Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O inducted into radio hall of fame

People have often wondered how Kyle Sandilands has managed to survive in radio for so long. Now we know the answer.

Kyle Sandilands has revealed how he’s managed to survive in radio despite so many career controversies.

Last night, he and his longtime co-host, Jackie O, were the toast of the radio industry as they were inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.

And during their acceptance speech at the ACRAs (Australian Commercial Radio Awards), Kyle paid tribute to a former boss who protected him throughout his career and made sure he never got fired.

“What no one knows is that when Jeff Allis hired me … He said to me, ‘There’s a lot of people here that are really good at their job and there’s a lot of 9-5 people just punching their time card,’” Kyle said on stage.

“And he said, ‘between you and I, just fu**ing do anything you want and I will be your get out of jail free card!’

“So I took full advantage, as a lot of you would be aware,” Kyle said. “A lot of management were like, ‘how the f**k did he not get fired 4000 times? Jeff Allis saved me every time.”

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O have been welcomed into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame,

During their emotional speech, Jackie O thanked her ex-husband, Ugly Phil, for “the opportunities that you’ve given me and for showing me the passion and the need for hard work in radio”.

She also paid tribute to her daughter, Kitty, who was in the audience, saying: “She never made mummy feel guilty for not being there in the mornings for school drop off … She’s so cool and patient and kind.”

And finally, she thanked Kyle, her co-host of 22 years, saying: “He is my ride or die. I know what you’re gonna say before you even say it.

“We laugh, we cry … but you’ve always supported me and I am just so grateful that you have been the one by my side throughout this. If you ride off a cliff, I’ll ride off it with you.”

The Kyle & Jackie O Show also won the coveted Best On-Air Team award in the FM category at the ACRAs last night.

They hold the record for the most ever wins in that category

Earlier in the evening

The ACRAs were hosted by Amanda Keller and Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones.

The WSFM duo kicked off the awards show in Sydney with a hilarious opening monologue, during which they poked fun at some of radio’s biggest stars.

Here are some of their best lines.

Kyle Sandilands and Tegan Kynaston. Picture: Media Mode

Candice Warner on the red carpet. Picture: Media Mode

Kyle and Jackie O

Jonesy and Amanda poked fun at Kyle and Jackie O’s latest controversy which saw the KIIS FM hosts walk off air after they were dumped by their radio show’s censor for making inappropriate comments during an interview with Alan Jones.

“Sadly, Kyle and Jackie’s censor couldn’t be here tonight,” Amanda said. “She’s been hospitalised with RSI.”

The WSFM hosts also mentioned Kyle Sandilands’ new baby, with Amanda joking: “His name is Otto, and you can win him all next week, with KIIS FM’s Split or Steal.”

Fifi Box in a stunning black outfit. Picture: Media Mode

Abbie Chatfield wows in her revealing red dress. Picture: Media Mode

2Day FM

Jonesy and Amanda also took aim at 2Day FM which has struggled in the ratings ever since Kyle and Jackie O left the station at the end of 2013, and took the majority of their listeners with them.

The current 2Day FM breakfast show is hosted by Dave Hughes, Erin Molan and Ed Kavalee and has just a 3.7 per cent audience share, well behind Sydney FM market leaders Kyle and Jackie O who have 12.8 per cent.

“Tonight, we come together to celebrate the most entertaining, talented, insightful and successful radio people in the country,” Amanda said.

“And 2Day FM,” Jonesy joked.

Ed Kavalee, Dave Hughes and Erin Molan for 2Day FM breakfast.

Abbie Chatfield

Jonesy and Amanda made a rather risqué joke about Hit Network host and former Bachelor contestant Abbie Chatfield.

Speaking about the ACRAs trophy, Jonesy said: “Take it from me, it’s a magnificent addition to any mantelpiece.”

Amanda replied: “Yes, Abbie Chatfield is still trying to work out where you put the batteries.”

Abbie Chatfield.

An example of an ACRA trophy.

Marty Sheargold

Triple M Melbourne breakfast host and Have You Been Paying Attention regular Marty Sheargold was also on the receiving end of a joke from Jonesy and Amanda.

“Tonight we’re also honouring all the very best marketing teams, like the guys who brought us Nova FM’s loveable mascot,” Jonesy said.

“I love that little guy, with his big shiny bald head, oversized headphones and no discernible genitals,” Amanda replied.

“But, enough about Marty Sheargold,” Jonesy said.

Triple M breakfast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

The radio awards return

Last night’s ACRAs were the first in three years due to the pandemic.

A thousand people attended the awards at the ICC Darling Harbour, with Birds of Tokyo, Mitch Tambo and Illy performing during the event.

Some of the other winners were Neil Mitchell who scooped the double with Best Talk Presenter and Best Current Affairs Presenter.

3AW breakfast team Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft picked up the Best On-Air Team (AM) accolade.

The Kyle & Jackie O Hour of Power won Best Networked Program and Kyle also won the award for Best Entertainment Presenter.

Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa won Best Syndicated Australian Program and Nova’s Ben & Liam won Best Community Service Project for “Ben & Liam’s Trapped”, a project which raised awareness for mental health.

Other major winners included:

Best Sports Presenter – James Brayshaw (Triple M Melbourne)

Best Newcomer On-Air – Sofie Formica (4BC Brisbane)

Best Original Podcast – Unbranded – Brenda, Call Me! hosted by Courtney Act & Vanity (Nova Podcasts)

Best Digital Radio Station – RnB Fridays Radio (SCA)

Best News Presenter Metro AM – Amie Meehan (2GB)

Best News Presenter Metro FM – Heidi Tiltins (smoothfm 95.3)

Brian White Award for Radio Journalism – Clinton Maynard (2GB).

Originally published as Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O inducted into radio hall of fame