Expert Comment: Channel 7 investigating star reporter’s racist post

Channel 7 is investigating a racist post shared on social media by 7News reporter Georgia Love this week, months after the network’s CEO took a stand against racism.

A source told Confidential that the network is reviewing the incident and “taking the matter seriously”.

On Monday, former Bachelorette Love issued a grovelling apology after backlash over a photo she posted on Instagram which showed a cat inside an Asian restaurant with the caption, “Shop attendant or lunch?!” and a laughing emoji.

Branding expert Nicole Reaney of InsideOut PR said such incidents can be problematic for a TV network.

“Given Georgia is a personality tied to the Seven network there could be some impact,” Reaney said.

“The fact that she immediately responded to the situation with an apology and acknowledged her accountability works in her favour.

“For media organisations where their workforce are personalities in their own right with their own public platforms, it can make it challenging to control individual communications. It’s essential the network communicates directly with Georgia and outlines the culture and values it’s seeking to adhere to, while reminding the broader workforce of its policies.”

For the full story visit The Daily Telegraph.

Nicole Reaney, Director of InsideOut PR and founder and founder of influencer agency #asseenon. Nicole has extensive experience in corporate and consumer PR and communications and is available to comment on topics.