Australian Reporter Apologizes for Drinking Before Live Olympics Broadcast
An Australian reporter covering the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno issued a public apology for slurring her words on a live broadcast. She appeared to be drunk on camera.
Danika Mason said she "totally misjudged" the effect of having alcohol before her Wednesday, February 18 appearance on Channel Nine's Today show. She explained the following day that the "cold, we've got altitude, not having had dinner probably didn't help as well." A trifecta of things, apparently.
What Actually Happened
On the broadcast, Mason veered off-topic while discussing Olympic locations. "Literally like the price of coffee over here is actually fine," she said. "It's more the price of coffee in the U.S. that we're gonna have to get used to."
Then: "I'm not sure about the iguanas, where are we going with that one?"
Her studio host tried to deflect, telling viewers that "cold weather" can sometimes affect how people speak.
The Apology
On Thursday's broadcast, Mason issued a live apology taking "full responsibility" for her actions. "It's not the standard I set myself. So in saying that, I'm genuinely really sorry and I'm thanking everyone for those messages I've received as well."
Is Drinking Before Live Broadcasts Against the Rules?
Most news organizations have standards and practices guidelines. They cover things like accuracy, ethics, conflicts of interest. "Don't show up drunk on camera" usually falls under "professional conduct" without being explicitly spelled out.
And based on her speech, Mason likely didn't have just one drink. The fact that she had to apologize and take "full responsibility" the next day makes it clear this violated professional standards.
Whether she keeps her job likely depends on whether this becomes a pattern or if the apology and her track record save her—but showing up visibly intoxicated on international television covering the Olympics isn't exactly a minor slip-up.
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