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.