Danika Mason's Winter Olympics Live Cross Blooper Goes Viral
Channel Nine presenter Danika Mason has issued a public apology after a live cross from the Winter Olympics featuring her slurred speech became an internet sensation. The incident occurred during a Wednesday morning sports update on the Today show, where Mason stumbled through her words, made an obscure comment about "not sure about the iguanas," discussed coffee prices in Italy and the US, and even lay down to create snow angels.
Today host Karl Stefanovic immediately suggested after the segment that Mason's performance might have been affected by the "cold air." However, Mason took full responsibility during her Thursday morning cross, stating, "I shouldn't have had a drink, and especially in these conditions, it's cold, we've got altitude, and not having had dinner probably didn't help as well. I want to take full responsibility. It's not the standard that I set for myself... I'm really sorry."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Shows Support
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his support for Mason during an interview with Nova Melbourne, saying he was "pro-Danika." He commented, "Good on her, she's over in Italy and she would have been tired. It's the time difference, it would have been having an impact. Nothing to see here." Mason, who regularly hosts the network's NRL coverage, expressed hope that attention would return to the "amazing few days" remaining at the Winter Olympics.
Memorable Australian TV Bloopers Through the Years
Live television broadcasting presents significant challenges, and Mason is far from the first Australian media personality to experience a viral mishap. Here are some of the most unforgettable bloopers in Australian television history.
Sarah Murdoch's Next Top Model Announcement Fiasco
In 2010, host Sarah Murdoch's face fell moments after she announced Kelsey Martinovich as the winner of Australia's Next Top Model's sixth season. Clutching her earpiece, Murdoch said, "Oh my God, I don't know what to say right now. I'm feeling a bit sick about this. No. I'm so sorry about this. It's Amanda, I'm so sorry. It was fed to me wrong."
Karl Stefanovic's Dalai Lama Pizza Joke
Today host Karl Stefanovic attempted comedy during a 2011 interview with the Dalai Lama, starting with, "The Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop. And says, 'can you make me one with everything?'"
Andrew Rochford's Kitty 'Clitty' Flanagan Introduction
The Project host Andrew Rochford gave comedian Kitty Flanagan an unforgettable introduction during a 2013 live cross, announcing "Clitty Flanagan" was joining the panel. Flanagan quickly retorted, "Well, uh, if you keep calling me Clitty, you should, yeah."
Lee Lin Chin's Unexpected Camera Moment
Even veteran newsreaders have their moments. Former SBS icon Lee Lin Chin was caught off air during a 2010 news bulletin expressing her first impressions of British reporter Dan Rivers when the camera unexpectedly cut back to her, saying, "Who is that handsome..." before matter-of-factly turning to camera to present the next story.
Belinda Russell's Lego Dot Com Slip
Today show presenter Belinda Russell accidentally switched the "o" to a "u" when directing viewers to visit "Lego dot com," giving the URL an entirely new meaning. Her co-presenter David Campbell couldn't contain his laughter during the 2020 broadcast.
Belinda Heggen's Cricket Commentary Double Entendre
During a 2011 Ten News bulletin, presenters Belinda Heggen and Mark Aiston discussed footage of English cricketer Andrew Strauss posing with a tiny Ashes urn. When Aiston said, "I just can't understand how something so small can be so impressive," Heggen responded without missing a beat, "Well, Mark, you would know about that," before turning back to camera to announce "weather's next."
Natasha Exelby's Missed Cue Horror
Casual ABC journalist Natasha Exelby went viral in 2017 after missing her cue on live television, her face transforming into a horrified gasp. ABC director of news Gaven Morris stated, "Live television is a demanding art and slip-ups will happen – our presenters are humans, not robots," denying reports she had been fired or banned.
Mal Meninga's Abrupt Political Interview Exit
Former pro rugby league star Mal Meninga made a quick exit from his first radio interview as a politician on ABC Canberra in 2011. After speaking about his "urge to do community work," he petered out, saying, "I was put on a podium where I was just a person out there making sure that I was um, I'm buggered, I'm sorry, I can't do it," before leaving the studio.
Tony Armstrong's Bulging Disc Tongue Twister
ABC News Breakfast presenter Tony Armstrong stumbled over his words while reporting that cricketer Tim Paine had a bulging disc in his neck during a 2021 sports segment. Fellow presenter Michael Rowland immediately asked, "Bulging what?" before the segment moved to weather.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of live broadcasting and the human element that sometimes leads to unforgettable television moments.
