‘The Christian O’Connell Show’ to be broadcast in every Aussie city in radio first
Popular Melbourne radio host Christian O’Connell is about to pull off a radio feat Kyle Sandilands has long wanted to achieve.
Christian O’Connell is taking on Kyle Sandilands in the race to become the first commercial breakfast host to broadcast live across the country in every capital city.
Australian Radio Network (ARN) announced the popular British host of Melbourne’s Gold 104.3 breakfast show will go national from 2026, in what the company described as a radio “first”.
It comes after Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones and Amanda Keller revealed their Sydney breakfast show would be moved to the afternoon slot next year.
The Christian O’Connell Show is expanding to the FM slot in Sydney, and will be broadcast on digital radio bands in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as some regional cities in the evenings.
“This is a big moment for me, and for ARN,” O’Connell said in a statement.
“When I moved here seven years ago, I dreamt of building a national show – one that could connect with people all over Australia.
“A show from our corner of the dial where people can feel united wherever they are, bringing people together through shared stories, laughter, and something real.”
O’Connell was a prominent radio star in the UK before he emigrated to Melbourne in 2018.
Within 18 months of launch, The Christian O’Connell Show hit number one.
His show, which features Patrina Jones and ex-Channel 9 presenter Alex Cullen, is currently rated the number two FM breakfast show in Melbourne behind Nova’s Jason ‘Jase’ Hawkins and Lauren Phillips.
ARN announced O’Connell’s expansion with much flurry, saying the show would be achieving an Australian first by broadcasting live across the country, even though the move realistically only sees the show being networked to Sydney. Most major shows are available in all cities on the internet.
“This isn’t a show about gossip or stunts. I want to offer something more: A real alternative in the mornings. Something built on heart, humour, and human connection – not noise,” O’Connell continued.
ARN’s Chief Audience & Content Officer, Lauren Joyce, added, “Christian is a rare talent with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences. He’s already built one of the most successful shows in Melbourne, and we believe that’s just the beginning. At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, The Christian O’Connell Show offers a place where all Australians feel welcome and a true sense of belonging. It’s a show that delivers connection like no other.”
ARN also operates the KIIS Network, which airs The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
Speaking at a conference for advertisers in June, Kyle Sandilands told ARN CEO Ciaran Davis he “blamed” executives for his show’s struggling ratings in Melbourne, arguing a national rollout would’ve proved more successful.
“I blame you guys. We should have gone national from day one,” Sandilands said onstage.
“We are growing total listeners. Forget share measurement. Those who are listening to us are big on time spent listening. They are big numbers for advertisers. We are getting listeners in Melbourne one at a time, we are building our audience.”
Keller and Jonesy, meanwhile, addressed listeners on Friday of their move to afternoons. The pair’s show will also broadcast nationally.
“Brendan and I are going to go to the drive shift,” Keller said.
“Radio’s about being authentic and real, and that’s what we are,” Jonesy said.
Keller added, “to be authentic and real, we could have stayed doing the breakfast hours for longer, but as long as you guys come with us and listen to us in drive … we’re excited!
“To be given a chance after a 20-year-old show to try something new, I’m looking forward to that,” Keller said.
Originally published as ‘The Christian O’Connell Show’ to be broadcast in every Aussie city in radio first
