Former ARN worker says Aussie radio shouldn’t ‘replicate’ Kyle and Jackie O
A former colleague of Kyle and Jackie O has addressed the infamous radio duo’s breakup for the first time on his podcast, setting the record straight and offering insight into what the next steps could be for the Australian radio industry.
Podcaster and radio star Mitch Churi weighed in on the influences of Kyle and Jackie O in the latest episode of his podcast, the Mitch Churi Chat Show.
Churi worked on the Kyle and Jackie O Show for a decade, landing a job as the duo’s assistant before they became the innuendo-infused rivals of Sunrise Cash Cow in 2014; Cash Rooster.
Jackie O Henderson has been spotted for the first time since exiting The Kyle and Jackie O Show, and the photos are already hinting at her future without Kyle.
In 2019, she began hosting the Night Show, and in 2023, she joined Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley on The Pick Up, which was canceled in 2024.
Churi said Kyle and Jackie O “set the tone” for Australian radio during their 27 years together.
“The magic and craft of radio is connection, chemistry and authenticity. To be able to have that for a year or two is lucky, magical and brilliant. Three to five years is great. To do it for 27 years is extraordinary,” he said.
“When you talk to any young person on Australian radio, this show has set the tone for structure, voice and chemistry.”
Churi said the show’s end had exposed serious flaws in Australian radio and how it was built around rusty personalities.
“I wonder how you feel that ARN doesn’t have a succession plan because they don’t have new talent,” he said.
“Many people ask me, ‘Will you come back?’ It makes me even sadder that during this time, KIIS viewers no longer have anyone they know and love on that channel.
“We now have a choice in culture to allow a new wave to come into Australia, or we can try to recreate Kyle and Jackie O, which I don’t think is the way to go. “We can’t copy them and I don’t think we want to and I don’t think we should.
“Now is the time to rethink what radio is in Australia.”
Churi said she spoke to Jackie O personally following the split and was “happy” for her.
“She’s been through a lot and she’s realized some things. She’s one of those people who has put her own wants, needs and desires behind a lot of other people’s her entire life, so I’m happy that she’s in that position,” Churi said.
“I talked to him and I’m glad he realized these things.”
