The Today Network has apologised after being caught up in yet another scandal, this time after two of its presenters tricked hospital staff in London to reveal details about the sick and pregnant Kate Middleton.
Today presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian rang the hospital where Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has been staying and impersonated the Queen and Prince Charles, asking for an update on Middleton's health.
The hospital staff gave them details about Middleton's condition, which has led to the prank call blowing up in the international press and on social media.
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) said in a statement: ““We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the enquiry to Kate’s hospital, the radio segment was done with light-hearted intentions, we wish Kate and her family all the best and we're glad to hear she's doing well.”
Meanwhile, the two presenters said: “We were very surprised that our call was put through, we thought we'd be hung up on as soon as they heard our terrible accents. We’re very sorry if we’ve caused any issues and we’re glad to hear that Kate is doing well.”
The UK press in particular has blown up over the phone call, while the King Edward VII Hospital in London has called it a “foolish and deplorable prank call”.
Meanwhile, it has been questioned whether the call was a breach of privacy or if it breaches any radio standards. SCA has claimed the prank call was run past lawyers and approved before going to air.
Meanwhile, the scandal has been particularly divisive on social media.
Many have spoken against the network, with one person tweeting: “This is a national disgrace, and Australia should stop at nothing to throw the book at 2Day FM for this breach of Kate Middleton's security.”
However, others have been less harsh. One person tweeted: “People are overreacting to the 2Day FM Kate Middleton prank. Yes, issues over privacy are raised but to be honest, hospital's fault.”
The Today Network is no stranger to scandal, having been caught in controversy earlier in the year after presenter Kyle Sandilands called a journalist a “fat slag”. His comments led to an advertiser boycott.
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