Kyle and Jackie O deal: Radio fans slam 'devastating' axing of Melbourne hosts

Melbourne radio fans were left shocked on Wednesday when it was announced Lauren Phillips and Jason Hawkins are being axed next year, with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson set to broadcast their breakfast radio show in Melbourne as well as Sydney.

While Kyle and Jackie's $200m deal has been rumoured for some time, Lauren and Jase didn't find out officially until Tuesday night.

Lauren broke down in tears when she thanked the show's listeners for their support over the years, saying, "It has been an absolute privilege to have this job, and I'm really grateful to our listeners for supporting us."

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Fans of the show took to Instagram to share their heartbreak after it was announced Jase and Lauren would come to an end in December, with one fan writing, "Well, they have lost this listener in 2024."

"The day [Melbourne] radio died," another said.

"This is absolutely shocking and devastating!" a third said. "Canceling the best show and team ever! It was an absolute pleasure listening to you guys on my drive every morning!"

"They can KIIS their listeners goodbye!" someone else quipped. "It’s a no from us. Sorry to hear guys, proud to have been a part of it and make some genuine friendships, bunch of legends!"

"Absolutely devastating, I’m from Sydney and I hands down prefer to listen to the Melbourne show over the Sydney one! Very sad to see this end," one user added.

"You guys are amazing. You're such a positive and fun influence in Melbourne," another said. "We listen to you on the school run and it's such a bright start to our day. Will be turning off KIIS if Kylie and Jackie O are on. Which station is going to be smart enough to pick you all up?"

Others said they were "majorly disappointed" and were "crying" over the news.

Lauren and Jase's announcement came as Kyle and Jackie O signed their new contract live on air, with Kyle saying, "Melbourne listeners, you’ll hear us on KIIS 101.1 on Melbourne FM."

"We want to thank the listeners. Staff. All the clients. Even senior management, I’ll give a nod to. They actually did something brilliant."

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Jason revealed during their show that he'd spoken to Jackie, saying, "I said, ‘You guys are very lucky to have the people we have listening to this show.'"

"We have had just an absolute ball the last couple of years."

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