An attempt at a hoax phone call to the King Edward VII’s Hospital by Michael Christian and Mel Greig two DJ’s from 2Day FM Radio Station in Australia has turned deadly.
Although the duo may have thought that the prank call would have escalated in actually talking with the Nurse in charge of the Duchess of Cambridge. Knowing that this Hoax call was not recorded live, It was a truley bad call by the management of the radio station to air it.
Then to discover that, not only had this happened, but that the call had been pre-recorded and the decision to transmit approved by your station’s management, was truly appalling
Hospital chief executive John Lofthouse yesterday confirmed that Jacintha Saldanha, 46, had died. She was found near the King Edward VII Hospital in an unconscious state and was unable to be revived.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority
The broadcasting watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), said it would talk to the station about the “facts and issues surrounding the prank call”.
In May, ACMA warned 2Day FM it could lose its broadcasting licence for any repeat of offensive on-air comments, after morning show presenter Kyle Sandilands called a female journalist a “fat slag” and threatened to “hunt her down”.
Southern Cross Austereo
Most express outrage and call for the two DJs to be punished or banned. The chief executive of Southern Cross Austereo – the company that owns 2Day FM – said the two presenters responsible for the prank will not return to their radio show until further notice.
The regulator of online and broadcast media is for now withholding judgment.
”The ACMA [Australian Communications and Media Authority] does not propose to make any comments at this stage, but will be engaging with the licensee, Today FM Sydney, around the facts and issues surrounding the prank call,” said Chris Chapman, chairman of ACMA.
- Is this a prank that ended tragically and could be called an accident ?
- Or is this an outrageous prank for ratings that could have been avoided ?
- Should these two fresh young radio presenters be responsible ? they might be the face of the radio station for a few hours a day, but what about the dozens behind the scene who probably had more to do with the call than the two who are paying dearly for this deadly prank ?
We should be looking past the stupidity and thinking about the family of Jasintha Saldanha and her colleagues.
Lord Glenarthur’s letter to Southern Cross Austereo
I am writing to protest in the strongest possible terms about the hoax call made from your radio station, 2Day FM, to this hospital last Tuesday.
“King Edward VII’s Hospital cares for sick people, and it was extremely foolish of your presenters even to consider trying to lie their way through to one of our patients, let alone actually make the call.”
“The immediate consequence of these premeditated and ill-considered actions was the humiliation of two dedicated and caring nurses who were simply doing their job caring for their patients”
“The longer term consequence has been reported around the world and is, frankly, tragic beyond words.
“I appreciate that you cannot undo the damage which has been done but I would urge you to take steps to ensure that such an incident could never be repeated.”
This should not have ended like this !
Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
There appears to be a lot of unanswered questions that demand answers for instance why do we not know the names of the lawyers and management many might say ought to have known better.
It appears that they are at this point content to allow two “naive and inexperienced presenters” who will probably go for years without sleep, take the flac. The station is in “overdrive” trying to limit the dammage to itself. It says that it tried to contact the hospital 5 times to get permission but nevertheless still went made the decision to go to air. Should it not be that person or persons that should be hung out to dry. The hospital denies receiving any such “apropiate” contact so what are the facts? is someone lying? are there telephone records to prove what took place.
Only time will tell.
I agree with you, I would love to know what was said to staff at the Hospital after receiving the call, especially how Jacintha Saldanha was spoken to.
I think that the Hospital management might be the ones who are keeping quiet ?
Also it was alledged that it was a result of a “team”decission so why weren’t the “team “facing the cameras and answering journalists questions?.
Yes there are quite a few people hiding behind these 2 young presenters it is shameful that there has not been any public appearance from the program managers and producers of their show, they are the ones that choose what goes to air.
I hope that Michael and Mel can pull through and start their new careers again.