Kyle Sandilands' new subscription show experienced a rough debut on Monday, marred by significant audio problems and on-air frustrations, leading some listeners to speculate it was a deliberate publicity stunt.
The $99-a-year subscription service's first live episode was reportedly plagued with technical glitches, awkward silences, and an expletive-laden outburst from the host. Sandilands, visibly frustrated, was heard berating staff over microphone usage and expressing anger about the technical difficulties.
At one point, Sandilands was heard saying, "When I ask a question, am I supposed to hear her answer? Why do you not understand how to use the microphone?" This was followed by dead air and Sandilands announcing he was "leaving the room for a second." Newsreader Brooklyn Ross urged him not to yell at employees, to which Sandilands responded, "I'm not yelling!" Microphones later captured him storming into another room where staff were working, complaining about the need to "hear what we're putting onto the radio" and using profanity.
The on-air tirade was interrupted by the arrival of NSW Premier Chris Minns, prompting Sandilands to exclaim, "Oh, hi Premier! S***, the Premier's just arrived."
Publicity Stunt Speculation
Conspiracy theories surrounding the chaotic launch gained traction when the second episode of "The Kyle Sandilands Live" on Tuesday appeared to run smoothly. Listeners commented on social media that the first day's "stuff ups were so bad it was almost comical" and suggested the issues were "so obvious yesterday's 'mess ups' were planned for free air time from hating networks."
Others noted the stark contrast, with one observer stating, "The show is too perfect today and running so smoothly." A common sentiment among those questioning the launch was, "How could one of the most experienced audio people in Australia make such a stuff up on the first day? The whole thing was orchestrated by Sandilands as a publicity stunt, I reckon."
Smooth Sailing on Day Two
Conversely, some listeners praised the improved audio quality and smooth operation of the second show. Comments included, "Sounds great today!" and "Looks so good and sounds great. Well done everyone."
One listener observed, "No echoes and sound volume is pitched perfect between all microphones," while another added, "Audio sounds so good so far and video is buttery smooth."
Show Details and Host's Influence
Despite the rocky start, Sandilands used the first broadcast to announce details about his longtime newsreader Brooklyn Ross's move to the new venture. Sandilands claimed he personally intervened to ensure Ross could appear on the show just days after finishing with his previous employer, ARN.
"Guess what, I made that happen with one phone call," Sandilands told Ross, before boasting about his influence in the industry. He asserted his connections are with high-level executives, stating, "Forget your CEOs, your heads of content, they're peasants. Above them are the chairmen. I hang out in that world."
Sandilands also claimed he had warned Ross's former employers that he would publicly call them out if they prevented Ross from joining the new show, even threatening to have Ross appear with an "ARN sticker over his mouth."