"Today" show reporter Christine Ahern and her crew narrowly avoided having their camera equipment stolen during a live broadcast in Melbourne on Thursday morning. The incident occurred while they were reporting on a fire in Footscray.
According to Ahern, who spoke with 3AW Breakfast, a group of individuals approached her cameraman as he was setting up equipment, including a tripod and light stand, on Nicholson Street. The group then attempted to take the gear.
When the cameraman confronted the individuals, one of them claimed ownership of the equipment. The situation was diffused when a nearby firefighter intervened, scaring off the attempted thieves.
Ahern, an award-winning journalist, has covered significant events both in Australia and internationally. Her past reporting includes extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, the MH17 disaster in Ukraine, and major Hollywood events. She previously served as Nine's US Correspondent and reported from New York covering the United Nations before returning to the "Today" show in Melbourne.