Podcaster and social media identity Abbie Chatfield reportedly has “no long-term future” as a permanent replacement host for the Kyle and Jackie O morning show on KIIS FM.
The Daily Telegraph reported that The Australian Radio Network (ARN) Board has confirmed she has been discounted as a long-term option.
Mediaweek has reached out to ARN for comment.
Chatfield, 30, returned today for her second and final week in the breakfast slot.
The show hosted by Jackie O Henderson and Kyle Sandilands was officially cancelled in March, and multiple temporary hosts have been offered to audiences in that time. Georgie Tunney and Mike ‘E’ Etheridge have both had turns, while ARN decides its next step.
While presumably satisfied by Chatfield’s performance – as evidenced by her return for a second week – The Daily Telegraph reports it was told “that management, under CEO Michael Stephenson, operates ‘with editorial freedom’ but the board is not supportive of Chatfield on a full-time basis.”
ARN reportedly added that network’s content team “is utilising temporary presenters while it considers longer-term talent arrangements for breakfast.
“This includes balancing existing and new voices. Longer-term decision-making regarding breakfast presenters sits with management, with the board to be consulted in the latter stages of the appointment process.”
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Controversies with Abbie Chatfield
Chatfield has been involved with a number of controversies in recent years, which may have potentially influenced ARN’s decision as it considers the best fit for listeners and advertisers.
MAFS groom Harrison Boon settled his October 2025 defamation claim against her, after accusing Chatfield of “constant lies, slander and bullying”, which he said cost him business and impacted his reputation.
The popular social media influencer also made headlines last year for a rant against US President Donald Trump, in which she repeatedly used a handgun gesture.
Sky News’ conservative Rita Panahi said this week that Chatfield has been “relentlessly promoted” by the media who’ve “embraced” her “far-left” ideas.
Panahi wrote, “Australian Radio Network continues to stumble from one self-inflicted crisis to another.
“Somehow the brains trust at ARN, who deemed a fight about astrology such an egregious offence that Kyle and Jackie O had to be cancelled, think it’s perfectly fine to put a woman on KIIS who has encouraged people to assassinate President Donald Trump.
“Abbie Chatfield thought it was a great idea to post a video online telling Americans to assassinate their President – and that’s after he had survived two assassination attempts.”
Far-right politician Pauline Hanson also criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his 90-minute podcast interview with Chatfield.
Chatfield’s clashes with the Jewish community
Chatfield received intense backlash from the Jewish community in November 2023, just one month after Hamas attacked Israeli civilians, for claiming she would not “platform a Zionist” on her podcast.
Simone Abel, the head of legal at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that the community was concerned at the prospect of Chatfield being on air long-term.
“This is a broadcaster that is listened to by a very significant number of people, particularly young people, who will be influenced by these views,” Abel said.
“We think it will just sow division and hatred in our country and feel it’s irresponsible that somebody who’s been associated with this type of ideology is being given a platform in this way.
“There’s real concern in the community. We continue to see people espouse poisonous, vile views that cause division … trying to stir up hatred.
“It’s an abrogation of responsibility by broadcasters and platforms to constantly give these fringe voices a lot of sway in our society … and it’s proving to be harmful.
“We would like to see the broadcaster exercise its discretion. It shouldn’t require us to remind these organisations what the right thing to do is.”
The Daily Telegraph stated that: “The ARN board not supporting any extended appointment for Chatfield is perhaps expected given chairman Hamish McLennan’s long-term support for the Jewish community.
“He played an active role in the recent Stand Up To Hate campaign, designed to combat anti-Semitism.”
Top image: Abbie Chatfield. Image: Variety