An Australian journalist whose “million dollar” interview with Adele was canned because he did not listen to her new Album 30 has apologised on air.
Matt Doran, of Channel 7 News, flew to London ahead of the singer’s first release in six years to speak to her.
However, after he finished his chat with her, Adele discovered that he had not listened to a preview copy of her latest work and her publisher, Sony, blocked the interview from airing.
It is reported the agreement for the interview and rights to other related content cost the channel a million Australian dollars – around £530,000.
Doran was castigated on social media after the issue came to light, and he was absent from on air duties last weekend.
Speaking to his audience on Saturday morning, Doran said: “Now I want to address something that’s made headlines this week and something that I would like to apologise for.
“This is a story that has sparked a torrent of abuse and mockery from around the world.
“And if I’m being honest with you, the bulk of this savaging I deserve and I totally own.
“I flew to London to interview Adele – an unspeakable privilege and what was to be one of the highlights of my career.
“I made the terrible mistake of assuming we weren’t to be given a preview copy of this album, because our interview was airing before it was released and Adele’s album was the industry’s most prized secret.
“The day after – after we landed in London, an email came through from Sony.
“It didn’t mention Adele but it did contain a link to her album.
“The genuine dead set hand on heart truth is that I missed it.
“By an absurdly long margin, the most important email I’ve ever missed in my life.”
Doran went on to share some details of the chat – which has still not aired.
He also dismissed rumours that Adele had walked out of the interview.
“The interview itself, Adele didn’t walk out – it ran over time.
“At least half of the interview focused squarely on the new music, but I thought it was reductive to describe it as simply being about divorce; that it was about empowerment and what inspired people to summon the courage to steer their lives in a new direction.
“We spoke of the paradox that is being the world’s most famous artist, but hating fame.
“We also discussed at length the concept of pure artistry, the majesty of Adele’s voice – what it must be like to hear that sound come out of one’s own mouth.
“How Go Easy On Me (sic) was conceived in part by singing acapella in the shower, and how the album helped repair her relationship towards the end with her now late father.
“Throughout the 29 minutes Adele was profound. She was funny. She was raw, and then she was honest – honest enough to describe her depression as end of the world stuff.
“But all that doesn’t matter.
“Because by missing the album link – however I might try to justify it – I’ve insulted Adele.
“To Adele I say – I’d never have knowingly disrespected you by deliberately not listening to your work. I am so sorry.
“I also apologise to Adele’s Australian fans and to you, our viewers, who through my error have been denied this interview and the insight into her character.
“Adele – track 10, Hold On, in the bridge, after the second chorus, you write that ‘sometimes forgiveness is easiest in secret’.
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“I’m not expecting that forgiveness, but I do owe you an apology.”
Doran did not address rumours that he’d been suspended due to the mishap.