Australian Radio Network (ARN) has made another significant staff cut in the aftermath of its decision to cancel the popular KIIS FM programme, The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Publicist Kiana Harvey, who worked closely with the dismissed shock jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, confirmed her redundancy on Wednesday, marking a further contraction in the show's team.
Redundancy Announcement and Tribute
Harvey, who had two separate periods of employment at ARN, with her most recent tenure commencing in May 2024, shared the news of her departure on LinkedIn. In a heartfelt post, she described her time at the network as "rewarding" and paid a glowing tribute to Henderson and Sandilands. "Waking up with the country's best breakfast team in the studio each day and being part of the magic that was the KJ Show was the most rewarding experience," Harvey wrote.
She added, "To have my name written alongside the show in its history books is truly my life's biggest honour. And for that, I am forever grateful." Harvey also used the platform to reach out to her professional network for new job opportunities, highlighting the uncertain employment landscape following the show's abrupt cancellation.
Wider Staff Impact and Uncertainty
Further reductions in personnel linked to the programme are anticipated after ARN suspended producers last week. Staff members were reportedly caught off guard earlier this month when they learned through social media that the show would be terminated nationwide. ARN, which owns KIIS FM, officially announced the termination of Jackie O Henderson's $100 million contract via the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on March 3.
A source close to the situation revealed to news.com.au, "People are stressed and feeling upset, given how close they (staff) on the show are. It is a family. Staff are shocked and feeling very downcast. Going from the number one show to nothing is definitely giving them whiplash." Producers' work has been halted indefinitely, adding to the atmosphere of instability and concern among the team.
Ongoing Feud and Legal Battles
The staff cuts occur against a backdrop of continued mystery surrounding the rift between the show's former stars. According to an insider, the exact cause of the disagreement that led to the loss of their $100 million contract remains unclear. Earlier this month, ARN stated that Henderson, 51, had informed them she "could not continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands" following an on-air altercation on February 20, prompting the contract termination.
It is now believed that Sandilands, 54, was not provided with details about the discussions between Henderson and ARN prior to the release of her statement. The insider noted, "Jackie keeps going back to the fact that she thinks ARN mishandled the whole thing, but she has made no direct reference to what she did or did not say." Despite the professional fallout, the pair reportedly "remain friends," and there is no confirmation that Henderson formally notified her employers in writing of her inability to work with Sandilands.
In response to his contract termination last week, Sandilands is preparing an $88 million legal challenge against ARN, having filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in the Federal Court. His suspension earlier this month for "serious misconduct" preceded the axing, stemming from the on-air conflict with Henderson.
The cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show and the subsequent staff reductions underscore the significant upheaval within ARN and the broader Australian radio industry, as key personalities and their teams navigate the consequences of high-profile disputes and corporate decisions.
