Embattled ABC newsreader Natasha Exelby has quit the public broadcaster following ongoing fallout from her now infamous on-air gaffe.
Back in early April, footage of Exelby daydreaming while reading a news bulletin went viral and forced her ABC bosses to remove her from on-air duties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKxsGiy6DTU
Rumours surfaced that Exelby had actually been sacked from the broadcaster over what appeared a rather trivial and humorous error.
ABC bosses were even forced to issue a public statement denying the rumours they’d punted the journalist. There was subsequent outrage when another ABC presenter, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, sent out an offensive tweet on ANZAC Day and bosses failed to even discipline her.
However, Exelby insisted she had been removed over her on-air error and had been ordered to do junior duties instead. News Corp websites have also reported that Exelby’s demotion was due to “behavioural issues” which Exelby herself denied.
An ABC spokesperson told News Corp: “Natasha Exelby has chosen not to do some casual shifts she was rostered for. Natasha was not taken off-air because of a ‘blooper’ and ABC News has been clear that we’re open to working with her again, including the possibility of future presenting shifts.”
Exelby apparently left the broadcaster of her own volition last Wednesday. It is unclear whether she has a new role to go to.
