The man behind the TV shows we grew up on - Australian Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race & Big Brother

Meet Stephen Tate – the man behind some of Australia’s biggest TV shows.
From launching Australian Idol to producing Survivor and I'm a Celebrity, Stephen’s fingerprints are all over Aussie television history. In this raw, funny, and eye-opening conversation, we talk about his 40-year media career, wild behind-the-scenes moments, the art of casting, and why he's more creatively free now than ever.

This one’s a masterclass in storytelling, production, and pushing creative boundaries.

🧠 Topics We Cover
His early days in WA and a wild first job in radio
Starting in London TV with zero experience
The backstory of The Tempest in Bali and cultural storytelling
Inside Survivor, Idol, I'm a Celebrity, Big Brother, and more
Casting Guy Sebastian and the chaos behind early Idol
Reality TV’s human side and how shows shape culture
Industry shifts, AI, and the death of journalism
Why he’s never asked for funding and what’s next with Favourite Child Studios

Timestamps ⏱️  
00:00 Intro – Meet Stephen Tate  
02:30 From law school to media dreams  
05:00 First jobs in London TV + WA radio chaos  
08:00 Cyclones, late nights & early lessons in radio  
11:00 The Tempest in Bali – first TV credit  
14:30 Learning the ropes in the edit suite  
18:00 Inside the making of Survivor  
22:00 Casting Guy Sebastian + Idol backstory  
26:00 Reality TV ethics, votes & responsibility  
30:00 Big Brother's groundbreaking moments  
34:00 The power of storytelling in reality TV  
38:00 Behind “I’m a Celeb” and its deeper impact  
42:00 Thoughts on MAFS, networks & funding  
46:00 Creative freedom & starting Favourite Child Studios  
49:30 Final reflections – the future of storytelling  
52:00 Outro  

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Disclaimer: The BLXCK INK Podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. Views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of affiliated individuals or organisations.

Stories shared on this podcast may contain fictional elements or be embellished for creative effect. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated.

This podcast is not intended to provide professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.