View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Sky News apologises after reporter looked through MH17 luggage during live broadcast

By Press Gazette

Sky News has apologised after one of its foreign affairs reporters rifled through a victim's suitcase during a live broadcast at the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

In the report about the crash scene, Colin Brazier picked up a toiletry bag and a set of keys from an open suitcase full of the victim's belongings.

He appears to realise his mistake, telling the audience: "We shouldn't really be doing this, I suppose."

The broadcast was met with an outpouring of outrage on Twitter, with many calling his actions "shocking" and "disgusting".

One respondent named Alex said: "Would Sky News care to justify why their reporter Colin Brazier is rifling through the belongings of dead people from flight MH17? Shameful."

Media professor Joe Watson posted a clip of the broadcast, calling it a "horrible moment for journalism".

Joey Blower added: "Colin Brazier has interfered with a crime scene in the most distasteful manner. It must be investigated fully."

A spokeswoman for Sky News said: "Today whilst presenting from the site of the MH17 air crash Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims' bags.

"Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on air. Both Colin and Sky News apologise profusely for any offence caused."

Brazier, a British journalist, is described by Sky News as one of its "most widely travelled" reporters who has previously been honoured for his reporting in Afghanistan.

Sky nominated him for "presenter of the year" in the 2014 Royal Television Society Awards.

The spokeswoman added that a "handful" of complaints have been received by the broadcaster.

 

Topics in this article : , ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network