Judgement day: Kyle Sandilands out.

Network Ten today announced that controversial radio and television personality Kyle Sandilands has been fired as judge on ‘Australian Idol’.

Senior executives from network spent the weekend deliberating, following mounting pressure from sponsors, viewers and listeners from Kyle and Jackie O’s recent radio stunt.

During the networks five o’clock news bulletin, Ten’s chief programming officer David Mott said the network had no option but  to let Sandilands go.

“Obviously culminating with the events of last week, we have made the decision that Kyle will no longer be a judge on Australian Idol”, he said.

Adding, “Australian Idol is very much a family program and it’s appeal is very much right across the board. We like to think that all families can enjoy the program in front of the TV.”

Sandilands will still appear in the music comps first three audition/top 100 episodes, as they were filmed several months ago.

Discussions for a full time replacement will take place over the coming weeks, with a string of guest judges expected to fill in until a replacement is found.

Both Sandilands and Jackie O have also been pulled from their breakfast radio spot indefinitely, pending a decision from radio broadcaster Austereo over the embattled radio hosts future.

‘Australian Idol’ returns for it’s seventh season 6.30pm Sunday on Network Ten.

Ten Announcement On Kyle Sandilands and Australian Idol

Monday, 3 August 2009

After significant discussions and consideration over recent days, Network Ten today announced Kyle Sandilands will no longer be a judge on Australian Idol as it heads into season 7, this Sunday, 9 August.

We thank Kyle for his contribution to Australian Idol over the last four years but it has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family focused show, even more so this year with the 6.30pm Sunday time slot, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position over this period which is not in the interest of the show.

Australian Idol is firmly a family program and the recent controversy surrounding Kyle’s radio program (The Kyle and Jackie O show) has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers.

This season of Australian Idol will again showcase some of the country’s best singing talent as their aspirations to establish a successful singing career unfold on national television. This season’s crop of hopefuls, are again a diverse, talented and passionate group of artists.

Kyle will continue to be seen in the first three audition/Top 100 episodes of Australian Idol, as they were filmed some time ago.

Discussions regarding a fresh replacement will continue over the coming weeks and a new face will take up the third seat on the judging panel alongside Marcia Hines and Ian “Dicko” Dickson from the live performance shows, which commence August 24.

Australian Idol producers, FremantleMedia Australia are supportive of the decision made.

Source: Network Ten