Five minutes with … JAN FRAN

THE COMEDIAN IS TACKLING FAKE NEWS IN HER HILARIOUS NEW SHOW

In a world where misinformation and conspiracy theories run rife, it has never been more important to be able to determine fact from ction. Jan Fran is tackling the issue in the best way she knows how – serving up the truth with a good dose of humour!

The comedian has teamed up with The Gruen Transfer’s Wil Anderson to host Question Everything. The weekly program will see the pair dissect the news and sort the real stories from the rumours along with a revolving panel of comedians and celebrity guests.

“Being able to equip viewers with the tools necessary to debunk and demystify fake news is really important to me,” the 36-year-old media personality tells WHO. “It's something I’ve tried to do my whole career, so taking it to a whole new level is great.”

Why do you think humour is the best way to tackle such a serious subject?

I think humour is the best way to tackle most things. When you’re laughing, you’re having fun. Talking about heavy things can be di cult, so humour lightens and softens it a bit. If people think they are being lectured to, they might just turn o . But if they’re laughing then they’re much more likely to stick around.

What was the last fake story or conspiracy theory that completely tricked you?

I’ve de nitely been fooled by deep fake videos, which use technology to mimic the way that person looks and sounds. I got fooled by a video of Tom Cruise putting on a turtleneck, which sounds ridiculous. But it wasn’t Tom and I had no idea!

What’s it like working with Wil?

Wil is someone who, if you get the chance to work with him you don’t say no. He is such a great presenter and comedian, half of what I’m doing is just lurking in the shadows to absorb everything and learn from him.

What are you bingeing right now?

I I’m don’t bingeing want to Dawson’s tell you, Creek. it’s embarrassing! We’ve been in lockdown for so many weeks now, I’m just craving nostalgia and something that takes me back to my childhood. It’s pretty good. I’m also listening to a lot of ’90s music. Just some good old Britney [Spears], which makes me feel good every time I put it on.

(Premiers Wed., Aug. 18, 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview)