Deb Webber

Debra Webber is a psychic medium the New Zealand television series Sensing Murder.

Works

Deb has worked extensively as a psychic medium throughout Australia and New Zealand, starting her own company in 2003.

Controversy

Critics have pointed out her show uses cold reading and other techniques used by entertainers like Derren Brown. She also writes a regular column in Woman's Day which is sold in Australia.

Caught on Hidden Camera

On 13 August 2004 Australian Channel 7 broadcast a show called "Caught on Hidden Camera", in which they asked Deb Webber to give readings to three people. The three asked to contact deceased relatives that did not exist. Deb Webber claimed she was able to 'contact' these people.[1]

This was later screened in New Zealand on the show Eating Media Lunch as "Sensing Bullshit".

TVNZ psychic disagreement

“I was walking past the television and [Aisling] popped up, and I went 'oh, she's in a ditch, hole, in West Auckland. That's what I got, instantly.”

Deb Webber to Paul Henry on Breakfast[2]

Deb Webber was involved in controversy regarding a high-profile missing child case in New Zealand in October 2009.

The family of missing child Aisling Symes were introduced to Sensing Murder medium Deb Webber by state broadcaster Television New Zealand (TVNZ), a move which was criticised in the media due to Aisling only having disappeared two days previously.[3] One policeman said when questioned if the New Zealand police would use comments made by Webber on television show Breakfast: "I'm totally aghast - it seems like a totally commercial play".[2]

TVNZ responded with the following statement: "We're not trying to push a psychic message to make money and get ratings".[2] Hundreds of e-mails were sent to the station.[2]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.badpsychics.co.uk/au/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Matt Nippert (11 October 2009). "TV psychic row breaks out as police search for missing girl". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  3. ↑ John Drinnan (9 October 2009). "Media: TVNZ role in toddler case unsettling". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2009-10-10.