Monday, December 10, 2012

Thumbs Down: The Reaction


The Australian DJs behind the prank call to Kate Middleton's apologized this morning on Australian television for any role they may have played in the tragic death of the nurse who answered the phone. Am I the only one who thinks Michael Christian and Mel Greig have nothing to apologize for? There is not a DJ in the country who has not done a similar trick, it is regular part of many morning shows. Leno, Letterman have both done their share, Ellen DeGeneres regularly does prank calls and gags on audience members and viewers.

There were a lot people judging the woman who answered the phone last week who are this week judging the talk show hosts. They did nothing beyond the scope of the average talk radio host. The death of the nurse was tragic and I feel for her family, but from all accounts the hospital was supporting her, her job was not at risk and I can't help but think there must have been more going on for her. It is natural to feel for the one who died, but if her death was a suicide, I am not sure she was the victim. Her family of course, but also the DJ's.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel really bad for the DJ's. I blame the producers of the show for not obtaining consent to air the segment. No one should be publicly humiliated like that. The difference between this incident and what Leno, Letterman, Ellen, and other on air personalities obtain consent before they air that material. The radio station is claiming they couldn't get a hold of the hospital to obtain consent and that's their excuse. I don't think that's good enough. They should have waited till the hospital gave consent to air it. I think the DJ's have shown genuine remorse and shouldn't be punished any further because the guilt they have is more than enough. Such a sad situation.

-Chris

GRick said...

I totally agree with your assessment of the situation. Everyone involved is a victim.