10 Dec 2012

Crisis talks at radio station over fatal hoax

11:31 am on 10 December 2012

Crisis talks over a royal prank call have been held by the owners of Sydney radio station 2Day FM, amid a growing backlash following the death of a nurse who was caught in the hoax.

2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian called King Edward VII hospital in London last Tuesday pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles in an attempt to speak to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha, 46, answered the call before transferring it through to the duty nurse responsible for Catherine, who divulged details of Katherine's acute morning sickness.

Mrs Saldanha was found dead in her apartment on Friday morning.

Southern Cross Austereo confirmed its board of directors met on Sunday to discuss the call.

The outcome of the meeting is unknown and a further statement from the company is expected on Monday.

The ABC reports Mrs Saldanha's death has sparked global outrage directed towards the radio station and the presenters.

King Edward VII hospital has made an official complaint to Austereo chairman Max Moore-Wilton.

The ABC reports the two presenters may have broken the law by recording a private conversation and then broadcasting it without consent. They have been taken off-air.

Police in New South Wales have confirmed they had been contacted by Metropolitan Police in London.

On Saturday, Southern Cross Austereo chief executive Rhys Holleran said he was confident no laws were broken.

Other comment

Former former 2Day presenter Wendy Harmer said the incident showed a lack of management at the station.

She told the ABC there was clearly little oversight there.