Australian Radio Hosts "Gutted" by Nurse's Death

Australian radio show host Mel Greig says that learning of Saldanha's death was "the worst phone call I've ever had in my life".

Published

6 months ago

Categories

World

Topics

Royals, Oceania, Europe

People

Jacintha Saldanha, Mel Greig, Michael Christian

Places

Australia, United Kingdom

Transcript

They've been quiet so far. Now, the Australian DJs whose prank phone call unleashed a horrific unimaginable sequence of events are speaking for the first time. 2Day show hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig describe how they learned of nurse Jacintha Saldanha's death. SOUNDBITE: (English) Radio Host, 2Day Fm, Mel Greig, saying: "It's the worst phone call I've ever had in my life." SOUNDBITE: (English) Radio Host, 2Day Fm, Michael Christian, saying: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family and the friends of all those affected. And, you know, obviously Mel and myself are incredibly sorry for this situation and what's happened. (crying)" While the Internet backlash against the pair has been swift with some blaming them for the nurse's death, Londoners say the situation isn't that clear. (SOUNDBITE) (English) Bea Walker, saying: "I am sorry for them now. I think it's something they will have to live with for the rest of their lives." (SOUNDBITE) (English) Caroline Heart, saying: "Well, they are not wholly responsible, but they were not very sensible were they? They didn't think before they spoke...They are young, they've got a lot to learn." The situation has prompted discussions about the law and media standards, and lots of reflection. (SOUNDBITE) (English) Radio Host, 2Day FM, Mel Greig, saying: "There's not a minute that goes by that we don't think about her family and what they must be going through. And the thought that we may have played a part in that is...it's gut-wrenching."