Governmentality, blurred boundaries, and pleasure in the docusoap border security

The Seven Network's Border Security: Australia's Front Line has been the highest rating TV program in its season for each of the last five years in Australia. The program examines the daily work of the Australian customs, immigration, and quarantine services using the threaded structure common to the 'docusoap' format, as, in each episode, the nation is defended from threats posed by 'drug runners, illegal immigrants, potential terrorists, harmful pests and disease'. Located at airports, coastal waters and mailing centres the action in each episode revolves around the detection and apprehension of individuals whose actions are constructed as threats to the well-being of the nation. This article argues that the series operates in a liminal space between documentary and public relations to present in a positive light the work of border protection agencies and engage the travelling citizen in the work of border protection and risk management. In doing so the program serves as an agent of governmentalit