Trying to Put the Toothpaste Back in the Tube

Back on May 5th, FTVLive told you that KOTA Dakota News Now, a South Dakota-based news outlet, had terminated its capitol bureau reporter, Austin Goss, after he was arrested in connection with charges of making a prank phone call to the former chair of the South Dakota Republican Party. According to court documents, Goss allegedly used Gov. Kristi Noem's personal cell phone number to make the call.

Goss penned an apology on the alt website The Dakota Scout and tried to explain his actions.

This is what he wrote:

On my first day in Pierre, roughly three years ago, one of the first people I met told me, “If you love South Dakota, it will love you back.” 

That sentiment has proven to be true over the years, but especially so the last week. My family and I have been incredibly blessed by the outpouring of support and prayers from people from across the state, and while I will most definitely remember this moment for the rest of my life, it’s the generosity and kindness of South Dakotans that I will remember the most.

As most of you reading this know, several months ago I placed a pre-recorded, satirical prank phone call to Dan Lederman, a person I considered a friend, via a website called PrankDial.com and put Governor Kristi Noem’s phone number as the sender. Knowing Dan also had her phone number, I thought the result would be nothing more than a funny joke that the two of us could laugh at. 

Of course, this is not a call I’d ever make again - to Dan or anyone else. Many have asked, “what was he thinking?” The answer is simple, very little. At that moment, my intention was nothing more than to share the joke with a few friends, and I thought the disclaimer at the end of the call would make that clear. I was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it.

While I think you can forgive him for making a stupid mistake and owning up to it, you have to wonder if some News Director will be able to look past this and give him a second chance.

One thing I learned a long time ago in this business is just when you think there is no way a person will get hired in TV news again, they somehow are.

Stay tuned…