Protesters highjack Sunrise’s live Commonwealth Games coverage
Sunrise’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games was interrupted by protesters this morning, as a crowd of at least 40 people gathered to demonstrate in opposition to a controversial segment that aired on the program last month.
Kochie & Sam address the land rights protest behind our broadcast on Kurrawa Beach. pic.twitter.com/ZgT3E3P1Py
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) April 9, 2018
News.com.au reports the protest, which at times seemed as though it would ground the show to a halt, was prompted by a Sam Armytage-led Hot Top segment which spiralled into what some perceive to be “blatant racism”.
At first, the program tried to ignore the protestors but after they continued to no avail, Armytage and co-host David Koch decided to address the demonstrators head on.
“We support and respect anyone being able to protest and get their view. Happy to have them here, and to express their view, but we have to be a bit careful with language and aggression,” Koch explained as the protest grew louder behind him.
“As regular viewers would know, we have lots of families and kids here. It’s school holidays in Queensland, it’s the Commonwealth Games, and while we respect everybody’s right to protest ... there are a lot of families on holidays.”
“We have to be very careful with some of the language going to air. I do want to point out that the original segment that sparked this was that children are at risk, not about land rights ... just keep that in mind,” Armytage chimed in.
During an ad break, Koch reportedly snapped at the protestors telling them to: “Do your homework.”
And when a news crew from rival network Nine arrived, Armytage also took a swipe saying, “Big clap for Channel Nine, it’s the only way they can get some ratings on TV.”
News.com.au also reports the protestors grew in rage when Armytage appeared to wink and smile sarcastically at one of the girls in the crowd.
Protestors reportedly yelled, “Samantha are you scared of us”?
“Sam if you don’t say sorry, we’re going to write a letter and get you sacked and Ernie Dingo is taking your job,” another added.
Eventually the group left when prompted by the elders and in less than one ad break a furious crowd had been replaced by families decked in the green and gold.
Koch and Armytage both addressed the crowd after that.
“Sorry about that,” both of them said.
“Sometimes you’ve just gotta stick it out,” Armytage added.
A Queensland Police spokesman said: “Queensland Police respect the rights of people protesting lawfully and peacefully in Queensland.”
What are your thoughts? Did you see the protest?