dance

♪ It's the safety dance... ♪

ALL: (CHANT) No more lies
♪ It's the safety dance... ♪

ALL: (CHANT) No more lies
while gay men die.

ALL: (CHANT) No more lies
No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.
No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.
What is this?

What is this?

No more lies while gay men die.
Um...

No more lies while gay men die.
Should we go to the staff entrance?

Should we go to the staff entrance?

Uh... no.

I think we'll be OK.

It's not Caroline Gibson, is it?

No more lies while gay men die.
No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.
No more lies while gay men die.

MAN: You're all liars, News At Six.

Do a bit of research.

Dale!

(CHANTING CONTINUES)

It's Adam. Adam Lyndell.

(CHANTING CONTINUES)

Did you... did you know that guy?

He's just a research contact.

You seen it?
He's just a research contact.

You seen it?
No.

The protesters?
The article.

It's a whole op-ed about the quote
I found. The Robert Schwab one.

They say it was made up
for some sort of anti-gay pamphlet.

They say it was made up
I am so sorry.

I am so sorry.

"Throughout the coverage
of this epidemic,

"we've heard from doctors,
politicians, priests,

"but the primary victims,
gay men, have been at best excluded

"and at worst demonized."

I mean, he's not wrong.

Lindsay knows?

This is what happens
when you let game show girls

This is what happens
and footy players front the news.

And footy players front the news.

Geoff, that's got nothing
to do with that.

That quote is solid.
And Noelene found it, so it's legit.

It's ridgy-didge, OK?

Serious reporters, they develop an
It's ridgy-didge, OK?

Serious reporters, they develop an
instinct for these sorts of things.

You know if something doesn't
pass the sniff test.

Just calm down, Geoff.
The Whitlam dismissal, '75.

You remember. There was bedlam.

There was rumours
flying around everywhere.

And some donkey in Canberra got wind
that the Queen was in on it.

You wanted to run it as fact.

My gut told me
it didn't hold water,

My gut told me so we held off.

So we held off.

And guess what? I saved us
the humiliation of an apology!

Helen and Rob
could never make that call!

Listen, mate, this is a completely
different situation, alright?

Listen, mate, this is a completely
Now, these people outside,

Now, these people outside,

they're just a pack of pillow biters
who are whipping up trouble.

They're just a pack of pillow biters
Now, this quote is legit.

Now, this quote is legit.

It's solid.

We can back it up and
It's solid.

We can back it up and
we're gonna do that tonight.

Noelene!

Noelene! That quote better be
fucking watertight, you got that?

I'm getting more articles
from the Herald Library.

I'm also checking with
the blood bank and the AIDS Council.

I'm waiting for them to call back.
Well, go call them now, will you?

We are not issuing an apology on
this unless we absolutely have to.

We are not issuing an apology on
OK? Now, what's the follow up?

OK? Now, what's the follow up?

Well, I think that we should
interview the op-ed writer.

That's insane.
Why would we back away?

That's insane.
It's clearly hit a nerve.

It's clearly hit a nerve.

I'm just telling you
it's a recipe for disaster.

I think that Dale should
interview the op-ed writer,

I think that Dale should
then follow up with the blood bank

then follow up with the blood bank

and I'll interview
then follow up with the blood bank

and I'll interview
an AIDS sufferer...

and I'll interview
(DIALOGUE BECOMES QUIETER)

(DIALOGUE BECOMES QUIETER)

Yeah, I know, Dennis,
but we went up last night

and that's never happened before
on an AIDS story,

and that's never happened before
so we'll keep going.

So we'll keep going.

(MUFFLED DIALOGUE)

Caroline actually mentioned that
there was problems in some schools,

Caroline actually mentioned that
so that could be another story.

So that could be another story.

(CLEARER) Dale, you could maybe
interview a parent.

(CLEARER) Dale, you could maybe
I'm prepping for Anzac Day.

I'm prepping for Anzac Day.

Oh, Jesus, Dale.

They're throwing eggs out there now.
What?

Egged my car.

That happen to anyone else?

Do those protesters have AIDS?

I wonder if there was AIDS
in what they threw.

You think they put HIV positive
blood into an egg?

Yes.

Jesus. Come on, everybody.

Don't back away from this.
This is your story.

Yeah, and it's a disaster.
No, it's not.

We'll get it back on track.
Have you spoken to Caroline?

You should, because all the other
networks will be calling her

You should, because all the other
and it will be very overwhelming.

And it will be very overwhelming.

And this... this happens.

Sometimes things blow up.

It's gonna be OK.

(CHANTING CONTINUES OUTSIDE)

(SHOUTING)

Do you have a spokesperson
(SHOUTING)

Do you have a spokesperson
or an organiser?

We don't have an organiser.
We're a collective.

We don't have an organiser.
OK, I understand why you're upset.

OK, I understand why you're upset.

That's why I'd like to show
a different perspective.

I'm very interested in talking
to an AIDS sufferer,

someone who's gay,

and not just about the blood bank
controversy, but about their life.

I'm genuinely interested in putting
the other perspective on air.

I'm genuinely interested in putting
My lover has AIDS.

My lover has AIDS.

OK.

Let me get your name OK.

Let me get your name
and I'll set something up.

Let me get your name Adam.

Adam.

What's wrong?

I confirmed it.

The article was right.

A religious fundamentalist group
in the US fabricated the quote

A religious fundamentalist group
for these anti-gay pamphlets.

For these anti-gay pamphlets.

It spread at the start of '84.

I found all these subsequent
sources debunking it.

Dale...

This is really bad.
It's OK.

I was the reporter.
Lindsay signed off on it.

Have you told Dennis?

No.

Noelene confirmed
the quote was false.

We've confirmed that
the quote was false.

Fuck!

Right. We are doing an apology.

And you're coming to see me
after the bulletin.

27, 33 and the supplementary
number is 26.

And don't forget that tomorrow
is a public holiday for Anzac Day.

And don't forget that tomorrow
It certainly is, Rob.

It certainly is, Rob.

So all dividends will be announced
It certainly is, Rob.

So all dividends will be announced
after the long weekend.

But before we leave you
this evening, a clarification.

Last night, the News At Six
aired a story

about a woman who contracted HIV
from the blood bank.

A statement attributed to
the late US activist Robert Schwab

was incorrect.

We apologise unreservedly.

We'll leave you tonight...
First apology in years.

..musicians from China, touring
Australia for a series of concerts.

I'm Helen Norville.
And I'm Rob Rickards.

Good night.
Good night.

I suppose that's the best
they can muster.

Well, I'm changing the channel.

Sale Of The Century
or there's a doco on Japan.

You know, the thing that kills me
is there is a great story there.

You'd never know it
from that bulletin,

but they have stumbled on to
one of the most critical stories

of our time.

And the gays have put society
at risk.

And the gays have put society
Of course they have.

Of course they have.

And no news outlet will touch it.

Instead of exposing it,

they've muddied the waters with...
with conspiracy theories,

they've muddied the waters with...
misquotes...

misquotes...

But it reflects well on you,
doesn't it?

A month without you and look
where they've ended up!

A month without you and look
Apologising, grovelling.

Apologising, grovelling.

Best thing you can do is sit back
and let them fall apart.

Hm!

Noelene. A word.

Ah, close the door after yourself,
will you, please?

Well.

It's a sad old shitshow, isn't it?

Lindsay, I am so, so sorry.

The quote came up a couple of times,

so I didn't think I needed to
cross check it further.

I promise this will never
happen again.

I promise this will never
Look...

Look...

..easy mistake to make.

Yes, still, I wanted to stress...

But it was your mistake
and we had to apologise.

But it was your mistake
So, I'm sorry.

So, I'm sorry.

You gotta go.

Lots of typing work out there.
You'll be fine.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Not at all.

Mate, not now.

Noelene was just doing
what she was asked.

Mate...
Can't you just put her on suspension?

You wanted to run the quote.
I was the...

You wanted to run the quote.
Wake up to yourself, ya drip!

Wake up to yourself, ya drip!

If you weren't Mr Helen Norville,
Wake up to yourself, ya drip!

If you weren't Mr Helen Norville,
you'd be out on your arse too.

So I'd tread very carefully,
young Dale.

Thin ice.

Noelene, I'm gonna talk to Helen.
It's OK.

No, it's not. She won't stand for it
and neither will Rob.

Thank you, but I don't want
to cause any more trouble.

Thank you, but I don't want
I'll... I'll... I'll do a ring around.

I'll... I'll... I'll do a ring around.

There might be something going
I'll... I'll... I'll do a ring around.

There might be something going
at another network.

There might be something going
Thank you.

Thank you.

♪ Now let it out

♪ Shout to the night

♪ And so it goes

♪ I hear motion... ♪

(PHONE RINGS)

Hello?

DALE: Lindsay sacked Noelene.

What?

Yeah, right after the bulletin.

He wouldn't listen to me,
so can you call him?

Are you still at work?
No, I'm at home.

Actually, do you know what?
Call Rob.

Lindsay might pay more attention
to him.

Um, Dale, I'm making dinner for us.

I've got to be up before dawn.
I've got a 15-hour day.

I'm sorry.

Is there something wrong?
Yes.

I fucked up with my reporting
and my colleague lost her job.

Isn't that enough?

I just think maybe if you come
over here, we can talk about...

I just think maybe if you come
No. No, Helen, I can't.

No. No, Helen, I can't.

I've gotta be up at three.

Sorry.

Goodnight.

Night.

(HANGS UP)

(I HEAR MOTION BY THE MODELS
CONTINUES PLAYING)

♪ You say the word

♪ I hear motion

♪ Now let it out

♪ Shout to the night

♪ Shout to the night
♪ Shout to the night

♪ Shout to the night

♪ Shout to the night
♪ And so it goes

♪ And so it goes

♪ And so it goes ♪ I hear motion

♪ I hear motion

♪ I hear motion

♪ I hear motion

♪ I hear motion. ♪

(DOORBELL RINGS)

Hi.
Hi, Adam.

Come in.

Thank you so much
for agreeing to this.

Thank you so much
Oh, we're lucky.

Oh, we're lucky.

It's a good day for Russell.
Relatively.

Russ, this is Helen Norville.

Hi. It's a pleasure to meet you.

I hear you might be putting me
on the telly.

I hear you might be putting me
Uh, let's just see how we go, eh?

Uh, let's just see how we go, eh?

Oh.

I thought you were gonna
make me a star.

Well.
You think it's too late for me.

Never.

Is the other reporter coming?
The Bendigo boy?

No. You can't have
too many visitors.

I forgot that you'd had contact
with Dale.

Mm.
Was that for this issue?

Mm.
No.

No.

Actually, I went to
high school with Dale.

In Bendigo, hence the...

Were you friends at school?

Uh, I don't know.

He's not exactly
the most popular alumnus.

Um, cuppa? Or water?

Glass of water, please.

How did you two meet?

Oh, well, we were both working
How did you two meet?

Oh, well, we were both working
at the university.

Oh, well, we were both working
When was it, darling?

When was it, darling?

'82?
Yes, it was.

In '82.

And we locked eyes
at a faculty drinks.

And we locked eyes
But at the time, Adam wasn't out,

But at the time, Adam wasn't out,

so the whole thing was
very secretive.

Almost like we were having
some thrilling affair.

Almost like we were having
(CHUCKLES)

(CHUCKLES)

Thank you.

So may I... may I ask about
the diagnosis?

So may I... may I ask about
That's what you're here for.

That's what you're here for.

How did that happen?

I'd had a bad run of colds,

but I'd been putting off
I'd had a bad run of colds,

but I'd been putting off
seeing a doctor.

I think...

..part of me knew.

But then I bit the bullet and three
weeks later, the results came back.

What was it like for you, Adam?

Getting tested?

Ah...

Awful.

Waiting for the results was agony.

And I started bargaining
with myself.

I said, "If the test results
come back negative,

"then I'll never sleep
with another man again."

"then I'll never sleep
And if they came back positive?

And if they came back positive?

Uh...

..I'd end it.

With Russ?

My life.

So, I really want to put
your story on camera.

So, I really want to put
Now, if you're open to it.

Now, if you're open to it.

I think I could get a crew here,
maybe even today.

Ah, I don't know.

It could be, a small crew.
Only if it's live.

I'd do it...

..if it's live to air.

Russ...
..if it's live to air.

Russ...
No.

I don't want to be chopped up
and spliced between Fred Nile...

We wouldn't water you down.
We need to talk about this.

I know how it goes.

You might have
the best of intentions,

You might have
but your boss has done...

but your boss has done...

I can look at getting
a live cross out here,

but... it's a bit...

I want to be in the studio
and I want to sit at that desk.

I want to be in the studio Russ.

Russ.

Do you have those makeup mirrors

with the light bulbs
all around them?

Yes, we do.

Well, then.

Make me a star.

Hey. They charged my car.

Spat on it.
Who? The protesters?

Yeah, they yelled so hard, bits of
spit landed on the windscreen.

Yeah, they yelled so hard, bits of
I just... I don't understand, mate.

I just... I don't understand, mate.

We apologised.
Why are they still even here?

We apologised.
Mate, don't worry about it.

Mate, don't worry about it.

Well, can't we get the coppers
to move 'em on or something?

Yeah, well, you're going to speak
to two of them tonight,

so hopefully
that'll shut the door on it.

So hopefully What?

What?

Helen chased down an interview.

An AIDS patient on the desk.

Yes.

Well, Helen could do it alone,
couldn't she?

Well, how do you think
that's going to work, Rob?

We're gonna cut to the desk
and you're just not there.

Yeah.
(SIGHS)

Yeah.
Mate, it's just three minutes.

Mate, it's just three minutes.

We'll write down the questions.
You'll be fine.

Where's Noelene?

It was, uh, Lindsay's call, not mine.

What do you mean?

She got sacked late,
over the misquotes.

She got sacked late,
After last night's bulletin.

After last night's bulletin.

As I said, wasn't my call.

Rob, just don't...

Did you sack Noelene?
Rob, just don't...

Did you sack Noelene?
Sorry?

This place is bullshit.
You can't sack Noelene.

She does 10 times as much
work as anyone else here.

Come one, Rob.
Mate, I don't like it either.

Come one, Rob.
But upstairs wanted a head to roll

But upstairs wanted a head to roll

and she had
the most expendable head.

Well, get her on the phone.
Get her back.

Don't you come in here,
yelping orders at me.

If you don't her back right now,
I'm happy to...

What are you gonna do, son?
What are you gonna do?

Well, I'll fuckin' walk
is what I'll do. I don't care.

Yeah?
Yeah.

Yeah?
It's done.

It's done.

Righto, mate.

That's how you're gonna
treat people.

That's how you're gonna
(LAUGHS) Well!

(LAUGHS) Well!

Very fuckin' professional, Rob.

Chuckin' a hissy fit.
Very fuckin' professional, Rob.

Chuckin' a hissy fit.
No, no.

You find someone else
to sit on your desk.

You find someone else
Oh, come on!

Oh, come on!

Hey!

You fancy her, don't ya?

Son, you are scraping the bottom
of the fuckin' barrel.

Oh, you... Righto, mate.

You poor bastard.

Well, piss off back to Echuca,
you sausage-roll-munching bastard.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Need a moment?

I need a fucking decade.

Should I call Noelene?

Yes.

And you can inform her
her suspension... is over.

(PHONE RINGS)

Hello?

Is Noelene there?

Noelene Kim?

OK, just do it.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Rob!
Evelyn.

Um, I'm sorry to turn up
unannounced.

I don't suppose Geoff's free
at the minute, is he?

Yeah. Come in.
Thanks.

Good job, darling.
You're the eucalyptus hunter.

Well, hey, you look pretty good,
Cap.

Well...

..they've got me, uh, wrapped up
in cotton wool,

..they've got me, uh, wrapped up
but I'm getting there.

But I'm getting there.

Listen, um...

..I'm sorry for not coming around
to see you sooner.

It's just been...
Of course. Of course.

To be honest, I've been imagining
you sitting up there watching me

and thinking, "Who is this joker
who's taken my job?"

Not at all.

Well, I want you to know
that I know...

Well, I want you to know
..how shithouse I'm doing.

..how shithouse I'm doing.

It's...

It's just...

It's never a job I wanted.

And I certainly never lobbied
for it.

And I certainly never lobbied
I know that.

I know that.

And given the circumstances,
you've done very well

And given the circumstances,
and you will continue to grow.

And you will continue to grow.

No doubt.

Actually, I think I'm done,
No doubt.

Actually, I think I'm done,
'cause, uh...

Actually, I think I'm done,
..yeah, I walked out today.

..yeah, I walked out today.

What?

Well, it's the blowout
from this AIDS story.

Well, it's the blowout
There's riots outside the building.

There's riots outside the building.

Noelene got the sack

and now they want me, right,

to interview one of the protesters
and now they want me, right,

to interview one of the protesters
with AIDS live on the desk.

To interview one of the protesters
And I'm... I'm not up for it.

And I'm... I'm not up for it.

You put me with a sportsman
and I can go for hours,

You put me with a sportsman
but this situation, it's...

but this situation, it's...

Ah... (SIGHS)

I'm not you.

I'll never be.

And I know that.

And, uh...

..I want you to know...

..that I know that.

I appreciate that, Rob.

(SIGHS)

It takes a very decent man
(SIGHS)

It takes a very decent man
to be that honest.

Well done.

Evelyn?

Lay out a suit.

New runsheet. This is now
after the AIDS interview.

New runsheet. This is now
Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.

AIDS interview?

Do you wanna have one last look at
this parade story or are you happy?

Dale?
Ah, it's fine.

Great! Let's move on
to the dawn service.

Adam, Russell, just this way.

Just come through here, if you like.

(PANTS)

Do you need a hand?
We're fine, thanks.

You may need everything
in that kit of yours.

(CHUCKLES) Nah, we'll have you
glowing in no time.

Just in here?
Mm-hm.

Oh, yes.
Yep.

Just take a seat.

You can't get it,
by the way, just doing his make-up.

Oh, yeah, I know that.
(CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY)

Less talk, more make-up.
(LAUGHS)

Less talk, more make-up.
Alright.

Alright.

Tonight, Australia commemorates
Anzac Day.

From the dawn service
to the parade,

a record number of Australians
lined the streets

to honour those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice.

It's about a nation,
it's about a country.

It's about a nation,
And living with the AIDS virus.

And living with the AIDS virus.

It's feared, it's debated,
it's misunderstood.

But for homosexual couple,
Russell and Adam,

AIDS isn't a headline,
it's their life.

We'll be speaking to them
later on in the program.

We'll be speaking to them
And from all of us at News at 6,

And from all of us at News at 6,

a very warm welcome back
to you, Geoff.

A very warm welcome back
Thank you, Helen.

Thank you, Helen.

And to all the viewers who sent
cards, flowers and well wishes...

Blah, blah, bloody blah.
..a very, very sincere thank you.

A huge turnout for Anzac Day marches
around the country

has surprised even the RSL.

Dale Jennings reports.

Thousands of people...
And we're clear!

Uh, if I could have my AIDS
gentlemen around, please?

DALE: and to think about
those who made it home too.

Just up the stairs here, gents.

Russell, you're here,
and Adam, you're here.

Thank you again. Hi, Russell.
Hi.

Thank you again. Hi, Russell.
Thank you.

Thank you.

This is...
Thank you.

This is...
Geoff Walters. Welcome.

I, uh, I thought
it was just with you.

Uh... live interviews
are conducted by us both.

Uh... live interviews
This is a really special bulletin

This is a really special bulletin

'cause this is Geoff's first
since returning.

Oh, lucky us.
And we are on in 20.

(CLEARS THROAT)
Adam, what should I call you?

Companion? Friend?

Lover.

And in 10.
Lover.

And in 10.
(CLEARS THROAT)

On my hand in five, four...

Dale Jennings, News at 6.

It's the greatest health crisis
to face the country this century.

Hundreds of Australians are
now infected with the AIDS virus,

and experts predict
it will soon be thousands.

Among those scores,
Russell and his companion Adam.

Among those scores,
They join us in the studio tonight.

They join us in the studio tonight.

Welcome.

Russell, can you explain
your diagnosis?

Uh, well, there's a few.

Um, stomach cancer,
which is what's making me sick.

Um, stomach cancer, Also AIDS.

Also AIDS.

How severe is it at the moment?

Well, I'm not about to go dancing,
put it that way.

(CHUCKLES)

I have my good days
and my bad days.

I have my good days
But I'm very lucky.

But I'm very lucky.

You don't usually think
But I'm very lucky.

You don't usually think
of an AIDS sufferer as being lucky.

You don't usually think
But my lover, Adam...

But my lover, Adam...

..has been a huge support to me.

Some people
have to go through this alone,

Some people
which I just can't imagine.

Which I just can't imagine.

When your results came back positive,

how did that impact you?

It was horrific.

All of a sudden, you're
staring down your own mortality

All of a sudden, you're
at the age of 35.

At the age of 35.

But the worst part, by far,

was knowing that
I'd put Adam at risk.

Was knowing that
But, Adam, you are not infected.

But, Adam, you are not infected.

Is that right?
That's right.

I got tested
right after Russell found out

and, um, well,
waiting for those results,

and, um, well,
that was the worst time in my life.

That was the worst time in my life.

And I'm ashamed to say that...

Sorry, sorry, just to go back.

As a loyal long-term couple,

how do you account for the fact
that one of you contracted the virus

how do you account for the fact
and the other one did not?

And the other one did not?

Well, we were a couple,
but we were not a monogamous couple.

Well, we were a couple, Oh-ho!

Oh-ho!

Adam, did you know
that Russell was non-monogamous?

Yes, I did.

Adam, you were saying
while you were waiting...

Adam, you were saying
Were you angry with Russell

Were you angry with Russell

because of the huge risk
he exposed you to?

No.

No?

Russell, do you regret
your lack of monogamy?

Russell, do you regret
No, not at all. Not at all.

No, not at all. Not at all.

My only regret is that I wish we'd
known about the virus back then.

Well, amongst the public at large,

there's the impression that gay men
have spread this disease,

there's the impression that gay men
putting the whole community at risk

putting the whole community at risk

because of promiscuity
putting the whole community at risk

because of promiscuity
and carelessness.

Now, even despite the
terrifying price that you've paid,

you still wouldn't endorse monogamy?

No, no.

I would endorse safe sex.

Adam, you've been caring
for Russell at home...

Imagine a mother
whose young children have AIDS.

A mother who's devastated...
Come on.

..because a promiscuous gay man
donated blood.

What would you say to them?
Fucking hell!

Maybe that heart attack's
done him some good!

What would you say to a mother who's
about to lose her young children?

Well, I would extend
my greatest sympathy.

Well, I would extend
What would you say to Adam's mother

What would you say to Adam's mother

whose son's life you put at risk
by your behaviour?

I think we should move on to...
My mother...

..in fact, my whole family,
don't speak to me.

That must be very, very difficult.

Yeah.

It's agony.

But I've spent most of my life
trying to avoid it.

But in the end,
denying the truth about myself...

..that was even worse.

Russell, Adam, I'm afraid that's
all we have time for tonight.

Russell, Adam, I'm afraid that's
Thank you both very much.

Thank you both very much.

We'll be right back after the break.

Bugger me, I can tell you,

I have not seen this bloke
this sharp since the 1970s.

He's grown a set in hospital,
that's what he's done.

He's grown a set in hospital,
Come on, hey!

Come on, hey!

(APPLAUSE)

And clear!

I am so sorry.

Adam, Russell, I didn't know that
Geoff was gonna be at the bulletin.

I didn't think that
he was gonna take...

If your goal
was to subdue those protests,

I suspect you might have fallen
a little short.

I suspect you might have fallen
Is Dale here?

Is Dale here?

Uh, I don't think so, no.

Could I get you
to pass on a message from me?

Sure.

Just...

..sorry.

Sorry.

I'll call you tomorrow

and maybe come around to your house
to see you.

And maybe come around to your house
Oh, darling...

Oh, darling...

..we've both heard far worse before

and we will again.

Helen, 20 seconds.

(PHONE RINGS)

DALE: (ON ANSWERING MACHINE) Hello,
you've reached Dale Jennings.

DALE: (ON ANSWERING MACHINE) Hello,
I can't take your call right now,

I can't take your call right now,

but if you leave me a message
with your details,

I'll get back to you.
(BEEP!)

Dale, it's Mum.

Could you...

Could you give me a ring, please,
just when you...

Hi, Mum.

You saw the...
Yeah.

I had nothing to do with it.

You said you'd had
no contact with him.

You said you'd had I haven't.

I haven't.

Adam's a...

I don't know.
He's an activist, I guess.

Someone needs to say something
to the Lindells.

He shouldn't be coming to your work!

Don't.

Does Helen know about... what he...

No.

Well, if she has any concerns,
get her to ring me.

I can tell her
what kind of person Adam is,

what kind of a... attacks...
Mum.

He's been through enough.

I'll call you tomorrow.

ROB: very boring.
(WOMAN SPEAKS INAUDIBLY)

Noels, how are you?
What the hell, Noely?!

Yeah, I can explain.
Noels, how are you?
What the hell, Noely?!

Yeah, I can explain.

Did you get the sack
and you didn't tell us?!

I had the best intentions,
I promise.

I just might have
stuck my foot in it.

I learnt a bit of French at school,
but no Korean, I'm afraid.

Oops. Excuse me. Sorry, everyone.

Um...

Mr Kim, Mrs Kim, Jean,

thank you for that tea.

It was delicious.

Oh. (CHUCKLES)

Merci.

Um... actually, I'll just leave
these thongs for you at the door.

Um... actually, I'll just leave
Thanks!

Thanks!

Noels, Noels.

(WHISPERS) I'm gathering
you didn't tell your family.

I'm gathering you did!

Ah!

Well... anyway...

..I'm hearing you can come back in
on Monday.

..I'm hearing you can come back in
What?

What?

Yeah, well, you know bloody Lindsay.

He... he blows a gasket
and then a day later

he's forgotten all about it.

Did you say something?
Eh?

Did you say something?
Well, I... I didn't say anything

Well, I... I didn't say anything

a halfway decent person
wouldn't have said.

I mean, you're the best one there,
Noels.

Thank you.

Oh, it's alright.

(SIGHS)

Oh.
Oh.

You'd better head back in.

Do you want to grab a drink?

Yeah?

Yeah, I mean, are you sure?

Yeah.
Yeah?

Nah, I feel like a dork.
(LAUGHS)

Nah, I feel like a dork.
(CLEARS THROAT)

(CLEARS THROAT)

You saw it?
Of course!

(PANTS) Ah.
Geoff, just slow down.

You're breathless.
I'm fine, darling.

First day back
was always going to push me.

Ah.

What did you think?

Why don't you have a lie down
What did you think?

Why don't you have a lie down
and I'll bring your dinner...

Why don't you have a lie down
What did you think?

What did you think?

You were incredible.

Absolutely incredible.

(CHUCKLES)

Ah, yes.

You should have seen Lindsay's face.

Ha!

OK, you bastard.

You think a sports boy
could give you that, huh?

You think a sports boy
Yeah, unlikely. Ha-ha!

Yeah, unlikely. Ha-ha!

Mm.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

You watched?
Yeah.

You watched?
Fuck! It was a fucking disaster.

Fuck! It was a fucking disaster.

You know, Geoff wasn't even
supposed to be there.

He came in specifically,
and I don't even know how he heard.

He came in specifically,
Could I pour myself a drink?

Could I pour myself a drink?

Oh, I feel sick.

Did you book them? Adam and, um...

And Russell? Yeah.

Yeah, I went out looking
for someone who had AIDS,

and then Adam came forward
and told me about his partner.

You said that he was
a research contact.

You said that he was Yeah.

Yeah.

He said that you guys
went to high school together.

He said that you guys
So which is it? Or is it both?

So which is it? Or is it both?

He said that?
Yeah.

He asked me to pass on a message.

He said, "Tell him I'm sorry."

Helen, it's a complicated situation
between our families.

Helen, it's a complicated situation
I don't think...

I don't think...

There's no need
to involve you in this.

Involve me in what?

I don't want to talk about it.

You have to tell me.

I mean, nothing that you can say

is worse than what I'm thinking
I mean, nothing that you can say

is worse than what I'm thinking
in my head right now.

He made allegations against me.

What kind of allegations?

When we were teenagers.

He said I did things
that I did not do.

He said I forced myself on him.

It wasn't me.

It was not me.

Are you talking sexually?

We were best friends,
we were teenage boys messing around.

It was adolescent boy stuff.
It wasn't...

Has anything like this happened
since you were a teenager?

You know I love you.

I'm... I'm in love with you.
While we were together?

I'm in love with you, Helen.
With who?

With who?

With who, Dale?
Tim.

For a brief moment, only once,
and I stopped it.

As soon as it ended,
I told him, Helen.

I told him that
I was committed to you!

Helen, this is not fair.

Could you just open the door,
please?

Very substantial quantities
of radiation have been released

in an accident at
the Chernobyl power station.

In an accident at
the Chernobyl power station.
NOELENE: They're getting five times
the standard level of radiation

NOELENE: They're getting five times
the standard level of radiation

in Finland.

LINDSAY: Well, safe to assume
in Finland.

LINDSAY: Well, safe to assume
there's gonna be

a few changes
for tonight's bulletin.

We don't know
how it's gonna play out.

We don't know
GEOFF: How about I go to the press

GEOFF: How about I go to the press

and detail exactly how
I've been treated by this network?

I've been watching the power
structure here for years. Trust me.

Lindsay's blowing his top, he's
literally frothing at the mouth.
I've been watching the power
structure here for years. Trust me.

Lindsay's blowing his top, he's
literally frothing at the mouth.

So I need you to
get back here now, please.

Yeah, so what we're gonna do
is we're gonna bill you as an expert

Yeah, so what we're gonna do
on the whole nuclear thing.

On the whole nuclear thing.

With Helen?

Meet with her,
spend every waking minute with her,
With Helen?

Meet with her,
spend every waking minute with her,

because both of you
have got to blitz this.

Can we talk privately?
Have got to blitz this.

Can we talk privately?

Helen?

Whatever happens, son,
you just concentrate on the job.

Captions by Red Bee Media

Copyright
Australian Broadcasting Corporation