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"This is revolting": Senator calls for investigation over Kyle and Jackie O comments

A senator has called for an investigation over the constant "vulgar" comments made by Kyle and Jackie O on their morning radio show, claiming the show is "misogynistic" and "racist". Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has questioned the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) during a senate hearing, asking why an investigation hasn't been launched into their on-air conduct. She said jokes about “being gay” and “divisive and violent language about women and sex” had been aired on the popular program, which is broadcast on the KIIS FM network on weekdays between 6am and 10am. Handing around printed copies of just some of their remarks, Senator Hanson-Young asked the ACMA whether these comments were appropriate for air during the early morning slot. During the hearing, Senator Hanson-Young asked ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin whether she would be able to read them out, to which Ms O'Loughlin replied she would “prefer not to”, noting she “wouldn’t think they were appropriate for parliamentary language”. “These comments, this content, just a snapshot since September. Jokes about people being gay, jokes about one of the producers’ Asian housemates, jokes about dating men who are not quote ‘white’,” Senator Hanson-Young said. “Jokes about the sexual and racial profiles of other journalists from other stations, divisive and violent language about women and sex, and goes into vulgar detail about sex acts. Comments on air that refer to fellow hosts as being annoying ‘b****’, jokes about overweight women and mental health." Senator Hanson-Young said the content was “not just vulgar” but “disgusting”. “It’s belittling, belittling of women, it’s misogynistic, it’s racist, it’s sexist – it’s off,” she said. Senator Hanson-Young went not on to reference 59 complaints about the show made between July and October, but Ms O'Loughlin but noted under the co-regulatory framework that complaints needed to be “dealt with by the broadcaster first and come to us for investigation after that”. Senator Hanson-Young pointed out the ACMA doesn’t have to wait for “specific complaints” to undertake motion investigations, asking why the ACMA hasn’t launched an investigation, claiming the comments breach decency standards. “Why haven’t you? This is revolting, sexist, racist, misogynistic, divisive stuff on free to air radio from 6am in the morning … to 10am in the morning, and you haven’t investigated it?” Ms Hanson-Young said. Ms O’Loughlin said, “We have not turned our mind to undertaking such a review, but I’m happy to take your concerns on notice and discuss that with the authority. We will take those (comments) seriously, and we’ll have an internal conversation.” Image credits: Facebook

Legal

Jackie O donates profits from her new memoir

Jackie O has revealed that she plans to donate all the profits from her book, just days after going public with the details of her past <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tearful-jackie-o-reveals-past-drug-addiction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drug addiction</a>. The radio host shared the news of her past addiction live on air last week, admitting she was abusing prescription drugs and also had an alcohol addiction, which led to her checking into the Betty Ford Centre in Palm Springs, California to seek treatment. In a lengthy statement on her Instagram, Jackie O shared that she had received messages from people who are also battling with addiction, but are financially unable to get the same level of help. "Since sharing my story last week, I've been deeply moved by the thousands of messages I've received from people facing challenges similar to mine but unable to afford rehab," she wrote online. "I was fortunate enough to have access to treatment and I recognise how privileged that makes me. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunity. Which is why all my profits from my book which is on sale tomorrow will be donated to Odyssey House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre." Jackie O's memoir, The Whole Truth, shares more information about her battle with addiction, while also revealing secrets about her private life and extensive career. She ended the post with a message of thanks for the many people who have supported her and opened up to her with similar stories. "Thank you to everyone who has shared their personal stories with me. I'm still reading through your messages and will do my best to respond to each one. Your honesty and support means the world to me." Henderson opened up about her experience with addiction in a planned reading from her memoir on The Kyle and Jackie O Show last Thursday, where she told her co-host Kyle Sandilands, "I was scared to tell people and say this out loud, I know people will look at me differently and judge me, but I was in a really dark place." Image credits: Instagram

Money & Banking

Tearful Jackie O reveals past drug addiction

Jackie O Henderson has revealed her private battle with drug addiction that resulted in a stint in rehab. On her KIIS FM radio show with Kyle Sandilands, Jackie O read an excerpt from her autobiography The Whole Truth, that is set to his shelves on October 29th, detailing her struggles with addiction two years ago. Henderson said she was “badly addicted” to painkillers, sleeping pills and consuming alcohol for three years, before checking herself in for a month-long stay at the Betty Ford Centre in Palm Springs, California, in November 2022. The radio host said she was feeling “so nervous” to read out the excerpt, as it was “something I haven’t been very forthcoming about or very truthful about”, recalling how she was feeling “diminished, untethered and alone”. “By that point, I had no self-esteem, so I was insecure, vulnerable, and heartbroken,” she read. “It was a recipe for disaster, and I took the coward’s way out to escape those feelings.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBfJRIoSaRz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBfJRIoSaRz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a> </div> </blockquote> Jackie admitted that it was only a small circle of friends who knew about her addiction, with Sandilands saying he was oblivious to his co-host's struggles. “I just didn’t want anyone to know until I had at least gotten a year or more of sobriety under my belt,” Henderson said. “I can only speak to my experience because my addiction is so different to anyone else’s." “But people can ask me anything they want, and I’m OK with that. I brought this up, I put it out there myself, so I’m well and truly OK talking about it. I’m excited that I can be more authentic than I’ve ever been.” She went on to recall how before she flew to America for rehab, she told her audience that she was taking time off for the end of the year. “But I know I won’t make it that far, I’m hanging on by a thread,” she read from her book. “There’s only one thing to do today, get on a plane for Los Angeles. My best friend and manager Gemma O’Neill is with me … she tells me I won’t need any fancy dresses where I’m going.” Henderson recalled grabbing lunch with O’Neill the day of their flight and being “teary”, adding, "Not because I don’t want to go on this journey but because I don’t have the faintest idea what it will be like and that scares me.” At the Betty Ford Centre, she was enrolled in a 28-day, 12-step program to “treat the substance dependence and drug addiction I’ve been able to keep secret for three long and painful years”. The 49-year-old said there were “lots of different reasons” for her addiction, but did not go into any on-air. Henderson said she went back and forth about whether to share her story but decided to make it public, “to use my story to help people”. She ended the emotional segment by sharing her gratitude that the story had never previously emerged and she was soon to celebrate her two-year sobriety milestone. “My life has changed for the better and I’m really, really thankful that I did it,” she said. Image credits: Instagram

Caring

"Disrespectful and frustrating": Publicists call out Kyle and Jackie O

A group of publicists have called out Kyle and Jackie O's "disrespectful" behaviour on their radio show, while explaining why celebrities keep appearing on their program. The claims against the radio duo were first brought to light in an episode of the <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/game-changers-radio/playlists/podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers Radio: Melbourne Radio Wars</a> podcast, with the hosts reading out an email they had received from an anonymous publicist who regularly books their "talent" to appear on the popular KIIS FM radio show. “We are feeding the beast as we are giving Kyle and Jackie O access to artists and stars when they do terrible interviews and are always late,” the publicist complained in the email. “I had one TV publicist have to wait 45 minutes with their A-grade talent. They do it to everyone. It’s disrespectful and frustrating.” The publicist went on to explain why they have no choice but to book celebrities on the show, given the huge audience that listens to the show. “From a music point of view, the big dogs say we have to support them for the bigger picture and airplay, but artists don’t want to talk to them,” they wrote in the email. After the claims were first aired, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/publicists-expose-kyle-and-jackie-os-disrespectful-behaviour/news-story/e67f5c062dc85ff1a8e6c06e7c395fee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reached out to other publicists to share their own stories of dealing with the radio hosts. One publicist shared, “They’re a nightmare, always have been." “Normally you get talent for a day or two to do some promo, so you’ve got to micromanage that day within an inch of its life so you can do as many interviews as possible." “But every single time you go to them, they always leave you waiting,” the publicist said. “You will wait an hour (in the green room) and it just stuffs up your morning." “I think it’s a power play for Kyle who thinks, ‘I’m the king of radio and you will all sit back and wait for me until I say you can come in.’” Another publicist called out the recent dip in quality of the show, criticising the "smutty" nature of the radio program, saying, “They’ve lost it.” “I don’t know if they’ve decided to double down on the smut because somebody has said something about it, but they talk to guests for 30 seconds and then they’ve got nothing and so they start asking them if they’ve done an*l. It’s like, really? You haven’t got anything more than this?" “They went through a phase where they were one of the better interviews,” the same publicist said. “When Kyle is on song, nobody is a better broadcaster and he gives a really generous plug. But it just feels like they’ve lost their way a little bit lately." “I think everybody walks away from them now going, ‘that was just weird,’” they said. Despite all the problems encountered with the show, all the publicists said they were still willing to book their talent on the radio show. “Nowadays I’m very selective about which talent I put up for chats,” one said. “I only pick talent who I think can handle it, who are open to being asked about everything, including their sex lives. I find the interviews often run better if you don’t set parameters, because if you tell Kyle that certain topics are off limits, you can be guaranteed he will ask about them on air.” Another added, “I always factor in delays when booking guests on Kyle and Jackie. Those delays often impact interviews we have lined up with other radio stations, but it’s usually worth it because their audience is so much bigger than all those other stations combined.” News.com.au also reached out to KIIS FM to comment on the controversies, with a rep saying, “There is no issue, and the show continues to enjoy huge stars”. Image credits: Instagram / KIIS FM

Music

Jackie O breaks down over baby scalded in Brisbane park

Jackie O has broken down live on air while talking to the heartbroken mother whose baby boy was scalded in a Brisbane Park. Baby Luka and his mother were enjoying the sun in Hanlon Park on August 27th when a stranger approached and poured boiling hot coffee over the baby boy. Luka has since undergone three surgeries, while the man accused of the horrific attack has allegedly fled the country, according to police. The grief-stricken mother, who has not been publicly identified, spoke with Kyle and Jackie O on Friday morning and said her infant son will continue to have surgery every four days for the next four weeks at the least, as doctors attempt to repair the nine-month-old’s burns. “After that it's once a week for two weeks. And then it should okay, all going well and everything healing,” she said. “But then after there's scar management stuff as well on top of that.” The mother provided a heartwarming update on Luka’s progress after he was released from hospital on Monday, saying he is “smiling” and “walking”. "He's not letting this - he (the alleged attacker) hasn't taken away my son's soul,” she said. “Like, he is beautiful, and he is strong, and he is brave and resilient. And I'm so lucky to be his mum. I'm just really sad this has happened." Jackie O was visibly moved while talking to the woman, breaking down in tears live on air. The KIISFM host told Luka's mother, "You can't imagine that kind of evil, and your poor bubba, it's so evil." "It makes you so angry because he's just a little innocent boy who never did anything to anyone," she added as she became overwhelmed with emotion. Her co-host Kyle Sandilands also shared his devastation as he admitted he was left in floods of tears when he first heard of Luka's brutal injuries on the news. "In all honesty, I was in tears in the lounge when I saw the story. Everyone understands it's s**t, but when you've got your own child running around you while you're in tears watching the news," he shared. Kyle and Jackie vowed to give $10,000 to the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/baby-lukas-medical-treatments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> set up to help raise funds for Luka's hospital treatment, adding to the $160,000 that has already been donated. With an original target of just $5,000, the mother gushed, "I cannot believe the generosity of the community and you know, it warms my heart and, you know, all the messages and the kindness and yeah, it makes the process a little bit easier." Image credits: KIISFM / 9News

Caring

End of the line for P&O: why is Australia such a tough market for the cruise ship industry?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/freya-higgins-desbiolles-181651">Freya Higgins-Desbiolles</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Miami-based cruise operator Carnival Corporation has <a href="https://www.carnivalaustralia.com/media-releases/2024/june/media-release.aspx">announced</a> it will retire its P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025. The decision marks the end of the line for an iconic cruise brand in Australia and the Pacific, after <a href="https://www.pocruises.com.au/about/history">nearly a century</a> of operations. Parent company Carnival has been on a campaign of international growth through acquisitions and mergers since at least 1989. P&O Cruises Australia was bought by the company in 2003. Many Australians might remember the brand’s iconic television advertisements from the 1980s and ‘90s that encouraged them to escape the rat race. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/curt8yAwPpY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>P&O’s memorable advertisements from the 1980s and 1990s encouraged Australians to escape the rat race.</figcaption></figure> But the reality of cruising’s international consolidation leaves little room for such nostalgia and national brand attachment. Still, cruising is a big part of Australia’s tourism sector, and cruises are a large source of inbound visitors. The Australian Cruise Association estimates the industry’s <a href="https://www.australiancruiseassociation.com/sites/default/files/documents/2023-10/CLIA_ACA_CruiseEIA_Infographic.pdf">total economic contribution</a> is as high as A$5.63 billion. Australians are hungry for cruise ship experiences. They make up the <a href="https://www.cruising.org.au/Tenant/C0000003/2020%20Awards%20Sponsors/2023%20Australia%20Source%20Market%20Infographic_Final%20V3.pdf">fourth largest</a> source market for passengers, at 1.25 million last year. <h2>Australia is a tough place to make a profit</h2> A <a href="https://cruising.org/en/news-and-research/press-room/2024/april/state-of-the-cruise-industry-report">recent report</a> by Cruise Lines International Association painted a picture of a thriving industry. New, bigger ships are being rolled out to meet a growing market of both new and loyal cruise enthusiasts. So why are operators struggling here? P&O hasn’t been the only brand facing difficulties down under. <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> P&O’s sister line Cunard recently announced it will <a href="https://www.cruisehive.com/iconic-cruise-line-will-stop-homeporting-in-australia/114867">stop basing itself</a> in Australia from 2026, and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady has <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/travel-news/branson-s-virgin-voyages-scraps-next-summer-s-australian-cruises-20240227-p5f83q.html">cancelled plans</a> for a second sailing season here next summer. Carnival <a href="https://www.carnivalaustralia.com/media-releases/2024/june/media-release.aspx">said</a> its decision on P&O Australia came down to the region’s “significantly higher operating and regulatory costs” and small population. The company said it had been forced to change its operating approach to achieve “efficiencies”. The cruise sector was hit hard by the pandemic. In early 2020, Carnival reported a staggering single quarter net loss of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL4N2DV2XV/">US$4.4 billion</a>. The company also suffered reputational damage following a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67215595">high-profile COVID outbreak</a> on its Ruby Princess cruise ship. The international cruise market is heavily concentrated. Almost <a href="https://cruisemarketwatch.com/market-share/">80%</a> of the passenger market is shared by three big companies: Carnival, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian cruise lines. Australia’s high operating costs and relatively small market make it tough for big cruise companies to achieve the profitability they expect. Carnival’s Cunard Line attributed its decision to <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8440670/carnival-cruise-lines-shun-victoria-over-fee-hike/">move out</a> of Melbourne to a 15% hike in port fees. As these companies have sought to strengthen their competitive advantage, acquiring smaller players has been a popular strategy. This mass tourism model can deliver relatively cheap holidays for passengers. But it often also sacrifices well-loved smaller cruise operations that are more connected to local histories and cultures. There is also the tyranny of distance for Australia, and increasing geopolitical risks affecting cruising. The Australasian region faces stiff competition as a cruise destination from alternatives such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, which are close to large markets. Virgin Voyages said its cancellation of the 2024–25 sailing schedule was due to major safety concerns in the Red Sea. <h2>What does its future hold?</h2> Reassuringly, customers with P&O bookings for the remainder of 2024 will not be affected. Next year, the brand’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will continue to sail, but under new branding for Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Explorer will be retired from service. In Australia, the mass tourism model of the big cruise operators is no doubt here to stay. But there could be further cuts to the range of destination ports offered as the industry prioritises profits. In the longer term, however, a crucial question concerns the future of ports around Australia that have been enticed into engaging with the cruise industry. Many government tourism authorities have been keen to expand the sector. As a result, access to some smaller ports has been negotiated and there has been a push to build new facilities in New South Wales, the biggest market. This has received <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/government-acts-to-protect-yarra-bay-from-cruise-ship-terminal">pushback</a> from some parts of the community who argue the economic benefits don’t outweigh the cultural and ecological cost. In the future, there could be a more sustainable solution for Australian cruising in smaller expedition-like formats. These have been particularly successful in locations such as the Kimberley in Western Australia. Local communities at small-ship destinations may find this model of cruising more acceptable, given its lower passenger numbers and smaller environmental impact.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/231607/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/freya-higgins-desbiolles-181651">Freya Higgins-Desbiolles</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management/ Adjunct Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/end-of-the-line-for-pando-why-is-australia-such-a-tough-market-for-the-cruise-ship-industry-231607">original article</a>. </div>

Cruising

"No fan of mine": Kyle Sandilands shocked on air by brutal John Blackman audio

Kyle Sandilands was paying tribute to his “childhood hero” Hey Hey it's Saturday star John Blackman on-air Thursday morning, when he was interrupted by an audio of the late star trashing him in a recent interview. Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O Show, the shock jock said he was upset when he learned of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/australia-is-a-sadder-place-shock-as-john-blackman-s-death-confirmed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blackman's passing</a>, but before he was able to elaborate on how the radio star was his childhood hero, his manager Bruno Bouchet interjected and told him about Blackman's brutal review. In a May interview on the You Cannot Be Serious podcast, Blackman said: “Why are we giving these two publicity hungry, oxygen thieves, waste of oxygen. The man [Sandilands] is a no talent. He doesn’t have a voice for radio, by the way.” Footage of Sandilands listening to the audio for the first time was shared by KIIS FM on their Instagram stories, and both he and Henderson were shocked. “I’m very confused,” Sandilands said, before coming to the conclusion that Blackman wasn’t a fan of him because he’s not as polished as “old school” media veterans. “What’s happened here is old school media, TV, radio, newspapers. They’re all fake,” he said. “They pretend everything’s wonderful. You never really know the real person." He then elaborated and said that he and Henderson try to keep it real with their listeners. “We don’t pretend it’s a wonderful day. Even though it’s p*ssing with rain and snowing or whatever. We don’t pretend. We say, ‘Oh, what a s**t day.’ We’re just a different breed. “Oh well, that’s one hero of mine that’s dead. No fan of mine.” Images: Instagram

Music

More holidays sunk as P&O announce further cancellations

Just days after P&O announced it would be <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/major-australian-cruise-line-shuts-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceasing operations</a> from early 2025, travellers have been left frustrated after more voyages have been cancelled. After 90 years at sea, P&O Australia is set to be integrated into sister ocean travel outfit Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025, impacting travel plans for many. P&O’s ship Pacific Explorer will be retired under the move, prompting mass cruise cancellations for travellers scheduled to set sail after March 2nd. Now, the company has announced further cancellations on two other vessels in its fleet. Four Pacific Adventure itineraries have been cancelled, including V515, V516, V517, V518, while another four Pacific Encounter itineraries have also been scrapped, including I512, I513, I514. The impacted cruises were scheduled to depart from Sydney and Brisbane in March 2025, but both vessels will be out of action for two weeks while they are rebranded by Carnival and undergo a technology upgrade, a Carnival spokesperson told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/pacific-adventure-and-pacific-encounter-cancellations-follow-news-po-cruises-brand-is-being-retired-c-14919420" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. Staff will be contacting impacted travellers in the coming days with information on refunds and offers of extra onboard spending. “We apologise that this change has been necessary,” the company said. “If you are booked on any other P&O Cruises Australia itinerary your cruise is unaffected by this announcement and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon." “No Carnival Cruise Line itineraries are impacted by this announcement.” The Pacific Explorer will be removed from P&O’s fleet at the end of February, with its final journey being an 11-night cruise to Singapore that leaves Fremantle on February 7th 2025. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Major Australian cruise line shuts down

After almost a century of voyages, one of Australia's most trusted cruise lines is shutting down. In a shock statement on Tuesday, P&O Australia announced it will cease to exist from early 2025, with the family-friendly cruising company wrapping up operations. The cruise liner’s parent company Carnival Cruises announced the shocking news in a statement, which read, “In March 2025, the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, which has served the South Pacific since 2013 and is today the world’s most popular cruise line." “When the transition is complete next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will begin sailing under the Carnival Cruise Line brand while the Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet at that time.” A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise said those who are booked on a currently available itinerary with P&O Cruises Australia will “operate business as usual” and guests will be “notified in the coming days” of any changes to future bookings as a result of the announcement. Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation, said the increasing operating costs and the South Pacific’s “small population” had weighed in on the decision to close up shop. “P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region,” Mr Weinstein said. “However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we’re adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region.” According to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/po-cruise-australia-to-shut-down-after-almost-a-century-of-voyages/news-story/9c7f34641337edf06a764849241a35b0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, P&O Cruises Australia will continue setting sail as planned until March next year before Carnival Cruises absorbs P&O customers and redistributes keen travellers on different Carnival ships. Ahead of the announcement, president of Carnival Cruise Line Christine Duffy warned there would be major job losses as a result of the decision. “This is not an easy decision for the company to shut down or sunset the P&O Australia brand,” she told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>. “We will continue to maintain an office here in Sydney. We don’t want to get into the numbers of people this impacts.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Cruising

Sad reason why Sydney dad went overboard

A father-of-three who <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/sad-end-in-search-for-overboard-cruise-passenger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fell overboard</a> a P&O cruise ship last week has been identified, and his brother claimed that he had racked up a $4,000 casino debt onboard after being lured to spend big by the company's incentives. Shane Dixon, 50, died after falling overboard the cruise ship two hours before was due to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am on Monday, May 6. Shane was reportedly on the three-day Elvis-themed cruise to Queensland's Moreton Island with his mother Sue Dixon, 66, who had saved up for the trip. "Our mother is devastated. Broken," Shane's brother Scott Dixon told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13410955/Dad-three-plunges-death-luxury-cruise-liner-running-eye-watering-debt-ships-casino-tables-insider-reveals-high-rollers-lured-gamble-Australias-shores.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. “She has already buried one son and now she has to bury another one,” he said. Scott said that his brother was going through a rough time, as he struggled financially due to a series of tragedies including the breakdown of his marriage, and the deaths of their brother and father. Shane had spent $5000 at the cruise’s casino on the Friday, and Scott claimed that his brother received free drinks, a $750 play voucher and a ticket for a future cruise. In Australia, strict laws govern how gaming providers can advertise gambling, with promotions like the above, which may encourage someone to spend more than they intend banned. However, cruise ships that operate casinos in international waters can bypass these laws, reported the Daily Mail. After borrowing money from his family to repay the debt, Shane ended up spending another $4000 the following night, according to Scott. "His brain was probably going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, ‘s***, I’ve done it again. I can’t afford it and I can’t ask mum for more money," Scott said. He added that P&O staff have been amazing and compassionate towards his mother. A P&O Australia spokesperson said they won’t be commenting on the claims due to the coroner’s investigation that is underway. Images: ABC News/ news.com.au

Travel Trouble

"We've all gone": Why Jackie O stormed off set

Jackie O Henderson has marched out of KIIS FM in the middle of The Kyle and Jackie O show, after finding out that the station has the highest gender pay gap disparity across Australian radio. “Southern Cross Austereo has a disgraceful 5.9% pay gap. At Nova and Smooth FM it is even worse, six per cent." Kyle Sandilands told listeners on Tuesday. "But unfortunately, the number one spot is at KIIS FM, – at the top of the tree with a 12% pay gap disparity.” Sandilands, who famously fought for Henderson to secure equal pay on their radio program, then brought on one of the show’s producers Pete Deppeler and another female KIIS FM producer, who revealed she was only being paid half of what Deppeler was. “Are you freaking joking? Why is Peter getting that much money? I’m so angry about that, it makes my blood boil,” Henderson replied. She then left the studios with all her female colleagues. “We’ve all gone,” she said. "We are just here with the fellas. I don’t know whether I am enjoying this, bring the girls back!” Sandilands told listeners. On Tuesday, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency published the gender pay gap for more than 5,000 Australian companies. This was done after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered the information to be made public for the first time ever, so the data can be compared within and across industries. The new data revealed that the national gap for total remuneration sits at 19 per cent and the median Australian female worker is taking home $18,461 less than their male counterpart. Despite a few criticisms on Albanese's decision to publicise this data, Workplace Minister Tony Burke has said that releasing this data is effective. “People on this side know that releasing that sort of data is effective and you will only find in the other side of politics anyone arguing that it is useless,‘’ he said. “The days of secretly paying women less than men are now over.” Images: Kyle and Jacki O Show

Money & Banking

Jackie O reveals the "worst diagnosis of my life"

Jackie O Henderson has shared the "worst diagnosis of my life", announcing that she found a lump on her breast. The radio host was joined live on air by the show's resident medical expert Dr Sam Hay, explaining her situation and asking for advice. “There is a small lump there but it doesn’t look like cancer. I think it’s a seborrheic keratosis,” Hay told her after examining the area. “What do I do with it?” she asked him. “That one you can leave and if it’s continuing to get bigger, doctors will freeze it with liquid nitrogen,” he said. While discussing their medical concerns, Jackie O's co-host Kyle Sandilands shared a worry of his own with Dr Hay, asking for advice on a lump that had arisen on his cheek that was “the size of a pea”. “I have a feeling it’s exactly the same thing. It could be a viral wart,” the doctor told Sandilands. “I didn’t want to say that to Jackie but they’re called geriatric warts,” Kyle said. Henderson appeared horrified at this comment, asking, “Do I have a wart?” “This is the worst diagnosis of my life. I’m going to get it frozen off as soon as possible,” she said. It's not the first time Jackie O has discussed a health scare live on air, as in November last year, she was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/they-checked-the-lungs-jackie-o-rushed-to-hospital-mid-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rushed to hospital</a> during an episode of the Kyle and Jackie O Show. Returning to the radio studio in the days after, she shared that while her symptoms were similar to that of a heart attack, she was suffering from an infection that she was treated for at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital. Image credits: KIISFM

Caring

Inside Jackie O's lavish birthday party

Jackie O Henderson has celebrated her 49th birthday in style with a lavish boat party. The KIIS FM radio host shared the details of her big birthday bash on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Monday morning. Henderson revealed that she had a tarot reader on board who gave readings to her friends, a variety of drinks and all-around good vibes. The party didn't stop there as the group of friends made their way through a series of bars, before heading to a friend's house for an after party. "I had fun," Henderson told co-host Kyle Sandilands and Brooklyn Ross, who also attended the party. "We went to Opera Bar and then Shellhouse... and then a private residence," she said. "We survived Jackie's boat party!" Sandilands quipped. "Your friends are surprisingly good people," he added. "You know, so many people came up to me and were like, you've got great friends, like they were surprised!" Henderson added. Pip Edwards, Kyle Sandilands, John Ibrahim and Cheyenne Tozzi were some of the local stars who attended her birthday party. "I love my friends 😌 best b’day 💛💛" Henderson captioned the series of photos. Henderson flaunted her slim figure in two separate outfits, the first being a casual two-piece set, and the second outfit a colourful one-shoulder dress. Henderson's friend, Edwards who is the co-founder of sportswear label P.E Nation, also shared a few photos from their big day out. "Happiest of birthdays to my dream girl and dream friend. You are soooooo loved," she captioned the photos. "Most perfect day with exceptional friends for the most perfect woman I know ❤️❤️❤️❤️ What a birthday celebration 🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for the best day!!!" Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Jackie O opens up on loneliness post-divorce

Jackie 'O' Henderson has opened up on being gripped with feelings of loneliness in the years following her divorce. Speaking with fans at Luke McLeod's book launch for Everyday Enlightenment on Thursday night, the 49-year-old admitted she is "desperate" to find love and companionship. After being single for over five years, Jackie said it feels like "something's missing" in her life. "I just really want to find someone. I can't find him and I'm sort of a bit lost at the moment," she said. When Luke asked why she was so desperate to get into a relationship, Jackie said she couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it felt like "a piece" of her was "missing". "I have a lot of love to give or I want that affection, that company. It just feels like there's something missing in my life," she added. Jackie went on to tell her fans that Luke had previously given a piece of advice that "changed my life". He said she was giving off too much "desperate energy", and if she really wanted to attract love in her life, then she needed to be grateful for what she already has. "I said to him, 'How am I meant to change what I want and need? I feel like I need that in my life and I really want that. I can't just switch that off,'" she admitted. Jackie has been adopting Luke's technique, and makes time every day to express gratitude for what she already has, and not for what she's missing. 'Now I'm at a place where I've almost gone the other way. I'm so happy being single and not looking for someone because I'm genuinely happy with my life,' she said. Jackie O separated from her husband Lee Henderson in 2018 after they married in 2003, with the pair now co-parenting their daughter Kitty. Image credits: Instagram

Relationships

Jackie O celebrates 49th birthday

Jackie O Henderson has big things planned for her 49th, as her co-workers surprised her with an extravagant custom birthday cake. Her KIISFM team surprised the radio star with balloons and a yacht-shaped cake, topped with a fondant character wearing a bikini that resembled her on Wednesday. Henderson also revealed that she had big things planned for her 49th, with a boat party scheduled for the weekend. "I just feel like every single year of my life I have ignored birthdays and never wanted to do a party," she said. "I just don't like doing it and I thought 'You know what? Why not! Like who cares how old you are or whether it's a milestone, I'm going to throw a big party on a boat.' So, it's the first time I've ever thrown a party for myself." Jackie O looked younger than ever in a figure-hugging shirt and low-waist jeans, which she complimented with a simple glam look. The radio host has been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/delta-goodrem-raves-over-jackie-o-s-dramatic-weight-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">praised</a> for her dramatic weight loss after losing an impressive 18kg in recent months. She recently denied using Ozempic to achieve her slim figure and has insisted that she lost weight by going on WW (Weight Watchers), which she was an official ambassador for. Images: KIISFM/ Instagram

Beauty & Style

Kyle and Jackie O's kind act for mother and daughter who got scammed

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O have given away their own tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, to a mum and her nine-year-old daughter, after the duo got scammed out of $1200. Sam, had attempted to purchase the concert tickets for her young daughter Charlie, but instead of getting tickets she got scammed and was left heartbroken. The radio stars were touched by their story, and immediately jumped into action to make the mother-daughter's day better. “Hi Charlie, Kyle and Jackie O have come to the rescue with free concert tickets. We are going to give you our tickets so you can go see her for free," Kyle told the nine-year-old. In a post shared on Instagram, Charlie was filmed bursting into tears when she realised she would be seeing her idol after all. “I couldn’t have a little sweetheart like you be so excited to see her but then have someone steal the tickets. So, you’re going to go see her,” Kyle added. The mother-daughter duo were filmed hugging each other in happiness. This comes after The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch received 273 reports of people being scammed while buying tickets to The Eras Tour via social media. Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

"I'm not myself": The real reason why Kyle Sandilands stormed off the show

Jackie O Henderson has revealed the real reason why her co-host, Kyle Sandilands, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/kyle-sandilands-storms-out-of-studio-after-argument-with-jackie-o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">walked out</a> just 11 minutes into their hit breakfast show on Tuesday morning. The shock jock was nowhere to be seen on Wednesday, so Jackie O had to explain his absence. One of their producers revealed that Sandilands had been "struggling with his shoulder." "He sent me a message saying, 'Honey, I'm so sorry. I'm on medication and I'm not myself. I'm in so much pain," Henderson said. "I actually feel so bad for him," admitted the radio star. Sandilands had recently injured his rotator cuff and was prescribed Oxycodone to manage the pain. A few of the side effects of using the painkiller can include light-headedness, confusion and unusual tiredness or weakness. Henderson also admitted that she may have pushed him off the edge during their discussion about Covid-19 yesterday, as she had reportedly cussed him out. "Calling him a c**ksucker was the turning point," she said. Their argument had escalated into name-calling before Sandilands stormed out. Sandilands had previously used the derogatory term to attack newsreader Brooklyn Ross, and he couldn't when his co-host used the same insult back at him. This incident comes almost a week into the radio duo signing a record-breaking $200 million 10-year deal on air. Image: Kyle and Jackie O Show/ Instagram

Caring

Kyle Sandilands storms out of studio after argument with Jackie O

Kyle Sandilands has stormed off his hit KIIS FM radio program after an argument with his co-host Jackie O Henderson over Covid-19. Sandilands stormed off just 11 minutes into the show on Tuesday morning, after bringing up that NSW Premier Chris Minns had cancelled his appearance on their show after testing positive to the virus. The argument sparked when Henderson downplayed the seriousness of the virus and said it was "just like the flu". Sandilands hit back saying that Henderson would probably still isolate if she caught the virus, considering how cautious she was in the past. "I'm allowed to change my opinion," Henderson shot back. Sandilands then argued that she should have some "consistency" in her opinions, before declaring that he was going home and storming out of the studio. "Well that escalated quickly," a stunned Henderson said. Not long after their Executive producer Pedro Vitola confirmed that the radio host had gone home. "What's happening today?" Henderson asked. "I'm telling you this full moon, it messes with people," she added referring to what astrologers call the full moon in Gemini, which they believe is a period when people are a bit more restless and rife with misunderstandings. It is unclear whether Henderson also went home as it is reported that the show has been playing repeats of old segments. Images: Instagram/ KIIS FM

Music

"They checked the lungs": Jackie O rushed to hospital mid-show

Radio star Jackie O Henderson, known for her vibrant presence on the airwaves, has faced a serious health scare that led to her being rushed to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital in the middle of the Kyle and Jackie O show. The 48-year-old opened up about the incident, revealing details of the tests and emotions she experienced during this unexpected hospital visit. Jackie O's health ordeal unfolded during a live segment on her KIIS FM radio show, where she left the show abruptly, citing symptoms akin to a heart attack, including tingling down her arm – a classic indicator of cardiac distress. Upon arriving at the hospital, Jackie O underwent a battery of urgent tests, ranging from an ECG to a CAT scan. Speaking to her concerned listeners the next morning, she highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the hospital staff, emphasising the seriousness with which they approached her situation. “I just got a bunch of tests done all day and they have to go all out on everything so I had to get an ECG done," she explained. “Then they checked the lungs because those are the two things that cause chest pains. They take it super seriously, and they were incredible at the hospital.” Despite the initial concerns, Jackie O shared the relief of being given the all-clear by the hospital. Surprisingly, her symptoms were attributed to an infection rather than cardiac issues. Even in the midst of health concerns, Jackie O found moments of levity during her hospital stay. She humorously recounted an encounter with a man who, even in a post-anaesthesia haze, was able to recognise her. “He looks at me and he locks eyes with me and gives me this puzzled look of recognition," she recounted. "I’m laughing so much because I’ve never seen someone bewildered so much in my life.” Henderson said the man then looked at another man resting on the other side of her before he “turned to me and said, ‘Is that Kyle?’” Jackie O had recently undergone surgery to remove a uterine polyp, a procedure she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/john-laws-hangs-up-in-disgust-on-kyle-and-jackie-o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infamously shared with her audience</a>. The lack of sleep post-surgery, combined with the impact of melatonin tablets and energy drinks, likely contributed to her overall fatigue and health episode.

Caring

John Laws hangs up in disgust on Kyle and Jackie O

The radio waves became a battlefield this morning as the titans of Australian talkback clashed in a dramatic showdown involving corset dresses, colon procedures – and a surprise departure for medical attention. The day kicked off with Jackie O making a grand entrance, albeit a slightly woozy one, having undergone surgery to bid farewell to a cervical polyp. Kyle, ever the supportive co-host, explained to listeners that Jackie was feeling under the weather and experiencing some tingling in her arm. (Because, as you know, corset dresses and surgery recovery are a match made in radio heaven.) "She just stepped out for a lay down. She’s got like a corset dress on and she had an operation yesterday," Kyle explained, giving us all a mental image of a radio host napping in style. But that was just the appetiser. The main course featured none other than radio legend John Laws, who decided to play hardball with the hosts in a dramatic fashion. Scheduled for an interview to celebrate an impressive 70 years on-air, Laws decided he'd had enough after catching wind of Jackie O's surgical – and, let's face it, highly graphic – revelations. Jackie O explained to a bemused Kyle that her surgeon had operated on her “via the colon or the vagina, I’m not sure which... What must I have looked like on the operating table? Nude, shower cap...” Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the delicacy of the situation. Laws, a seasoned broadcaster, chose that exact moment to hang up on the dynamic duo faster than you can say "corset controversy". Apparently, the mere thought of following that "real" a discussion about medical procedures, particularly those involving the nether regions, was way too much for his delicate radio palate. In an unexpected turn of events, Laws' assistant then became the unwilling messenger between the offended radio icon and and the KIISFM hosts. “Is it true he got angry about Jackie’s disgusting story?” Kyle asked. The assistant revealed that Laws "just doesn’t like it, Jackie. He doesn’t like following all that talk about vaginas." A sentiment we're sure many have echoed when trying to enjoy their morning coffee. But the cherry on top was Laws hanging up not once, but twice! Cementing forever his stance on steering clear of on-air discussions involving surgical escapades. Jackie O valiantly defended herself, insisting it wasn't gratuitous and was, in fact, a perfectly normal chat about a medical procedure. Laws, unmoved, made it clear he had no interest in such shenanigans. As if that weren't enough drama for one day, Jackie O had to bow out early due to feeling unwell, prompting Kyle to make a mercy call to Laws on-air to explain the situation. Laws, ever the gentleman, softened his stance, admitting he was just surprised at the talk and muttering a nonchalant "never mind". After that morning of medical misadventures, corset calamities and a radio veteran hanging up, who would have guessed that a discussion about surgery could cause such a ruckus? Images: KIISFM / X

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Inside Jackie O's lavish birthday party

Jackie O opens up on loneliness post-divorce

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Kyle and Jackie O's kind act for mother and daughter who got scammed

"I'm not myself": The real reason why Kyle Sandilands stormed off the show

Kyle Sandilands storms out of studio after argument with Jackie O

"They checked the lungs": Jackie O rushed to hospital mid-show

John Laws hangs up in disgust on Kyle and Jackie O

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