For someone who once had little interest in the business of hard-hitting current affairs, InDepth’s Presenter / Producer Janene Forlong is today a different woman who now takes interviewing the likes of investigative journalist Nikki Hager and National Leader John Keys in her stride.

From Hamilton, wife and Mother of two, Janene, has worked at FamilyTV for three years as a researcher and back-up presenter on the EveryDay Show, always with an ambition to one day present a show of her own.

That opportunity presented itself a year and a half ago when CEO of FamilyTV, Daryl Anderson, asked Janene if she would like to do a screen test for what became the station’s first current affairs show, InDepth. From there, it was hers. “InDepth was certainly not the sort of show I thought I’d end up doing but the opportunity was too big a one to miss, so I grabbed it and went for it.”

InDepth screens live on Wednesday mornings at 8.30am and the half-hour long show is split into two segments which look at different topics. Janene spends two days preparing the show and is assisted by FamilyTV Director, Jackie Smith and Journalist, Marion Farrell.

“Good, thorough research can make or break a show so the team and I are constantly making phone calls to the right people, surfing the web and reading the papers so that our viewing audience get the best and most-up-to-the-minute information.”

Topics that are covered are diverse, topical and intended to give a regional perspective. “The idea is to use the 12-minutes per segment to delve deep and uncover more than you would say, in a newsy item.”

What makes a good show? “An important issue; one that impacts or interests the viewers in general. Then after that, it is really the guests that make the show, and we’ve had some brilliant guests such as Annah Stretton, Judy Bailey and Fashion Designer Kevin Berkahn,” she says.

Finding stimulation in the show’s political content was a surprise to Janene who now looks forward to having MPs and Mayors on the show as they’ve provided insight to the running of the local region and country.
“I am now fully convinced that I need to be more involved as should we all! I believe InDepth is a great tool for the community to keep up to-date with political issues.”

Politics aside, Janene’s aim is to make a difference in the community: “I would like the show to have more involvement in helping raise funds for worthy causes which are out there now in what seems like an increasing number. We have a very generous community and many opportunities to do good things.”

For more information contact Janene Forlong - 07 888 5030 / 027 308 2915

For show times see www.familytv.co.nz