Be assured, ABC was taping the call to the mother. Guaranteed and if she said what they reported, we would be hearing it 24/7.
ABC wouldn’t be able to tape it without her consent. I doubt they did. They have said the producer took detailed notes. I don’t always believe ABC, but in this case I’m not so sure. Consider two mothers:
Mother A: I didn’t say that.
ABC: Yes you did.
Mother A: Prove it.
Mother B’s attorney: (Hey, ABC, is there a tape?)
ABC: (No)
Mother B: I didn’t say that.
ABC: Yes you did.
Mother B: Prove it.
Which mother is more believable? Which one sounds like she is trying to recover from saying something stupid to a reporter?
If they were, and didn't tell the woman so she could consent, they would be open to criminal prosecution and civil action under California law. California is a "two-party consent" state with regard to recorded conversations.