Ads to resume on 2Day but Christmas party cancelled.

After a marathon Board Meeting that started at 7:30 am, in a notice to the ASX, the board of directors have decided to donate all 2Day-FM profits from Thursday till the end of the year directly to an appropriate memorial fund to benefit Jacintha Saldanha’s family. The company has pledged a minimum of $500,000.

Channel 7 News reported that there had been much speculation that CEO Rhys Holleran may have had to fall on his sword, but he remains at the helm of the company 20 minutes after that report saying, “We are very sorry for what has happened. It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts continue to be with the family. We hope that by contributing to a memorial fund we can help to provide the Saldanha family with the support they need at this very difficult time. The Company today reiterates that it is deeply saddened by this tragic and unforseen event and offers its condolences to the family of Jacintha Saldanha.”

At the same time, SCA says, “After careful consideration it has resolved to resume advertising on 2Day FM effective Thursday 13 December, 2012.” 

Earlier in the day, SCA cancelled the 2Day Christmas party scheduled for Thursday – apparently a defensive move that will prevent any adverse media coverage of 2Day staff having fun while nurse Jacintha Saldanha’s family mourn.

Earlier today radioinfo was informed that none of the SCA stations in any of the capital cities would discuss survey results, good or bad, and none of the usual media releases that go out to ad agencies would be issued.

An Austereo spokeswoman told News.com.au that  the party was cancelled out of respect for nurse Jacintha Saldanha and her family.

“This is no time for celebration at Southern Cross Austereo Sydney,” she said.

All costs set aside for the event will be donated to Beyond Blue and Lifeline.