ACMA clocks up two decades of failing to close Kyle’s stable door

Tim Burrowes

March 18, 2026 9:10

ACMA clocks up two decades of failing to close Kyle’s stable door

(Midjourney)

Every few years, the shortcomings of the Australian Communications and Media Authority as a regulator come into the foreground.

Even after 20 years of writing about the organisation, I’m unsure whether these failings are merely structural, or an organisational shortcoming.

The ultimate case study is The Kyle and Jackie O Show, or Breakfast with the Stars, as it used to be known when Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson’s home was Southern Cross Austereo’s 2Day FM.

Sandilands has not held back in roasting his employer publicly in the past (Sandilands pictured at an ARN event in June 2025, Mumbrella)

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.

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2 COMMENTS

Mel 18 Mar 26

At last.
Finally Tim doesn’t sound like a fanboy.

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Tim Burrowes 20 Mar 26

Hi Mel,
Thanks for your comment.
It’s possible to both acknowledge the skills and talents that Sandilands undoubtedly possesses, and for his style of radio to not be my cup of tea.
Tim – Mumbrella