As a youngster l used to watch it a lot.  All these marvellous programmes.

l wanted to work in it.

In my early 20's l achieved this goal.  In fact, in Australian television, l worked for all the networks:  ABC 2, HSV 7, GTV 9, ATV 0 [now 10]. 

My first job was for the government station, ABC. There was a programme called "The Inventors", which was a panel programme whereby three people sat around looking at new Australian inventions. My brother and myself produced a weekly comedy sketch - about 3 minutes long - about a make-believe invention. Maybe a cloud remover, an automatic nappy changing robot, a device that could set the table for dinner, and things like that. l acted as the Inventor, 'Professor Cranium'. It was very popular.

Then l got a job as 'Associate Producer' of "DO IT", a childrens/teenagers programme each afternoon between 4 pm and 5 pm. The compere was a magician, Ian Buckland, and Molly Meldrum did pop reports. On Saturday mornings between 9 am and 12 we did a longer programme. This was the final year of black and white television. It was great fun. 

Then l started writing comedy sketches for 'The Ernie Sigley Show', which was a national variety show screened each Tuesday and Thursday night. l used to waltz in and submit my comedy material to Pete Smith, who was in charge of comedy. After awhile my material was used in the opening monologue and for many sketches. It was a very popular programme. 

The following year Ernie left for ATV 0. He rang me and asked if l would be his writer and researcher. l said, 'of course!'. He had a new concept ~ something Australian tv could never cope with now ~ whereby he did a variety/chat show each night between 6 pm and 7 pm. It went to air, live, each evening. We had great fun doing this show. Ernie had the 'gift of the gab', he was very funny... still is.

 Then l decided to become an independent film-maker. So l made many films, mainly short ones, and had heaps shown on various Current Affairs shows, Variety shows and other programmes. In due course you will be able to see them on my website. [Look under 'Film' on the menu.]

 I think Australian television, and television world-wide is terrific. Obviously it has a lot of weaknesses.

But the strengths are so powerful.

 The photograph here is of Ernie in a comedy sketch l wrote. The punchline was when he opened a can of beer - they used Coke instead - and sprayed it into the face of the other guy. The other guy was Barry Michael, who is a funny comic actor. Why don't you grab your remote control and switch stations ?