After getting caught 'daydreaming' during a live news shift, journalist Natasha Exelby has been taken off air post the video of her priceless reaction went viral.
As reported by The Guardian, Gaven Morris, director of ABC news has denied that Exelby is being punished for her blooper.
He said, "Live television is a demanding art and slip-ups will happen - our presenters are humans, not robots."
Continuing, "We take on-air standards extremely seriously, but we don't expect perfection. No one would ever be punished for a blooper and, while it isn't appropriate to publicly discuss confidential details of people's personal work arrangements, this has not happened to Natasha."
Morris also shared that the channel wants her to to continue working various shifts she has been rostered for.
"While she is not currently doing any on-air shifts, this will be subject to normal performance management. I have spoken to Natasha and conveyed our regret that this has attracted such attention," he noted.
In the short clip of the incident, the former 'Wake Up!' co-host is seen looking startled as she suddenly realises the cameras have returned to her after a prerecorded package finished playing.
A petition wanting her back on the TV has garnered over 3000 signatures till now.
Sources told The Guardian that Exelby had been offered more training and may be given on-air shifts again at a later stage.
After the video went viral, the channel issued a statement which read, "She has been booked for occasional on-air shifts when needed, and also does other occasional shifts for the ABC News channel. Contributors work out their shifts with managers on a per-needs basis. We don't comment on the details of people's work arrangements."
A lot of people have come to her support since the time reports were out that she reportedly has been banned or sacked.
Some of the reactions are:
Actor Russell Crowe took to Twitter and wrote, "Come on ABC - Australian Broadcasting Commission - talk about an over reaction to an over reaction . Free @NatashaExelby !!!"
Come on ABC - Australian Broadcasting Commission - talk about an over reaction to an over reaction . Free @NatashaExelby !!! https://t.co/4xALx8V5PN
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 10, 2017
"Don't worry @NatashaExelby. Just a flesh wound. Check out my swearing video if you want a serious #blooper. Australia wants you back on air," said Former Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd.
Don't worry @NatashaExelby. Just a flesh wound. Check out my swearing video if you want a serious #blooper. Australia wants you back on air. pic.twitter.com/RSDTgR1X3U
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) April 11, 2017
Australian Television presenter Grant Denyer also came out in her support and tweeted, "Nothing wrong with a bit of day dreaming at work @NatashaExelby . I fell asleep while on air. #putyourbloopersout."
Nothing wrong with a bit of day dreaming at work @NatashaExelby . I fell asleep while on air. #putyourbloopersoutpic.twitter.com/10CE3Cqkph
— Grant Denyer (@grantdenyer) April 10, 2017
It's not the first time Exelby has been caught in an inappropriate reaction on live TV.
Several years ago, she giggled repeatedly while reading serious news items about deaths and disasters.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
