Radio colleagues rally around Kate Ritchie

I have heard first-hand stories from radio colleagues about the kindness of Kate Ritchie, be it at work, at the ACRAs or at other industry events.

An encouraging word here. A gentle show of support there.

Which makes it so ironic that, when Kate herself could have done with a bit of kindness and support, her vulnerability was seized upon and exploited in the worst possible way.

When images of a visibly distressed Kate were captured on the sly and published online last week, it reignited conversations around celebrity privacy and mental health.

What drives somebody to film a person in this situation, instead of trying to help?

Is the lure of financial reward so powerful that it trumps basic human deceny?

Kate has been very open about her mental health struggles and says the relentless stalking of her by the paparazzi has only made things worse.

As she takes some time off from the Nova Sydney Breakfast show she co-hosts alongside Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald and Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli to focus on her health, industry colleagues across all networks have rallied around Kate.

Addressing the kind of ‘journalism’ which led to Kate’s decision to step away from the show for a while, Jimmy Smith from 2Day FM’s Jimmy and Nath  said “We owe it to each other to come from a place of guidance, help and kindness first, as opposed to content creation, filming or making a name for yourself.”

View this post on Instagram

 

Yesterday, in the absence of their on-air colleague, Fitzy and Wippa told of the joy Kate derives from getting out and about with the show, connecting with listeners and being part of the community.

View this post on Instagram

 

“Mental illness is tough,” said Wippa. “And what was portrayed in the media was not right, under the circumstance of how it played out. There was an option to help her, which was not taken. Rather, it was filmed and sold for commercial purposes.”

Fitzy said “In a time like that, when you see someone who is visibly struggling like she was, our thoughts are – to extend your arms and go over and try and support that person.”

“Kate felt like she wasn’t supported. And now the whole world knows about it.”

Kate shared her feelings in a statement posted to social media.

“To those profiting from invading my privacy, a simple question – would you treat, say your sister, mother or daughter the same if they had similar challenges?”

Wippa’s wife Lisa was among many others to offer their support:

“This is so brave of you to share. You will be helping so many other people suffering with mental health. You’re brave and strong and will get through this hard time.”

“We’re here for you every step of the way.”