News

Kyle and Jackie O Show to end

The Kyle & Jackie O show – one of the most controversial radio programs in Australian radio history – is to come to an end later this month.

Kyle & jackie O at this year's commercial radio awards | Pic: Supplied by CRA

Kyle & jackie O at this year’s commercial radio awards | Pic: Supplied by CRA

Although the announcement comes after weeks of speculation about contract negotiations, Sandilands claimed this was not the reason for the duo departing. He told 2DayFM listeners: “They offered us a very nice deal to stay on for a few more years.” He added: “This has been a great company to work for.”

Jackie O said the departure was at the time of the breakfast duo’s choosing.

The show repeatedly attracted controversy including a disastrous lie detector segment in which a girl talked about being raped, comments by Sandilands about sending Magda Subszanski to a concentration camp that led to him being suspended, and an on air attack on a female News Corp journalist that led to an advertising boycott.

But the show remained number one in the Sydney commercial FM battle for much of its run, making millions of dollars for the radio station, which is owned by Southern Cross Austereo. Highlights from the show are also networked across the rest of the Today Network.

The announcements signal turmoil for the Sydney and Melbourne radio markets. Both Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa show and WSFM’s Jonesy & Amanda have been threatening to unseat Kyle & Jackie O. In Melbourne, SCA’s Fox FM is also to lose its breakfast duo with The Matt & Jo Show also coming to an end. And Nova’s melbourne breakfast duo Hughesy & Kate are also departing.

The announcement:

The announcement was made on the show this morning and on the show’s blog:

After more than a decade on air together as Australia’s most popular radio duo, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O will not return to the airwaves together as the Kyle and Jackie O Show in 2014.

Both Kyle and Jackie O will celebrate an unrivalled decade at the top of FM radio in Sydney where they have held the number one spot for over six years and a sensational 50 surveys at #1 in a row. There is no doubt their legions of loyal fans will want to say farewell to this dynamic duo and so a month of fitting celebrations will ensue.

Southern Cross Austereo Head of Content Craig Bruce said, “We’re proud that Kyle and Jackie have not only given Sydney radio audiences the most entertaining radio show ever, they have also raised millions of dollars for charities and those in need whilst also enthralling listeners with the world’s hottest music artists and exclusive interviews with famous Hollywood celebrities. They have certainly lived up to their show mantra ‘Breakfast with the Stars’! None of which could have happened without the strong and dedicated team working hard behind the scenes”.

Recognising this show’s incredible and sustained success, this is a mutual decision in consultation with Kyle, Jackie and 2Day FM.

Kyle and Jackie O will be together on air for the last time from 6am on Friday 29 November, 2013.

Our focus will now turn towards developing a fantastic new show for 2014 with further announcements in due course.

A spokeswoman for dmg Radio Australia told Mumbrella there are no plans for Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O to join Nova FM.

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