An ex-employee of an Australian radio network has launched legal action against his former workplace, claiming he was not supported through an on-air controversy.
In 2012, Michael Christian and his co-host Mel Greig prank-called a British hospital for a 2DayFM radio segment.
The duo obtained private information about Princess Catherine’s pregnancy by impersonating Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth. One of the nurses who spoke to them died by suicide days later.
Christian is now suing 2DayFM’s broadcaster, Southern Cross Austereo, in the Federal Court.
Background
Christian and Greig co-hosted 2DayFM’s “Summer 30” program in 2012. The Sydney radio station is part of the Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) network.
On 4 December 2012, the duo called a London hospital where Princess Catherine was receiving treatment during her first pregnancy.
Christian and Greig spoke to two hospital staff who believed they were talking to Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. Private details about Princess Catherine were revealed during the call.
Christian and Greig co-hosted 2DayFM’s “Summer 30” program in 2012. The Sydney radio station is part of the Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) network.
On 4 December 2012, the duo called a London hospital where Princess Catherine was receiving treatment during her first pregnancy.
Christian and Greig spoke to two hospital staff who believed they were talking to Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. Private details about Princess Catherine were revealed during the call.
Fallout
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found 2Day FM did not obtain the consent of hospital staff to record or broadcast the call, breaching its licence.
In a subsequent lawsuit in 2014, the High Court ruled in favour of ACMA.
A UK coronial inquest that year heard Saldanha was left “very upset” by the call, and blamed herself.
Her husband told the inquest the 46-year-old mother-of-two did not have a history of mental ill-health before her death.
Lawsuit
Greig left SCA shortly after the incident, but Christian continued to work for the network until February this year.
Christian has now launched legal action against SCA in the Federal Court, alleging he was pressured into the prank call.
Christian also claims he became a scapegoat for the incident, and that SCA failed to support him during a period of intense backlash against the hosts.
He said this led to severe mental health issues and damaged his career.
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Redundancy
Christian also alleges he was unlawfully dismissed in February.
The radio host was made redundant, but he argues the termination was not genuine because SCA still requires someone to perform his role.
His lawyers claim the network breached the Fair Work Act by dismissing Christian.
Greig filed similar proceedings in 2013, but agreed to a private settlement with SCA following mediation talks led by the Fair Work Commission.
Allegations
According to court documents seen by the Australian Associated Press (AAP), SCA promised to support hosts through any controversies related to on-air content.
Christian said he believed the network would protect him, but rather, it let its presenters take the blame for the prank call.
The former presenter also claims both he and Greig were apprehensive about the call going to air, but that they had no choice, and senior decision-makers were insistent on broadcasting the prank.
According to AAP reporting, legal documents filed by Christian’s lawyers say: “SCA did not immediately take public accountability for the incident, but rather allowed Mr Christian and Ms Greig to be left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse, including death threats.”
“The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and non-compliance.”
Response
TDA reached out to SCA for comment.
A spokesperson for the network said: “As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”
In an Instagram story, Greig said she understands why her former co-host is “choosing to go down this path.”
Next steps
Greig said she hopes the continued attention on this “tragic incident” will lead to “substantial reforms in the way media produce content and support their staff”.
“There are various reasons we may never be able to speak our entire truth,” she added.
The matter is yet to appear before the court. Christian is expected to seek compensation for economic loss and damages relating to the incident and SCA’s handling of the fallout.
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