Thank You Kyle & Jackie-O, We’ll Miss You

The Australian contemporary music industry is in shock today after two of its brightest stars Kyle & Jackie-O announced they would be hanging up the microphone.

Sure to leave a massive void in the broadcast media landscape, pundits today believe that indie bands and emerging artists will be the biggest losers out of their retirement as a key channel of breaking though into the industry disappears. Champions of new original Australian artists, regardless of genre or commercial appeal, anecdotes of Kyle & Jackie-O personally stepping in to overrule producers and station heads and ensure Aussie artists get airtime have become part of the industry's folklore.

Today experts said that not only was there noone who could immediately carry the torch and take on their tireless and noble work for the industry, they weren't sure that there ever would be anyone with the ethos and self-sacrificing nature of the much-loved duo.

Music fans may not be aware of just how much the breakfast hosts meant to the industry, but they will struggle to find anyone willing to say a bad word about the two pioneers. They were celebrated today for always having dealt with issues in a tactful and level-headed manner and for always having time for the 'little guy', particularly when they needed it most.

Most notable is Kyle's unrelenting pursuit in championing the cause of women in the music business, with a personal focus on journalism jobs and high-ranking board positions.

There has been little word on the presenters' future today, but there is growing weight to a rumour that both will sacrifice their modest salaries from the last 13 years for a fund dedicated to helping regional artists tour metro centres. It would be a generous parting gift to the industry, but nothing less that what its come to expect from its most humble servants.

Kyle, a man who we'll always look up to and turn to for guidance, and Jackie-O, who we all wish we could be – thank you. This industry loves you, and we'll miss you.