ARN Media's chief executive, Michael Stephenson, has revealed that the company lost £22 million in advertising revenue due to brand safety concerns linked to the Kyle and Jackie O Show. Addressing shareholders at the annual general meeting, Stephenson said the drop contributed to a £26.4 million loss in revenue for the 2025/26 financial year.
The radio station's metro revenue fell by £28.3 million to £147.3 million, with most of the decline attributed to clients who avoided advertising due to the show's explicit content. Stephenson noted that 'consumer and advertiser expectations have changed,' and that several advertisers had raised concerns about brand safety.
The Kyle and Jackie O Show, known for its raunchy content, faced calls for a boycott from activist groups accusing it of normalising 'violent misogyny'. ARN terminated the contracts of Jacqueline 'Jackie O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands in February after an on-air dispute, during which Sandilands criticised Henderson's interest in astrology.
The duo, who were paid a combined £20 million annually under a 10-year contract, are now suing an ARN subsidiary for over £160 million. ARN chair Hamish McLennan told shareholders that Henderson's refusal to work with Sandilands constituted a repudiation of her contract, while Sandilands' conduct was deemed 'serious misconduct'.
ARN hopes many advertisers will return, though Stephenson acknowledged it may take time. The company's share price has halved over the past year, but McLennan expressed confidence and plans to invest £500,000 in shares.
