ARN Media has reported a £22m drop in advertising revenue linked to brand safety concerns over the Kyle and Jackie O Show. Chief executive Michael Stephenson told shareholders that 'consumer and advertiser expectations have changed' as he outlined the financial impact of the controversy.
The company's metro radio revenue fell by £28.3m to £147.3m in 2025/26, with most of the decline attributed to clients who chose not to advertise due to content concerns. Regional advertising also dropped by £5.3m, with £4.4m of that from national advertisers pulling spots over brand safety.
The Kyle and Jackie O Show, known for its explicit content, faced calls for a boycott from activist groups accusing it of normalising 'violent misogyny'. ARN terminated the contracts of both Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson in February after an on-air dispute, leading to a legal battle with the pair seeking over £160m in damages.
Stephenson expressed hope that some advertisers would return, though he acknowledged it could take time. ARN chair Hamish McLennan said the company considered Henderson's inability to work with Sandilands a repudiation of her contract, and Sandilands' conduct as serious misconduct. Both are separately suing an ARN subsidiary.
Despite the challenges, McLennan expressed confidence in ARN's future and announced he would invest £500,000 in company shares. The company's share price has fallen by half over the past year.
