Natasha Johnson
Natasha Johnson is the founding editor of the ABC News website's Backstory page, which gives an insight into the production of radio, TV and digital content across the ABC. A journalist for 30 years, she has worked in news for the ABC, Channel Nine and Channel Ten and was a reporter at The 7.30 Report for a decade.
Latest by Natasha Johnson
AFL legend David Parkin and his first students — a connection that’s endured for 60 years
Four-time AFL premiership coach David Parkin is known for his football success, but off the field he forged friendships with his former grade-three students that has endured since 1964 and inspired them to aim high.
'Photography made me a better man': Brendan Esposito on 35 years taking photos
Brendan Esposito was last year crowned the Walkley Photographer of the Year. Here, he gives an insight into the art of photography and how covering news events has changed him.
Jeremy Fernandez was once told he'd never get a job on TV. Here's how he proved the doubters wrong
After two decades working as a journalist and presenter at the ABC, Jeremy Fernandez is taking over from Juanita Phillips as the main anchor of the NSW 7pm News.
'I'm proudly disabled': Actor Kate Mulvany on a lifetime of pain and the legacy of Vietnam
As Australia prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our withdrawal from Vietnam, actor Kate Mulvany opens up about the toll the war took on her veteran father and her and the unanswered questions about Agent Orange.
When Annabel Crabb makes a dessert for Kitchen Cabinet there's an important factor she needs to consider
Annabel Crabb reveals what happens behind the scenes filming Kitchen Cabinet and how cooking encourages politicians to open up.
Craig Reucassel learnt two things that shocked him while making the new War on Waste series
The host of War on Waste takes us behind the scenes of the latest series and discusses what derailed national momentum to reduce waste and how we can get back on track.
How making a doco on Italian migration and the mafia helped Anthony LaPaglia understand his father
When actor Anthony LaPaglia was approached to tell the story of early Italian migrants who were terrorised by the Black Hand gang in Far North Queensland 100 years ago, he had more than just a professional interest. It also resonated on a personal level.
Tim Winton picked parasites off whale shark's mouth, but that's not what 'terrified' him
Making a natural history documentary is a test of patience and endurance, and Tim Winton had finally run out of both. He was trying to capture the wild beauty of his beloved Ningaloo Reef but Mother Nature wouldn't play ball.
'Their voices are too high pitched': The backlash Tracey Holmes faced as the first woman to host ABC Grandstand
Broadcaster Tracey Holmes reflects on being the first woman to host the iconic ABC radio program Grandstand, her 34-year career, how far women in sport have come and how far there is still to go.
What does it mean to be a Pacific Islander? New ABC program aims to find out
When Tahlea Aualiitia talks about hosting the ABC's new Pacific-focused news and current affairs TV program, The Pacific, her voice breaks and she becomes emotional. It's a career milestone, but also much more than that.
New Compass host Indira Naidoo on spirituality and the touching thing that happened after her sister's suicide
Journalist Indira Naidoo shares her experience of finding meaning and how spirituality can help us navigate the darkest moments of our lives.
'Carol's boobs don't look right': The dedication to historical accuracy on Back In Time For The Corner Shop
Carol Ferrone takes us behind the scenes of what happens filming Back In Time For The Corner shop and art director Jason Schara explains the lengths producers go to for historical accuracy.
'Something about me that some adults hate': Zoë Coombs-Marr on relating to a common theme of our queer history
Comedian Zoë Coombs-Marr says there are common threads running through Australia's queer history: isolation, loneliness and defiance.
A vicious homophobic slur cut Nate Byrne to the core so he decided to make something good come of it
News Breakfast's Nate Byrne opens up about his naval career, the challenge of predicting the weather and fighting homophobia.
ABC's first Head of Indigenous News opens up about escaping domestic violence and overcoming adversity
After a difficult start, Suzanne Dredge transformed her life to become a multi-award-winning journalist. Now she is the ABC's first Head of Indigenous News, responsible for elevating coverage of Indigenous Affairs.
'I was so angry': How the death of a baby drove Dr Karl to quit medicine and become a full-time science communicator
For 41 years, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has been spruiking science on the ABC, trying to counter the growth of misinformation and even saving a listener's life.
Fran Kelly has her own tonight show — with a band — so, will we see the one-time rock singer belt out a tune?
From breakfast radio to a TV chat show, Fran Kelly speaks Frankly about her new gig and the first episode's revelation from Thai cave rescuer Dr Richard Harris about the scars he still carries.
Lisa Millar started preparing to report on the Queen's death seven years ago after a top-secret meeting in London
News Breakfast's Lisa Millar and Michael Rowland take us behind the scenes of ABC's meticulous plans to cover the death of the Queen and how events unfolded.
Here's what happened when Zan Rowe asked Keith Urban to nominate five songs that shaped him
Taking her hit radio program Take 5 to television, Zan Rowe reveals how music "undoes" people during interviews with Keith Urban, Guy Pearce, Missy Higgins, Tori Amos and Tony Armstrong.
'I thought it would never be solved': Journalist Wendy Page on 20 years covering Lynette Dawson's disappearance
While producing three programs about the disappearance of Lyn Dawson, Wendy Page spoke to a wide range of people connected to the case — family, friends, Chris Dawson and his teenage lover.
Conrad Charlton made history as the first voice on ABC radio 90 years ago, but he had one broadcasting regret
When the ABC launched 90 years ago, Conrad Charlton was the first voice on air. His son, Michael, then was the first face on ABC TV and another son, Tony, also worked at the ABC and called the first televised VFL match on commercial television.
Robyn Williams on 50 years of science broadcasting and the day Norman Swan saved his life
Astronauts on Apollo 17 landed on the moon in 1972, the same year Robyn Williams made his broadcasting debut. Half a century later, he's still on air, hosting The Science Show, and as enthusiastic about science as ever.
Memorable moments from 64 years of ABC election night broadcasts
From handpainted figures on a tally board to instant results on a touchscreen, here's how the ABC's coverage of federal elections has developed over more than 60 years.
'Public service journalism has to deliver for the audience': Sarah Ferguson to replace Leigh Sales as host of 7.30
Award-winning investigative journalist Sarah Ferguson on the importance of public service journalism as the ABC announces she will take over hosting 7.30 in July.
'It's so important we represent all Australians': Why Q+A is on the road to Gladstone
Q+A host David Speers and EP Erin Vincent discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the program, the importance of taking the show out of the studio and the challenge of ensuring a balance of views.