ABC’s You Can’t Ask That, won for Best Reality and Factual Entertainment Program.

One of the world's most prestigious awards for entertainment programming, The Rose d'Or Awards are given out by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The Director of Media at the EBU, Jean Philip De Tender, praised the standard of entries in 2017: “For nearly 60 years the Rose d’Or Awards have recognised the very best in global entertainment content. Over 400 programmes from more than 130 broadcasters and production companies in 33 different countries were submitted for this year’s awards. Our winners, and indeed all the nominees, tonight truly represent the gold standard of entertainment”.

You Can’t Ask That gives an unmediated platform to some of the most misunderstood and marginalised people in our country, offering genuine insight into the lives of Australians with labels. The show’s format is simple – questions are posed to stereotyped groups and they in turn respond direct to camera, with raw and authentic responses drawn from their own experiences.

At times funny, poignant, offensive and heart-breaking, the show has had four million program plays to date for series 1 and series 2 on ABC iview. Groups answering the questions in series 2 include Down Syndrome, Suicide Attempt Survivors, Recent War Veterans, Facial Difference and Children of Same Sex Parents.

The series format represented by ABC Commercial has also enjoyed immense success internationally, and is well on the way to becoming the ABC’s biggest format hit.

Aaron Smith, director and co-producer, stated after the win that “this show started from a small idea that then grew to be recognised on a global scale. You Can’t Ask That, 100% relies on the graciousness and bravery of the participants who are kind enough to lend their voice. We wish to say thank you to those who put their trust in us."

David Anderson, Director Television, ABC said: “You Can’t Ask That is a great example of the distinctive, relevant and valued content that the ABC can create and share with all Australians and has also resonated with audiences all over the world. To have this kind of international recognition is tremendous and our congratulations to all involved.”

You Can’t Ask That Production Credits: An ABC production. Series Produced and Directed by Kirk Docker and Aaron Smith. ABC Executive Producer Lou Porter.