ARN renew top-rating breakfast talent until ‘2022 & beyond’

In the battle for Breakfast radio ratings, Australian Radio Network is doing just fine.

So it should come as no surprise then that chief executive Ciaran Davis, and national content director Duncan Campbell, have renewed the contracts of its top-earning talent in the ultra-competitive markets of Sydney and Melbourne.

ARN confirmed today that KIIS 106.5’s The Kyle & Jackie O Show, WSFM’s Jonesy & Amanda in the Morning and GOLD104.3’s The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show have been extended until 2022.

“We’re excited to be announcing today that Christian, Jonesy & Amanda and Kyle & Jackie O will continue to have their home here at ARN until at least 2022 and beyond,” said Davis.

Radio Today can only guess that “beyond” is to keep competitors guessing.

“Our focus on the very best on-air talent is a key part of the strength of ARN’s offering across all channels and we’re committed to working together as we innovate our entertainment and business offering,” added Davis.

The tabloid press is already speculating on the value of Kyle Sandiland and Jackie Henderson deal, with news.com.au reporting that pair will each earn up to $8 million per year. If true, that’s double the last reported figures.

Kyle & Jackie O respond to salary rumours:

“Obviously Jackie and I decided to re-sign with ARN, we launched KIIS 1065 so we really feel like it’s our station,” said the true King of Sydney radio.

“Plus, our show keeps getting better every year. It’s a great time for us and for radio in Sydney.”

Sandilands and Henderson have consistently dominated the Sydney market for over a decade, generating $50-100 million dollars per year since defecting to ARN in 2014, according to Radio Today sources.

As of the most recent GfK radio ratings, Kyle & Jackie O held an 11.6% share of listening (+0.6), leaving them as clear leaders on FM Breakfast, and only behind Alan Jones on 2GB.

“Kyle, Jackie, Jonesy, Amanda, and Christian are some of Australia’s most loved radio personalities,” said Campbell, “and I am proud to say they, along with the strength of our broader network talent, are a big part of ARN’s plans for the future.”

When asked by Radio Today if KIIS 101.1’s Breakfast team Jase & PJ and KIIS Network Drive duo Will & Woody would remain with the network in 2020 in their respective shifts, Campbell confirmed they would. “It’s actually 100% confirmed,” he said.