The editor of the right-wing publication Quadrant has given an “unreserved apology” to the ABC after publication of an article on its website that lamented the Manchester bombing didn’t happen to the studios of the ABC’s Q&A program.

The offensive article was written by Quadrant’s online editor, Roger Franklin, however, the publication’s editor Keith Windschuttle (pictured below) wrote to the ABC’s managing director Michelle Guthrie apologising for the furore.

Windschuttle’s apology stated: “Even though I do not share all of the interpretations expressed in your letter, I accept your assurance about the offence it caused you and your staff. You have my unreserved apology for any concerns it might have given you.”

The apology came after the communications minister Mitch Fifield, described the Quadrant article as “sick and unhinged.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Guthrie said the article was “vicious and offensive” and “a new low in Australian public debate”.

Franklin subsequently changed his article from Q&A to the ABC studios and has made no comment since the furore erupted.

Franklin wrote: “Life isn’t fair and death less so. Had there been a shred of justice, that blast would have detonated in an Ultimo TV studio.