Argentina TV host quits after false report of Messi father's death
What's new: Luzu TV fired staff tied to the on-air error after the Messi family said Jorge Messi is hospitalized and recovering.
Argentine TV host Florencia Peña resigned after falsely reporting on Luzu TV that Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel Messi, had died during Argentina's World Cup opener. The Messi family later said Jorge Messi was in the hospital with an undisclosed medical condition and was “progressing favourably,” while urging media outlets to stop spreading rumors about a private matter. Peña apologized and said producers fed her the claim through her earpiece during the live broadcast. Luzu TV also apologized, called the airing of unverified sensitive information unacceptable and cut ties with those held responsible. Argentine media reports cited by The Guardian said up to 10 sponsors dropped the streaming channel after the incident.