Kyle and Jackie O sign ‘historic’ 10-year deal with ARN
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson have ended months of speculation about their next move, with ARN confirming today that the duo have extended their deal with the network for another 10 years.
The new deal will see the breakfast duo stay on with KIIS until the end of 2034. According to an ASX release issued by ARN this morning, the duo’s contract will increase by $2-$3 million in January 2025.
“Fans of the show will be stoked to hear that this 10-year deal is the longest radio deal in Australian history,” Sandilands said today.
“Love us or loathe us, Jackie and I will be continuing this politically incorrect nonsense for a long, long time.”
Henderson added: “When I was 18 years old, I rang a radio station, and never did I dream in that sliding doors moment that I would find something that has become the love of my life and would lead me to this phenomenal career and historic deal.
“I feel so grateful for our incredible listeners who have gone through life with us and will continue to do so for the next 10 years.”
The new contract will also see the breakfast show expand from Sydney’s KIIS 106.5 into Melbourne’s KIIS 101.1 in 2024, which comes amidst ARN’s takeover bid for SCA that would see the network create a “focused” metro radio network of 10 stations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth with each city featuring a KIIS and Triple M brand.
Back in July, it was reported that Sandilands and Henderson were linked to a move back to the network they left in 2013, having anchored breakfast KIIS since 2014. With their current contracts up at the end of 2024, it was reported that SCA were “pretty aggressive” in their pursuit of the ratings powerhouse duo, however those rumours have now been put to rest.
“Kyle and Jackie O have been an unstoppable force over the past decade, and the success of our partnership has surpassed expectations for listeners and commercial clients alike,” ARN CEO and managing director, Ciaran Davis, said.
“Their ability to connect with their audience is second to none and we’re incredibly proud to have them continue as part of the ARN family. “Kyle and Jackie O have evolved into a powerful brand that significantly contributes to ARN’s commercial success, and this new agreement strategically positions us for long-term growth that extends beyond radio.
“In an era marked by the globalisation of content, the value of a flagship show that delivers long-term returns has never been more evident, and investing in Kyle and Jackie O represents a lasting value proposition for ARN. Today’s announcement sets the foundations for the next chapter in ARN Media’s evolution as an audio company.”
Kyle & Jackie O’s move into Melbourne will mean KIIS 101.1’s Jase & Lauren will not return in 2024, with Davis adding: “For some time now, we’ve recognised the potential of The Kyle & Jackie O Show to broadcast beyond Sydney during breakfast.
“The strong uptake of their podcast and social followings in Melbourne demonstrates that Kyle and Jackie O already have significant appeal with Melburnians. Coupled with their record-breaking ratings this year, now is the ideal time to further extend the brand’s footprint.”
Adding to the growing speculation that ARN’s takeover bid for SCA is close to being finalised, GOLD 104.3’s Christian O’Connell has also extended his contract until the end of 2029, while he and Kyle & Jackie O will be issued $7 million worth of ARN shares.
Sandilands? More like Sanded-lands, by the look of that airbrushed photo!
But seriously folks, they’re awful and I will continue my habit of living in the 2020’s and not listening to FM radio.
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Time to get an updated radio ratings system, who honestly listens to these two?
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Bogan Radio, is this really the best we have?
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