Brooklyn Ross leaves KIIS FM after 10 years to join ex-boss Kyle Sandilands’ rival new project
Kyle Sandilands has delivered another sharp blow to ARN, poaching veteran KIIS FM newsreader Brooklyn Ross to join his new show Kyle Sandilands Live.
Ross, 38, served as a newsreader for The Kyle and Jackie O Show for over a decade before its catastrophic demise earlier this year. In June, Ross insisted he would not be jumping ship to Sandilands’ new gig, but it seems he’s changed his mind.
In June, Ross confirmed to KIIS FM listeners he wouldn’t be moving to Kyle Sandilands Live, only to jump ship in August. Instagram/@kylesandilandslive
In a video uploaded to Instagram, Sandilands introduced, “greatest newsreader on earth Brooklyn Ross” as part of his Kyle Sandilands Live team.
Sandilands and Ross embraced before the shock jock called him over to see the rest of the team. Ross admitted the team “cut it fine” getting him on board with Sandilands’ new project, with the first live show airing August 10.
“Trust me, I’m going to do my very best to line your pockets with gold,” Sandilands joked.
ARN released a statement to nine.com.au regarding Ross’ departure, which read: “After more than a decade with ARN, Brooklyn Ross has decided to leave the business.
“We thank Brooklyn for his contribution over the years and wish him well for the future. Plans for our new lineup are underway and will be announced in due course.”
In the video, the pair strolled into the studio before Sandilands announced to the cheering crew that “the final team member is here.”
Sandilands gave Ross a tour around the studio before pointing to a golden throne and saying, “there’s always a seat for Jackie [Henderson]“.
Ross said that Sandilands having an open door policy for Jackie O was part of his decision to make the switch from KIIS FM to Kyle Sandilands Live.
Ross served as a newsreader and core on-air ensemble member for The Kyle and Jackie O Show for over a decade. Instagram/@brooklynross
In June, Ross told KIIS FM listeners his future remained at the radio station.
“I will not be working with Kyle on his new venture, I’m going to be staying here at KIIS,” Ross said at the time.
“I’m obviously very sad to not work with Kyle again. I really love him, and you know, the feeling from him to me is mutual.
“And I just wish him totally all the best for what he’s got next.”
Ross has since changed his mind, though it’s not clear what caused the change of heart.
Ross joins a string of former The Kyle and Jackie O show staffers and producers including Jaimee ‘Mayo’ Blazquez, Alfie Laguzza, Josh Fox, Pedro Cuccovillow Vitola as well as reporter Mary Madigan.
The Kyle Sandilands Live team continues to grow. Instagram/@brunobbouchet
Madigan was initially named as the Kyle Sandilands Live newsreader, a job she’ll now share with Ross.
On camera, Ross asked how he and Madigan would divide the job on-air.
“You’re going to execute the news and then Mary is going to come in at the end of the news like a duo and start bring up cultural things and we’ll be all be a voice,” Sandilands explained.
Kyle Sandilands Live will launch on August 10.
Sandilands said he was keen to address everything involving his fallout with Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, which led to them both having their contracts terminated and filing separate lawsuits against ARN.
Sandilands later settled with his ARN for $12 million over the termination of his reported $100 million contract.
Henderson is continuing with her lawsuit against her former employer claiming compensation of at least $82.25 million and alleging that her termination was against the Fair Work Act.
