Australian newspapers (Credit: Press Council video)

The Australian Daily Telegraph claimed a TV host, Georgie Gardner, was an “ice maiden” and viewers thought she was “cold.” Now, the Telegraph has apologized for its Feb. 21 news article’s claims.

The Telegraph‘s story was based on alleged “Secret focus groups” about Gardner’s show Today.

In response, Gardner’s network Nine’s CEO Darren Wick said it hasn’t conducted any focus groups this year and that previous focus groups from 2018 were “overwhelmingly positive about Georgie Gardner,” the Guardian reported.

iMediaEthics has written to Gardner’s network Nine and tweeted Gardner. A Nine spokesperson told iMediaEthics,
 “We appreciate them addressing the issue and correcting false reports.”

The Telegraph‘s Feb. 23 apology reads:

“The Daily Telegraph withdraws the claims, which we accept were wrong.

“The Telegraph has a commitment to accurate journalism and in this case we have let our readers and Ms Gardner down.

“We apologise to our readers and to Ms Gardner for the hurt and embarrassment the article caused to both her and her family.”

Hat TIp: B & T magazine