Earth
From Tuesday 23 January 9.00pm Stream all 5 episodes on ABC iview
Narrated by Chris Packham and brought to life by mesmerising visual effects, Earth takes us back to a time when the sky and the seas were sepia-tinted, and giant fungi dominated the landscape.
In tonight’s first episode, we explore one of the darkest periods in Earth’s history: the worst mass extinction the planet has ever seen, when as much as 90% of all species died, 252 million years ago. This extraordinary moment in Earth’s history took life to the brink wreaking havoc and destruction on an unprecedented scale. But somehow, life found a way to bounce back, and a new geological era ushered in the age of the dinosaurs.
The story begins with a massive volcanic eruption: the Siberian Traps eruption lasted for 2 million years and created a huge lava field, an area the size of Australia. Life in the immediate vicinity was no doubt vaporized, but the fossil record reveals a bigger mystery – a strange ‘line of death’ in rock formations all over the world that indicates almost all life dying out, no matter how close it was to the lava field.
We uncover what the latest science reveals about the aftermath of the eruption, and the terrifying series of events that led to the global mass dying. It’s a stark cautionary tale of how rapid climate change can cause whole ecosystems to collapse, but the fossil record also hints at Earth’s miraculous powers of reinvention.
We discover clues in rocky mountain ranges to one of the greatest deluges in the planet’s history – a downpour lasting on and off for almost 2 million years that transformed conditions and led life to bounce back in extraordinary style, with the rise and eventual domination of the dinosaurs.Production credit: A BBC production.
Australian of the Year Awards
Thursday 25 January 7.30pm
From Canberra’s National Arboretum, hosted by Leigh Sales, the Australian of the Year Awards recognise the achievements of extraordinary Australians.
ABC proudly presents the Australian of the Year Awards on Thursday, January 25, live from Canberra’s National Arboretum from 7.30pm AEDT on ABC TV, ABC iview, ABC NEWS channel, and ABC Radio.
The Australian of the Year Awards celebrates the achievements and contributions of outstanding Australians throughout 2023. There are 34 people in contention for four prestigious award categories:
• Australian of the Year
• Senior Australian of the Year
• Young Australian of the Year
• Australia’s Local HeroThe evening’s celebrations will be hosted by Leigh Sales with the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese presenting the four category awards as they are announced, culminating in the announcement of the Australian of the Year 2023.
On January 26, at 8.30am local time in each state and territory, the first feature length interview (30 minutes) with the recipient of the Australian of the Year will air on ABC Radio local stations.
Production credit: An ABC Production.
Australia Day Live
Friday 26 January 7.30pm
As the sun sets on our national day, the Australia Day Live concert from the Sydney Opera House forecourt showcases musical performances from our nation’s best talent.
As the sun sets on our national day, the Australia Day Live concert from the Sydney Opera House forecourt and spanning Circular Quay is just getting started. This inspirational concert brings us together through storytelling, tributes and sensational entertainment.
Australia Day Live showcases musical performances from our nation’s best talent complemented by a dazzling watercraft extravaganza of yachts, jet skis, fly boarders, and parachutists dropping in to join the fun. All this along with Sydney’s iconic landmarks and harbour create an incredible backdrop for a brilliant fireworks and light show.
The two-hour spectacular is produced by the NSW Government and Australia Day Council of NSW with creative direction led by musical maestro John Foreman OAM together with the multi-instrumentalist, composer and vocalist William Barton.
Australia Day Live will be hosted by John Foreman, Casey Donovan and Jeremy Fernandez and further information on the line-up will be announced in January 2024.
Since 2016, Australia Day Live at Sydney Opera House has proven to be much more than a concert; it brings us together on our national day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit and the best of who we are.
Production credit: An ABC Production.