Sky News apologises after reporter rifles through MH17 bags
Sky News has apologised after one of its foreign affairs reporters rifled through a victim’s suitcase during a live broadcast at the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
In the report about the horrific scene, Colin Brazier picked up a toiletry bag and a set of keys from an open suitcase full of the victim’s belongings.
He appears to realise his mistake, telling the audience: “I shouldn’t really be doing this, I suppose.”
The broadcast was met with an outpouring of outrage on Twitter, with many calling his actions “shocking” and “disgusting”.
One respondent named Alex said: “Would Sky News care to justify why their reporter Colin Brazier is rifling through the belongings of dead people from flight MH17? Shameful.”
Media professor Joe Watson posted a clip of the broadcast, calling it a “horrible moment for journalism”.
Joey Blower added: “Colin Brazier has interfered with a crime scene in the most distasteful manner. It must be investigated fully.”
A spokeswoman for Sky News said: “Today whilst presenting from the site of the MH17 air crash Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims’ bags.
“Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on air. Both Colin and Sky News apologise profusely for any offence caused.”
Brazier, a British journalist, is described by Sky News as one of its “most widely travelled” reporters who has previously been honoured for his reporting in Afghanistan.
Sky nominated him for “presenter of the year” in the 2014 Royal Television Society Awards.
