Rob Sitch of ‘The Panel’ and ‘Frontline’ fame hosts ‘The Morning Interview’ for a week today on ABC Classic FM, filling in for Margaret Throsby, who is off on a month’s break.

Throsby asked four special guests to fill her daily interview slot from 10-11am. First up last week was SBS chief newsreader, Mary Kostakidis.

Sitch says he is looking forward to the week ahead: “I really enjoy the long form radio interview as a listener and as a guest. It provides an antidote to the simple views we all have about public figures.

“I appreciate the invitation to guest host the show. The fact that I was chosen at random from the electoral roll doesn’t diminish the compliment!”

Program Manager, John Crawford, says: “The network is thrilled to welcome four accomplished communicators who will undoubtedly provide ABC Classic FM listeners with some captivating radio in Margaret’s absence.”

Next week, one of Australia’s foremost playwrights, David Williamson, takes the chair.

“I’ve long been an admirer of Margaret and her show. The combination of personal history honestly revealed and excellent music is irresistible.

“The memories evoked by the choice of the music tend to lead to a depth of response that is rare. Of course, it’s Margaret’s particular skill to draw out that honesty of response and I don’t hope or pretend to equal her finesse, but the chance to find out more about people I find interesting and admire was one that was hard to turn down.”

Jana Wendt, ‘Sunday’ host and classical music devotee, will host the program from 6-10 December and is delighted to talk with some fascinating guests about what motivates them, what moves them and, in particular, why they love music.

“The pleasure people derive from music very often provides the key to their personality because it uncovers their passion. It’s a rare privilege to be able to spend an hour or so, with people in public life and to get a sense of who they are, beyond their public image.”

Margaret Throsby returns to Classic FM on Monday 24 January.