Extract from ABC News
At the ripe age of 14, Leonardo Puglisi has interviewed the Prime Minister — but it was no easy feat.
Leonardo, along with 6 News political reporter Roman Mackinnon, put tough questions to Scott Morrison – and he pushed back.
When Leonardo asked about a Crikey article listing Mr Morrison's "lies and falsehoods", Mr Morrison responded: "That's not a good start. If you're starting with Crikey and you're talking about credibility, it's not a good start."
But Leonardo relished being put on the spot.
"I was a bit nervous, but once it got going I just wanted to get to the heart of a number of issues and cut through the spin," he said.
"Both Roman and I were initially worried that it wouldn't happen – it was delayed by around half and hour – but of course, it ended up going ahead."
How did 6 News start?
6 News is an online news outlet created by Leonardo three years ago when he was still in primary school.
The team broadcast a news program every Sunday night and produce an on-demand fact-checking program.
"I've been presenting every single Sunday for over three years," Leonardo said.
"I loved editing videos for school projects, and I loved public speaking – so what better place to do all that than in journalism."
But his passion for presenting the news started at an even earlier age, while watching Ian Henderson on ABC News.
"There's home video of me watching the ABC in a highchair, and I still remember watching his final bulletin a few years ago," he said.
The initial audience of 6 News were the team's grandparents and schoolmates, but over time it grew.
"The amount of people who really want to see independent and unbiased journalism from some people in high school and university astounds me," he said.
"I'm proud to say we never resorted to clickbait or blatant lies, and we never will."
What's life like for a teen news anchor?
Leonardo's parents are proud of him, and they help out too.
"My dad's behind the camera for our Sunday bulletins," he said, "Although everything is produced and written by the same 6 News team you see on air."
Benedict Puglisi has been supportive of his son from the start.
"It's not my field," Mr Puglisi said.
"I was a bit surprised, but wanted to encourage and support him as much as possible.
"I've gained a lot of insight into how the media and politics have a symbiotic relationship."
Leonardo's friends and teachers are also interested in watching the news show, but it doesn't interfere too much with his schooling.
"At the end of the day, I'm just a normal schoolboy while I'm at school," Leonardo said.
There's more to come from Leonardo
When asked on The Drum what he wanted to get out of the interview with the Prime Minister, Leonardo replied: "Well, I wouldn't mind a Walkley!"
But more immediately, he wants to interview Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese on 6 News.
"We simply want to have a go at asking some questions to the man who could be leading the country in really just a couple of weeks," he told The Drum.
"I hope to see more people trust journalists, mainstream or not, and I hope to see more people care about the truth – and promote it as well."
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