Prime News television presenter Eric Young will not face disciplinary action from his employer after he was caught on-air making a double-fingered salute to an off-camera workmate.



Young had just finished reading a sports news clip which ended with a reference to last night's match between Auckland and Counties Manukau.



At the end of the clip the picture cut back to the studio, to reveal Young with both hands up giving the fingers.



Sky Television's head of corporate communications Kirsty Way said the decision not to take disciplinary action was made this morning as the company was satisfied Young's gesture was not intended for broadcast.



She was aware of two complaints made to the company from people surprised to see the gesture go to air.



"We certainly apologise for any offence caused to any of our viewers. It was not intended to go on air and it's certainly regretful that it did."



She said there were many viewers who had seen some humour in the incident.



Young has also apologised for the incident and told the Herald he was mortified.



"That sort of stuff is in-house banter. That should never leave the newsroom, and I'm just so embarrassed that it got out."



He said the double two-fingered salute was for a producer who supported Counties Manukau.



"He has it coming every time I say those words out loud. And I always do that, every time I say those words.



"It was just a slight disconnect between me and a director."



Young will be back in the presenter's seat for Prime News this evening.

He joins a long list of presenters to slip up on air. In 2009 One News presenter Wendy Petrie won some notoriety after fist-pumping during a live cross during coverage of David Bain's court case, not realising she was still on camera.