2DayFM Broadcast 3 Hour Mental Health Special As Penalty For Royal Prank

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ruled that 2DayFM, Austereo, and the two radio hosts, Mel Grieg and Michael Christian, had all broken the law by broadcasting the prank call. So, the ACMA ruled that the station would feature a 3 hour special devoted purely to mental health issues, and donate all advertising revenue to a mental health charity (or go without advertising altogether). 

The show also boasted a star-studded lineup of Australian and international speakers:

My amazing boss @tweetinjules helping @JulesLund & @BiancaDye #PressPause for mental health https://t.co/Y80WaorGYj

— Kara Hinesley (@karahinesley) September 28, 2015

“When I’m sad, I’m sad. I’m a human being and that’s how it should be.” – @samsmithworld on having bad days #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

“You are not the opinion of someone that doesn’t know you.” – @taylorswift13 on looking out for yourself #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

“I wish @headspace_aus was around when I was in high school…” – @ash_london #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

Here’s the app that @oshergunsberg + the gang are chatting about: http://t.co/Nxku1rFFZS #presspause @shazamtop20 @2DayFM #reachoutbreathe

— ReachOut.com (@ReachOut_AUS) September 29, 2015

“Less people get cold sores than get anxiety.” – @oshergunsberg on services like @ReachOut_AUS #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

Don’t be surprised that famous people have #mentalhealth issues. 1 in 4 young people do, even if they have fame and fortune #presspause

— Black Dog Institute (@blackdoginst) September 29, 2015

“There should be laws on social media bullying.” – @ricky_martin #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

A few tips on managing #cyberbullying + keeping yourself safe online: http://t.co/MWS8pLSBvC @ricky_martin @2DayFM @shazamtop20 #presspause

— ReachOut.com (@ReachOut_AUS) September 29, 2015

“Bullying online feels as bad as bullying in person” – @tweetinjules #presspause

If you need help, check out http://t.co/wMkxGe7Zpv

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

“I am determined to build a mental health system that is easier than it currently is.” – Minister for Health @sussanley #presspause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

.@ollymurs talks keeping the happiness flowing #presspause
https://t.co/OblG8bdEJc

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

RT @chrispytweets Make a #mentalhealth promise for yourself at https://t.co/MWhUhBrQ0m

#PressPause @AUMentalHealth

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

.@RubyRose talks about coming out, depression and dealing with bullying #PressPause

http://t.co/PjYuUz1TMZ

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

Now on air: @beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman talk anxiety, depression & mental health #PressPause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

If you’ve just tuned in, we’re doing a live check-in around Aus for Mental Health Awareness – with @JulesLund and @BiancaDye #PressPause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

Popular app Shazam took a break from their usual music-finding role, and instead used their magical technology to automatically link curious listeners to topics, websites, apps, mental health charities and lifelines that were spoken about during the special:

Remember – you can Shazam the show at any time for more information on the interviews or organisations #PressPause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015

Some of the information presented was personal experience, some was uplifting, some was brutally honest, some was directional, some was support, and some was advice. All of it was informative, and all of it has the potential to save someone’s life. 

While the question still stands about whether 2DayFM would have broadcast this important special if they had not been penalised by ACMA, it can’t be doubted that the thorough special was impressively done, and for a very, very important cause.

If someone you know needs crisis support or is thinking about suicide contact @LifelineAust on 13 11 14 #PressPause

— 2DayFM 104.1 (@2DayFM) September 29, 2015