Industry shock as popular radio host shown the door

KIIS parent company ARN has made a big move, cutting a ratings topping host in what is believed to be part of a broader attempt to balance the books.

Popular radio identity Mitch Churi will be shown the door at KIIS FM as of the end of the year.

Despite being considered a rising star at the network and the broader industry – he’s won countless awards and topped the ratings – Australian Radio Network (ARN) management is understood to have made the decision for financial reasons in an increasingly tough market.

He was notified on Tuesday.

Mitch Churi has been shown the door by KIIS FM.

Breakfast duo Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s much publicised pay rises kick in at the start of 2025 and Confidential can reveal bosses have been forced to make tough decisions in order to balance the books.

The station has also faced an advertising boycott and soft ratings in Melbourne, where Kyle and Jackie O launched earlier this year.

The push south is part of a reported $200 million being spent over 10 years on Kyle & Jackie O’s salary packages.

Their team is understood to have been quarantined from job losses due to the duo’s contracts with the network so cuts must be made outside of the breakfast shift.

The news is said to have even shocked Sandilands.

Churi’s imminent departure has cast doubt on the radio careers of well-liked Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne, with whom he co-hosts The Pick Up from 3pm to 4pm weekdays.

Their podcast will remain as part of ARN’s offerings though.

He has also hosted The Night Show with Mitch Churi since 2019.

Because of Kyke Sandilands and Jackie O’s pay rises, bosses have been forced to make tough decisions to balance the books.

Brittney Hockley and Laura Byrne’s future at ARN could also be in doubt. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

A well-placed source informed Confidential Churi was told by management that they didn’t want to cut him but financial pressures left them no choice.

Churi did not return Confidential’s calls when contacted for comment. ARN has also been contacted for comment.

One colleague said: “Mitch is shattered and completely blindsided”.

Churi, who has filled in for Kyle and Jackie O during non-survey periods, is expected on air Wednesday and will finish off the year.

He has not been heard on air since Thursday.

Talent Corp released The Australian Talent Index in March, showing Churi topping the list of ‘most relatable’ broadcasters.

He placed seventh in ‘most entertaining’ behind Sam Pang at number one and ahead of the likes of Hamish Blake and Tommy Little.