RADIO shock jock Kyle Sandilands and his co-host Jackie O will not be back on air together at 2DAY FM next year.
The pair announced the end of their show on air this morning:
“We have decided, Jackie and I, that we will not be returning to 2Day FM in 2014 and that’s not an easy decision,” Sandilands said.
“We’ve always been adamant that we would leave 2Day FM at a time of our choosing,” Jackie O said. “I feel like we’ve achieved everything we could possibly have achieved at 2Day FM and it’s time for us to start a new chapter in our lives.”
Station owner Southern Cross Austereo confirmed the split in a statement that followed, saying it was a “mutual decision in consultation with Kyle, Jackie and 2Day FM”.
It follows news the company was trying to negotiate a lower remuneration deal with Sandilands, and a report that the pair were set to move to rival station Nova.
Last year the media regulator elevated the radio industry code requirement that “program content must not offend generally accepted standards of decency” into a specific licence condition for 2DAY, after Sandilands asked an under-age rape victim on air if that was her only sexual experience.
Sandilands told listeners not to believe media speculation that the pair were not offered a new contract, saying SCA “offered us a very nice deal to stay on for a few years”.
SCA said in its statement: “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 No.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.”
SCA 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.”
Kyle and Jackie O will be together on air for the last time from 6am on Friday, 29 November.
“We are excited about the next chapter,” Jackie O told listeners.
“We love you guys, thanks,” Sandilands said after the announcement this morning.
