Kumi Taguchi's final Compass episode to explore Byron Bay influencer scene

Kumi Taguchi’s final episode of Compass airs 8:00pm on ABC TV Plus Sunday, May 23rd. The episode, titled Instagram Utopia?, follows six women - all based in and around Byron Bay - who provide insights into society’s obsession with influencers. 

The episode explores why we want to know so much about the lives of strangers. Is there such a thing as an ethical influencer? And does the Byron Bay influencer bubble really exist?

Self-styled parenting gurus Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce represent the epitome of their category of influencer. They curate their motherhood journeys via their Instagram accounts, including their beautifully turned-out partners and children.

Sarah Royall represents another category: the adventurer, offering glimpses of experiences in exotic destinations. Edgier influencers, like Bundjalung woman and queer activist Ella Noah Bancroft and radical astrologer Angel Phoenix unpack their relationships with online communities and how Instagram can amplify the voices of the underrepresented.

Through the stories of these six women, we explore how they shape their own identities and the authenticity of their stories.

Parenting influencer Jayde Couldwell regularly posts images of her family on Instagram. Here, husband Nick Couldwell poses with daughters Mia (7) and Billie (6.) (Photo by Jayde Couldwell)

Earlier this year, Netflix announced its first Australian reality show with Byron Baes, a docu-soap following the lives of influencers living in Byron Bay and the surrounding areas.

The show promises fights, flings, and heartbreak all set against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most famous beach backdrops.

Chris Culvenor, Co-CEO of Eureka Productions said that the show had all the components needed to be an addictive series for viewers.

“With a compelling cast, spectacular settings and some truly addictive drama, Byron Baes has all the binge-worthy ingredients. Eureka is thrilled to be working with Netflix on this love letter to one of the world’s most perfect playgrounds,” he said.

The show has drawn criticism before it has even aired, with Byron locals even staging a paddle out protest.

Kumi Taguchi will be moving on to SBS after being announced as the new host of Insight, which airs during the public broadcasters current affairs line-up on Tuesday nights. She joins the program following Jenny Brockie’s decision to step down as host after nearly two decades in the role.

Speaking to Mediaweek, Taguchi said “I got a call from SBS late last year asking if I was interested in the role, and I had never really considered it before, to be honest. And then from the SBS point of view there was a four to six week process with a number of interviews and screen tests, I also got to meet a number of people in the team and basically interview each other about the job.”

Top Image: Sound Recordist Steve Nossiter, Camera Annie Benzie, Presenter Kumi Taguchi, and Producer Muditha Dias.