Sky News has found itself on the wrong end of an uproar following a report filed from the site of wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 which was reportedly shot down by pro-Russian Separatists in the Ukraine this past Friday.
Sky News reporter Colin Brazier was filing the story live from the site of wreckage in the eastern Ukraine. All 298 passengers and crew on board the ill-fated flight were killed, and wreckage from the flight – including baggage and bodies – were strewn over several kilometres.
During the report, Brazier was shown rummaging through the bag of a passenger, highlighting its contents whilst talking about the enormity of the tragedy. Shortly after this he can be heard on the broadcast stating “We shouldn’t really be doing this, I suppose.“
Naturally this caused an enormous uproar from viewers and the Internet, attacking the report for its disregard for sensitivity, with some even calling for Brazier to be sacked.
Through a statement, Sky News issued the following apology:
“Today whilst presenting from the site of the MH17 air crash, Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims’ bags. Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on air. Both Colin and Sky News apologise profusely for any offence caused.“
