Backch@t

Backch@t was a magazine-style arts and culture show aimed, from the opening acid-jazz theme tune, at a literate late 1990s arts audience. Fronted by future TVNZ News boss Bill Ralston, the show featured reporters Miriama Kamo, Mark Crysell and Jodi Ihaka. Musician Chris Knox was the film reviewer. In keeping with Ralston’s journalistic background, Backch@t took a ‘news’ approach to the arts, debating topics in the studio and interviewing personalities, as well as covering stories. Named Best Lifestyle Programme for each of its three seasons, Backch@t was one of a series of arts shows made by Wellington company Gibson Group.