News Club Interview: Mel Maclean

It’s week 2 of our new News Club short series ‘The Call Sheet’ - and we’re jumping headlong into the fascinating world of reality TV.

Like it or loathe it…

Reality TV has become the most popular format on Australian television - and indeed around the world. 

And so we wanted to take a deep dive, in the company of an expert, to discover why we’re all so obsessed with watching ‘ordinary’ people for entertainment.

Arguably, there’s no one better in Australia to explain that phenomenon than Mel Maclean.

She’s the executive producer of such reality TV staples as Gogglebox, The Assembly, Parental Guidance and Travel Guides - and the go-to person in the Aussie TV industry for that brand of reality TV that entertains but never punches down.

Not bad for someone who grew up on a cattle station in outback Queensland without a TV. 

You’ll learn a lot from this chat. Like, what is ‘street casting’, what is ‘villain casting’ and why the rise of reality TV is partly down to the ‘parasocial’ relationships it makes us form with complete strangers.

With the oddly addictive antics of the Travel Guides currently topping the free-to-air ratings, and a new series of Parental Guidance and The Assembly soon to hit our screens, it seemed like a good time to sit down with Mel and pick her brain. 

You can listen to the conversation here or tune in on YouTube - and hit subscribe while you’re at it. And scroll on for my highlights of our conversation.

We have a favour to ask

It’s 2025 Squiz Survey time... Your responses give us the chance to get to know you a little better, and get your take on what we’re doing well/can improve, what else you may want from us, and how you’re feeling about news/life. It will take you about 10 minutes, and to show our appreciation, there’s a $250 gift voucher up for grabs. Please and thank you…

Interview Highlights

Highlight 1: On how Mel got her start in TV producing

Mel Maclean: I thought I would do journalism because I knew I liked stories... but journalism didn't really grab me as much as I thought it would. I'm not from a media family. I just didn't know about all of the off-camera jobs, and so I gave law a try for a couple of years. I had a performance review with the partners of the firm, and they said, “You're doing really well. Keep this up and you could be partner by the time you're 30.” I just remember feeling slightly sick, like, "Oh no, this is a disaster." And I resigned the next day.

It was the Race Around the World era, and I thought, "There's something more to this." So then I got into the documentary program at the Victorian College of the Arts... and absolutely loved it. 

Highlight 2: On why shows like Gogglebox work

Mel: I've heard this term recently that gets used in relation to podcasts - parasocial. And I think Gogglebox, once you've watched it the first time and you've laughed along, then it becomes parasocial… Like you're hanging out with your friends while you're watching that. Any great sitcom has the same quality.

…You don’t want people who want to be on TV, you want ordinary people. Lee and Keith, who are on the show, I bet they genuinely still don’t know why they’re on the show. And they’re so fabulous.

Highlight 3: On why people go on reality TV

Bryce Corbett: Are they handsomely paid?

Mel: No.

Bryce: A strong no.

Mel: There are different reasons for different people, I’m sure. I think some people just really like being on TV and that’s great. And some people just love new experiences. I’m one of those people. I don't know why I’m here.

Bryce: Why are you here, Mel?

Mel: I just say yes to most things unless there seems to be a good reason not to, and there are lots of people who are like that. Sometimes it’s just something to do. And then there’s the profile-building agenda.

Show us some love

If you’ve been enjoying News Club and our interview serieses, the best way you can support us is by sharing us with your friends/family/colleagues/boss. Share your unique link below, and we’ll know you sent them our way. Merci buckets.

Copy and paste this link and share it around:

https://newsclub.thesquiz.com.au/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER