ARN have renewed Christian O’Connell’s contract for an additional five years and Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson have inked their deal with the network until the end of 2034. Additionally, The Kyle and Jackie O Show will broadcast live into Melbourne on KIIS 101.1 in 2024.
The KIIS1065 duo announced the deal and news on air this morning.
Sandilands said:
“Fans of the show will be stoked to hear that this 10-year deal is the longest radio deal in Australian history. Love us or loathe us, Jackie and I will be continuing with our politically incorrect nonsense for a long, long time. Speaking of 10 years… 10 years ago the ‘other’ network we were once at told Jackie and I that we were past our used-by date and no longer relevant. So that’s a fun little observation that’s worth mentioning on such a momentous day. Cheers to ARN for the great partnership and to the future goals we’ll continue kicking together.”
Henderson was back on air this morning after a medical episode yesterday saw her taken to hospital. She 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. “It’s an honour to broadcast to Melbourne again after so many years, and to welcome them back to our craziness is really exciting. After 23 years of broadcasting with Kyle, I still pinch myself that our show continues to grow in ratings and in reach. We are incredibly thankful for the support ARN has showed us and the belief they continue to have in our show.”
Ciaran Davis ARN Media CEO and Managing Director said of the decision to expand the show into Melbourne:
“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 aflagship 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.
“The decision to conclude the (Jase and Lauren) show was not made lightly, and I would like to thank Jase, Lauren, Clint and the team for their tremendous efforts and contribution. Despite believing in the show’s potential, the competitive market and longstanding heritage shows meant we were unable to cut through in the way we wanted. “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.”
ARN has also renewed Christian O’Connell’s contract until 2029. The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show, which also features Jack Post and Patrina Jones is currently Melbourne’s top rated FM Breakfast Show with ARN hoping to be one and two now Kyle and Jackie O are also hitting the Melbourne market.
O’Connell said:
“Today I have nothing but deep gratitude at signing my new long-term deal, and that’s how my family feel as well. It means I get to continue building and growing what I’m doing with my positive corner of the radio dial, where I want my listeners to feel like they belong, and we can share the messiness of being human!”
ARN’s National Content Director Duncan Campbell added:
“Christian O’Connell has truly won over Melburnians, bringing a unique show and storytelling to the airwaves every weekday morning. The show continues to produce consistent and engaging content, which has led to the continued success of the show come ratings time. We look forward to continuing to work with Christian and the team to create more radio magic for Melbourne.”
O’Connell joined Gold from the UK five years ago and this year celebrated his 25th anniversary in radio.