THE ABC has taken The Chaser's War On Everything off the air for two weeks following the controversy surrounding the program's "Make-A-Realistic-Wish Foundation" sketch.

The ABC's managing director, Mark Scott, made the decision last night amid a backlash that has been building since the program was broadcast on Wednesday night. "We have decided that this is the most appropriate course of action," Mr Scott said. "It gives the ABC an opportunity to complete a review of editorial approval processes. It also gives The Chaser a chance to regroup and review their material."

In a statement, The Chaser team said they "don't agree" with the ban and were "disappointed" by the decision. They again apologised for the skit, saying it "was a very black sketch. Obviously too black. And we're really sorry for the significant pain and anger we have caused."

They also said they "got it wrong" and should never have done the skit. "We don't think sick kids are greedy and we don't think the Make-a-Wish Foundation deserves anything other than praise. It was meant to be so over-the-top that no one would ever take it seriously."

The ABC said in a statement that the decision was made with the ABC's director of television, Kim Dalton and followed discussions with the program's cast members.