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Brekky Central
A revealing memoir of the man who changed the face of breakfast television in Australia
'I thought I knew a bit about breakfast TV. I was wrong. What we see is nothing compared to what goes on behind the scenes. I was fascinated to read this brutally honest account of so many stories that have become Australian media folklore. The characters, the drama, the egos. It is an unflinching account from the man who has arguably had a greater impact on the way we watch TV than anyone since Graham Kennedy.' MIA FREEDMAN
Between Sunrise and The Morning Show, Adam Boland oversaw thirty hours of network television a week, turning a daggy finance nerd and a suburban mum into household names. He even helped propel Kevin Rudd into The Lodge.
Now, for the first time, he takes us behind the camera, inside the Sunrise family. Brekky Central is the story of the most competitive timeslot on television; the stakes are high and so are the pressures on those who show up each morning to win the ratings. Along the way, celebrities do what celebrities do, television executives outmanoeuvre each other and presenters succeed or fail.
This is a world of hellishly long hours, of silliness and seriousness, an extraordinary mix of egos, scandals and drama but also a celebration of the magic that is television.
'I thought I knew a bit about breakfast TV. I was wrong. What we see is nothing compared to what goes on behind the scenes. I was fascinated to read this brutally honest account of so many stories that have become Australian media folklore. The characters, the drama, the egos. It is an unflinching account from the man who has arguably had a greater impact on the way we watch TV than anyone since Graham Kennedy.' MIA FREEDMAN
Between Sunrise and The Morning Show, Adam Boland oversaw thirty hours of network television a week, turning a daggy finance nerd and a suburban mum into household names. He even helped propel Kevin Rudd into The Lodge.
Now, for the first time, he takes us behind the camera, inside the Sunrise family. Brekky Central is the story of the most competitive timeslot on television; the stakes are high and so are the pressures on those who show up each morning to win the ratings. Along the way, celebrities do what celebrities do, television executives outmanoeuvre each other and presenters succeed or fail.
This is a world of hellishly long hours, of silliness and seriousness, an extraordinary mix of egos, scandals and drama but also a celebration of the magic that is television.
- GenresNonfiction
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 13, 2015
This book was a waste of my time... It was billed as a tell-all expose of what went on behind the scenes of sunrise. In reality, it was Adam boland self-promoting himself and what a superstar he thought he was. Come on. Never mind the fact that he completely brushed over what could have been a very important topic to the story, and provided much needed publicity for sufferers of bipolar disorder. This book is a disgrace. Save your money and by a new idea or woman's day mag. It's the same trashy concept you're going to get here.
October 27, 2014
Quite dissapointing overrall; not too bad a read but leaves you with the feeling of meh
April 7, 2018
An un-put-downable insight into the world of television.
I didn't expect to purchase this book, but after downloading and reading the sample, I had to purchase it. What followed was a marathon read. What surprised me was that I did this. You see, I tuned out of morning television years ago. It had become, hmmm... Boring? (If I do watch it, I watch ABC - personal taste, I guess). Anyway, Boland's writing exudes authenticity and at times a raw humility as he acknowledges past mistakes or missteps. His writing of his journey with mental illness is so incredibly important to today's dialogue and continuing to break down the stigma that surrounds this. I found his story, in its entirety incredibly engaging and at times I could only wonder at his bravery, tenacity and genius. The insight the book provided with regard to ex-colleagues' assessment on morning television of his "sanity" and "sane heads prevailing" was a thought provoking insight into the vagaries of human character (and somewhat disappointing - by all means, be upset with someone, but choose your weapons with more compassion). But, aside from that, if you want a riveting read about Australian television, in particular, morning television and the teamwork, dedication, persistence and sheer bloody mindedness of building an Australian success, then read this. You won't be disappointed.
I didn't expect to purchase this book, but after downloading and reading the sample, I had to purchase it. What followed was a marathon read. What surprised me was that I did this. You see, I tuned out of morning television years ago. It had become, hmmm... Boring? (If I do watch it, I watch ABC - personal taste, I guess). Anyway, Boland's writing exudes authenticity and at times a raw humility as he acknowledges past mistakes or missteps. His writing of his journey with mental illness is so incredibly important to today's dialogue and continuing to break down the stigma that surrounds this. I found his story, in its entirety incredibly engaging and at times I could only wonder at his bravery, tenacity and genius. The insight the book provided with regard to ex-colleagues' assessment on morning television of his "sanity" and "sane heads prevailing" was a thought provoking insight into the vagaries of human character (and somewhat disappointing - by all means, be upset with someone, but choose your weapons with more compassion). But, aside from that, if you want a riveting read about Australian television, in particular, morning television and the teamwork, dedication, persistence and sheer bloody mindedness of building an Australian success, then read this. You won't be disappointed.
October 24, 2016
I heard a lot of hype around this book before and just after it was realised. Not a lot of juicy bits of information until the celeb chapter. Another reader commented that people were introduced in the book, but then never really heard about again, which could be a little misleading at times.
Good to read about some of the behind the scenes stories such as Reach out to Asia and the Beaconsfield mine disaster. I would have liked to know more about Adam as a person, but a lot of story telling about other people was sandwiched between the opening and closing chapters which were narrator orientated.
A pretty good read overall.
Good to read about some of the behind the scenes stories such as Reach out to Asia and the Beaconsfield mine disaster. I would have liked to know more about Adam as a person, but a lot of story telling about other people was sandwiched between the opening and closing chapters which were narrator orientated.
A pretty good read overall.
December 28, 2014
There can be no doubt the media industry and its backrooms are cutthroat, competitive and a maelstrom of egos. Having read Gerald Stone’s Who Killed Channel Nine? Gerald Stone and biographies of Rupert Murdoch, James Packer and Alan Jones, I find the industry fascinating, if deeply flawed. It is a cultural powerhouse, where the decisions made affect millions upon millions of us from the smallest decisions like the laundry detergent, to bigger decisions such as whether to leave our partners, travel to Peru, question our religion or even get a medical examination that might save our lives.
It is with this passion and reverence that I approached Adam Boland’s Brekky Central – I knew Boland could definitely tell a good story. He had produced an enormously successful breakfast television from the dust and leftover bubblegum of morning cartoons. He had staged a fundraising performance at the Opera House that raised over $12m for tsunami aid and established the intensely curious and watchable duo of Joe Hockey and Kevin Rudd as regular contributors to the show.
There is something lacking in this book though and I know Boland is capable of reaching deeper and giving more depth and feeling to his experience so I don’t believe this is the last book he will release. Despite the cover jacket that alludes to Boland’s bipolar disorder and his role as an advocate for mental health, there is actually very little insight into the lived experience of this. While Adam gives a very producer-friendly “run-down” of what a psychotic episode looks like (to the viewer), it is quite a sterile recount and there is no real reflection on what it feels like to accept your mind isn’t as easy to control as a television production, and THAT is quite a feat.
How does it feel to accept taking drugs to stabilise your condition and is there any fear that will affect your creative skills and energy?
There are some highly entertaining events and characters, from the talented but manipulative Peter Meakin to the potty-mouthed, overworked and under-appreciated Kevin Rudd on the Kokoda Trail, savvy and smart David Koch and the ever-changing rolecall of Channel 7 and 10 Chief Executives.
I had some quibbles. Boland’s justification for Koch, Rudd and Hockey appearing on Sunrise in heavily Channel 7 logo-ed shirts during the Kokoda tribute was tasteless. Rather than admit this, Boland dismisses critics by explaining they were the only clean clothing available. Please. If Channel 7 can helicopter in a crew of television experts, I think Boland seriously underestimates their ability to provide ample choice of clothing and accessories.
It would have been more honest and sincere to just say that the crew and the presenters had flown there, walked the track and were now presenting as a result of Channel 7’s support and encouragement. They were proud to wear the logo of their Australian network. If there’s gonna be haters one way or the other, and it’s television so there will, you may as well give them the truth to grind their teeth on!
Overall, it was a joy to come back to this book over several nights and follow Boland’s journey through TV and business quests. I would have loved to see the fruition of Gingseng House and hope this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Boland’s quest to build, create and run a holistic health practice. I think he’s got the enthusiasm, energy and experience with a diverse crew of misfits to make it all happen. Despite any flaws with this first book, I genuinely respect Boland as an individual and a recognised and esteemed media talent. I’ll be awaiting the next instalment.
It is with this passion and reverence that I approached Adam Boland’s Brekky Central – I knew Boland could definitely tell a good story. He had produced an enormously successful breakfast television from the dust and leftover bubblegum of morning cartoons. He had staged a fundraising performance at the Opera House that raised over $12m for tsunami aid and established the intensely curious and watchable duo of Joe Hockey and Kevin Rudd as regular contributors to the show.
There is something lacking in this book though and I know Boland is capable of reaching deeper and giving more depth and feeling to his experience so I don’t believe this is the last book he will release. Despite the cover jacket that alludes to Boland’s bipolar disorder and his role as an advocate for mental health, there is actually very little insight into the lived experience of this. While Adam gives a very producer-friendly “run-down” of what a psychotic episode looks like (to the viewer), it is quite a sterile recount and there is no real reflection on what it feels like to accept your mind isn’t as easy to control as a television production, and THAT is quite a feat.
How does it feel to accept taking drugs to stabilise your condition and is there any fear that will affect your creative skills and energy?
There are some highly entertaining events and characters, from the talented but manipulative Peter Meakin to the potty-mouthed, overworked and under-appreciated Kevin Rudd on the Kokoda Trail, savvy and smart David Koch and the ever-changing rolecall of Channel 7 and 10 Chief Executives.
I had some quibbles. Boland’s justification for Koch, Rudd and Hockey appearing on Sunrise in heavily Channel 7 logo-ed shirts during the Kokoda tribute was tasteless. Rather than admit this, Boland dismisses critics by explaining they were the only clean clothing available. Please. If Channel 7 can helicopter in a crew of television experts, I think Boland seriously underestimates their ability to provide ample choice of clothing and accessories.
It would have been more honest and sincere to just say that the crew and the presenters had flown there, walked the track and were now presenting as a result of Channel 7’s support and encouragement. They were proud to wear the logo of their Australian network. If there’s gonna be haters one way or the other, and it’s television so there will, you may as well give them the truth to grind their teeth on!
Overall, it was a joy to come back to this book over several nights and follow Boland’s journey through TV and business quests. I would have loved to see the fruition of Gingseng House and hope this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Boland’s quest to build, create and run a holistic health practice. I think he’s got the enthusiasm, energy and experience with a diverse crew of misfits to make it all happen. Despite any flaws with this first book, I genuinely respect Boland as an individual and a recognised and esteemed media talent. I’ll be awaiting the next instalment.
January 24, 2015
A good and honest insight into the workings of Australian breakfast TV. I watched the Adam Boland story on ABC's Australian Story so I was keen to read his take on his job and the impact this had on his bipolar/depression state of mind. I thought it was quite an honest biography where mistakes were openly acknowledged.
January 28, 2015
Good read although would have been better if it focused more on his mental problem then him working nearly 24 hours 7 days a week
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews