Prominent Australian entertainers have shared their thoughts on Kyle Sandilands’ dismissal from KIIS FM, seizing the moment to highlight their own platforms. The decision follows his heated on-air clash with Jackie ‘O’ Henderson last month.
Reactions at Sydney Fundraiser
During a charity event in Sydney on Thursday, Richard Wilkins, Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington, and Natalie Barr offered their perspectives on the end of the Kyle and Jackie O Show, which saw declining ratings in the latest survey.
Richard Wilkins Backs Smooth FM
Richard Wilkins, 71, a veteran Smooth FM host, smiled and remarked, ‘Kyle’s a big boy, I’m sure he’ll be fending for himself.’ He promoted his station, noting, ‘The good news is that Smooth FM remains the number one, most listened to radio station in Australia, so in these difficult times, some things stay stable.’
When questioned about whether Sandilands’ provocative style contributed to his exit, Wilkins replied, ‘These are interesting times, and he’s got us all talking as he always does.’
Natalie Barr Eyes Sunrise Boost
Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr echoed the sentiment with humor: ‘Big news in radio, we’re all waiting to see what’ll happen, aren’t we? But I just think more people will be tuning in to Sunrise.’
Barr also shared an update on her recent health issue, where doctors removed a small skin cancer. ‘I don’t think there are many Australians who haven’t been touched by cancer, whether it’s them individually or a friend or family member,’ she said. ‘Mine was tiny, just a little skin cancer from years of sun baking with baby oil in the ’80s, but it was easily treatable. I get regular checks and scans every year—it’s a good reminder to stay on top of it.’
Matt Shirvington Stays Diplomatic
Shirvington, Barr’s co-anchor, took a measured approach: ‘There’s a lot of puzzle pieces to be laid out, I don’t know where it all ends up. But one thing I do know is that it’s exciting.’
He alluded to Henderson’s uncertain future and Sandilands’ legal challenge, adding, ‘[We’ve] lost some talent, and some talent is sitting on the sidelines—they probably won’t do it for long.’
Shirvington suggested the move reflects shifting audience tastes: ‘It changes all the time, the idea of what’s acceptable and what’s not, and I think it’s a reflection of the audience.’
Event Details
The trio joined Karl Stefanovic, Peter Overton, Samantha Armytage, NOVA Entertainment’s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, Kate Ritchie, and Seven’s Katie Brown at the Wharf4Ward fundraiser in Woolloomooloo. The event supports young regional and rural Australians battling cancer and their families.
