ABC newsreader breaks down live on air over nasty listener comments

ABC Radio Adelaide news presenter Ali Clarke was left in tears after a listener brutally criticised her reporting while live on air on Tuesday.

Labelling an interview pitiful and accusing her of providing “excruciating listening for the Adelaide audience”, the nasty comments brought the usually composed Clarke to a state of sadness and disbelief.

Managing to push through as she fought back tears, the reporter admitted, while still on air, unkind remarks were to be expected but sometimes they can push you over the edge when not prepared.

“We don’t always get things right here but we do always try our best. We sit here with a text line in front of us and it just adds up,” she said through sobs as her radio show went to air live across Adelaide.

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“Normally I’d be able to deal with it, maybe I’m just having a bad day. Sometimes you’re just not tough enough.”

Urging people to think before they speak, Clarke said although being a news presenter may not be the toughest job in the world, it doesn’t mean words don’t hurt.

“Every single announcer sits here and they see what you’re saying and you have a right to say it, don’t get me wrong, but maybe just before you send in texts like that you understand that it’s hard doing live radio,” she exclaimed.

“Surely we can take care of people a little better than that and understand what you say has consequences.”

Showing their support for Clarke, a number of fans took to Twitter to share much nicer comments with the presenter that were sure to brighten her mood.

Cheers mate – always room for you on these airwaves too https://t.co/gCbxh5VZ4L

— Ali Clarke (@ali__clarke) August 21, 2018

Love those silent types … underrated https://t.co/PBkp6IUcLM

— Ali Clarke (@ali__clarke) August 21, 2018

My kids are more concerned with their book week costumes. Anyone any tips on how to make a Blinky Bill head? https://t.co/4yS57zEgqC

— Ali Clarke (@ali__clarke) August 21, 2018

“Not sure why, but radio text screen is consistently more feral than any social media I’ve ever seen. Lot of support for you Ali, hold your head high…,” one person commented.

“Ali don’t worry about all the d******* losers who need to bag you to feel better about themselves. There are plenty more out there who love your work but are more the silent types,” another added.

“Yikes, felt for you this morning. But you always seem to have the balance right, challenging but respectful. Love your work Ali. Even the kids were concerned. The power of radio…,” a third said.

Grateful for the encouragement and messages of support, Clarke thanked her loyal followers for their kind words.

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“I didn’t wake up this morning thinking this was going to happen but at the end of all of this I am heartened by how many people are really, really positive and how many people actually took the time [to send texts of support],” she exclaimed.

Are you a fan of Ali Clarke? Do you think the public need to be kinder to those in the spotlight?

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