Kyle and Jackie O Show break-up was ‘a miracle’ according to former ARN boss

A former boss of Kyle and Jackie O has given the rundown on what he thinks will happen next and where all the major players in the pair’s spectacular break-up are headed now.

In a tell-all to Ben Fordham on Monday morning, 30-year Southern Cross Austerio veteran Craig Bruce said the parent company of the Kyle and Jackie O Show, Australian Radio Network (ARN) had been “gifted” a “miracle” as the deadline to save the show nears.

“There will never be another deal like this … there was never enough money in radio to pay for it,” Mr Bruce told Mr Fordham, referencing the $10 million a year contracts Kyle and Jackie O both negotiated in November 2023.

“I think they misread the revenue situation … ARN broadcast into 33 markets and made a profit of $6 million … (they were) gifted this miracle and took their chances,” he said.

“This is all about money and it’s output versus input. Here is the most expensive radio show in media in Australia ever … it does not stack up at all as a business model.”

Mr Bruce said both Kyle and Jackie O would be okay in the grand scheme of things due to their “very highly engaged, loyal audience,” who would “follow them to the end of the earth”.

Mr Fordham disputed this, using the people of Melbourne as an example where people had “chosen to listen to anyone but Kyle and Jackie O”.

“A few weeks ago, (Kyle) was confident the show would go on, but I don’t think he’s that confident anymore,” he said.

Mr Bruce said the pair were “talented, really experienced broadcasters” and that he could “imagine a show being built around (Jackie O)”.

The pair also speculated on Sandilands’ movement to a potential talkback role on ARN.

More to come.