17 Bizarre Local News Segments You Won’t Believe Aired
These strange, hilarious, and downright confusing local news segments prove that live TV does not always go as planned.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
This list highlights 17 local news segments that were unexpectedly bizarre. Some were funny, others were awkward, and a few left viewers completely confused. Whether it was a strange interview or an on-air mishap, each one actually aired, and people still talk about them.
1. “Boom Goes the Dynamite” - Brian Collins, Ball State University
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In 2005, college student Brian Collins delivered a sports segment that went awry due to technical issues and nerves. His hesitant delivery culminated in the unintended catchphrases, “Boom goes the dynamite,” which became a viral meme. Despite the mishap, Collins’ phrase has been widely referenced in pop culture.
2. “Apparently Kid” Steals the Show - WNEP-TV, Pennsylvania
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In 2014, 5-year-old Noah Ritter charmed viewers during a live interview at the Wayne County Fair. Repeatedly using the word “apparently,” he humorously described his experiences, stating, “I’ve never ever been on live television before.” His candidness and expressive storytelling quickly turned him into an internet sensation.
3. Crichton Leprechaun Sighting - WPMI-TV, Mobile, Alabama
Sinclair Broadcast Group on Wikimedia Commons
A 2006 news report covered residents of Mobile claiming to see a leprechaun in a tree, leading to a humorous segment featuring an amateur sketch. The whimsical nature of the report and community reactions propelled the story to viral fame. The “Crichton Leprechaun” remains a notable example of unexpected local news.
4. Grape Stomping Gone Wrong - WPIX-TV, New York
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During a live segment on grape stomping, reporter Melissa Sander attempted to outpace her colleague, resulting in a fall off the platform. Her audible groans and the abrupt end to the segment made the clip widely shared and discussed. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of live television.
5. “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That” - Sweet Brown, KFOR-TV, Oklahoma City
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After escaping an apartment fire in 2012, Sweet Brown’s animated interview, where she exclaimed, “Ain’t nobody got time for time,” captivated viewers. Her expressive recounting led to widespread internet fame and numerous remixes. The phrase has since become a part of popular vernacular.
6. Reporter Swallows a Fly - Kathy Park, KCRA 3, Sacramento
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While reporting wildfires, journalist Kathy Park inadvertently swallowed a fly during a live broadcast. Demonstrating professionalism, she continued her report without interruption. The unexpected moment showcased the challenges reporters face in the field.
7. Child Interrupts BBC Interview - Professor Robert E. Kelly, BBC News
BBC News on Wikimedia Commons
In 2017, Professor Robert E. Kelly’s live interview with BBC News was humorously interrupted by his young children entering the room. The incident, featuring his daughter dancing and a baby in a walker, delighted viewers worldwide. The clip highlighted the realities of working from home.
8. Weather Reporter Blown Away - BBC News
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A BBC weather reporter faced strong winds during a live segment, causing her to struggle to maintain balance. The visual of her being nearly blown away added an unintended comedic element to the broadcast. The clip became popular for its candid depiction of nature’s force.
9. News Anchor Laughs at Name - KTVU-TV, San Francisco
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In 2013, KTVU-TV mistakenly reported fake names of pilots involved in the Asiana Airlines crash, leading to an on-air blunder. The anchor’s mispronunciation and the realization of the error sparked discussions about fact-checking in journalism. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for newsrooms.
10. Weatherman’s Slip of the Tongue -WGN-TV, Chicago
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WGN-TV’s weatherman Tom Skilling experienced a slip of the tongue during a live forecast, leading to an unintended pun. His genuine reaction and laughter endeared him to viewers. The moment was shared widely as an example of live TV unpredictability.
11. Reporter Attacked by Lizard - KTLA-TV, Los Angeles
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While covering a segment at a reptile exhibit, a KTLA-TV reporter was startled when a lizard climbed onto her shoulder. Her surprised reaction and attempts to remain composed amused audiences. The clip highlighted the challenges of reporting with live animals.
12. Anchor Can’t Stop Laughing - BBC News
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A BBC news anchor struggled to contain laughter during a segment about a piglet named “Chris P. Bacon.” The punny name and the anchor’s reaction made the clip a viral hit, showcasing the lighter side of news broadcasting.
13. Reporter Hit by Snowball - ABC News
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During live snowstorm coverage, an ABC News reporter was unexpectedly hit by a snowball thrown by a passerby. The reporter’s startled response and quick recovery were captured on camera, adding a humorous twist to the weather report.
14. Anchor Walks Off Set - CNN
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In a 2014 broadcast, CNN anchor Carol Costello walked off the set mid-segment due to technical difficulties. Her candid expression of frustration was caught on live TV, highlighting the pressures of live news production.
15. Reporter Falls into Pool - KTVU-TV San Francisco
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While covering a pool opening event, a KTVU-TV reporter accidentally fell into the water during a live segment. Despite the mishap, she continued her report, impressing viewers with her professionalism. The clip became a favorite among blooper reels.
16. News Anchor’s On-Air Proposal - WABC, New York
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In a heartwarming segment, a WABC-TV news anchor received a surprise marriage proposal during a live broadcast. The emotional moment resonated with viewers and was shared widely. It showcased the personal side of news personalities.
17. Reporter Mistakes Onion for Apple - FOX 5, Washington D.C.
WTTG-TV on Wikimedia Commons
During a health segment, a FOX 5 reporter mistakenly bit into a raw onion, thinking it was an apple. Her immediate reaction and attempt to continue the segment amused audiences. The clip serves as a humorous reminder to double-check props.