A deckchair unfolding. Pumping up a bicycle tyre. A car boot closing.
These are the kinds of thing you associate with the classic FM radio “mystery sound” schtick, not the very recent death of four theme park guests after a catastrophic ride malfunction.
Yet, that is what Hobart’s 7HOFM host Anna Dare jumped to when presented with the sounds of twisting metal, and it’s her link between the sound and Tuesday’s tragedy at Dreamworld that has seen her suspended from her role.
This morning, Dare suggested “it’s violent sounding… it’s not getting stuck in the conveyor belt at a theme park, is it? Too soon?”
Her co-hosts could actually be heard gasping in the background:
As a result of that off-key goof, 7HOFM issued a statement saying it sincerely apologises, and “the comment was completely unacceptable.”
“The thoughts and prayers of all 7HOFM and Grant Broadcasters staff are with the families and friends of those who died in he tragedy.”
Grant Broadcaster’s chief Grant Cameron said Dare was “devastated” and will be counselled. A date for her return hasn’t yet been determined.
