Former KIIS FM Employee Appeals for Compassion After Kyle and Jackie O Split
Mitchell Coombs, a former social media manager for The Kyle and Jackie O Show, has publicly addressed critics who are celebrating the end of the long-running radio program following hosts Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands' official parting of ways this week. In a detailed Instagram video posted on Wednesday, the 29-year-old acknowledged the duo's polarising reputation while urging detractors to consider the show's production staff who were stood down on Tuesday.
'Don't Be a D**k About It': Coombs' Emotional Plea
"So, you're allowed to hate them, but just like don't be a d**k about it," Coombs stated bluntly in his social media message. Describing his time working for the controversial shock jocks between 2017 and 2021 as "memorable," he expressed mixed emotions about the show's abrupt conclusion. "The fact they're done and dusted is a weird feeling for a lot of us," he revealed. "Sure, plenty of people were not fans of the show, but a lot of people are gonna be bummed about it ending. So just ease up, I reckon."
Admitting that Kyle and Jackie were not "everyone's cup of tea," Coombs explained his motivation for speaking out. "I wanted to put my 'two cents' worth' in about the end of one of Australia's most enduring radio teams," he said, acknowledging the program's complex legacy. As the person responsible for managing their social media accounts for three to four years, Coombs had direct exposure to audience feedback. "I've read it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly. So I know that there's certain people that want to celebrate their demise today."
Behind the Scenes: The Human Impact of the Split
Coombs shared that he had been in contact with former colleagues who expressed both shock and a sense that this marked "the end of an era." He emphasised the show's positive influence, noting that Kyle and Jackie "inspired" many to pursue careers in radio and maintained a dedicated listener base over the years. The former employee revealed a personal gesture he made during his tenure: printing out supportive messages from listeners for Sandilands to read.
"He didn't ask me to do that, and I just thought he should know, like the positive impact he's having [with listeners saying] it was a comfort during real rough patches," Coombs explained. He concluded his video by lamenting the show's sudden demise, calling it a "sh** way to go" without a proper farewell. "Like there was no final sendoff or any sort of victory lap, so yes, you're allowed to hate them, but just don't be a d*** about it," he reiterated.
Mixed Reactions and Industry Fallout
Coombs' appeal for empathy did not resonate with all his followers. Some responded with criticism of the radio hosts. "Nahh... no sympathy. They hurt a lot of people for clicks. Anyone who worked for them knew what they did," commented one person. Another added, "Move with the times," while a third stated, "And it's not ironic or rage bait... people need to be called out." A more succinct response read: "Yeah, nah, it was bloody awful."
Meanwhile, radio industry sources report that KJO staff group chats have been active as producers confront an uncertain future. Some employees feel they have "nowhere else to go" within Australian Radio Network (ARN) as the company implements cost-cutting measures in response to declining revenue. Workers were reportedly "blindsided" by the program's collapse, which followed a heated argument between the hosts on February 20 regarding Henderson's interest in astrology. The confrontation ended with Henderson leaving the studio in tears and ultimately deciding to terminate her contract.
The substantial production team behind the radio show now faces significant anxiety about their professional prospects. Many believe redeployment within ARN is unlikely because "there aren't any jobs" available, leaving numerous careers in limbo following the unexpected dissolution of one of Australia's most prominent radio partnerships.
