Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for radio host Kyle Sandilands to be dismissed immediately, escalating pressure on his employer after the sudden suspension of one of Australia’s most prominent breakfast radio programs.
The demand came after the Australian Radio Network confirmed that The Kyle and Jackie O Show had been taken off the air following a breakdown between its long-time hosts.
The network informed the Australian Securities Exchange that the KIIS breakfast program had been suspended with immediate effect, adding that temporary programming arrangements would replace it while the situation is reviewed.
According to the network, the decision followed a request from Sandilands’ co-host of more than two decades, Jackie O Henderson, who told executives she could no longer work alongside him.
The pair have hosted the highly rated program for about 25 years, building one of the most commercially successful radio shows in the country. The show has been widely reported to be part of a $200 million broadcast deal signed by the hosts with the network.
Hanson-Young said the suspension did not go far enough and argued the broadcaster should terminate Sandilands’ employment entirely.
“ARN have given him 14 days to explain himself; he should’ve been given 14 seconds to be out the door,” the Greens senator said.
She accused the radio host of making millions of dollars through controversial content over many years.
“History has shown he does not care about being sanctioned, or counselled, and will not change,” Hanson-Young said.
“He’s had more than enough chances.”
Sandilands has long been one of Australia’s most polarising media figures, frequently attracting criticism from advocacy groups, politicians and regulators over comments made on air.
His supporters argue the show’s provocative style has been central to its commercial success, while critics say repeated controversies highlight deeper problems in the country’s commercial radio industry.
The immediate crisis reportedly followed a tense on-air exchange on 20 February, during which Sandilands delivered a harsh public reprimand to Henderson.
Following the incident, Henderson left the program and has not returned to the broadcast.
The network has described the matter as “serious misconduct” and confirmed that Sandilands has been suspended for two weeks while it considers the situation.
In a statement to investors, ARN said the KIIS breakfast program would remain off air during the review period, with interim hosting arrangements to be introduced.
Industry analysts say the suspension represents a significant disruption to Australian commercial radio, given the show’s strong audience ratings and major advertising revenue.
The controversy also raises broader questions about workplace culture and accountability within Australia’s media sector.
For Hanson-Young and other critics, the episode reflects what they describe as a long-standing tolerance for controversial behaviour in commercial broadcasting.
But others in the industry caution that the network must conduct a formal process before making any permanent decision regarding Sandilands’ future.
The outcome of ARN’s review will determine whether one of the country’s most recognisable radio partnerships can continue — or whether the long-running breakfast show has effectively come to an end.
