ACMA to appeal 2DayFM nurse prank call decision to the High Court
The media watchdog is to seek leave to appeal to the High Court after losing a Federal Court appeal by the Today Network over its investigation of the Royal Prank Call investigation.
In a statement on its website The Australian Media Communications Authority (ACMA) said: “On 11 April 2014, the Australian Communications and Media Authority filed an application for special leave to appeal to the High Court from the decision of the Full Federal Court delivered on 14 March 2014.
“Pending resolution of that application, the ACMA will be making no further comment on the matter.”
The case relates to the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who took her own life in December 2012 after she had put through a prank call by hosts Mel Greig and Michael ‘MC’ Christian, who were impersonating Prince Charles and The Queen, to the ward where the then pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for acute morning sickness.
Following the incident the ACMA prepared a report which is understood to have found the broadcaster performed a criminal act by broadcasting it. However, the broadcaster says the watchdog has “overstepped its bounds” by finding it acted in a criminal manner.
Last month’s decision saw 2DayFM win its appeal in front of the full bench of the Federal Court to suppress the reports. It followed a previous decision which had ruled the ACMA did in fact have the authority to report finding fault with the broadcaster.
This is the final appeal possible in the case from either side.
At the time of posting 2DayFM has been contacted for comment but has not responded.
Nic Christensen
