Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley cry as they say goodbye to their KIIS co-host Mitch Churi on his final day – after he was axed from the network
KIIS FM presenters Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley broke down on Friday as they said an emotional farewell to their co-star Mitch Churi, during his final show with them.
The normally cheerful radio hosts shared a gallery of precious photos on Instagram, showing the sweet farewell party they threw for their longtime co-host of their drive-time show The Pick Up.
Mitch. On August 28, announced live on air last month, he had been informed by KIIS FM management that his contract would not be renewed, sending shockwaves across the network.
Laura, 38, and Brittany, 37, put on a brave face as they posed next to a beaming Mitch, who held a bouquet of flowers, at his farewell party at Sydney’s KIIS FM studio.
They captioned the gallery with some heartfelt words: “Today is our last show of the year and our last as a trio with the amazing, hilarious, spectacular, hot walking human being Mitch Churi.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to sit across the desk from this funny man. We are all so proud of you Mitch and will be front row at your stand up show in 2025 (not returning now).
KIIS FM presenters Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley broke down on Friday as they said an emotional farewell to their co-star Mitch Churi, during his final show with them. All depicted
“We love you Mitch,” they added.
Last month, Mitch broke down live on air when he confirmed to listeners that he had been fired from the network.
The radio star, who co-hosted drive-time show Pick Up with Laura and Brittany, became emotional as he revealed the heartbreaking news to his co-stars.
“Late last week I was told by the powers that be that they have identified my role here as one that will not return in 2025,” Mitch began.
Mitch then revealed that he was blindsided by the decision and wished it hadn’t come to this.
“I just want to say it wasn’t my call or my call. I really wanted to stay on the show with you two. I really wanted to stay at KIIS.’
Co-star Laura Byrne stepped in to say that she and Laura fully supported Mitch and wished him all the best for the future.
“This is not what we want for the show. It is a decision made beyond our control. Britt and I have to continue the show without you and we are devastated,” Laura said.
The normally cheerful radio hosts shared a gallery of precious photos on Instagram, showing the sweet farewell party they threw for their longtime co-host of their drive-time show The Pick Up.
Mitch has co-hosted The Pick Up with Laura and Brittany since 2019
“Not only are you our co-host, but you’re also one of our best friends,” Brittany interjected.
He has hosted The Night Show with Mitch Churi since 2019 and co-hosted The Pick Up with Brittany and Laura.
It is said that the beloved radio star’s shock caused concern among staff at ARN – who employed Mitch at KIIS FM – as well as radio stars from rival networks.
‘No one is safe. Canceling Mitch’s shows is a stark reminder that the industry is dying,” an insider told Pedestrian.
‘If ARN’s only homegrown talent is cut in this way, there is no hope for the future of the industry.’
Mitch declined to comment to Ny Breaking Australia when contacted about the matter.
Former radio executive Craig Bruce said on his Game Changers Radio: Melbourne Radio Wars podcast: ‘You can understand it purely from a financial perspective.’
“Let’s say Mitch makes $100,000 a year. ARN would look at that and say, “Okay, we’ve got a breakfast show on the KIIS network for the next ten years, so that’s locked in and we’ve got a drive show… So why on earth would we spend money?” talent one night if we don’t get a return on it?”
Bruce admitted: “If I had been in that room, I would have voted for (Churi to be cut). I just can’t justify that pay right now on this current trajectory that we’re on, a network that’s going to have one or two shows and that’s it.”