But her awkward moment also had a second act.
Exelby had been gazing at a pen in her hands, unaware she was live, when a broadcast cut back to her in an Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) studio.
She gave an alarmed reaction when she realised the error, but settled quickly to read the next story.
A clip of the blooper was widely shared online, with most observers appearing to sympathise with Exelby. She addressed the subject in a tweet.
The saga might have ended there, but on Monday night, Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported Exelby had been  sidelined from her newsreading duties.
It did not quote the ABC, but a spokesperson soon told local media: "Natasha Exelby is a casual contributor, not a staff member. She has been booked for occasional on-air shifts when needed, and also does other occasional shifts for the ABC News channel."
Commentators noted the ABC did not directly address whether Exelby had been benched, fuelling a backlash online.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and actor Russell Crowe were among many who criticised the report.
"Give her a break," one of Mr Shorten's senators, Sam Dastyari, told Fairfax Media.
"The idea that someone would be punished for what is a very innocent mishap is extraordinary."
It was not long before a petition began calling on the ABC to "reinstate" Exelby.
Other journalists began telling their own embarrassing stories in solidarity, many under the hashtag #PutYourBloopersOut.
The Project, a light-hearted news programme on another network, also joined in.
On Tuesday, ABC Director of News Gaven Morris denied Exelby had been punished, but said she was not currently scheduled for any news reading shifts.
"Media reports that Natasha has been 'banned', 'barred' or 'fired' are untrue," he said.
"While she is not currently doing any on-air shifts, this will be subject to normal performance management. I have spoken to Natasha and conveyed our regret that this has attracted such attention."
The broadcaster was committed to offering Exelby "various shifts" in the future, he said.

The 19-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of Saturday's win at Swansea.
"We're very disappointed, but that's football and that can happen," Koeman said. "It's unlucky but OK.
"The boy has to keep going and it's difficult because he had a great start to the season, but it's part of the football and he will come back."
Up until the injury, Ward-Prowse had played for Southampton in every fixture this season.
Meanwhile, Koeman said that another young English player, Nathaniel Clyne, should be called up by the national side.
The 23-year-old scored Southampton's second in their 2-1 win at Arsenal in the League Cup, with a brilliant 35-yard strike.
"I think he's ready [to play for England]," Koeman said of Clyne, who has played at under-19 and under-21 level.
"He has a lot of experience, he is playing very well from the beginning of the season.
"He scored a great goal. I think his performance was very good and I think it's an option for the national coach and I'm very happy to have Clyney in our team because he brings a lot of experience.
"He brings a lot of spirit and I like to have and play with offensive full-backs. He shows that quality and it's very important for the team."
Caught in a blooper on live television, Australian newsreader Natasha Exelby was always likely to become an internet star.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been sidelined for 10 weeks with a fractured foot.