Australian regulator opens probe into royal prank station

Australia’s media watchdog on Thursday launched an investigation into the broadcast of a prank call to the London hospital treating Prince William’s pregnant wife Catherine.

The hoax sparked global condemnation with the nurse who fielded the call, Jacintha Saldanha, apparently committing suicide. The result of her post-mortem is due to be announced later on Thursday, according to British police.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said its probe was into the broadcaster, 2Day FM, and not presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian who have borne the brunt of worldwide anger.

“The ACMA’s formal regulatory relationship is always with the relevant licensee (and not the presenters of any broadcast in question),” ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said in a statement.

“The ACMA will be examining whether the licensee has complied with its broadcasting obligations.”

When complaints are received about broadcasters in Australia, the regulator’s usual process is to give them 60 days to respond.

But it also has discretionary powers to launch an immediate investigation if the issue is serious enough and deemed to be in the public interest, a clause it has enacted.