Host Jane Hall will not return to KIIS 101.1’s breakfast show in 2016, following an announcement from ARN that her contract will not be renewed.
Hall, who has worked alongside Matt Tilley in the breakfast slot on Melbourne’s KIIS FM since January this year, made a statement following the announcement suggesting the decision was mutual.
“I have made this decision for several reasons, not the least of which is my desire to be more present on the home front, especially with the teenage years fast approaching,” Hall said.
“I am, and always will be, enormously grateful to ARN and to radio pro Matt Tilley for the faith they’ve showed in me, for the amazing opportunity to learn about radio and for the support they have demonstrated during this process.”
“Several months ago Jane let us know that she would like to take time out personally next year and also return to acting,” said an ARN spokesperson in a statement.
“Since then, we’ve been planning her replacement to work alongside Matt Tilley. This person has now been confirmed and we will be announcing in the coming weeks.”
It isn’t the first controversial staffing choice KIIS has made in the last twelve months. The Melbourne station also dumped Chrissie Swan from The Chrissie and Jane Show in November last year, sparking public outrage.
KIIS 101.1 has recently suffered from disappointing ratings, with Sydney’s KIIS 106.5 breakfast show featuring veteran hosts Kyle and Jackie O outperforming its Melbourne counterpart consistently.
“The KIIS 101.1 FM has failed to really perform to expectations this year,” national ARN content director Duncan Campbell said recently.
“We have put in place plans that will unfold and execute as we get ready for 2016. I am confident that in 2016 KiisFM will perform much better than it has done.”
ARN has told Mamamia the disappointing ratings are not behind Jane’s move: “Jane is leaving on her own accord due to family and returning to acting and made the decision herself months ago.”
“We’re sad to see Jane go but understand her choice on this and we also think you will love who’s going to be filling her shoes.”
