Off air: Dreamworld gaffe DJ 'to take a break from radio'
A Tasmanian radio host who made an inappropriate on-air joke about the Dreamworld tragedy two days after four people died when their ride malfunctioned will not return to air.
Anna Dare co-hosted the 7HOFM breakfast show with former My Kitchen Rules contestant Mick Newell, when she made a crude reference to the tragedy during the Secret Sound segment on October 27.
“I really don’t like it,” Ms Dare told listeners after hearing the mystery sound played, giving listeners the chance to win $140.
“It’s not getting stuck in a conveyor belt at a theme park is it? Too soon?” Ms Dare asked her co-host Mick Newell.
Radio host suspended for sick Dreamworld joke
“That’s what it sounds like to me when I first heard it ... that’s the first thing I thought of,” Ms Dare protested.
Audibly shocked by the comments, Mr Newell sighed and quickly cut to a song.
Ms Dare was promptly taken off air after making the remark and was suspended by the radio station and its parent company Grant Broadcasters. On Tuesday the broadcaster announced she would not be coming back.
“The announcer’s remark demonstrated a serious lapse in judgement and we sincerely apologise to our listeners, the broader community and everyone affected by this week’s terrible tragedy,” CEO of Grant Broadcasters, Grant Cameron, said in a statement following the poor joke.
“This was a dreadful mistake and the announcer is devastated at such a lapse,” the company posted this statement on their website.
On Tuesday, the CEO of Grant Broadcasters, Grant Cameron confirmed in a follow-up statement Ms Dare was offered the chance to return to the show, but turned it down.
“She thanked the station for its support and the opportunity to return on air, but has decided to take a break from radio,” he said.
Ms Dare only began the breakfast gig in January this year, joining Mr Newell who had hosted the morning program for more than three years.
7HOFM will now search for a replacement for Ms Dare.
While the nation was still reeling in the wake of the theme park tragedy on October 27, social media users criticised the then breakfast personality for the gaffe, calling on Grant Broadcasters to sack her.
“Anna dare from 7hofm needs to learn to keep her mouth shut after reading what she said I hope that idiot gets fired,” one Twitter user wrote.
Another wrote: “Anna dare, please stay off air!”
“Anna Dare, you disgusting individual. @7hofmhobart hope your next secret sound is the ATM collecting a dole payment,” followed another.
Another Twitter user even suggested Ms Dare should apologise to the victim’s families
“@thesurfsflat @7hofmhobart @newscomauHQ they should make her face the families involved and apologise #coward,” the tweet read.
“Wow...... Tell Anna Dare i said shes a ****** low life piece of ****. Sack the *****,” another tweet said.
