The Kyle and Jackie O radio show has been suspended after last week’s infamous on-air lie detector stunt, in which a 14-year-old girl revealed that she had been raped.
Last night, broadcaster Austereo issued a statement saying that Sydney radio host Kyle Sandilands’ management had said he was ‘‘unable to perform his duties on-air at this time’’, and that as a result the program would go into recess during a review of the ‘‘principles and protocols of our interaction with our audience’’.
Austereo said the review began on Wednesday, the day on which the girl was strapped to a lie detector and asked on air about sex and truancy.
She revealed she had been raped when aged 12. When her mother asked in the broadcast whether she was sexually active, the girl replied: ‘‘I’ve already told you the story about this … and don’t look at me and smile, because it’s not funny.’’
When the girl said she had been raped, Sandilands responded by saying: ‘‘Right, is that the only experience you’ve had?’’
Sandilands and Jackie O later apologised on air, saying they had not been told the girl had been raped and denying suggestions the interview was a set-up.
On their website, they said they were horrified by the rape claim. Sandilands later said on air: ‘‘We’re very sad for the girl and very disappointed and apologetic to anyone who took offence to it.’’
The NSW police and the state Department of Community Services are investigating the girl’s remarks.
A group of 15 high-profile psychologists, academics and child advocates wrote to The Age calling for the show to be axed, suggesting it had been the venue for child abuse and a gross violation of human rights.
Austereo Sydney general manager Jenny Parkes said Sandilands’ management advised he was ‘‘unable to perform his duties at this time’’.
Ms Parkes said Jackie O had been consulted before it announced the decision to suspend the program.
‘‘Austereo will not make any further comment until the review is completed,’’ Ms Parkes said.
Attempts to contact Sandilands by telephone last night were unsuccessful.
The program has run in Melbourne on FOX FM on weekdays from 6pm, but the interview with the girl did not air there.
-Peter Gregory