We've all had those cringe-worthy moments when we think we're having a private conversation, only to discover someone's been listening the whole time. Now imagine that 'someone' is potentially hundreds of thousands of television viewers watching live.
9News Melbourne hosts Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley were caught out in an awkward TV blooper on Wednesday night during a live cross from Tipping Point.
The game show's host, Todd Woodbridge, threw to the newsroom at the end of the program, but instead of the polished news presentation viewers expected, they got an unguarded glimpse behind the scenes.
The awkward moment unfolds
Every newsreader's worst nightmare came true for 9News Melbourne's Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley yesterday—the dreaded hot mic moment.
The team, including Steinfort, Loxley, and an unnamed floor manager, then began discussing an upcoming holiday to Queensland.
Rather than delivering the evening's headlines, Tom was deep in conversation with a floor manager about travel plans to the Gold Coast.
Their casual chat became the unexpected soundtrack to the news headlines flashing on screen, while weather presenter Livinia Nixon's pre-recorded report played over their voices.
'I always find it amazing that, uh, Gold Coast and Brisbane are, like, when you think of that you're going up to Cairns, they're closer to Melbourne than they are to Cairns,' Tom observed, blissfully unaware that his geography musings were being broadcast across Victoria.
'I know, Queensland's huge,' Alicia chimed in, before the show abruptly cut back to Tipping Point.
'Every newsreader's worst nightmare came true for 9News Melbourne's Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley yesterday—the dreaded hot mic moment'
A year of changes and success
The blooper comes during what's been a transformative year for 9News Melbourne. Tom and Alicia began hosting 9News Melbourne in January 2024, replacing longtime anchor Peter Hitchener, who was moved to weekend presenter.
Alicia Loxley -currently weekend presenter- and 60 Minutes' reporter Tom Steinfort will become dual anchors with legendary Melbourne anchor Peter Hitchener to helm weekend bulletins.
In what will be just the fourth hosting line-up for the bulletin, this really does signify the onset of a new age.
Alicia and Tom will bring a fresh dynamism to Melbourne viewers as they follow in the footsteps of Sir Eric Pearce, Brian Naylor and Peter Hitchener.
The transition appears to have paid off handsomely. Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, expressed his gratitude and pride in the team's efforts, saying: 'Reclaiming the ratings crown in Melbourne is a testament to the relentless efforts of everyone in our talented newsroom.
With Alicia Loxley and Tom Steinfort hosting Monday to Friday and Peter Hitchener hosting weekends, we offer unparalleled dynamism and experience across the seven days.'
9News Melbourne presenting history
Only four presenting teams have led 9News Melbourne weeknights:
• Sir Eric Pearce (1960s-1980s)
• Brian Naylor (1980s-1998)
• Peter Hitchener (1998-2023)
• Tom Steinfort & Alicia Loxley (2024-present)
The Hitchener legacy continues
For many Melbourne viewers, particularly those who've watched the news for decades, Peter Hitchener represents stability and trust in an ever-changing media landscape.
Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 years of news broadcasting experience.
The good news for Hitchener loyalists? Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family.
As Hitchener settles into his weekend role, there's no sense of winding down. Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family.'
The decision to move Hitchener to weekends wasn't about retirement—it was about recognising his enduring value while making room for the next generation.
The Tipping Point factor
Interestingly, the show where this blooper originated has played a significant role in 9News Melbourne's success story. 'Two words explain Nine News' growth in Melbourne: Tipping Point. Plus, the hit show Tipping Point, with Todd 'Everywhere' Woodbridge, has been a major factor.'
The game show, hosted by former tennis champion Todd Woodbridge, has provided a strong lead-in to the news, helping to build audience flow that contributed to 9News Melbourne's ratings victory over Channel 7 in 2024.
Live TV challenges every presenter faces
- Hot microphones can capture private conversations
- Timing coordination between shows requires precision
- Even experienced professionals make mistakes
- Recovery and professionalism matter most
- Audiences often find these moments endearing rather than damaging
The human side of news presentation
What makes this blooper particularly charming is how relatable it is. We've all been caught discussing our holiday plans when we should have been focusing on something else. The conversation about Queensland's geography—a topic many travellers ponder—adds to the everyday nature of the moment.
Alicia Loxley, a familiar face for the past 12 years during weekends, expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: 'It's a huge honour and privilege to be appointed to this role and to do it alongside Tom, who I started with at Bendigo Street, makes it extra special.'
The fact that both presenters have deep Melbourne connections makes their casual chat about interstate travel all the more authentic. Tom's observation about Queensland distances reflects the kind of conversation many Australians have when planning trips north.
Learning to laugh at live TV
The blooper also serves as a reminder that live television, despite all its technical sophistication, remains fundamentally human.
Nine has confirmed to Mediaweek that Steinfort was not the person on the Grassy Knoll, but rather, it was the floor manager who made the now fabled quip. A source close to the parties involved backed-up Nine's statement.
Even the aftermath showed professionalism, with Channel 9 quickly clarifying details when there was confusion about exactly who said what during the incident.
For viewers, these moments often become more memorable than perfectly executed bulletins. They reveal the people behind the polished presentation and create a sense of connection that traditional news delivery sometimes lacks.
The incident hasn't damaged the reputation of either presenter. Instead, it's provided a lighthearted moment that humanises the news team and perhaps makes them more relatable to viewers navigating their own workplace challenges and holiday planning.
As Tom and Alicia settle into their roles leading one of Australia's most watched news bulletins, this small stumble serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of live television, we're all just people trying to do our jobs—and occasionally getting caught planning our next Gold Coast getaway.
Have you ever been caught having a private conversation at the wrong moment? Share your own awkward timing stories in the comments below—we'd love to hear about your most embarrassing moments of being overheard!
Primary Source
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/chan...v-blooper-during-tipping-point-210208836.html
Channel 9 hosts caught out in awkward live TV blooper during Tipping Point
Cited text: 9News Melbourne hosts Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley were caught out in an awkward TV blooper on Wednesday night during a live cross from Tipping Poi...
Excerpt: 9News Melbourne hosts Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley were caught out in an awkward TV blooper on Wednesday night during a live cross from Tipping Point.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/chan...v-blooper-during-tipping-point-210208836.html
'Pretty damn negative': 9News anchor's hot mic moment
Cited text: Every newsreader’s worst nightmare came true for 9News Melbourne’s Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley yesterday—the dreaded hot mic moment.The team, in...
Excerpt: Every newsreader's worst nightmare came true for 9News Melbourne's Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley yesterday—the dreaded hot mic moment.
https://www.mediaweek.com.au/pretty-damn-negative-9news-anchors-hot-mic-moment/
Channel 9 hosts caught out in awkward live TV blooper during Tipping Point
Cited text: Tom and Alicia began hosting 9News Melbourne in January 2024, replacing longtime anchor Peter Hitchener, who was moved to weekend presenter.
Excerpt: Tom and Alicia began hosting 9News Melbourne in January 2024, replacing longtime anchor Peter Hitchener, who was moved to weekend presenter.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/chan...v-blooper-during-tipping-point-210208836.html
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: Alicia Loxley -currently weekend presenter- and 60 Minutes‘ reporter Tom Steinfort will become dual anchors with legendary Melbourne anchor Peter Hitc...
Excerpt: Tom and Alicia began hosting 9News Melbourne in January 2024, replacing longtime anchor Peter Hitchener, who was moved to weekend presenter.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: In what will be just the fourth hosting line-up for the bulletin, this really does signify the onset of a new age. Alicia and Tom will bring a fresh d...
Excerpt: In what will be just the fourth hosting line-up for the bulletin, this really does signify the onset of a new age.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
9NEWS Secures Melbourne Ratings Victory, Dominates 2024—TV Blackbox
Cited text: No reporting about Nine News in 2024 can ignore the fact it has had a much stronger lead-in this year, creating better audience flow.” ... Hugh Nailon...
Excerpt: Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, expressed his gratitude and pride in the team's efforts, saying: 'Reclaiming the ratings crown in Melbourne is a testament to the relentless efforts of everyone in our talented newsroom.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024/07/28/9news-secures-melbourne-ratings-victory-dominates-2024/
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 ...
Excerpt: Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 years of news broadcasting experience.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
After 60 years and 10,000 news bulletins, Peter Hitchener remains Melbourne's most trusted voice | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News ...
Excerpt: Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family.
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...-remains-melbournes-most-trusted-voice.83072/
After 60 years and 10,000 news bulletins, Peter Hitchener remains Melbourne's most trusted voice | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: As Hitchener settles into his weekend role, there's no sense of winding down. Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hi...
Excerpt: Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family.
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...-remains-melbournes-most-trusted-voice.83072/
After 60 years and 10,000 news bulletins, Peter Hitchener remains Melbourne's most trusted voice | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: The decision to move Hitchener to weekends wasn't about retirement—it was about recognising his enduring value while making room for the next generati...
Excerpt: The decision to move Hitchener to weekends wasn't about retirement—it was about recognising his enduring value while making room for the next generation.
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...-remains-melbournes-most-trusted-voice.83072/
9NEWS Secures Melbourne Ratings Victory, Dominates 2024—TV Blackbox
Cited text: “Two words explain Nine News’ growth in Melbourne: Tipping Point.
Excerpt: 'Two words explain Nine News' growth in Melbourne: Tipping Point. Plus, the hit show Tipping Point, with Todd 'Everywhere' Woodbridge, has been a major factor.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024/07/28/9news-secures-melbourne-ratings-victory-dominates-2024/
9NEWS Secures Melbourne Ratings Victory, Dominates 2024—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Plus, the hit show Tipping Point, with Todd ‘Everywhere’ Woodbridge, has been a major factor.
Excerpt: 'Two words explain Nine News' growth in Melbourne: Tipping Point. Plus, the hit show Tipping Point, with Todd 'Everywhere' Woodbridge, has been a major factor.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024/07/28/9news-secures-melbourne-ratings-victory-dominates-2024/
A Fresh Era for 9NEWS MELBOURNE with New Hosts Starting This Sunday—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Alicia Loxley, a familiar face for the past 12 years during weekends, expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: “It’s a huge honour and privilege to ...
Excerpt: Alicia Loxley, a familiar face for the past 12 years during weekends, expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: 'It's a huge honour and privilege to be appointed to this role and to do it alongside Tom, who I started with at Bendigo…
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024...elbourne-with-new-hosts-starting-this-sunday/
'Pretty damn negative': 9News anchor's hot mic moment
Cited text: Nine has confirmed to Mediaweek that Steinfort was not the person on the Grassy Knoll, but rather, it was the floor manager who made the now fabled qu...
Excerpt: Nine has confirmed to Mediaweek that Steinfort was not the person on the Grassy Knoll, but rather, it was the floor manager who made the now fabled quip.
https://www.mediaweek.com.au/pretty-damn-negative-9news-anchors-hot-mic-moment/
Seniors Discount Club
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