60 Minutes Australia

60 Minutes Australia is the Australian edition of the U.S. television newsmagazine 60 Minutes, airing on Sunday nights on the Nine Network in a format closely aligned with its American counterpart. The New Zealand version has also featured segments drawn from the Australian program. Gerald Stone, the founding executive producer, was appointed by Kerry Packer and was told: 'I don't care what it takes. Just do it and get it right.' After the program's first episode was broadcast on 11 February 1979, Packer reportedly said: 'You've blown it, son. You better fix it fast.' Over the years, Stone's award-winning 60 Minutes revolutionised Australian current affairs reporting and boosted the careers of Ray Martin, Ian Leslie, George Negus, and later Jana Wendt. Since its debut, 60 Minutes has earned five Silver Logies, one Special Achievement Logie, and received nominations for a further six Logie awards.