Ofcom Received 73 Complaints After ITV Anchor Rageh Omaar Became Ill On Air
Media watchdog Ofcom received 73 complaints from viewers after ITV News host Rageh Omaar took ill live on-air on Friday.
Ofcom said the incident promoted immediate viewer reaction and concern for Omaar’s well-being as he appeared incoherent and slurring his words but stayed on air for the entire 30-minute bulletin.
The 56-year-old newsreader, who works as the channel’s international affairs editor who began his career covering the invasion of Iraq for the BBC in 2003,
On Saturday ITV News said: “We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing. Following medical treatment at hospital, he is now recovering at home with his family. We are wishing Rageh a speedy recovery and look forward to him being back on screen when he feels ready.”
Although no details about Omaar’s illness were shared, the veteran journalist was reportedly treated in hospital but is now at home recovering with his family.
On Sunday the journalist released his own statement expressing his appreciation for the public’s support: “I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes, especially all the medical staff, all my wonderful colleagues at ITV News, and our viewers who expressed concern. At the time, I was determined to finish presenting the programme. I am grateful for all the support I’ve been given.”
Consistent with Omaar’s statement, MailOnline reported that ITV bosses tried to intervene by substituting Omaar with a standby presenter once they noticed the issue, but Omaar insisted on completing the broadcast. The incident, however, still raised questions about on-air safety protocols, with some suggesting ITV attempted a presenter swap too late.
A source disclosed to The Times this week concerns over the decision to allow the anchor on air, commenting, “There are big questions about why he was allowed to go on air. Perhaps they thought, ‘He is a pro and the adrenaline will kick in when he gets on air.’ Even if you think that he was just having an off day, it was clear to anyone watching that something was seriously wrong.”
ITV News has denied any wrongdoing in a statement to The Independent on Wednesday, firmly rejecting claims that they deliberately let the presenter continue while unwell.
