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IrelandABC News In-depth finds businesses waiting to be 'spirit ready'
A pub owner's preparations give the ferry report a local perspective, alongside new investigations into bee movements and Australia's inflation pressures.
ABC News In-depth
Story of Why this story? The channel's weekly summary: what went up this week, what is drawing views now, and where the channel stands among similar channels.
New Spirit of Tasmania ferries setting sail with a boat-load of debt | 7.30
Things we can learn from the video
Press to jump
- 0:44Expanded vehicle capacity, especially for caravans, accompanies strong demand for bookings.
- 1:19Pub owner Scott Seymour describes expanding his venue in anticipation of more visitors.
- 1:36The rollout encountered manufacturer bankruptcies, missing Devonport berths and extended docking periods abroad.
- 3:28The report examines solvency concerns, an ASIC referral and government funding interventions.
- 4:43Projected debt exceeds a billion dollars, with plans to sell the outgoing ferry fleet.
ABC News In-depth's busiest upload of the week has a telling detail beyond the new ships: a hospitality business that expanded because it was told to prepare for more visitors.
In Adam Langenberg's 7.30 report, pub owner Scott Seymour recalls the instruction: "Everyone was telling us to get ready and you know, be spirit ready." The upgraded Spirit of Tasmania ferries promise more vehicle space, particularly for caravans. But the businesses awaiting those travellers have been preparing around a project marked by delays, unfinished port infrastructure and mounting debt.
The report has reached roughly 287,000 views and remains the channel's strongest daily draw. TT-Line chair Ken Kanofski describes a surge in bookings, while acknowledging that the company will carry substantial debt for years. That contrast, between visitor demand and the cost of getting the ships into service, gives the piece its substance.
Fifteen uploads made for a wide-ranging week. Caitlin Kelly's explanation of Israel's post-election uncertainty was another substantial draw. Among the newer arrivals, Fiona Willan's bee report examines an industry warning that moving hives between farms could spread varroa mite. Aslan Pahari's ASSASSINS episode takes a historical turn to Musaylima and the battle of Al-Yamama, and is already among the channel's most active uploads.
The subscriber total was unchanged over the week, while viewing added nearly six million views. Daily viewing is currently above its usual level. The separate ABC News (Australia) channel also has an above-usual daily audience; CBS Evening News is quieter than usual. Here, the ferry report continues to draw attention to the local businesses waiting for the promised visitors.
A ferry service linking Geelong in mainland Australia with Devonport in Tasmania. It is operated by the Tasmanian government-owned company TT-Line.
More on Wikipedia ›A Tasmanian government-owned company that runs the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service across Bass Strait. It has operated services between mainland Australia and Tasmania since 1993.
More on Wikipedia ›Published on Trari
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- Channel
- ABC News In-depth
- Subscribers
- 2,460,000
- Channel views, last 7 days
- 5,884,755
- Videos published this week
- 15
- Video published
- October 29, 2026
- Video views so far
- 286,950
- Views on its first day
- 128,762
The numbers
Here is how ABC News In-depth's week looks in views and subscribers.
💡 Test your knowledge
Which invasive pest is the subject of Fiona Willan's bee report?
Willan's report examines the risk of spreading varroa mite as beekeepers move hives between farms.