Sydney Radio Chaos: KIIS Split, Takeovers, & Ratings Drop

0:00Sydney story is making news on March 19th. Sydney's breakfast radio scene is in total chaos right now. The powerhouse duo of Kyle Sandelands and Jackie O'Henderson, who ruled the airways for 25 years on KISFM, have dramatically split. Their owner, AR and media, tore up their massive $200 million 10-year contract, sparking a bitter court fight over whether it was legal. Meanwhile, other stations are shaking things up too. 2GB is set for a takeover by the Laundy family for $56 million. Nova swapped its longtime breakfast team of 50, Whipa, and Kate Ritchie to afternoons, while Ricky Lee Colter and Tim Blackwell moved up top. At Gold FM, Jonesy and Amanda Keller shifted to Drive Time, replaced by a national show that's already losing listeners fast. Listeners and insiders are buzzing with reactions. Triple IM's new breakfast crew, Bo Ryan, Cat Lynch, and Aaron Woods are poking fun by calling themselves Sydney's longest running team after just months on air.

1:06There's talk of Jackie O'Henderson teaming up with Bo Ryan if she returns, but he wonders if she'd even want the stress after all her success. Many fear loyal fans will drift to younger skewing shows. Recent ratings paint a tough picture for KIS, which grabbed just 12.7% share, way behind 2GB's Ben Fordham at 16.6%. 2-day FM hit a low of 3.6%. The next survey from early March to April 4th will capture the full fallout. The real drama might play out in court, where top lawyers are lining up. ARN chairman, Hamish McClinnon, who signed the deal, could face heavy scrutiny amid executive exits. Everyone's bracing for what this means for the future of Sydney radio. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com