The Tasmanian radio host who was suspended after making an inappropriate ‘joke’ about the accident at Dreamworld that killed four adults has resigned.
Grant Cameron, CEO of 7HOFM’s parent company Grant Broadcasters, told news.com.au the Anna Dare was offered the chance to return 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.
The former 7HOFM presenter made an offensive remark about the incident during a ‘secret sound’ segment on October 27 — two days after the theme park tragedy.
The presenter was attempting to guess the sound she heard when she said, “It’s not getting stuck in a conveyor belt at a theme park is it? … Too soon?”
Cameron told the AAP at the time of the incident the tasteless comments did not in any way reflect the views of the company.
“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,” he said.
Dare told The Mercury in September the opportunity to co-host a morning show was a lifelong goal.
“I’m a single mum and I needed to help my son get ready in the mornings, which made it impossible to do a breakfast show, which has always been my dream job,” she said.
The mother explained she was able to overcome this obstacle after her son moved into his teenage years.
“We moved from the Gold Coast to Hobart specifically so I could take this job and I haven’t regretted it for a minute,” she said.
The station now searching for a replacement for Dare to join current co-host and former My Kitchen Rules contestant Mick Newell.
Top Comments
I guess it's just the timing. The joke was funny. Comedians can make appalling (but incredibly funny) jokes involving taboo subjects as long as enough time has passed by. Obviously, if you're currently dealing with that topic you might not find it terribly funny. But it's possible to do both; recognise that even though the topic in question is causing you great pain, there is humour to be found in pretty much everything. A few years ago The Chaser aired a joke about sick children making a realistic wish, which I actually found very funny, because believe it or not it's possible to laugh at that joke and at the same time have enormous compassion for sick children and their families.
I think it a bit harsh the comment has cost her job even if "by her own choice". It was an oh shit moment and I'm sure she regretted it as soon as it came out of her mouth I think most of us have had a moment like it but been fortunate enough for it not to happen on live radio.
I never enjoyed her on the radio and think what she said was very inappropriate but I feel for her.