Kyle and Jackie O reportedly considering switching radio networks

Powerhouse radio duo Kyle and Jackie O are reportedly considering going back to their old network – in a move that would send shockwaves through the industry.

A massive breakfast radio shake-up could be on the cards, with reports that the most powerful on-air duo in the country are considering a shock move back to their old network after almost a decade.

According to The Financial Review, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie “O” Henderson – who currently broadcast their top-rated breakfast show on KIIS FM – are again in talks with Southern Cross Austereo.

The publication cites multiple sources claiming that the hosts’ former network have launched a “pretty aggressive” campaign to lure them back, with just 18 months remaining on their current contract.

Their existing deal with ARN reportedly sees both Kyle and Jackie rake in up to $8 million a year.

Given the breakfast ratings hole that was punched into SCA upon their shock defection back in 2014, it’s easy to see why the networks are willing to pay big bucks to have the show within their fold.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O publicity handout image. Picture: Supplied

“It’s very likely it’ll end up being the biggest talent media deal ever,” an insider told the AFR. “It’s about more money and making it a bigger show, meaning reaching more markets.”

When contacted by news.com.au, ARN’s chief executive, Ciaran Davis, said that they “don’t see contract negotiations as being an on-off exercise”.

“Since Kyle and Jackie O have been with us, we have been working very hard to make sure they feel part of a bigger network, and that everybody contributes to that. I don’t think that it’s a surprise to us that they have had the highest listenership they have ever had,” Mr. Davis said in a statement.

“Honestly, having worked in many countries in radio, I think they are the best in the world at what they do.”

They were inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.

Meanwhile, an SCA spokesperson told news.com.au: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

In the most recent radio ratings survey, the Kyle and Jackie O Show held on as overall winners of the breakfast timeslot with a 17.9 per cent share, marking their best result ever.

The pair have co-hosted their breakfast show together for nearly 20 years, after first launching it in 2005 on 2DayFM.

They were poached by the struggling MIX FM back in 2014, which was rebranded at the same time as KIIS FM.

The risky move immediately paid off, with ARN’s audience share raised from 3.3 per cent to 9.3 per cent in Kyle and Jackie O’s first survey at their new network.

As for SCA’s 2Day FM, its audience dropped dramatically from 10.4 per cent to 3.8 per cent at the same time.

Ever since Kyle and Jackie O left 2Day FM, the station has churned through several breakfast shows in an attempt to claw back some ratings in the competitive breakfast slot.

Some of the talent they’ve hired and then let go includes Spice Girl Mel B, Jules Lund, Sophie Monk, Rove McManus, Em Rusciano, Grant Denyer, Merrick Ross, Ash London, Harley Breen, Maz Compton and Dan Debuf.