Throughout the nation at 8 this
morning, ABC radio listeners were treated to jazzy music for half an
hour in place of their morning dose of current affairs. At 774
Melbourne, stand-in host Stephen Mayne greeted listeners at 8.30 with
this announcement: “Due to circumstances beyond our control,
unfortunately we were unable to bring you AM this morning.”

That would be industrial action
by ABC staff first thing this morning that’s expected to keep current
affairs programs off the air for 24 hours. Puzzled listeners didn’t
even get an adequate explanation for the weird goings-on in 774’s
morning news bulletins.

ABC management will be awaiting ratings to see if this morning’s music outrated AM
– and we’re sure the Crikey spirit of disclosure will gradually seep
into the Mayne broadcast before his stint ends at Christmas.