A rare look behind the scenes of Australian weather reporting revealed the distinction between the national broadcaster and commercial television.
ABC Producer and investigative journalist Lucy Carter tweeted a video of her reporter Mahnaz Angury presenting an ABC News Breakfast weather report from Sydney’s Observatory Hill on Thursday morning.
Ms. Carter quickly panned to rival Sunrise reporter ‘Sam Mac’ McMillan, who was filming in the same location, in the footage.
In stark contrast to the ABC coverage, the Sunrise report featured a troupe of dancing poodles and a Punjabi dance ensemble dressed in festive attire.
As Ms. Angury concluded her report, the ebullient meteorologist filled the rotunda with commentary, to the applause of his audience.
A stoic Ms. Angury was still able to complete her work despite the background noise.
Mr. McMillan then reported as he followed a poodle on a scooter surrounded by traditional Indian Bhangra dancers.
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ABC reporter Mahnaz Angury (above) did the weather while a Sunrise crew did the same two metres away, albeit in a vastly different manner.
Sam Mac’s (above) antics in the Observatory Hill rotunda stole the show behind the scenes as the producer of ABC’s New Breakfast filmed the disparity between weather forecasts.
Ms. Carter uploaded the humorous tussle on TikTok and then Twitter with the message, “This is incredible.”
The colorful ensemble of Mr. McMillan was promoting this week’s episode of Australia’s Got Talent.
After Sydney topped its wettest year on record this week, with three months remaining, production crews were ready to film in front of the iconic Harbour Bridge.
Ms. Angury and Mr. McMilan made light of the double booking in the rotunda via social media.
This week, 2022 became Sydney’s wettest year on record, and Sunrise’s weather coverage included poodle performances and traditional Punjabi Bhangra dances.
Sam Mac, “the inadvertent weatherman,” thanked Ms. Angury for her patience on Twitter.
He commented, “Shout-out to (Mahnaz Angury) who was a champion and eager to highlight this unique contradiction.”
Ms. Mahnaz, who began reporting for News Breakfast this week, also had a chuckle on Twitter after submitting her morning reports.
She joked, retweeting her producer’s TikTok, “You can bet this will be a major component of my evaluation.”
Some commenters had differing opinions regarding the recommended approach.
One viewer said, “I kind of appreciate ABC’s approach.”
Another supporter of Mr. McMillan’s theatrics urged ABC to step up its game.
“Finally recognizing the actual impact of a decade of ABC budget cuts.” On that scooter should be Sammy J,’ he laughed.
One user criticized Sunrise’s man, stating, “Imagine wasting your life doing this for your “career.””
However, Ms. Carter of Auntie quickly shut them down.
“In my opinion, (Mr. Mac) is one of the greatest in the industry. She wrote: “There are numerous ways to do things; there is no right/wrong dichotomy.”
Ms. Angury’s piece for the camera received the highest praise.
‘Mahnaz Angury consistently demonstrates poise and concentration while reporting. exhibiting a high level of professionalism. Congratulations, Mahnaz,’ remarked a new fan.
“Talk about concentration!” exclaimed another.