Karl Stefanovic was reportedly in discussions to leave Channel Nine for ARN several months before the radio network terminated its flagship program, The Kyle & Jackie O Show. As speculation intensifies regarding Stefanovic's future at Nine, News.com.au reported on Friday that the network approached the breakfast television star following the success of his recently launched podcast.
Podcast Success Sparks Interest
The Karl Stefanovic Show has proven to be a major success, with its first season amassing over 7.9 million listeners and 49.5 million views on YouTube and Spotify. The podcast debuted in January, almost three months before ARN officially ended The Kyle & Jackie O Show. Its popularity is said to have caught the attention of ARN chief executive Michael Stephenson, who previously served as head of sales at Nine.
It is claimed that the effort to lure Stefanovic to ARN was part of a broader strategy by Stephenson and chief content officer Kerry Elstub to strengthen the network's talent roster, rather than being solely associated with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson. Elstub also has a long history with Nine, having previously led the network's digital platform and held senior roles on shows such as A Current Affair and Today.
Potential Roles at ARN
The publication suggested that given ARN's interest in Stefanovic prior to Sandilands' and Henderson's departures, the network is likely not pursuing him to fill the coveted breakfast slot. Instead, it was proposed that he could front a drive show, especially since the contracts of current hosts Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw expire at the end of the year. Additionally, given Stefanovic's early success in the podcast space, he might be brought in to revamp the network's podcast division.
Daily Mail reached out to ARN, but the network declined to comment.
Kyle Sandilands Teases New Project
Meanwhile, former KIIS star Kyle Sandilands teased an exciting new project to fans on Thursday. With speculation swirling about its nature, insiders told News Corp this week that Sandilands aspires to become Australia's answer to Piers Morgan. The publication claimed he hopes to partner with a video-sharing platform for an uncut live-streamed show, similar to the polarising British broadcaster's popular YouTube program Piers Morgan Uncensored. This format, featuring fiery interviews and intense debates on controversial topics, could suit the outspoken former shock jock.
Sandilands, who is engaged in a legal battle with his former network ARN, teased his new project via the Kyle Sandilands Fans Instagram page late Wednesday night. 'Let me tell you a little secret... shhhh, don't tell anyone,' the 54-year-old began. 'I'm working on a new project and all will be revealed soon. I'm coming back, guys, bigger than ever!'
Sandilands did not reveal the project's specifics, but he was shown seated in what appeared to be a recording studio, with a sign reading 'Kyle Sandilands Live' in the background. He then addressed his long-time manager, Bruno Bouchet, thanking him for standing by despite 'not being paid'. 'That's Bruno. He's paid to say that, well actually he's not paid at the moment!' Sandilands said after Bruno complimented his appearance.
The Instagram Reel caption read: 'EXCLUSIVE: Kyle has a little message for the fans! Returning to the airwaves? Podcast? We can't wait!' The sign in the clip, featuring an image of Sandilands alongside 'Kyle Sandilands Live', implied the new show will air live. However, Sandilands did not specify a launch date.
