Four Corners 1961
“Australia's premiere current affairs programme, incisive investigative journalism.”
What is Four Corners?
Four Corners is an Australian television program focused on investigative journalism and current affairs. The series premiered on 19 August 1961 on the ABC1 network and is recognized as the longest-running program of its kind in Australia.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1961
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 758
- Runtime
- 45 minutes
- First aired
- Aug 19, 1961
- Last aired
- May 18, 2026
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- AU
- Networks
- ABC TV
- Genres
- News, Documentary
- Updated
Where to watch
Free
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 758 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
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Overview
Four Corners is an Australian television program focused on investigative journalism and current affairs. The series premiered on 19 August 1961 on the ABC1 network and is recognized as the longest-running program of its kind in Australia. In 2021, the production celebrated its 60th anniversary. The program was founded by producer Robert Raymond, with Allan Ashbolt serving as his successor, and both individuals were instrumental in establishing the ongoing tone of the series. The format of the show is based on the Panorama concept, which involves dedicating each weekly episode to an in-depth examination of a single issue. These episodes feature either locally produced content or relevant documentaries sourced from overseas. Throughout its history, the program has been credited with breaking numerous high-profile stories and has received many awards for its investigative reporting. The series continues to be known for its incisive approach to current affairs and documentary storytelling within the Australian television landscape.
Should you watch it?
“Australia's longest-running investigative journalism program exploring critical issues since 1961.”
- Award-winning investigative journalism
- In-depth weekly storytelling
- Historically significant program
- May be too serious for casual viewing
- Older production values in early episodes
You're interested in Australian investigative journalism and long-form current affairs.
Suitable for mature audiences interested in serious journalism and social issues.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of content does Four Corners cover?
The program addresses a single issue in depth each week, featuring either locally produced investigations or relevant documentaries.
Is Four Corners still airing?
Yes, it continues to air on ABC1 in Australia.
Who created Four Corners?
It was developed based on the Panorama concept, with founding producer Robert Raymond establishing its early tone.
Has Four Corners won awards?
Yes, the program has won many awards for investigative journalism.
How often is Four Corners broadcast?
The show airs weekly, focusing on one issue per episode.