Australian Reporter Danika Mason Apologizes for Appearing Under the Influence of Alcohol

The Australian public and media worldwide are commenting on the unfortunate appearance of Danika Mason, a journalist for Channel Nine, who appeared on air in a state of obvious alcohol intoxication during coverage of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. During the "Today show" program, broadcast from Livigno, the reporter had clear difficulties with articulation, strayed from sports topics, mentioning iguanas and comparing coffee prices in Italy and the USA, and finally performed a so-called snow angel. The recording of her appearance became a viral sensation on social media. On Thursday morning, Mason issued a public apology, explaining her state as a combination of several factors. According to her account, she drank a small amount of alcohol on an empty stomach, which, combined with the high altitude and low temperatures, caused an unexpectedly strong effect. Danika Mason emphasized that she is ashamed and that she "completely misjudged the situation" before the evening recording of a segment intended for morning broadcast in Australia. Journalistic blunders during live broadcasts are common, but incidents involving alcohol are treated with particular severity by television stations due to professional ethics.Surprising support for the journalist was expressed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The head of government described himself as "pro-Danika" and suggested that her behavior might also have been caused by jet lag, fatigue resulting from sudden time zone changes. In the past, similar situations have been referenced by other well-known Channel Nine personalities, including Karl Stefanovic, who joked about his appearance after the Logies gala in a state suggesting post-party fatigue. The station has not yet announced official disciplinary sanctions against its correspondent at the Olympic Games. „Chciałabym szczerze przeprosić. Jest mi po prostu trochę wstyd, całkowicie błędnie oceniłam sytuację.” — Danika Mason Media focus on the human aspect of the mistake and explanations about fatigue, often treating the matter as a humorous blunder. | Conservative commentators raise issues of professionalism and responsibility for a public image funded by a commercial broadcaster.