More than that. Retitled as “Abbott’s End”. Cue the dick jokes. 
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Notre-Dame in Flames
Monday 27 May at 8.30pm
The dramatic story of how the world famous Cathedral, and its treasures, were saved.
“We saw Notre-Dame burning… I understood that it was going to be a huge task.” Director of Operations, French Civil Protection
On the 15th of April, the world watched on in horror as one of France’s most famous landmarks, Notre-Dame Cathedral caught alight.
“It’s the kind of situation where you think you’re in a nightmare. I think, like everyone else, I was watching open mouthed.” Heritage architect
The Cathedral had stood for more than 800 years, through revolutions and world wars, but as the flames took hold, the architectural icon was in peril.
“We were the first to arrive on the scene and our mission was to climb up the spiral staircases which are very narrow.” Paris fire brigade chief
What took place over the next nine hours was an epic battle by some 400 firefighters to save the building. In this dramatic film, those leading the operation explain how events unfolded.
“We heard this enormous noise and we couldn’t see anything around us… everything was completely alight… It was the spire that had collapsed, not far from us.” Paris fire brigade chief
Through interviews and video filmed by the fire authorities and eyewitnesses, the film captures the drama minute by minute.
“It was a matter of not causing more damage. Water tankers are not made to dump water on a building like this.” Director of Operations, French Civil Protection
It wasn’t just the building that was a concern. The Cathedral housed priceless pieces of art and religious relics. Conservators raced to the scene to oversee a massive operation to save these precious pieces.
“The two of us climbed an altar, unhooked the painting and it was the first artwork we took out.” Paris fire brigade chaplain
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, those who have dedicated their life to Notre-Dame are grateful that in spite of the damage, the building remains.
“This morning I was asked ‘Do you believe in miracles?’ I said ‘I believe in fire fighters.’” Notre- Dame priest
Notre-Dame in Flames, a Metropole Television film, goes to air on Monday 27th May at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 28th May at 1.00pm and Wednesday 29th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm EST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Promo for next week’s episode, marking the 30th anniversary of Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, China.
Tremble and Obey
Monday 3 June at 8.30pm
How the Chinese Communist Party crushed democracy.
“Tanks are rolling in down the main thoroughfare towards Tiananmen Square. There’s sporadic shooting.” ABC reporter Max Uechtritz, 1989.
Thirty years ago, in the centre of China’s communist capital, millions of students and citizens staged weeks of protests calling for democracy.
“Millions of Chinese for the first time… tasted freedom in the air of Beijing.” No 5 on the ‘most wanted’ list of student activists, 1989.
The students and their fellow protestors stared down their government in the full gaze of the world’s media, demanding an end to totalitarian rule.
“The cost to the people has been silent obedience to the party line. The frustration born of so many years of silence is now pouring out into streets of Beijing.” ABC Beijing correspondent, Trevor Watson, 1989.
Then, the People’s Liberation Army turned its guns, and its tanks, on its own people.
“We got orders from the authorities saying, ‘every troop has to go to Tiananmen Square’.” Former PLA soldier.
Three decades on, Four Corners vividly brings the story of these momentous times to life, drawing upon a trove of vision and audio captured by ABC reporters and crews in that astonishing spring of 1989. This incredible archive stored away by the ABC for 30 years has now been carefully pieced together to show how the shocking events unfolded.
“There was a man holding shopping bags, standing in front of the tank, the lead tank…(it) became one of the most iconic images of the 20th century, of all time.” ABC reporter Max Uechtritz, 1989.
Four Corners has interviewed many of the key participants who led the protests and were subsequently placed on China’s “most wanted” list.
“I was quite naive because we didn’t know the true face of the Communist Party. We never realised that this Party would do anything to defend their power.” No 1 on China’s “most wanted” student activist list. 1989.
While many will be marking the anniversary around the world, the events of Tiananmen Square remain one of the most sensitive and taboo topics in China.
“In 1989 we were so young, and we experienced such a violent killing… it’s literally the killing of your peers, of your generation. But we were not allowed to openly shed a tear or light a candle for the dead. And we carried this wound, this open wound, up to today, 30 years later. And we still are not allowed to openly talk about it.” 1989 protestor, current Harvard academic.
Those same student leaders say the events in Tiananmen Square continue to shape China today.
“It’s very important for the whole world to pay attention to what happened 30 years ago. Today’s China comes from 1989. If you really want to deal with today’s China, you have to understand where this China come from, and it come from 1989.” No 1 on China’s most wanted list, 1989.
Tremble and Obey, produced by Lesley Robinson, goes to air on Monday June 3rd at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 4th June at 1.00pm and Wednesday 5th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
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Time Bomb
Monday 10 June at 8.30pm
The making of the Bourke Street murderer.
“We were driving around and he asked me, ‘would you ever kill someone?’” School friend
James Gargasoulas was a 26-year-old heavy drug user with an extensive criminal record when he drove a car at high speed through central Melbourne killing six people, including a baby boy and a 10-year-old girl.
“He simply looked like he was just going for his Sunday drive on the road, but he was on a pavement, mowing down pedestrians, with no facial expression.” Witness
He was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year for the January 2017 attack. Despite a guilty verdict there are still outstanding questions about why James Gargasoulas was able to carry out such a crime.
“I just don’t understand why they couldn’t stop him. I just don’t understand why he couldn’t be pulled off the streets.” Witness
On Monday, Four Corners investigates how James Gargasoulas was out roaming the suburbs of Melbourne despite facing serious criminal charges and clear warning signs that he presented a grave danger to others.
“He said we’d see him on the news that night.” Witness
In his first media interview, Gargasoulas’ brother Angelo recounts his brother’s extreme violence over many years, beginning with their deeply troubled childhood in outback Coober Pedy. Angelo was both a witness and a victim of his brother’s brutality even in the days and hours before the Bourke St attack.
“I was like, ‘you have to find this guy…There’s so much to lock him up away (for)’.” Brother
Much of the evidence against Gargasoulas has not been seen by the public before. In this painstaking investigation, months in the making, Four Corners reveals troubling failures to catch and hold Gargasoulas.
“(The police) will question everything in their mind. They will wake up at night and say, ‘could I have, should I have, how could I have done things differently?’” Retired Police Commissioner
For those still coming to terms with Gargasoulas’ actions, they wonder if the lessons of his case have been learned.
“Systemic failure is an understatement.” Brother
Time Bomb, reported by Louise Milligan, goes to air on Monday 10th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 11th June at 1.00pm and Wednesday 12th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Trump’s Trade War
Monday 17 June at 8.30pm
“We can’t continue to allow China to rape our country, and that’s what they’re doing. It’s the greatest theft in the history of the world.” US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has ignited a massive trade war with China, slapping billions of dollars worth of tariffs on Chinese goods. In doing so, he says he’s delivering on his promise to Make America Great Again.
“This is a great power struggle.” Steve Bannon, former Trump chief strategist
Despite the rhetoric, questions are being asked about who has the most to lose from the conflict.
“We will have another type of cold war that nobody has ever experienced. . . That’s dangerous.” Da Wei, University of International Relations, Beijing
On Monday Four Corners examines the forces behind the conflict, on both sides.
“They’ve outsmarted us; they’ve done some things we don’t agree with. We’ve got to fix our system to compete with China.” James Mcgregor, Former Chair, American Chamber of Commerce in China
US businesses are bearing much of the cost, particularly companies who rely on importing raw materials from China.
“Several million dollars of profit lost. In a year. . . If what we’re trying to do is protect the American economy, this is a bad way to do it.” US manufacturer
China is also feeling the impact of the increased tariffs but many believe there is a bigger issue in play.
“The question is, is America’s complaint about the way China handles its economy, or is it about China’s legitimacy to become a prosperous and powerful country?” Da Wei, University of International Relations, Beijing
Featuring key players who have served in the Trump administration, the program analyses the forces at work with the US government and what they believe is at stake.
“I believe you need - you need actually a change of the top leaders in the Chinese Communist Party. I think the goa . . . is to break the back of this totalitarian mercantilist economic society.” Steve Bannon, former Trump chief strategist
Trump’s Trade War, from Frontline, goes to air on Monday 17th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 18th March at 1.00pm and Wednesday 19th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Extinction Nation
Monday 24 June at 8:30pm
The fight to save Australia’s endangered species.
“It’s about as bad as it can get, without them literally all being dead.” Bird ecologist
Australia boasts a stunning array of unique wildlife. They feature on our coat of arms and they’re placed front and centre in our tourism campaigns. But the reality is, many of our native animals are in danger.
“It’s embarrassing being involved with wildlife, to be an Australian, to have this record of extinction.” Conservation sanctuary owner
Australia has one of the worst extinction rates on the planet and the problem is growing. There are currently more than 500 animal species under threat.
“If we can’t bring ourselves to care…then what about the next thing, and what about the next thing after that? Where’s the end point of that attitude?” Conservation ecologist
On Monday Four Corners investigates how Australia has found itself in the midst of an extinction crisis.
“Our system for protecting threatened species in this country is fundamentally broken.” Conservation activist
There is heated debate over who is responsible and what lengths governments should go to, to save these threatened species.
“It’s not about waving a chequebook at the levels of threatened species. It’s about sensible funding, which we do.” Environment Minister
Four Corners goes into the field with leading scientists and conservation volunteers to document first hand the fight to save these wild creatures. Our camera captures precious pictures of some of these endangered animals.
“It is rare to see them at all but to have posing like that for us was a gift…just wonderful.” Volunteer conservationist
With money in short supply, many rescue efforts are reliant on volunteers and crowd funding,
“If volunteers like us weren’t doing it, it just wouldn’t be done and the animals would be going extinct.” Volunteer conservationist
Ecologists say these species are just as priceless as a work of art and should be protected in the same way.
“You wouldn’t go burn the Mona Lisa because you could. You’d put it somewhere and keep it safe.” Bird ecologist
They warn that species extinction will have consequences for us all.
“We are an interconnected ecosystem. It’s going to actually start having knock on effects to us as well and our society and in a whole range of ways.” Conservation activist
Extinction Nation, reported by Stephanie March, goes to air on Monday 24th June at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 25th June at 1.00pm and Wednesday 26th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Shadow Commander
Monday 1 July at 8:30pm
Iran’s military mastermind.
“Any attack by Iran on anything American will be met with great and overwhelming force. In some areas, overwhelming will mean obliteration.” US President Donald Trump
In increasingly alarming scenes, the United States and Iran are facing off in the Middle East. Tensions have been escalating steadily for the last two months, driven by concerns over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear capabilities. In the past two weeks, these tensions have ratcheted up even further with unprovoked attacks on oil tankers and the shooting down of a US military drone and imposition of US sanctions. There are concerns that the two nations are headed towards military conflict.
“I am your match… You’re making a big mistake. You know how powerful we are in the region. You will start this war but we will determine its end.” Major General Qassem Suleimani
The key figure in Iran’s strategic manoeuvring, and one of the most powerful military figures in the Middle East, is a shadowy figure in Iran’s feared Revolutionary Guard.
“We can see him as the, the Darth Vader of contemporary Middle Eastern politics.” Former US Ambassador Ryan Crocker
“We saw Qassem Suleimani as a very capable, charismatic, skilled, professional competent, diabolically evil human being.” General (Ret) David Petraeus, US Forces Commander & former CIA Director
In this timely program from the BBC, a portrait of Iran’s military ambitions, and the man masterminding them emerges.
“He started to become a commander, also sort of a spy, but he seemed to have more power than any kind of person on our side ever had.” General (Ret) Stanley McChrystal, US Special Operations, Iraq 2003 - 2006
Featuring interviews with key American and British defence and intelligence figures who have gone toe to toe with Iran for decades, the program outlines how Major General Suleimani’s Iranian forces have repeatedly intervened in key conflicts like the Iraq war.
“It was a constant arms race. Their bombs got bigger, our protection got bigger.” Major General (Retd) Jonathan Shaw, British Forces, Southern Iraq 2007
The program charts the conflicts between the US and Iran and the missed opportunities to put their hostilities aside.
“We all realised this development opened up a moment in which the United States and Iran could cooperate effectively. We both had the same enemies… (The) axis of evil (speech) slammed that door shut and it has not since reopened.” Former US Ambassador Ryan Crocker
As fears grow of an armed confrontation, veteran Iran watchers urge caution.
“We can play his game, we can fight him, but I think if we want peace in the Middle East and the region, we’ve got to understand where he’s coming from and what he wants, unless you want to be in a perpetual conflict with Iran.” Major General (Retd) Jonathan Shaw, British Forces, Southern Iraq 2007
Shadow Commander: Iran’s military mastermind, from the BBC, goes to air on Monday 1st July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 2nd July at 1.00pm and Wednesday 3rd at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
Cash Splash
Monday 8 July at 8:30pm
Taxpayer dollars, secretive deals and the lucrative business of water.
“It’s a national scandal.” Water economist
Two years on from the Four Corners investigation into water theft in the Murray-Darling Basin that sparked a royal commission, the program returns to the river system to investigate new concerns about how the plan to rescue it is being carried out.
“How extravagant is this scheme?.. I’d just call it a rort.” Lawyer
On Monday Four Corners investigates whether the contentious plan has become a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money.
“The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is a triple bottom line fail. It’s a fail for communities, it’s a fail for the economy and it’s absolutely a fail for the environment.” Business owner
The river system is the lifeblood of Australian agriculture but right now it’s in crisis. It’s experiencing one of the worst droughts on record, and with mass fish deaths capturing the headlines and farmers struggling to survive, many are saying the scheme is failing to deliver.
“I would characterise it as pink batts for farmers, or pink batts for earth movers. It all had to happen in a short space of time.” Contractor
Billions of taxpayers’ dollars are being poured into grants handed to irrigators in an attempt to save more water. Four Corners investigates exactly how the money is being spent.
“I’m a taxpayer. I don’t agree with the scheme. I think it’s actually too expensive.” Farmer
Some irrigators say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform their businesses.
“With a bold initiative, having the basin plan and the government investing in irrigated agriculture, you get an opportunity to basically reset… for the next 50 years.” Irrigation CEO
Others question who is actually gaining the most from the generous scheme.
“We’re degrading the rivers at the same time as we’re handing out money to a few individuals to realise huge economic gains at public cost.” Ecologist
For those with access to water, there are lucrative sales to be made. Water prices have hit record highs turning it into liquid gold.
“Anyone can come in and buy water. You don’t even have to be a farmer…You’re going to make money out of it, and that’s what a lot of people are doing, unfortunately.” Farmer
Others worry that the scheme is encouraging the planting of crops even thirstier than cotton, creating a potential time bomb.
“There’s been an explosion in the production of nuts in the Murrumbidgee, and more broadly in the Murray-Darling Basin…This may well be a time bomb.” Former water official
Four Corners investigates how the scheme is being regulated and whether water users and the authorities responsible are being properly held to account.
“We’re talking about billions of dollars in taxpayers’ money on a scheme that many, many capable and reliable scientists have said, this isn’t going to work.” Lawyer
Cash Splash, reported by Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, goes to air on Monday 8th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 9th July at 1.00pm and Wednesday 10th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
The Australian reports the National Farmers Federation has accused the ABC of trying to “unravel” the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and force a royal commission into the water management scheme, as farming groups prepare to make a formal complaint into Monday night’s episode “Cash Splash”. NFF president Fiona Simson says in an opinion piece in today’s paper
For 45 minutes, Four Corners sought to discredit the plan’s irrigation efficiency program. A program that supports farmers to improve their water use efficiency, grow more and ultimately return more water back to the environment.
EDIT: Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young tweeted on Monday night
https://twitter.com/sarahinthesen8/status/1148180863852482560
ABC News’s twitter feed noted yesterday that there was a media release attacking the program from at least one group that came out before the program had even gone to air.
Tell the World
Monday 15 July at 8:30pm
Exposing how China is creating the world’s largest prison.
“People started to literally disappear, communities were being emptied of adult men and women.” China researcher
It’s a remote corner of the world, but what is taking place there is nothing short of breathtaking.
“My older brother, younger brothers and two younger sisters, five siblings were all taken by… masked police. Heavily armed Special Forces police raided their home and taken (sic) them by covering their face and shackling them in front of the kids.” Australian Uyghur
Xinjiang province is a vast area of deserts and mountains where the ancient Silk Road once ran. Today its Uyghur population is being systematically rounded up with estimates of as many as a million citizens being held in detention.
“I realised it was kind of next level material in terms of what the Chinese state is capable of doing.” Open source investigator
In this investigation by reporter Sophie McNeill, Four Corners uncovers disturbing evidence of how China is effectively operating the world’s largest prison.
“You have to watch the brainwashing program on TV in the detention centre. In that room they put (a) chain onto my ankle, put the handcuffs on my hand.” Australian Uyghur detainee
Even those still left in their homes are being monitored. The communist regime is using cutting edge technology, mass surveillance tools and artificial intelligence to control an entire population.
“Every 200 meters, there’s checkpoints. They check your IDs. They will check your smartphone.” Australian Uyghur
By piecing together witness accounts from Australian citizens caught up in the Chinese Government’s campaign, along with satellite imagery analysis and official documents uncovered online, the truth about what is occurring in Xinjiang is laid bare.
“I realised the magnitude and the impact… it was really something else.” Open source investigator
The program has uncovered evidence of detainees being forced to work in factories with implications for Australian companies doing business in the region.
“Western companies stand an increasing risk of having products made by forced or at least highly involuntary labour.” Academic
The program will also reveal concerning evidence about Australia’s links to China’s dystopian surveillance state and the tools used to racially profile its own citizens.
“Essentially by doing that, we’re being complicit in the human rights abuses that are occurring in Xinjiang and in China more widely.” Surveillance researcher
The events unfolding in China are creating heartbreak for Uyghurs in Australia. They have stayed quiet for fear of provoking the authorities into punishing their relatives. Now, in desperation they are breaking their silence to tell the world what is going on.
“She said ‘If I am not released, cannot get out of here, please speak up for me. Stand for me. Never give up’.” Uyghur Australian
“Now I have to speak out. I think Australians, all the Australia need to know this story.” Uyghur Australian
Tell the world, reported by Sophie McNeill, goes to air on Monday 15th July at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 16th July at 1.00pm and Wednesday 17th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
ABC made two corrections regarding the Cash Splash episode on the Murray Darling Basin plan.
ABC reports Target and Cotton On are now investigating their relationships with suppliers in Xinjiang, after a Four Corners investigation reveals some of the companies employ Uyghur people who have been put into detention camps by the Chinese government.
The program about Xinjiang is now freely available on YouTube worldwide.
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The last few Four Corners episodes have been.
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Julian Assange will be the subject of next week’s episode.
Hero or Villain
Monday 22 July at 8.30pm
The prosecution of Julian Assange.
“I suppose very flawed personalities often are the engineers of history and I think Julian Assange is one.” Editor
Julian Assange is one of the most influential figures to emerge this century. The Australian born founder of WikiLeaks has harnessed the technology of the digital age to unleash an information war against governments and corporations.
“There had, I think at that point, never been a leak of sensitive material on this scale.” Former newspaper editor
WikiLeaks has collaborated with anonymous sources to release highly classified and often deeply embarrassing information to the world.
The organisation exploded onto the world stage in 2010 when it began publishing a series of spectacular leaks laying bare the conduct of the United States. At the centre of it all was Julian Assange.
“Everybody wanted to meet him. It was like having an audience with him… It was rockstar combined with a James Bond type of vibe.” Former colleague
The leaks sparked ferocious debate over the right to know and the right to keep secrets.
“I don’t see Julian Assange as this great crusader of transparency. I see him as a reckless narcissist.” Former State Dept official
Now Julian Assange is in the fight of his life. In April this year he was dragged, protesting, from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, nearly seven years after seeking diplomatic protection.
“Julian Assange was the most hunted man on earth when he came to our embassy. It was his last resort.” Former Ecuadorian diplomat
He is facing extradition to the United States on espionage charges stemming from the spectacular 2010 leaks by Private Chelsea Manning.
“I do think that there is a very strong case against Julian Assange for what he did.” Former US Assist Secretary of State
Everyone has an opinion about Julian Assange, but now you will hear from those who have been on the inside.
“They tried to break him down. Every moment, every movement, every minute of Julian’s stay was recorded.” Former Ecuadorian diplomat
On Monday Four Corners investigates the prosecution of Julian Assange in key interviews with those at the heart of WikiLeaks and those who have sought to bring him to US justice. These insider accounts give powerful insights into how these momentous events have unfolded.
“There was this big discussion inside the government on whether Julian Assange could be prosecuted either for the publication of the materials that Chelsea Manning stole, or for helping her steal it.” Former US Dept of Justice spokesperson
A picture emerges of a polarising figure lauded or dismissed as a hero or a villain.
“He’s quixotic, charming, brilliant, intolerable, maverick, difficult, impossible, narcissistic, entrepreneurial, vindictive. I mean, we could go on all night.” Former Editor & collaborator
Over two parts, the program examines the conduct of Assange, and WikiLeaks. The first episode investigates the Manning leaks that are now central to the charges. The second interrogates Assange’s role in the 2016 US Presidential election and the aggressive pursuit of the WikiLeaks founder by the Trump administration.
“The FBI wanted to come here and question me about the relationship between Julian and Chelsea Manning. And it is about the illegal reception and publication of secret information.” Former colleague
With the legal fight in full swing, Assange’s supporters, even some of his critics, warn that his prosecution marks a very dangerous new chapter for freedom of speech and the public’s right to know.
“A line has been drawn in the sand and either you are going to support Julian and fight this retribution and those indictments, or you basically step back and the lights will go out. That’s how serious it is.” Friend and colleague
Hero or Villain: The prosecution of Julian Assange, reported by Michael Brissenden, goes to air on Monday 22nd July at 8.30pm and part two will air Monday 29th July at 8.30pm. Four Corners is replayed on Tuesday 23rd July at 1.00pm and Wednesday 24th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.
ABC response to article concerning Four Corners program “Cash Splash”
The ABC was not permitted by The Australian to see the complete letter referred to in its article today before its publication. However, the extracts provided to the ABC contain nothing more than vague assertions and allegations. There are no statements of fact that contradict the Four Corners’ investigation “Cash Splash”, concerning the Murray-Darling Basin plan.
The program, which aired on Monday 8 July, drew on a wide cross section of people with knowledge and experience of the operation of the water subsidy scheme. Those interviewed for the program included farmers, irrigators, scientists, economists and the CEO of Murrumbidgee Irrigation.
The ABC stands by the integrity of the program, the facts presented and the scrutiny placed on a $5.6 billion scheme intended to manage water resources to the benefit of regional communities, agribusiness and the river system itself.