Flashback video: Nightline 20th Anniversary Special

To celebrate 20 years of Nightline the late night news show is screening an hour-long 20th Anniversary Special on Friday, May 7th at 10:30pm on 3.

“Nightline was started 20 years ago by the then head of News and Current Affairs, Rod Pederson,” explains Nightline Executive Producer Mark Graham.

“His directive to Susan Baldacci, the producer who first got it off the ground, was that he wanted a show that was a bit ‘off’,” Graham continues, recalling the history of the show.

“With the original team of Joanna Paul as the presenter, Belinda Todd with her quirky, humorous and sassy style and Bill Ralston with his no holds barred political satire, Rod Pederson certainly got what he wanted.”

Now 20 years later Nightline is turning 20; “We are having an hour long birthday special, screening on Friday May 7th at 10.30pm,” Graham explains.

“As well as talking to all of the original team in our live broadcast from an Auckland hotspot, we will also be interviewing other members of the Nightline team who’ve contributed both in front of and behind the camera over the last 20 years.”

When asked about the familiar faces audiences can expect to see, Graham reveals: “Former presenters Leanne Malcolm, Carolyn Robinson, Carly Flynn and Samantha Hayes will all be joining our current presenter Rachel Smalley.”

As well as this, the Special will also be looking back at all the cutting edge Nightline moments from over the last 20 years.

“We will also be looking at all those moments that just scrapped past the Broadcasting Standards Authority with the likes of David Farrier and current Arts and Entertainment reporter Ali Ikram,” Graham continues, adding: “Legendary music journalist Dylan Taite will also be remembered for his substantial contribution to the show.”

Make sure not to miss this when Nightline celebrates its 20th birthday in style with an hour-long 20th Anniversary Special screening on Friday, May 7th at 10:30pm on 3.

Check out this ‘Before and After’ video of Nightline:

And a problematic start to Nightline in 1996 for Leanne Malcolm: