Channel Seven's AFL coverage was thrown into disarray on Saturday night when veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson's colourful language made its way to living rooms across the nation during the live broadcast.
The respected commentator, known for her sharp analysis, was caught uttering the F-word while off-camera but still wearing a live microphone during the coverage of the Carlton versus Melbourne match at the MCG.
Viewers immediately took to social media to express their shock, with many questioning how such explicit language could slip through the network's broadcasting protocols during prime-time viewing.
Immediate Backlash From AFL Community
The incident sparked instant controversy among the AFL community, with fans and parents expressing concern about the appropriateness of such language during family viewing hours. Numerous formal complaints were lodged with Channel Seven and broadcasting authorities within minutes of the incident occurring.
"We expect better from our national broadcasters," wrote one viewer on social media. "This is supposed to be family entertainment, not late-night cable."
Channel Seven's Response
Network executives were forced into damage control mode, with insiders confirming that the incident was being treated with "the utmost seriousness." While no official statement has been released regarding potential disciplinary action, sources indicate that internal reviews of broadcasting protocols have been initiated.
The blunder comes at a sensitive time for sports broadcasters, who are increasingly mindful of maintaining family-friendly content while delivering authentic coverage.
Not The First Time
This incident joins a growing list of live broadcasting slip-ups that have plagued sports coverage in recent years. Unlike pre-recorded segments, live sports present unique challenges for broadcasters, with the fast-paced nature of events making complete control over audio feeds notoriously difficult.
Industry experts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for improved delay systems and more rigorous audio monitoring, especially during high-profile sporting events that attract millions of viewers, including young children.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has previously taken action against broadcasters for similar incidents, with potential fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars for serious breaches of broadcasting codes.
