Hobart radio host Anna Dare suspended for Dreamworld gaffe

A HOBART radio announcer has been suspended after she made a comment referencing the Dreamworld tragedy during on-air banter about a secret sound competition.

7HOFM radio hosts Anna Dare, left, who is one half of the station’s breakfast duo with Mick Newell, has been suspended. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

A HOBART radio announcer has been suspended after she made a comment referencing the Dreamworld tragedy during on-air banter about a secret sound competition.

7HOFM also issued an apology, saying the comment was “unacceptable”.

During a “secret sound” segment during the station’s breakfast show hosted by Mick Newell and Anna Dare, Ms Dare said she didn’t like the sound because it was “violent sounding”.

“It’s not getting stuck in a conveyor belt at a theme park is it? Too soon?” she said.

She then said: “That’s what it sounds like to me when I first heard it, I don’t like it.”

She then urged listeners to guess the sound quickly because she didn’t want to hear it again.

Grant Cameron, chief executive of 7HOFM’s parent company Grant Broadcasters said the comment was deeply regrettable and did not reflect the values of the station or its parent company.

All references to Ms Dare and the breakfast program were removed from the 7HOFM website yesterday.

“The announcer’s remark demonstrated a serious lapse in judgment and we sincerely apologise to our listeners, the broader community and everyone affected by this week’s terrible tragedy,” Mr Cameron said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.”

Mr Cameron also said the comment was “out of character” for Ms Dare.

He said she would undergo counselling and training and a decision would be made “at a later date” about when she might return to an on-air role.

“This was a dreadful mistake and the announcer is devastated at such a lapse. As employers, we must also consider her wellbeing,” he said.

“We have dealt with this unfortunate incident as swiftly as possible and will use it to further improve our standards and the training of our on-air staff.”

Mr Cameron said Mr Newell would present the breakfast show alone for the time being.

Originally published as Hobart radio host Anna Dare suspended for Dreamworld gaffe