Confidential breaks down Australia’s top radio talent: Who makes the list and why?

2GB host Ben Fordham has hit out at rival KIIS FM’s Kyle Sandilands’ rumoured salary, following a Sydney Confidential article highlighting the best and worst radio stars. SEE THE EXCLUSIVE LIST

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2GB host Ben Fordham has taken aim at KIIS FM host Kyle Sandilands’ rumoured salary following Sydney Confidential’s exclusive story revealing the country’s best and worst radio stars.

On his show yesterday, Fordham thanked this publication for including him in the results before slamming Sandilands’ apparent $50 million deal.

He claimed the rumoured salary of the radio heavyweight was untrue.

“I know Kyle and Jackie O love everyone thinking that they got a $50 million deal but if you believe that Kyle and Jackie O got $50 million in their last pay deal, you believe that there is true love on Married At First Sight,” he told listeners.

2GB radio drive presenter Ben Fordham is calling BS on Kyle Sandilands pay deal.

“No chance in hell.

“I know they love when everyone keeps putting it in print but come on, dream on.”

Yesterday, Sydney Confidential reported it was the combination of ratings, star power, commercial appeal and timeslot that make a star on Australian radio.

Anyone hosting a breakfast or drive afternoon shift is considered primetime talent and a host with a national profile on television can elevate a star’s commercial appeal, increasing their pay packet substantially.

“It is all about ratings, that is as on air talent what you want to make the big bucks,” Radio Today and The Music Network editor Jake Challenor said.

“That is really what dictates your success or failure and determines your worth in the marketplace. That is the first thing people look at, how many people are listening to you, how long and who they are.”

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O are in high demand.

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Talent earn a negotiated annual salary, which for high profile hosts can be in the millions.

They can add on substantial bonuses based on commercial deals and additional revenue they bring in for their employer, plus for hitting ratings targets.

Different stations target different demographics. KIIS, Nova and 2Day FM for example target the female-skewed 25 to 54 age group that advertisers are keen to tap in to.

Individual networks use internal tracking data to monitor key talent audience appeal and make decisions in their lineup accordingly.

2GB presenter Alan Jones also appears on Sky.

At the end of last year, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson negotiated a multi-million deal said to be worth up to $50 million based on bonuses and incentives to stay on at KIIS FM breakfast.

Stars can make further wads of cash from speaking engagements, endorsements and MC gigs, some up to $50,000 plus for a single appearance.

“They could make another 50 to 100 per cent on what they are already making on their salary,” Challenor said of the scope of commercial deals and endorsements.

“Basically it comes down to who is guiding their careers and what they are willing to do, the opportunities are there.”

Some networks consider keeping talent contracted based on their commercial viability irrespective of their ratings success.

2GB presenter Ray Hadley.

“Many successful people on radio stay there for a long time, partly because it is so hard to find new talent who will attract audiences and make money for the business,” radio commentator and Mediaweek editor James Manning said.

“A network invests a lot in trying to build radio talent. It is rare to see them part ways with a household name.”

Here, Confidential breaks down the key players in Australian radio, commercially and based on their national profile.

We’ve included ABC radio hosts despite the fact they are not allowed to make commercial deals as they work for the public broadcaster.

Here are the top three players from each major network, according to The Daily Telegraph:

RADIO SCORE CARD

2GB (Nine Radio)

■ Alan Jones

■ Ben Fordham

■ Ray Hadley

■ Additional mentions: Neil Mitchell (3AW Melbourne), Ross Stevenson and John Burns (3AW) (3AW), Basil Zempilas (6PR)

Kate Ritchie moved from acting to radio.

Nova Entertainment

■ Kate Ritchie

■ Chrissie Swan

■ Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald

■ Additional mentions: Susie O’Neill, Sam Pang, Jonathan Brown, Tim Blackwell, Marty Sheargold, Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, Bogart Torelli (smoothfm), David Penberthy (FIVEaa)

Lawrence Mooney also appears on TV.

Triple M (Austereo)

■ Lawrence ‘Moonman’ Mooney

■ Mick Molloy

■ Jane Kennedy

■ Additional mention – Eddie McGuire (Melbourne)

Amanda Keller hosts radio and The Living Room on Channel 10.

KIIS (ARN)

■ Jackie ‘O’ Henderson

■ Kyle and Jackie O (as a duo)

■ Amanda Keller

■ Additional mentions: Robin Bailey (Brisbane), Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw

Carrie Bickmore is a host on The Project.

2Day FM (Austereo)

■ Dave Hughes

■ Carrie Bickmore

■ Fifi Box

■ Additional mention: Tommy Little

Wendy Harmer.

ABC

■ Wendy Harmer

■ Robbie Buck

■ Richard Glover

■ Virginia Trioli

Originally published as Confidential breaks down Australia’s top radio talent: Who makes the list and why?