Seven News slammed over early report

Media Watch last night highlighted a Seven News Adelaide broadcast which tragically reported a man’s death prematurely.

On October 3rd Seven News reported, “A young tradie who suffered an electric shock while working at Goodwood last week has sadly died in hospital. Twenty-five-year-old Dion Hallion’s life support was switched off this afternoon, five days after the tragic accident. He was working on the roof of a King William Road hair and beauty salon when he was electrocuted.”

But host Paul Barry said last night, “His life support machine was switched off at around 7.30pm, well after Seven reported it (at 6:35pm).”

“Seven was speaking to Rosie (Everett, friend) to arrange an interview with the family, who were keen to pay tribute to Dion on television,” said Barry.

“But Rosie said 3.30pm on Saturday would not be possible because that’s when his life support was due to be cut.

“Seven took that time as a fact.”

Family and friends took to Seven’s Facebook page to vent their anger over the report.

“Adelaide news boss Chris Salter declined to comment, but we understand Seven has now written to the family to apologise,” said Barry.

Hallion was also 29, not 25 years old.