In the world of Australian radio, few shows have stirred as much controversy as The Kyle & Jackie O Show. Known for pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable on the airwaves, the program has once again found itself at the centre of a storm of public outcry. According to a report by the Guardian, nearly half of all decency complaints lodged against Australian radio shows in the 2023-2024 financial year were directed at this one program.
Out of 321 complaints made about ‘material not suitable for broadcast,’ a staggering 146 were about the antics of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson. This figure, representing 45% of all complaints, underscores the divisive nature of the show that has dominated Sydney’s breakfast radio scene for over two decades.
Listeners who take issue with the content on the airwaves are required to first address their concerns with the station itself. If unsatisfied with the response, they can escalate the matter to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma), which holds the power to investigate and potentially sanction offending programs.
The figures shared with the Guardian came after Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young questioned Acma chair Nerida O’Loughlin during a Senate estimates hearing. Hanson-Young criticised the media regulator for not taking stronger action against what she described as ‘revolting’ material, including segments that were sexist, racist, and misogynistic.
The show’s content has been so controversial that O’Loughlin refused to read quotes from it in parliament, deeming them inappropriate. Hanson-Young has been vocal in her stance that such content has no place in our homes or communities.
Despite the backlash, The Kyle & Jackie O Show, which airs on Kiis FM, is gearing up for its 2025 season with promises to tone down the offensive content. Advertisements in Melbourne feature the tagline ‘Listen Now. We’re Behaving’, suggesting a cheeky acknowledgement of past transgressions.
However, the show’s reception in Melbourne has been less than stellar. Since its launch in the Victorian capital in April 2024, Kiis FM has lost 130,000 listeners, and the show has plummeted to eighth place in the breakfast slot. Experts attribute this decline to the explicit sexual content, which has alienated the station’s primary demographic of families.
A Guardian Australia investigation documented instances of the show engaging in racially insensitive mockery and aggressive sexual commentary. Sandilands, in particular, has been the source of the most offensive content, with Henderson often providing only mild protest.
In response to the Guardian‘s report, Sandilands defended the show’s content as being within Australian legal broadcast standards. Meanwhile, an ARN spokesperson stated that the company strives to meet regulatory standards and audience expectations, regularly reviewing content based on feedback.
Despite the high volume of complaints, few are likely to reach Acma. Between 2019 and 2023, only a handful of complaints were investigated by the regulator, with three resulting in a breach finding and just one leading to enforceable action. Currently, Acma has three open investigations into the show, one of which was initiated following the Senate estimates hearing.
As radio evolves, the balance between creativity and decency sparks debate. Should shows uphold strict standards, or is it up to listeners to decide? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear your perspective!
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