Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire have signed a radio deal with ARN Media to host a new multi-platform show, The Long Weekend, as the network grapples with the fallout from the cancellation of the Kyle and Jackie O Show. The move comes after ARN lost $22 million in revenue and faces $160 million in lawsuits from former stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson.
New Show Details
The Long Weekend will air live on all Gold stations and stream on Nine's 9Now and Stan platforms. The three-hour program, running Fridays from midday to 3pm starting 19 June, will cover news, sport, and entertainment, promising opinion, energy, and perspective. It marks the first Australian-produced audio and video format distributed across broadcast radio, live streaming, podcast, social media, free-to-air streaming, and global iHeart network.
Reactions from Hosts
McGuire described working with his friend Stefanovic as a "wonderful new chapter," stating they would bring audiences to where news, sport, and entertainment happen, with great music in between. Stefanovic, a longtime student of radio, highlighted the intimacy of the medium and expressed excitement about disrupting the status quo with McGuire.
ARN's Strategic Response
ARN CEO Michael Stephenson called The Long Weekend an excellent example of the company's strategy: premium audio and video content across all platforms. Chief content officer Kerri Elstub praised Stefanovic's ability to relate to Australian audiences and McGuire's legendary broadcasting prowess. McGuire's production company will also produce a sport podcast for iHeart.
Background on Stefanovic
Stefanovic, Nine's highest-paid journalist as co-host of Today, has ventured into independent podcasting this year, amassing over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. Despite earning $2.8 million, he has interviewed right-wing guests including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
Legal and Financial Challenges
ARN told a shareholder meeting it lost $22 million in revenue as advertisers pulled out over raunchy content on the now-cancelled Kyle and Jackie O Show. The network faces paying millions in compensation if it loses a federal court case. Sandilands and Henderson are suing Kiis FM licensee, which terminated them a year after signing 10-year contracts running until 2035.
