Last week, KIIS FM host Mitch Churi announced he had been axed from the network in a wild move that has “shaken” the radio industry.
The 28-year-old, who has been with the network for eight years, shared the news on an episode of one of the two radio shows he hosts, The Pick Up, alongside Life Uncut podcast duo Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley.
An insider told PEDESTRIAN.TV that Churi’s firing has sent shockwaves through ARN, sending the message that “no one is safe”.
“Mitch being shown the door has shaken the whole company. I don’t think people quite grasp how integral he was the the culture of the company,” the source said.
“Mitch being cut has signalled that nobody is safe. It’s a bloodbath inside the ARN.”
They added: “Mitch’s shows being cancelled over incompetent middle management being shown the door is a stark reminder that the industry is dying. If ARN’s only homegrown talent gets cut like this then there is zero hope for the future of the industry.”
The insider went on to allege that Mitch was the highest-paid presenter outside the major time slots and given the “lacklustre” Melbourne performance of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, the network may have needed to find the money to pay the shock jocks’ salaries somewhere and sadly, Mitch Churi was collateral damage.
An ARN spokesperson told P.TV Churi had been a “cherished” member of the network, and that his talents meant there would no doubt be “exciting opportunities ahead”.
“As part of our review of network shows for 2025, Mitch Churi will be departing ARN, with his final day on KIIS being December 13. Mitch has been a cherished member of the ARN family, bringing his unique energy, humour, and talent to our network,” the spokesperson said.
“We are incredibly grateful for Mitch’s dedication and the joy he’s shared with listeners and team members alike. While this marks the end of one chapter, we know Mitch’s incredible talent and passion will lead to exciting opportunities ahead. We wish him nothing but success and happiness in his next adventure. The Pick Up will continue in 2025 with Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne.”
Former radio executive Craig Bruce speculated this week that Churi might have been axed due to budget constraints following Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O’Henderson signing a 10-year deal worth a reported $200 million.
“You can understand it purely from a financial perspective,” he said on his podcast, Game Changers Radio: Melbourne Radio Wars
“You can understand it purely from a financial perspective,” he said.
“Let’s say Mitch is on $100,000 a year. ARN would be looking at that and going ‘okay, we have a breakfast show for the next 10 years on the KIIS network, so that’s locked in and we have a drive show…so why on earth would we spend any amount of money on a night talent if we’re not going to get a return on that money?'”
Mitch Churi announces he has been axed from ARN
Churi broke the news of his axing live on air last week, in a tearful segment of the The Pick Up with Byrne and Hockley.
“Late last week I was informed by the powers that be that they have identified my role here as one that won’t be returning in 2025,” Mitch began.
“I just want to say that it wasn’t my decision,” he added. “It wasn’t my call.”
He concluded: “I really wanted to stay on this show with the two of you, and I wanted to stay on The Night Show and I wanted to stay at ARN and KIIS.”
Mitch Churi fought back tears as he made the announcement. (Credit: The Pick Up)
Laura Byrne tearfully responding to Mitch Churi’s announcement. (Credit: The Pick Up)
Laura then responded through tears: “This is not what we want for the show. It’s a decision that has been made out of our control. Britt and I have to continue on doing the show without you and we are utterly devastated.”
“You are not only our co-host, but also one of our best friends,” Brittany added.
The post Radio Insiders Spill On Mitch Churi’s Shock Firing: ‘It’s A Bloodbath Inside The ARN’ appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
