Actively Radical TV — Sydney community television's progressive current affairs producers tackle the hard issues from the activist's point of view. CTS Sydney (UHF 31), every Sunday, 9-11pm. Ph 9565 5522.
Access News — Melbourne community TV, Channel 31, has excellent coverage of industrial, environmental and community actions throughout Victoria. Access News broadcasts every Monday at 8pm. Ph 9633 6976.
Michael Moore: The Awful Truth — A 12-part series by the maker of the classic anti-corporate doco Roger and Me. In front of a studio audience, Moore introduces films of various madcap antics designed to embarrass the powerful and get a little justice for the ordinary Joe. In one episode, Moore sets off in pursuit of Kenneth Starr with a crew of 17th century Puritans. In another, he stages a mock funeral outside the offices of a health fund which is refusing to pay for a life-saving operation. And in another, a choir of people who have lost their vocal chords due to smoking-related illnesses goes carolling to the offices and homes of tobacco executives and lobbyists. SBS, every Tuesday, 8pm, until March 21.
Norman Mailer's America: The Outlaw 1945-1961 — In 1948, Norman Mailer published his first novel, The Naked and the Dead, which made him famous. Mailer describes himself as a "left conservative", inconsistently defending various radical causes in the 1960s and '70s. His criticism of feminism caused controversy. In the 1950s, his work enraged wowsers. The Deer Park was refused by seven publishers. He felt himself to be an outlaw in his own country. SBS, Tuesday, January 18, 8.30pm.
Classic Albums: Bob Marley and the Wailers' Catch a Fire — Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, signed the Wailers in the early 1970s. Marley brought the raw tapes of what was to become Catch a Fire to Britain. Blackwell felt that the "roots" sound of the tapes would not sell so went to work to make the album more "accessible" to white ears. The result was pop reggae that would sweep the world. Includes some archival material. SBS, Thursday, January 20, 7.30pm.
Missing in Alice — Explores the issues facing Aboriginal young people in Alice Springs and the increase in youth suicides in Aboriginal communities. ABC-TV, Thursday, January 20, 8.30pm.
More Tears — George Findlay, the notorious news producer from the satirical Canadian series The Newsroom is back in a six-part comedy series that follows Findlay as he manipulates "news". Whether it's a baby down a well or a suspected war criminal, Findlay creates a world where victims become celebrities and news becomes a commodity. SBS, beginning Saturday, January 22, 8.30pm.
Tobacco Wars: Lighting Up — Cigarettes are the most profitable products on Earth. This series explores the secrets of the advertising and marketing campaigns that have lured millions to their deaths. It also examines how tobacco companies have targeted potential new customers to replace those who have died. ABC-TV, Thursday, January 27, 9.30pm.