3AW suspend Howson

3AW has suspended weekend talk host John Michael Howson for a month following his attack yesterday on Julian Assange's mother Christine.

During the exchange with Ms Assange, Howson repeatedly yelled 'Sieg Heil' aggressively in apparent reference to the 'nazi mentality' of people who wished to censor him. If you are yet to hear the audio you can do so here.

3AW General Manager Shane Healy (pictured) said that the apology from Howson was of his own volition, saying;

"Had he not offered it the penalty might have been different, it is at the stronger end in terms of a suspension, but it bloody well needs to be. He is a very intelligent person and (his comments were) completely out of line and unacceptable.''

Hear Shane Healys on-air announcement here.

Howson issued a pre-recorded statement which aired on 3AW today;

"I understand that many listeners took offence to these comments and I sincerely regret having uttered them, I did not intend to imply that our guests or anyone shares the views of the Nazi party or seeks to control free speech and I again offer my sincere apologies".

3AW's outspoken morning host Neil Michell weighed into discussion on his show this morning; "John Michael overstepped the line. He does that at times. I usually ignore it. This one is too important. It insults anyone who feels they care about this station or understands the culture."

"It is a privilege  to have access to a microphone. John Michael Howson has again abused that privilege. Personally, I don't care if he is never allowed near one again.''

You can hear Neil Mitchells comments here.

And late this afternoon Derryn Hinch chimed in, saying he "“felt sick as this radio station’s reputation and standing was trashed in a moment of undisciplined hysteria from a veteran who should know better.”

Hear Hinch's comments here.

3AW has suspended Howson from his weekend show for 4-weeks.