Merrick and Rosso ... " Whoa, whoa. Um ...''
Nova 969's Merrick and Rosso were forced to make an on-air apology this morning after a prostitute claimed she had "seen'' a senior Labor politician.
Speaking on Nova's Merrick and Rosso breakfast show this morning, a woman who said she was a sex worker was asked what the prostitutes' code of ethics was when it comes to keeping secret the names of high-profile clients they have slept with.
She replied: "We may have defamation cases brought against us and, as I'm anonymous, I can say I've seen [the politician].''
She was immediately cut off as the hosts said, "Oh, hang on. Whoa, whoa. Um ...''
About half an hour later a statement was read out on air by one of the hosts.
"Just before the 8.30 news we spoke to a sex worker who made reference to [the politician].
"We wish to advise that this reference was made without any foundation and is not in anyway condoned or supported by this radio station.''
"We wish to apologise for any hurt suffered as a result of this unfounded allegation.''
Nova 969 general manager, Mandi Wicks, said Merrick and Rosso acted quickly to cut the woman off.
"The boys are well aware that that sort of stuff is completely unfounded, not helpful and not appreciated. They are very,very good at really cutting people off who make ridiculous allegations,'' she said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/prostitute-names-politician-on-air/2006/06/02/1148956523552.html