Hobart’s 7HO FM has apologised on-line following an unfortunate comment made on-air this morning during the breakfast show’s Secret Sound segment.
Anna Dare, one-half of the breakfast duo alongside Mick Newell, commented on the sound as it was used to solicit callers…”that sounded like someone stuck in a conveyor belt at a theme park”.
The co-host was referring to the deaths of four people on the Dreamworld Rapids Ride on the Gold Coast.
Grant Broadcasters, along with the station offered their thoughts and prayers to the families who lost loved ones.
Grant Cameron, the chief executive of Grant Broadcasters went on to add, “We sincerely apologise to our listeners, the broader community and everyone affected by the Dreamworld tragedy,”
He confirmed Dare was taken off the air immediately, has been suspended and will be counselled.
A decision will be made at a later date about when she might return to an on-air role.
“This was a dreadful mistake and the announcer is devastated at such a lapse. As employers, we must also consider her well-being,” Mr Cameron said.
“We have dealt with this unfortunate incident as swiftly as possible and will use it to further improve our standards and the training of our on-air staff.”
Why on earth is this (sound grab) still available for people to hear considering the very sensitive nature of this sad event? It should be removed.
Thank you for your comment puffinglazza.
To answer your question, radioinfo is not generally read by members of the public. It is a site for Broadcast Professionals.
Over the years we have been staunch critics of inappropriate behaviour on-air and have criticised everyone from Alan Jones to Kyle Sandilands and John Laws.
We agree that this incident and the accompanying sound grab is, as you say, “sensitive.” But it acts as a painful aural reminder as to what radio people should be aware of regarding sensitive subjects.
Thank you again for taking the time to add your feedback. It is much appreciated.
A most unfortunate slip, one which, I'm sure Anna Dare, had she time to think about it, would not have made. And this is my point. The radio industry itself has to share the blame for this one. Whether it's Ms Dare, or Kyle Sandilands or anyone else who's made an outrageous comment live to air, or pranks that go wrong (e.g. pretending to be a member of the Royal Family to gain privileged information), there seems to be quite a bit of pressure on presenters, particularly if part of a "Brekky Team" to be "edgy" and provocative. From my radio listening experience, there's always that tacit encouragement to come up with something shocking enough to grab the puerile interest and maybe a few more listeners via the grapevine: "Did you hear what (local jock) said on the radio this morning?!?!" And then next day they have to top themselves, and so on until they really do "top" themselves. You have only to look at how certain stations have given certain personalities slaps over the wrist publicly, while privately letting them continue with the shock-jockery.
And no...I'm not giving anyone an excuse for making cruel and insensitive comments, but remember, the public that switches stations or continues listening, merely to hear more and more sensational content is also part of the problem, and is now happily online making their own vile contributions by calling her a "disgusting bitch", and worse.