The Australian Communications and Media Authority and Today FM have agreed on a constructive set of actions in response to the so-called ‘Royal Prank’ broadcast.
The nurse who had taken the call committed suicide.
In a statement released by The Australian Communications and Media Authority,
• 2DayFM will broadcast a three-hour special program, produced to promote media ethics and raise public awareness of the signs and risks of bullying, depression and anxiety. All advertising within the program will be suspended or proceeds donated to charity.
• The ACMA has accepted an enforceable undertaking from 2DayFM that will require all presenters, production and management personnel to actively engage with their ethical and legal obligations through a targeted training program.
‘The combined approach of the special broadcast and targeted training program, together with the imposition of a new licence condition, presents a positive alternative to what would have otherwise been a brief suspension of 2DayFM’s licence,’ said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. ‘This is a much more constructive way of ensuing future compliance by 2DayFM with important community safeguards.’
On 4 December 2012, 2DayFM presenters, imitating Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Charles, made a hoax call to the London Hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness.
Following the investigation of a number of complex issues, the ACMA found the broadcast of the ‘Royal Prank’ call segment breached requirements of the Code.
