But their replacement in the 6am to 9am slot, Chris Page, said this morning it was wrong to say the pair had been suspended "indefinitely". "They have not been suspended ... the show has not finished," Page said before reading a statement by Austereo general manager Jenny Parkes on air just after 6.30am.

"Kyle Sandilands's management has advised Austereo that he is unable to perform his duties on air at this time," the statement read. "Further, following a great deal of consideration and having consulted Jackie O and all stakeholders, Austereo has formed the view that it is in the interest of all parties for the [program] to go into recess until we have completed an across-the-networks 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 O'Neil Henderson 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 Fairfax Media calling for the show to be axed, suggesting it had been the venue for child abuse and a gross violation of human rights. Ms Parkes said O'Neil Henderson had been consulted before the network 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. - with Peter Gregory