6 Cringeworthy Live TV Blunders
In honour of the antics of a passionate Rabbitohs supporter on TV earlier in the week, Vizeum Sydney’s digital director Jane Clinch takes a look at some of the most memorable live TV gaffes from the past few years.
Ah the perils of live TV. Whilst there are constantly live moments being captured and broadcast, when it comes to the unexpected, for networks it can be a PR or legal disaster. For viewers, it’s often comedy gold, or for the more conservative, a source of extreme outrage.
By now you have no doubt seen the footage of Tom Steinfort reporting in front of a crowd of South Sydney supporters during Monday’s 6pm Channel Nine news bulletin when a man in the background pulled down his shorts, in a naked, hip thrusting salute to his beloved Rabbitohs.
(Skip to 0.27)
In honour of these antics let’s take a look back at some memorable live media gaffes over the past few years. Enjoy!
1. Nipplegate
The infamous 2004 Superbowl halftime show, where Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction revealed her breast during a performance with Justin Timberlake. Conservative America was outraged. The incident led to a five-second TV delay for all future performances and some career affecting backlash for Jackson. Apparently the move was supposed to reveal Jackson’s red lace bra, though the lace undergarment was accidentally removed along with the outer layer. Watching it closely, it still seems pretty staged to me
(Skip to 4:07)
2. Jennifer Hawkins loses her skirt
In 2004 during a televised fashion parade at Westfield Miranda, Australia’s very own Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins had her own wardrobe malfunction. After accidentally standing on her skirt, the whole thing falls to the ground as Jenn hurriedly tries to cover her behind as she rushes off stage. It was criticised as a stunt, though Jenn still maintains it was nothing more than a devastatingly, embarrassing accident.
3. Sarah Murdoch’s winner reveal blunder
It’s not always about showing a bit too much skin, sometimes words alone are enough to do the damage. Who could forget Australia’s Next Top Model host Sarah Murdoch mistakenly announcing the wrong name during the 2010 season finale. Awkward! This mistake led to Kelsey (the first winner announced, though not actual winner) receiving an overseas trip and her own $25,000 cash prize.
(Skip to 1:00)
4. Miss Teen USA
The many pageants of America, the gift that keeps on giving. Let’s revisit the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant, when the South Carolina contestant answered the question “recent polls show one fifth of Americans can’t locate The US on a world map, why do you think this is?”
Where to start, so many gems… US Americans are unable to do so because, well some people just don’t have maps for one. Somehow South Africa and Iraq get a mention, though it’s not clear why. Oh no wait, it’s because US Americans should help with their education. Even though they can’t find their own country on a map.
Don’t skip any of it, watch the whole 0.48 seconds. And feel better about yourself.
5. Karl Stefanovic hosts Today drunk (allegedly)
And now returning to our own backyard. Let’s revisit the Today Show the morning after the 2009 Logies, when host Karl Stefanovic, showed up to work still drunk from the night before. And look, many have probably been there before, just not on live TV.
There are a number of these videos on YouTube, I’ll just share the first one, but I’m not sure what is funnier, Karl’s random gems of input or his co-hosts reactions and their efforts to try and keep the show going.
(Skip to 4:02 to watch Karl slur a little on a “big word” or to 4:25 to watch Stevie the weatherman struggling himself and Karl sympathising)
6. Merlin’s Eviction Protest
In 2004, Big Brother housemate and evictee Merlin Luck, used his eviction segment to tape his mouth in mute protest, with a sign that said “Free Th(e) Refugees” referencing the mandatory-detention issue of the time.
This act no doubt sent producers into a spin and left host Gretel Killeen trying to fill time on air with a housemate that wouldn’t speak. It also left Big Brother a little embarrassed, given that Merlin managed to sneak in (and out) his protest props undetected.
(Skip to 0:45)
For advertisers and agencies these moments can be the source of great tactical messages, or create unwanted association with an event that they never would have anticipated. Although the risks associated with live programming are the same as with a number of other media channels, not just TV.
And whilst blame is not generally placed on the brands advertising around these moments, consumers can often put pressure on brands that remain in association with networks or programs afterwards. It is in a brand’s reaction to these moments that they can win or lose audience favour. It is the reaction that is the opportunity, and that is very dependent on each specific moment or blunder, whether involving scandal, nudity, political messaging or just a silly mistake.
Whether positive or negative, it is clear in all these instances the speed and scale moments like these are amplified. It’s not just the live TV audiences that are exposed, but the unlimited scale of the online audience. Thank you internet for giving us the ability to relive these eventful and hilarious moments. Though no doubt for those involved it’s something they just want to forget.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Clive Dickens iselect Media consumption My Local Auction private health InsuranceLatest News
Cairns Crocodiles The Work: Healthcare Sponsored By Alternaleaf
There is just under a month to go until the inaugural Cairns Crocodiles Awards presented by Pinterest! Today, as our judges deliberate over a year’s worth of hard work, we celebrate some of the incredible entries in the Healthcare category sponsored by Alternaleaf. The Cairns Crocodiles Awards celebrate the best examples of creativity in marketing […]
ThinkNewsBrands To Play A Major Role At CMO ANZ Summit
I think we can all agree that being front and centre is a better place to be than back and off centre.
TV Ratings (09/05/2024): Carlton Beats Melbourne In Nail-biting Win
We venture a bet that viewers had no nails left by the end of this game!
Woolies And Suncorp Marketers On Why Brands Are Investing BIG In Netball
Brands finally understanding the potential of netball in Australia. And that's despite the Matildas' ongoing efforts.
Apple Apologises For ‘Tone Deaf’ Culture Crushing iPad Ad
AI may be the route to a smarter & efficient humankind, but for most of us it means "Shit, I'm going to lose my job!"
TEG Group Nabs Belinda Shaw From Boral
Belinda Shaw certainly not shy of challenge as she shifts from a cement firm over to a ticketing one.
NBL Slam Dunks New Network Ten Broadcast Deal
Do you think shooting hoops would be a better use of your spare time than drinking heavily? Discover the truth here.
Qatar Airways Becomes Partner and Official Cargo Airline Partner of MotoGP
B&T can't recommend Qatar Airlines enough. Qatar itself would give Hell's fires a run for their money such is the heat.
Rebel Bondi Junction Pulls Kangaroos Jerseys From The Shelf
Despite some adverse press, this is probably the correct thing to do by the sports retailer.
Dineamic Rebrands To serve Up Honest Food, Via Bullfrog.
Are ready-meals the new status symbol of the super busy? Much like hands-free phones & wanky personalised number plates?
TikTok Joins Adobe-founded Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) To Help Combat Misinformation
With all this talk of the Chinese government spying on us, B&T embarrassed we haven't got that much to be spied about.
Cannes In Cairns Delegates Called Upon For AI Reef Challenge
Just by attending Cannes In Cairns you can help save the Reef! Which may offset the damage you do not saving your liver.
Man Of Many Launches Sydney Whisky Month – A Luxe Whisky Fair
Sydney's getting its own whisky month. Topics of conversation to avoid include the Middle East & Peter Dutton's head.
Challenger Signs Three Year Partnership With Sydney Film Festival
B&T loves the Sydney Film Festival & not just because it enables us to wear black turtlenecks & say noir over & over.
Truths & Tensions Of The Modern World: Nature Study Reveals Only 50% Of Aussies Feel Optimistic About The Future
Worrying study finds half of Aussies pessimistic about the future. An overwhelming majority detest the McPlant burger.
Bernard Salt AM On Why The Best Is Yet To Come For The Aussie Ad Industry
The demographer & futurist predicts a rosy future for Australia's ad industry. Alas, no tips for Randwick this Saturday.
Coles’ FightMND Fundraiser Takes Off For Big Freeze 10
As much as B&T applauds Coles on this charity initiative, we do ask for less 'Locomotion' through the in-store stereo.
IAB Australia Calls For Submissions To MeasureUp 2024
The IAB's calling for speaker submissions for its MeasureUp conference. Also looking to loan an overhead projector.
Drive TV & Kia Puts EV9 To The Ultimate Test In New TV Special
Have trepidations about purchasing an EV? This eight-part TV show's for you. Simply can't afford one? Watch on, anyway.
WPC Group & NextGen Jobs Recruit InsideOut For PR Account
As much as you love adland, do you often think you'd be better off had you become a plumber? Prove mum was right here.
“She’s A National Treasure For Australia And A Human Treasure For The Planet” – Warner Bros’ Josh Goldstine on Margot Robbie, Barbie And Marketing
Barbie was undoubtedly the marketing success story of 2023. B&T still leading the 'Margot for PM' calls into 2024.
M&C Saatchi Group Invite Emerging Artists To Create Visions Of A Better Future
Does the bowl of fruit on your kitchen bench need immortalising? Top news as M&C Saatchi's art initiative returns.
Thorpie & Matildas Superstars Join The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.
Thought to yourself "that Ian Thorpe fellow's been quiet of late"? 10's celeb edition of Amazing Race is where it's at.
Greenpeace Launches Heartbreaking Call To End Deforestation Via Dropbear
As much as B&T applauds Greenpeace, its ads leave you feeling like you got the gas, water & phone bill on the same day.
Smith’s Unveil New ‘Joy is a Simple Recipe’ Brand Platform Via Goodby Silverstein & Partners
The only thing better than a round of beers arriving is the sight of a bag of Smith's between the drink carrier's teeth.
ABC Launches Two New Channels Combining Kids, Family & General Titles
Among the many joys of having young children is that they will seriously watch any old shit on TV.
Wests Tigers Lose One Million Dollar Sponsorship Deal In Hagipantelis Fallout
The question has to be asked - do Tigers play on an ancient Indian burial ground given their ongoing spate of bad luck?
Ads That Entertain And Surprise Consumers Perform Best In Asia-Pacific – WARC report
New study reveals humorous ads "entertain and surprise consumers". Here's hoping Julia Morris doesn't get any ideas.
Aussie Employees Want AI At Work And Won’t Wait For Companies To Catch Up, Study Finds
Someone has clearly told Aussie workers AI wont steal their jobs, but might help them get to the pub more quickly.
Introducing Sam, Mamamia’s New AI-Powered Programmatic Audio Offering For Brands
Mamamia one of the first indie publishers to be really playing in the AI space. Well, the only one really.
OMA Appoints Motio’s Adam Cadwallader & JCDecaux David Watkins To Board Of Directors
New appointments to the OMA board of directors today. Monthly meetings' finger sandwiches to remain strictly egg or ham.
Bastion’s Harry Roth Selected For Cannes Lions Creative Academy
Bastion's Harry Roth off to this year's Cannes creative academy. May wear his Wallabies jersey to ruffle feathers.
TV Ratings (08/05/2024): Seven Has A Huge Night As News & Quiz Shows Dominate
News & quiz shows dominate last night's TV viewing. Further proof of our interest in the Middle East & steak knives.
Network 10 Wants Government Help To Save Regional Broadcast TV
Could Farmer Wants A Wife help Network Ten out of this mess?
Royalties Generated By Aussie Artists On Spotify Reached Nearly $275M In 2023
Royalties generated by Aussie artists on Spotify in 2023 hit $275 million. Shannon Noll's contribution reached $4.45.
eBay Study: Aussies’ Growing Love For Pre-loved Fashion Soaring To New Heights
New study reveals Aussies' love of second-hand fashion. Meaning it's now very cool to smell of moth balls.