Dr Mumbo

Awkward television

Dr Mumbo this morning squirmed through one of the most painfully awkward moments that he can recall on Australian breakfast television.

Political pundit Scott Burchill, senior lecturer in international relations at Deakin University, suggested to ABC News Breakfast viewers that the late Don Randall, who died a fortnight ago, should be Parliament’s next speaker.

Presenter Michael Rowland had to tell Burchill: “He’s dead.”

Update 5 August 2015: After numerous media outlets picked up Burchill’s error the ABC has issued a statement declaring their support for the academic.

“Dr Scott Burchill is a valued and respected contributor who on Tuesday had a lapse in memory of the kind all of us sometimes do. If we are very unlucky, it happens on live television.

“He is welcome back at ABC News Breakfast at any time.”

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