1. What is Brian's reaction to news of the siege? How does he view the siege?
2. Brian asks Kate to arrange an interview with a psychologist specialising in siege-related trauma. What motives does Brian have for inviting a specialist like this onto the show? How might it affect what is presented and how it is shown and received? Kate is unable to find a specialist but convinces Brian to use a psychology student. Discuss the reasons for Brian's decision and his aims to further increase the authority of the guest?
3. Mrs Forbes signs an exclusivity clause before Brooke interviews her, “some other current affairs programs can be very unscrupulous”, but gives a rather misleading explanation, “more to protect you”. What are the motives of the show in using this agreement? How might it affect the representation of the truth?
4. Brooke is patronising and insensitive to Mrs Forbes. Her attitude and the farcical situation with the dead battery illuminate the relative priorities of the Frontline team quite well. Comment on what is shown here about the aims and techniques of the team.
5. Marty is sent to the “firing line”, which turns out to be five kilometres from the hostages. This does not stop both Marty and Mike creating the impression that there is a real immediate danger. Explain the various ways they sensationalise the hostage situation. What do you think is their purpose in doing this?
6. There are many ethical issues raised in this episode. Ignoring police requests, breaching the exclusion zone and endangering the hostages are three criticisms levelled at the show. Do you think that the Frontline team conducted themselves in a socially responsible fashion? Discuss at least three areas where their behaviour may be questioned. What judgement of the show is the director hoping to communicate?
7. What responsibilities or obligations does the media have to the public? What restrictions, if any, do you think should be placed on the media? The Australian Journalists Association (AJA) has produced its own Code of Ethics. Discuss the episode in light of these guidelines. Which of these codes did the Frontline team breach during this episode?
8. Frontline is a clever and sharp satire on TV current affairs and because it is based around the making of a TV current affairs show it is doubly insightful in exploring the processes of “Telling the Truth”. When examining each episode we are able to consider how the current affair show 'Frontline' constructs and presents truth, as well as how the television series Frontline presents their own satirical message, their truth. Discuss the various ways that Frontline is able to so effectively communicate ideas.
9. 'The Siege' was inspired by an incident on A Current Affair when presenter Mike Willesee talked to a gunman. What effect does this contribute to the meaning presented in this episode? Does it in some way become a kind of truth?  

'The Siege' Answers