Kyle officially now off the air

Jonathan says:

11:20pm | 02/08/09

Either that or there’ll be a triumphant return when the next rating season begins.  Cynical, yes.  Realistic, also yes.
I hope and pray by all that is holy that we never see or hear from these clowns again.

boz says:

12:31am | 03/08/09

Righteous!

Rob says:

12:33am | 03/08/09

Finally this pathetic bully has been brought into line by public opinion.  Now if they can only sack him from Idol I will be able to watch it

Julieanne says:

12:48am | 03/08/09

yeah i wont watch idol if he is there

C says:

02:02am | 03/08/09

His manager’s comment just makes me think it’s more likely he’ll return. I don’t see how this suggests that his leave will be permanent at all, it just plays into the more likely scenario that Kyle will hit the airwaves with a sea of misguided supporters behind him. I can only imagine the ill-espressed, witless fans calling in to congratulate him on his return. God, his supporters deserve to wake up to an idiot like him every morning if they think that he provides some semblance of entertainment to their lives.

The fact that I dislike Kyle, his show and his audience is really seperate from the radio-stunt incident. If there was retribution for that then their producer/s would be fired. If there was retribution for dumbing down the collective consciousness? Then Sandilands would have been fired a long time ago.

Aleg says:

06:57am | 03/08/09

Thanks for ruining everything you whingers.

This is why we can’t have nice things.

Bad Boy Benny says:

08:46am | 03/08/09

We need full time media cops so the public has a referee to turn to. That way no one can call “unfair”.

Michael says:

09:04am | 03/08/09

Media Cops is a VERY BAD IDEA, the current regulation is to protect Australian’s from media censorship, and to let Kyle kill free speech would really be a crime.

Eric says:

09:11am | 03/08/09

The axing (temporarily or otherwise) of the question radio show in response to the blatant exploitation of that girl should serve as a strong wake up call to other media outlets that kids are off limits when it comes to stunts of this nature. I’m as liberal and open minded as the next person, but is there not enough `shock’ value material out there already that we have to exploit kids too? Where was Kyle and Jackie when The Chaser crew got lambasted for their effort in child exploitation??

T.C. says:

09:46am | 03/08/09

The best way for a villain to be redeemed is to become victimised.

Someone has taken a leaf out of the Assemblies of God play book. What they do every time a pastor falls. They use ‘addiction to porn’ as one of their ‘get out of jail free cards’ before the process of ‘restoration’.  Seems that Kyle’s strategy will be the twisting of ‘immense public backlash’. The ‘Media’ will probably also be blamed.

I love it when the Media reports that the Media is being blamed by the Media for doing what the Media does.

Anne says:

10:16am | 03/08/09

Why is Jackie O getting a free ride on this?  It is a universal truth that Sandilands is a tool, but Jackie O is a young woman used to sell and promote to other young women.  She took an active role iShe is an appauling role model and should be shown as such.

Anthony says:

10:26am | 03/08/09

It is unfortunate for all concerned that the fallout from this event has led to someone voluntarily stepping down from their role, in a quasi-punitive response to an at times unnecessarily, and pointedly vitriolic public reaction to an uncontrolled on-air broadcast.
In a macabre sense, if the welfare of the child is now being addressed at a professional level then, while unfortunately somewhat belated - it is hoped that steps to a full recovery is underway.
Listener appetite for base-level eviscerations is voracious, one has only to look to history, let alone program ratings . But, to call for the outright removal of the host is dissappointing. Public opinion in the matter has been prejudicial, and senior management would do well to merely review their broadcasting procedures and practices and move on from the event, continuing as a team, without any losses. Lesson learnt.

james says:

10:46am | 03/08/09

Their paypackets could feed a large, starving village for a decade. They’re a waste of space and ought to go back to retail.

grant says:

10:57am | 03/08/09

They’ll only ever return if sponsors agree to support the program, and i cannot see that happening. And rightfully so - the Australian people have demonstrated they’re not prepared to put up with this trash, and what brand would want to be aligned with the sickest people on radio?
Imagine the sales conversation:
Austereo sales rep: Pssst. We’re putting Kyle and jackie O back on air - how many spots do you want?
Potential sponsor: None - if you put my brand anywhere near those two I will destroy you. There are plenty of other ways I can reach morons en masse and I don’t need the brand damage from being associated with those two.

Michaela says:

11:14am | 03/08/09

What about Tacky Jackie? She’s just as bad. After all this, now they get a week off? Oh please. I can just hear Austereo Management - “Just take a week off guys until this shit blows over”. Now Kyle sits at home and fields calls from his goonies telling him how great he is, and Jackie just spends the week adding to her wardrobe. Pathetic. Sponsors should permanently boycott their show, and Channel Ten, take note and make an example of Kyle - no more Idol. I certainly won’t be watching, or letting my kids watch it if he’s on it. What kind of example are these people setting for children?

bobke says:

11:23am | 03/08/09

Good riddance - maybe Kyle could join the Chasers and do basket weaving

Tim says:

12:03pm | 03/08/09

Too little capability too much delusion,...a dose of REALITY

AT says:

12:05pm | 03/08/09

@Anthony,

“...senior management would do well to merely review their broadcasting procedures and practices and move on from the event, continuing as a team, without any losses. Lesson learnt.”

You serious? A ‘prejudiced’, ‘punitive’, ‘vitriolic’, ‘voracious’, ‘eviscerating’ public is to be blamed for the ‘unfortunate’ ‘stepping down of someone’!? And that the girl’s welfare is now being ‘professionally addressed’ is somehow a positive outcome!?

You’re saying the crass belligerent obscenity these tools (management and presenters) spew out daily is feeding a ‘base-level appetite’ and therefore they’re not to be sanctioned because…? No seriously, why?

These people feed off a small segment “the public”. They’re not providing some essential public service. If the greater public (that’s the vast majority of us who never tune in to that crap) express outrage at their activities, it’s not because we’re prejudiced or punitive or any of those other things you ascribe to the outcryers, it’s because we ARE outraged. Anyone who broadcasts to, and profits, from the PUBLIC should be prepared to accept the public verdict. Any public bias you may perceive is irrelevant.

And in cases such as these, there’s nothing “unfortunate” about people who make a living mocking and belittling others being forced to step down—it’s sweet justice. (Pardon my prejudice.)

karen says:

12:10pm | 03/08/09

That most-hated shock jock should be banned forever from all kinds of shows.

Karen

Henrietta from melbourne says:

12:25pm | 03/08/09

Anne, I agree Jackie O is an appaling role model for young women…and she too was a willing participant in this ridiculous radio segment.

Its about time the media started to call her into question

Grant says:

12:34pm | 03/08/09

Absolutely AT, this is black and white. There’s no media bias or influence, all the public had to do was hear the broadcast and judge for themselves. Anyone who responds to a young girl saying “I was raped when I was 12” with “And is that your only experience?” is an imbecile and a danger to his employers and sponsors, regardless of the fact everyone hates the guy anyway. Out of all the possible responses in the world, would anyone with the slightest shred of humanity choose that? Easy to try and shift the blame after and I would say those who have been duped are those who defend him in what is blatantly indefensible.
Aleg, I guess nice things are a matter of personal opinion - a nice thing for me will be driving past a building site and seeing Kyle digging ditches.

Pedro from Adelaide says:

01:03pm | 03/08/09

Can anything intelligent or even sensible (or even just tasteful) ever come out of Sydney? The crass-capital of Australia.

John says:

01:04pm | 03/08/09

Next time you hear Kyle’s voice on radio, press that ON/OFF button or turn the knob to other station.  Its time for someone to listern to the listeners.

eli solomon says:

01:09pm | 03/08/09

I have not been able to listen to the Kyle & Jackie O show for at least a year now. Their need to “shock” audiences with their inane banter got to the point where I found it all too cringe worthy.
I believed then that it ws only a matter of time until they went too far. My only surprise is that it has taken this long for the regulatory authorities to put a stop to it.

John McPhilbin says:

01:26pm | 03/08/09

I’m not a fan of the show nor do I condone their behaviour, and it seems to me that most people believe Kyle had it coming.  I’m one of those people.  Kyle seems to take great delight in throwing his weight around and nowhere as this been more obvious than on Australian Idol.

Yet, what I find interesting is Kyle’s history, in particular in his formative and school years.  It wasn’t that long ago that the DT ran an article claiming Kyle had been a victim of bullying growing up.  Yet, here he is ‘the classic bully’.  I’m a firm believer that bullies are deeply insecure about their own self-worth and therefore seek to validate themselves by bullying others.  It tends to provide them with temporary relief from having to face their own shortcomings.

mame says:

02:01pm | 03/08/09

As much as I cannot stand the man there are more people who need to answer to this - being the managers of the program who gave this the nod. Also Jackie O and of course that vile mother of the girl.

I would be pleased to see that back of Kyle for good as he is too nasty and ignorant to bring anything decent into people’s lives. However the problem lies within the management of the network who a) employed Kyle and encouraged his behaviour and b) didn’t screen this segment.

John Fenech says:

02:03pm | 03/08/09

Gee it’s big of Vile to take a week off - Not.

Be up front and honest Vile - You can’t stand the heat can YOU.

Maybe it is time to give the airwaves away.

Do I hear the recording industry calling ?

Robert says:

02:28pm | 03/08/09

1 bloody week for the terror they caused this girl. Disgraceful, bloody disgraceful!!  And if this fellow is also a judge on Idol again - well that would just prove what little regard these media outlets have for the Australian people.

RGG says:

02:52pm | 03/08/09

Out of curiosity, why is no one bringing the mother into this? Kyle didn’t exactly coerce them into the show and hold them there against their will. She should be more accountable than he is, if anything.

Dan says:

03:25pm | 03/08/09

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer pair of doucheweasels.  The mother is truly appalling for what she did to her child, and I hope DOCS gives her the fright of her life, but this pair and their stupid program gave her the forum.  How on earth anyone could think allowing a woman to question her minor child about sex and drugs was a good idea is beyond me.

Timbo says:

03:28pm | 03/08/09

I think Grant hit the nail with his post about Kyle’s on-air response to the girl’s statement - how can that be your initial, “gut-reaction” response to such a statement from such a young person? Maybe/Hopefully Kyle has shocked himself with what he said and is sitting in his favorite coffee house contemplating what he has turned into (hope springs eternal…).

After listening to the audio (on Youtube - it appeared to edited), it does appear that the mother made the first mistake with her poorly phrased question “when was the first time you had sex?”. I’m guessing the daughter, to hide her embarressment of being asked that question onair, shot out with her “rape” comment - the tone of which seemed to be designed to shock her mum more than anyone else. Kyle’s initial response was stupid, insensitive and more than shows that he cannot think on his feet - Jackie’s response…well….she appeared supportive (as does Kyle later on), but with the edits in the audio I listened to may have omitted some of her response.

It LOOKS like Kyle and Jackie are caught in the crossfire of a less-than-amicable mother-daughter relationship, but it also wouldn’t surprise me that the show’s producers and “on-air talent” contrived the whole in a poorly misguided attempt to boost ratings and reputation for “edgy radio”...whatever that means.

I dont listen to them but whenever I’ve flipped around stations, almost always without fail, either 2Day or 2MMM are running some phonein/interview/stunt on something that should be left for non primetime spots. They seem to run them at prime times in the day when young ears are listening (usually in cars on way to/from school, etc). I would think that this leaves parents in akward situations with reagrad to explaining whats happening on the radio.

This has been going on for a good number of years and there’s been no real outcry until now. Personally, I have JJJ on in the car because I find it easier to turn down the radio if I know language is coming in a particular song, and their programs broadcast appropriate warnings with particular subjects they are discussing. Also, they dont appear to feel the need to pull stunts like this to pull in listeners.

Weather the girl’s claim is true, or the stunt was completely made up, or you hate/like K&J doesn’t really matter - what matters is that the industry takes a hard look at itself and its standards of what it is putting to air and in parciular, WHEN it is going to air. Listeners have the right to know what sort of content is going to be broadcast so they can choice whether to listen or to change stations while the segment is on.

It’s not hard - you can be as edgey, and left-field as you like, just let your listeners know.

Megan says:

04:04pm | 03/08/09

This is the latest in a long line of totally inappropriate behaviour by Kyle. Remember when he threatened violence on-air against members of Frenzal Rhomb? Remember when he forced a father to admit to his son on-air that he had oral sex with another man? and now this. It boggles the mind why this moron should be allowed to broadcast!

But really Austereo and ACMA are the real problem. Kyle is just the idiot that they put on air.

Tane says:

04:23pm | 03/08/09

OK, people, Kyle’s been a d*ck in the past but having heard the incident replayed on TripleJ, he was as shellshocked as anyone else at the revelation. From his tone, did not mean to imply in any way that the girl had had other sexual experience. Blame where it’s due here, please. Blame the mother for pulling such an unconscionable stunt and blame our media for two weeks’ worth of headlines saying “Kyle rape stunt” to try and boost readership.

Andika says:

04:36pm | 03/08/09

Who really gives a rats!

roflcopter says:

05:05pm | 03/08/09

Well done.

Don’t think it was JUST about the rape revelation, but a lot of people were upset by decision to question a minor about illegal activity (sex, drug use, drinking etc) to begin with.

brad says:

05:44pm | 03/08/09

What Austereo and Kyle and Jacky O did was disgraceful, and I would think illegal. What would be the consequences if I had enough money to pay my neighbour to bring her 14 year old daughter over and ask her about her sex life for my gratification. The station says it was consensual, but since when can a 14 year old give consent to contracts. The daughter was manipulated and abused by both the mother and Austereo. I will never support any brand promoted by Austereo, and if he goes on Idol I will not watch it.
I hope a lawyer takes up the girls case pro-bono and pursues a criminal case against the company.

Redemptionist says:

05:57pm | 03/08/09

A Soulless selfish individual… A shock jock who believes is own PR…

This was a reprehensible publicity stunt which set out to shock blatantly using a young girls sexuality to capture radio listeners… and they got more than they bargained for… Well Farewell Kyle, drop out and leave the stage… His producer should leave the room with him…

Alison says:

06:09pm | 03/08/09

Latest - he’s been dumped from Idol: http://www.smh.com.au/national/kyle-sacked-as—idol-judge-20090803-e707.html

Agree with many other posters - Kyle’s not the only culprit here.  He definitely deserves to be taken off the air, but so does Jackie O.  And the producers and other personnel involved in clearing this segment for air are equally culpable.

Bulldust says:

06:33pm | 03/08/09

He is off Idol as well now. Sponsors and the Idol concept owner (British company) weren’t happy about him potentially impacting the show’s “family-friendly” image.

Good taste won this round.

rubens camejo says:

06:55pm | 03/08/09

Weather Kyle and his sidekick return depends very much on those advertisers willing to be associated with someone with the notoriety these two now suffer through their ill conceived stunt. Will any marketing department pay the thousands necessary to link their company’s name to Kyle and Jackie? – We shall see – We keep missing the big picture though… that poor child!

kelly l says:

07:43pm | 03/08/09

My opinion as a 23 year old woman from Sydney is that they should go permanently, and also be investigated for criminal charges. With human moral slipping to an all time low all over the world, the longer these sleazy two are allowed to pull these stunts and advertisers pay for space and you people listen to such vulgar rhetoric, this slimballl will be able to question a 14 year old girl on a lie detector nationwide about her sexlife. Where is the humanity of everyone now. And see what this huge outcry has done to shame this poor girl more. How totally disgusting from the two dj’s and the mum. shame on all of you, stupid adults.

rod says:

07:47pm | 03/08/09

The Kyle and Jackie O show has been a fantastic forum over the years for troubled teens, mothers in desperation, families who need help, kids with cancer etc and they have all been helped via the program whether it has been (and not limited to)money, councelling or advice.

The airing and discussion of these issues give other people suffering from the same issues hope and inspiration, they no longer feel alone. Whilst airing these issues Kyle and Jackie O show their compassion for the person involved in the segment and set a fantastic example for our young ones.

For those of us, including myself who don’t have any life issues, the program provided a great insight into the lives of these people and the issues which they face, I have learned a lot from the show and I can now sympathise and possibly help anyone who I cross paths with who suffer from the same issues.

Even though the Kyle and Jackie O show will be back on air at 2DayFM within a week the forum for discussion and resolution of these issues will be lost.

For each person who commits suicide or looses their child because they have lost the only forum they feel comfortable in discussing their issues we can thank the likes of Mumbrella, The Punch and Naked Communications.

You use situations like these as Vehicles for your frustrations and emtions and I believe Karma will come round one day and it will be their child, mother, sister, friend neighbour who will be affected.

Rob says:

08:05pm | 03/08/09

Sandilands has shown he has very thin skin in fact. The public slanging match between him and Dave Hughes is just one example. Threats of violence towards Hughes on air during Enough Rope shows he can’t take what he dishes out.

Ash says:

08:16pm | 03/08/09

instead of looking at the real issue here people would rather crucify the one person who speaks his mind and is passionate about the world around him. He is a fine person and I for one will miss his appearance on idol as he makes the show Good luck Kyle

NICOLE says:

09:39pm | 03/08/09

BIG BACK KYLE AND JACKIE O!!! ALL YOU HATERS BITCH SOMEWHERE ELSE… ONLY THE SUPPORTERS WILL PREVAIL.. IF YOU DONT LIKE THE HOST OR THE SHOW, THEN DONT LISTEN AND STOP PUTTING IN YOUR BEST EFFORT TO BITCH ABOUT IT!!!!

NICOLE says:

09:41pm | 03/08/09

IF THERE IS SUCH THING AS FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WHY ARE THESE COMMENTS SET UP FOR APPROVAL????? AND WHY IS IT THE COMMENTS THAT ARE AGAINST THE SHOW THE ONES APPROVED????

KEV says:

11:01pm | 03/08/09

sure, kyle was wrong for saying that but would you ask your son or daughter if they have had sex on national radio?

Darryl says:

11:33pm | 03/08/09

Nicole, I think C at the top described you best - “ill-espressed, witless fans ”

Former Radio Exec says:

07:10am | 04/08/09

For all the K&J zealots running on blind faith, let me explain WHY they should face disciplinary action. The radio industry is pretty much self-regulated, but with a semi-passive unpire (the ACMA) watching over them in case they slip up. That is, in case they DON’T adhere to the requirement to be sensitive to public morals, standards and values. Such as strapping an underage kid to a supposed lie detector and aasking her questions about her sex life. You’ll note that I said “asking her questions about her sex life” there. Now, before you froth at the mouth and throw a Kyle & Jackie mug full of decaf coffee at the computer monitor, let me explain further. Even though the MOTHER actually asked the question, the fact that they ALLOWED the question to be asked AND ANSWERED deems them as responsible for that going to air as if they asked it themselves. THAT is the reason why so many people are baying for th e blood of the presenters and the program - because (and I know this from decades of radio experience myself) each presenter, producer and program director is responsible for EVERYTHING that goes to air. Oh, and the bit about it being “live” and them not knowing she was going to say it? That’s absolute bullshit because 1) it should NOT have been totally live (that’s professional neglegence and leaves them way open to civil action) and 2) they DID know the mother was going to ask a LEGALLY UNDERAGE girl about her sex life. Breakfast radio, of all shifts, is simply NOT the forum for such material. No matter WHAT the audience!

Myopic says:

09:48am | 04/08/09

The incident was the result of an ill-conceived segment, aided and abetted by the girl’s mother. Management, the producers and the program’s sponsors were complicit and should all be held accountable for the rubbish these two put to air in the guise of entertainment. Media Watch has exposed this program and the depths it’s previously plumbed to attract ratings. http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2644599.htm

BW says:

11:50am | 04/08/09

Why has the so-called “mother” of this child not been attacked by the media as well? She knew of the rape and admitted that no counselling had been sought for her obviously distraught daughter! She must be made accountable as well, especially since she apparently smiled just before her daughter revealed the horrid abuse she endured at 12 years old. Listening to the interview online sickened me…especially listening to the smug overtones in her mother’s voice. Some people don’t deserve to be parents. Where’s docs?

John McPhilbin says:

12:10pm | 04/08/09

Former Radio Exec:  I agree with you 100%.

Outraged of Castle Hill says:

05:04pm | 04/08/09

rod: good point. I have no idea why we needed the Rape Crisis Centre, Lifeline and beyondblue while Kyle and Jackie O were on the air.

Seeing that it was Kyle who made the call to pull the pin rather than 2Day or ACMA, you’d better contact his management poste haste. Something along the lines of, “if you don’t get back on the air you’ll be murdering dozens of children” should make your point nicely.

BIG AL says:

04:30pm | 08/08/09

as a long time listener to the kyle and jacky o show i would like to say the every single post i have red have been posted by a lot of tosses. get a life you lossers, he hosts the highest rating radio show in the country and this is because he specialisers in something all you idiots are not familiar with “ENTERTAINMENT”. USE ALL PROBERBLEY SUPER-GLUE THE AM BUTTON DOWN ON YOUR RADIOS, GET WITH IT!!!!!!!!

johnv_au says:

08:49pm | 08/08/09

Big AL get a life you red necked half wit we are talking about children being used by these so called entertainers ???? get some one to read this message to you

odd world says:

04:56pm | 11/08/09

says a lot for you Big Al if you think this rubbish is entertainment. One has to wonder at what else you consider entertaining.