Today Tonight “World Exclusive” lacked hospital permission

Today Tonight filmed earthquake survivor Anne Vos in her hospital bed without permission from the hospital, according to The Australian.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Amy Milne said Today Tonight had “blatantly” accessed the hospital without permission.

Anthony Vos described the filming of his mother in her hospital bed as immoral and unethical. Vos is outraged that TT filmed her with a small digicam while she was recuperating in hospital.

Reporter David Ecclestone claims Anne Vos agreed to the interview and that he left 100 messages for her son the following day.

“I asked him how he could attack a vulnerable person,” Anthony Vos said.

“He told me it was OK because she agreed to it. But I said she couldn’t agree — she was on medication and wasn’t the sort of person to say no. He made me feel like it was my fault because I didn’t ring him back.”

Seven could not confirm to TV Tonight that it had permission to film from the hospital.

“David had permission from the family…no-one from the hospital objected to TT‘s presence,” a Seven spokesperson said.

Seven had trumpeted the story on Thursday night as a “World Exclusive.”

”David Ecclestone is the only reporter to talk to survivors in hospital,” said host Matt White.

Now we know how.

On Wednesday two Japanese reporters were arrested when they tried to break into Christchurch Hospital to interview earthquake victims.

Seven’s bedside interview would also seriously diminish the ability of the family to sell their story to other media, which might have gone towards medical and other expenses. It also undermines the duty of care of the medical staff.

“She’s the sort of person who can’t say no, but then the nurses walked in and kicked them out,” said Vos.

Source: The Australian