Melbourne's radio landscape has been given an unexpected shake-up, with KIIS FM posting a modest but notable uplift in breakfast listeners following the dramatic exit of and .
Showbiz
KIIS FM Scores Small Win Without Kyle & Jackie O
Melbourne's radio landscape has been given an unexpected shake-up, with KIIS FM posting a modest but notable uplift in breakfast listeners following the dramati...
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In the second survey of 2026, covering February 8 to April 4, KIIS FM edged up to a 5.4 per cent audience share in breakfast, improving from 5.1.
The network has had fill-in presenters Mike Etheridge and Georgie Tunny
It's a small gain,
The slight rebound comes after a turbulent period that saw Sandilands dumped and Henderson step away from the mic following an explosive on-air blow-up in February,
While KIIS' gains remain modest, they stand in stark contrast to the station's struggles under Sandilands and Henderson, whose attempt to syndicate their Sydney-based show into Melbourne from April 2024 failed to resonate with local audiences.
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Melbourne's radio landscape has been given an unexpected shake-up, with KIIS FM posting a modest but notable uplift in breakfast listeners following the dramatic exit of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson (Both pictured)
Interestingly, their absence had minimal impact in Sydney, where the breakfast slot fell just one percent to 11.7.
Elsewhere in Melbourne, the commercial heavyweights continue to dominate.
Christian O'Connell retained the breakfast crown on GOLD FM with a strong 10.5 share, while Nova's trio of Lauren Phillips, Jase Hawkins and Clint Stanaway followed closely on 10.3.
FOX FM's Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody were among the biggest improvers, climbing to 9.6, while Triple M's lineup featuring Mick Molloy and Nick Riewoldt grew to 7.5.
Despite the competitive landscape, the key takeaway is clear: KIIS FM is showing early signs of recovery in Melbourne without its former headlining - and polarising - stars.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Channel Ten star Georgie Tunny had been recruited by KIIS to help fill the void left by former stars Kyle and Jackie O.
Georgie, who is best known as a regular co-host on Ten's The Project, will be sitting in the KIIS FM breakfast chair from Monday, News.com.au reported.
She will be joined by Mike Etheridge (Mike E) and newsreader Brooklyn Ross, who have been holding the fort since the Kyle & Jackie O Show was pulled from the airwaves in March.
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The network has had fill-in presenters Mike Etheridge and Georgie Tunny co-host their breakfast program this week, as the station looks for a long-term replacement for The Kyle & Jackie O Show
The slight rebound comes after a turbulent period that saw Sandilands dumped and Henderson step away from the mic following an explosive on-air blow-up in February, effectively ending their high-profile run in the market
and markets.
Georgie could be a perfect pick given her association with ARN, where she currently co-hosts the Two Good Sports podcast alongside Abbey Gelmi.
Meanwhile, Jackie's sensational on-air exit in February was the beginning of the end for one of Australia's most enduring radio teams.
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KIIS FM owners ARN then announced that she had told them she 'could not continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands', after their now notorious argument was broadcast during The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
The split led to ARN terminating the presenter, before ripping up Kyle's contract two weeks later.
Earlier this week,
The shock jock is preparing to reclaim his throne at KIIS FM – but without his former co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson.
Sandilands is reportedly in talks with ARN to return to his breakfast show as his $100 million lawsuit inches towards a settlement.
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