Local News Anchor Seemingly Unaware He Was on Live Television Goes on Profanity-Laced Tirade Against Gov’t Assistance Programs

A New York reporter was seemingly unaware he was on live television Wednesday morning, criticizing government assistance programs and cursing during a conversation with a reporter.

A News 12 The Bronx anchor Matt Pieper was speaking with reporter Amy Yensi when he made the comments.

“And Dave wants you to also mention that parents do their f***ing jobs and walk their little kids to school on their own and not rely on everyone else," Pieper said. "Kind of like people rely on government assistance for their entire lives...I actually added the part about government assistance but it’s true. I mean, how old are these kids?”

Yensi laughed and continued the conversation.

"I think I qualify for government assistance," she said.

"Just check that box girl," Pieper told her.

"EBT," she responded, referencing the government assistance program.

Following the exchange, viewers flooded News 12's Facebook page, demanding answers. The network responded in a post.

"As a result of a technical error during a program break this morning, a personal conversation between an anchor and a reporter was unintentionally placed on the air," a News 12 statement said. "The conversation included offensive language and inappropriate commentary."

"News 12 the Bronx deeply regrets that this incident took place. The remarks of these individuals in no way reflect the views of News 12 management or other News 12 personnel," the statement continued. "Steps have been taken to deal with the employees involved and resolve the technical issues. We take this incident extremely seriously and we sincerely apologize to all who may have been offended."

(H/T: @neetzan)

—

Follow Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) on Twitter