Long-running and high-rating Sydney breakfast duo Jonesy and Amanda have signed a multi-year deal to continue with ARN’s WSFM.
There had been speculation about an imminent announcement for a few days. When questioned by journalists at the Mediaweek 100 Power Lunch just seven days ago, Jonesy refused to confirm or deny he was in the midst of contract negotiations. Agents working for the radio veterans had been in contract negotiations with ARN recently with the paperwork completed just days ago.
Listeners to the entertaining Sydney breakfast show this morning heard about the re-signing early and then several times across the next three hours. Listen here.
This release from ARN details the new arrangements and their reaction:
Set to celebrate a milestone 18th year together in 2023, Jonesy & Amanda are one of Sydney’s most successful and long-running radio teams. The pair have claimed the #1FM Breakfast crown multiple times in the radio survey ratings over this time and taken home the coveted industry award at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (the ACRAS) for Best On-Air Team three times.
The announcement comes on the eve of the 33rd annual ACRAS, which takes place in Sydney this weekend and will be hosted for the first time by Jonesy & Amanda. The two are in the running again for Best On-Air Team (Metro FM), with the show also nominated for Best Networked Program and Best Radio Show Podcast.
Jonesy and Amanda
On renewing their contract, Amanda Keller said: “It’s a great thing to love coming to work. I’m lucky that I get to slug it out every morning with my best friend – laughing, crying, talking about the stuff that unites us all and fuels the lives of our listeners.”
Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones added: “When I approached Amanda to work for me (I mean WITH me) back in 2004, I said ‘just give me two years and that will keep me in work while I establish myself on breakfast radio.’ Two years has turned into what will be over twenty! I couldn’t be happier to be hanging out with my best friend Amanda.”
ARN chief content officer, Duncan Campbell, said: “Jonesy and Amanda are one of the best radio duos in Australia and a hugely important part of ARN’s success, and I am so pleased they have extended their contracts with the network. Their chemistry, light-hearted humour and genuine passion for radio is what makes them so entertaining, and why our listeners love waking up every morning with the pair. We will continue to invest in great talent such as Jonesy and Amanda to ensure ARN’s continued growth and strong commercial offerings.”
Jonesy & Amanda can be heard on WSFM each weekday morning from 6-9am, with JAM Nation airing weeknights from 6-7pm.