The role of 2GB presenters in fuelling the race riots was questioned in a rally against racism held in Sydney yesterday.

Ignorant of the fact that Australia has no “shock jocks” in the true sense of the description, speakers from student bodies, fringe political parties and the Lebanese community condemned 2GB “shock jocks” for inciting the violence.

Muslim leader Keysar Trad, of the Islamic Friendship Association, said “the racist actions of one radio station warranted unprecedented punishment. Why is the Government not applying sedition against this station when it stirs up hatred?”

“These talkback radio stations seem to be nothing but a mouthpiece for our government. All the time it’s ramping up fears.”

Meantime, as reported by radioinfo yesterday, Brian Wilshire has ‘gone on holidays’ early, after fallout from racial comments he made about the Cronulla ‘riots’.

Wilshire told his late night talkback listeners Australians shouldn’t have to apologise for the drunken riots of last weekend and then criticised Lebanese Australians for being inbred:

“Many of them have parents who are first cousins whose parents were first cousins. The result of this is inbreeding – the result of which is uneducationable people…and very low IQ.”

Wilshire later apologised on Channel ten, saying:“I understand that those comments may have caused offence to some members of the Lebanese community and I unreservedly retract those comments and I apologise for any offence that might have been caused.”

A Macquarie Radio statement said: “In consideration of community sensitivities and so as not to further inflame community concerns, Brian has agreed to take leave early… Macquarie radio network appeals for all Australians regardless of religion or ethnic origin, to work together to end violence in our streets.”