Game Changers Radio

In this episode, we dive deep into the collapse of Australia’s biggest radio show. How did it come to this?  What were the signs of the coming storm? Craig and Irene address all your questions and what ifs. We also talk with the Inspired Unemployed who are back with a brand new podcast. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS, the world’s largest broadcast software company. And is edited by Abe’s Audio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 1 2001, a brand new radio station launched in Sydney, Nova 96.9. Nova was original, it was exciting, it was irreverent. It sounded different. Led by the iconic breakfast duo Merrick and Rosso, Nova 96.9 changed the way Australian Top 40 radio was programmed. In this episode, we talk with former head of content Dean Buchanan and Tim Ross about the launch of one of the truly iconic radio brands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And the hits keep on coming for ARN with a damages claim being made against them by Jackie O, we have all the details with our legal expert Michael Byrnes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss the once-in-a-generation opportunity that is open right now for the next great Sydney breakfast show to step up and take the mantle now that Kyle & Jackie O have left the scene. Who will it be? Is it a show that is on the air right now, or is there someone waiting in the wings ready to step up? We discuss the breakfast landscape in Sydney in detail and give you our verdict. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS, the world’s largest broadcast software company. And is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was Kyle’s first appearance in a Sydney Federal court where he has argued that his termination was invalid and that he should be allowed to to return to his show on KIIS. We’ll talk about all the legal implications of todays developments with Michael ByrnesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve all heard about this mysterious group the 'Mad F**kin Witches', but what is it like to go into battle with them? Adam Lang has done it twice and he has the scars to prove it. Adam was 2DAYFM’s general manager when the MFWs first took to their broomsticks and they followed him in his next role at 2GB where they took down Alan Jones. How do they work? Can they be stopped? Why does an activist group hold so much power over a show they don’t actually listen to? This is required listening if you want to understand the predicament that ARN and Kyle & Jackie have found themselves in…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have Kyle's court filings and Michael Byrnes our legal expert gives us his thoughts and insights.Can Kyle force ARNs hand and be reinstated on KIIS? Listen now and find out what could happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk with our legal expert Michael Byrnes about the legal proceedings that have been commenced by Kyle. What does “specific performance” mean? Is there a chance that Kyle could be back on KIIS if he wins this battle? Where does this leave Jackie and her claim. All of the legal questions you’ve been thinking about but were too afraid (and unqualified) to ask are in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 8 years ago, Craig and Kyle spent an hour talking about his radio career, from humble beginnings in regional Australia to the biggest show in the country. Hear his story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Kyle & Jackie O’s first breakfast producer Paul Dowsley about the launch of the Kyle & Jackie O breakfast show on 2DAY FM in 2005. We have some incredible audio clips as well as insights from those first planning sessions.  Also this week, we take one last look at the back of the napkin and update our plan for Kyle and Jackie to move into new media, plus we have more insights into the meeting with Gemma O'Neill and ARN which triggered the end of the Kyle and Jackie O show. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS, the world’s largest broadcast software company. And is edited by Abe’s Audio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a full analysis of today’s radio ratings, including a deep dive into the final survey result for Kyle & Jackie O on KIIS1065 SydneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a shocking but not unexpected move, ARN  have terminated their services agreement with Kyle Sandilands. The largest talent deal in Australian media history is in tatters.We analyse Kyle’s blistering response to his termination and his plans for fighting this in court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode you’ll meet our new friend Michael Byrnes. Michael, a partner at Sydney law firm Swaab, is a workplace relations lawyer. He’s joining us to help us understand the potential consequences if the Kyle and Jackie O show ends with a legal battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another massive development in this story with the Australian Communications and Media Authority have hit ARN and the Kyle and Jackie O show with a series of additional licence conditions which will apply to any show hosted by or featuring Kyle or Jackie for the next five years. Under the conditions, ARN must ensure that any program hosted by Kyle or Jackie “does not broadcast content which is highly offensive or which contains strong and explicit Sexual References by the standards of an ordinary reasonable listener”. Listen to our reactions here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, we pick apart the pros and cons of a potential Kyle and Jackie O podcast strategy and reveal the results of whether you would pay for their content. Plus we talk to one of Australia’s best marketers about why there brand has been so successful for so long. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS, the world’s largest broadcast software company. and is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very latest on the battle to save the Kyle and Jackie O show, will we ever hear it again on KIIS, or is it “legally dead’?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle speaks directly to his listeners. We have the full statement, along with thoughts on what might happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this is episode we’ll introduce you to the Mad F’n Witches, the activist group behind the #VileKyle campaign and the antagonist in this story. According to many, the reason this show is no longer on the air is due to them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh update on the Kyle and Jackie O fall out, including Kyle’s $88 million dollar payout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O is gone, Kyle Sandilands is facing a potential contract fight with ARN, and the future of the show — and KIIS FM — is suddenly uncertain. In this episode of Game Changers Radio, we'll discuss the life changing epiphany that Jackie came to at the end of last trigger which triggered their relationship breakdown, the legal standoff now unfolding behind the scenes and what happens to the KIIS audience if the show finishes,  Now that the Kyle & Jackie O  era is officially over, Sydney breakfast radio will never be the same again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show is over. Hear everything you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Game Changers, things get personal. After last week’s explosive on-air bust-up between Kyle and Jackie O, Craig gets a shoutout from Kyle… then a private phone call. No beef. Some regrets. A few admissions. And one big question hanging in the air: what happens next? Is this the beginning of the end? Or a necessary rupture before a reset? This is the most honest conversation we’ve had about the biggest show in the country. Follow us on Instagram @gamechangers.radio and share your Audio Moment of the Week.Game  Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN end of year financials have been released today and they’re bad. Very bad. Revenue down $30 million. Hear Tim Burrowes thoughts on the numbers and what needs to happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Burrowes from Mumbrella joins us to analyse the half-yearly financial results of the merged Southern Cross Austereo and Seven West Media.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Sandilands and Karl Stefanovic - It’s one of the sharpest podcast interviews you’ll hear this year according to Craig, but Irene has a very different view. We unpack the interview and discuss Karl’s first step into podcasting and independent media. Then we tackle Christian O’Connell’s big question: What does radio do that nothing else can? Is “live and local” actually a differentiator — or just industry comfort food? And finally: in a fractured, algorithm-driven media world, can any show truly be “famous for” one thing? Or is the smarter play building a suite of benchmarks that compound around a clear position? This one’s for programmers, talent and anyone still chasing the idea of a magic segment. This week's guest is Jay Walkerden from Podshape, one of Australia's largest independent podcast and content production companies. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could this be the most controversial moment between our 2 counties since Trevor Chappell’s underarm 45 years ago? (Google it kids).  Mediaworks program director and true blue Aussie Adrian Brine is back in this bonus episode sharing his thoughts on what Aussies can learn from radio on the other side of the ditch.  Tell us what you think at gamechangers.radio on IGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Nova 96.9 rolled out Ricki-Lee & Tim Blackwell in breakfast and at the end of week 1 we ask: does it sound like a contender who could challenge Kyle & Jackie O — or does it sound more like a drive show in breakfast clothing? Also this week we talk with Australian programming superstar Adrian Brine about the challenges of working in the world’s toughest radio market - Auckland NZ. This might be one of the most inspiring conversations about radio content you’ll hear anywhere. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode we take a look under the bonnet of Brisbane FM radio. Will the comeback kids Robin, Kip & Corey win more than just a sympathy vote or is the new Nova line-up set for a gold medal winning year with Susie O’Neill back in lane 4. Also this week we introduce you to one of Australia’’s best content creators, Joshua Fox. The man behind the MAFS funny podcast and a bunch of viral moments both online and on the air, shares his secrets to winning in the content creator space. If you're a creator or brand and you need help with content strategy - hit up Joshua Fox at aiims.creatorhub.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we take a listen to ARN’s 2 new national shows - The Smallzy Show and Lowie Live. Irene is full of praise for one, and full of questions for the other. Jeremy McVean, former SCA group marketing director helps us dissect all the new radio marketing being rolled out around the country and we have our first 'moment of the week' for this year with a highlight from JJJ’s hottest 100. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if breakfast radio stopped chasing hype and started building community? We analyse Christian O’Connell’s first week as a national show, KIIS Adelaide’s strategic inertia, GfK Survey 8 narratives, and why closeness, not noise, might be radio’s next advantage. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe it, Robyn, Kip and Corey have been reinstated to 973 breakfast for 2026!We’ve got all the details, plus our first thoughts on Dave Cameron’s return to radioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s our final episode for the year and we’re going out with a whimper … hang on, we’re going out with a bang, starting with the most shocking results from the last Magnificent 7 of 2025 - the biggest radio moment of this year is NOT what we were expecting. We’ll take one last look at the GfK headlines from all the metro markets and review our spicy predictions for 2025.  And to finish the year, Wade is back with an updated version of 'How to make ratings' covering all the headlines from one of radio’s biggest years ever. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wild week in radio: within minutes of last week’s pod, Ash Bradnam quit Nova Brisbane and Jimmy walked from 2DayFM. Two shock exits, two big mysteries. We break down what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what it means for 2026 — including why SCA will be cheering in Brisbane and why 2Day’s next move needs to start with the station format, not the breakfast show. Then it’s our final Magnificent 7 of the year — the seven radio moments that defined 2025, from Lu & Jarch’s MMM debut to Christian O’Connell going national to JJJ’s Top 100 - it’s all here and you get to decide on the biggest radio moment of the year. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN's Chief Audience and Content Officer Lauren Joyce has been made redundant, a move that has shocked the industry - we’ll tell you everything we think we know, along with as many intelligent guesses as we can get away with in this week’s episode. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle was in full storytelling mode this week, revealing the now-infamous “ex-girlfriend” offer from 2DayFM and how a 10-year, $200 million pitch turned into the perfect storm that kept the biggest radio show in Australia right where it is. We break down the leverage, the metaphors ACMA probably won’t love, and what happens next. Plus — SCA Head of Broadcast Content Matthew O’Reilly joins us to talk about their roadmap for 2026:• Will Lu & Jarch go primetime next year?• What’s the future for 2DayFM — reinvention, refresh, or full reset?• And is a format change coming for SA-FM? The radio chessboard is moving. We map out what’s coming next. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a week for ARN. Revenue and profit downgrades, ACMA’s heavy penalties for Kyle & Jackie O, and the looming impact on how the show can sound going forward — the hits just kept coming.  We unpack every twist in this cascading story. Plus, NOVA’s Mel Tracina is making her case as Australia’s next radio and TV breakout star. Fresh off her Big Brother hosting debut, she joins us to talk career momentum and what’s next. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our interview last week with ARN CEO Michael Stephenson and Chief Audience and Content Officer Lauren Joyce was our most talked about episode ever. This week we take one last look at ARN’s plans and messaging for 2026 and respond to your feedback on the conversation that almost went sideways. Also this week - we’ll take our first look at how the radio network wars of 2026 might play out as KIIS and NOVA prepare to go head to head for the hearts and minds of Australians under 40. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN have unveiled their plans for 2026 and on this week's episode, we talk with CEO Michael Stephenson and Chief Audience & Content Officer, Lauren Joyce, about all their big moves - it’s a robust conversation with nothing off limits. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the fall out from survey 6, yes it feels like forever ago but we have things to say, including how Nova’s cume drop in Melbourne had zero positive impact on Kyle & Jackie O’s audience. Can you have too many show producers? We discuss one of the key roles in every content team - the breakfast show EP, and what the best are doing to help their shows. Plus Craig gets a lesson in tech from an old colleague with a truly embarrassing story that is one for the ages. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is chemistry? And do you know if you have it with your co-host? Three of the biggest podcasters in Australia share their thoughts on how their chemistry has evolved and how they protect it. If you’re making audio content in a team, this is an interview you must hear. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The survey 6 GfK results are in. Is the KIIS format Kiistory? Jase & Lauren fall back to the pack and is the 2DAY experiment over? Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode we take a collective deep breath after the madness of last week’s announcements which shocked Aussie radio.  Wade has some big questions for Craig and Irene, including the question of an appropriate penalty for Kyle & Jackie O’s code breaches. Triana Butler, our social media whiz kid, joins us to review the biggest 'Iron Chef' radio moment of 2025 - the release of the new Taylor Swift album. And we make some half hearted predictions for the survey 6 results which land next week. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive week in Aussie radio with CEO’s pulling the pin, billion dollar mergers, ACMA getting really mad at Kyle & Jackie O and much more. We’ll cover it all in this episode, as well as introduce you to the best next generational talent on Aussie radio, the amazing Katie Lamb from MMM Perth. Strap yourself in, this could be a bumpy ride. Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.