Bombshell secret data reveals huge problem for ARN amid court battle with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson: 'Edge of the cliff is near'

Despite ARN executives being 'encouraged' by recent radio ratings results following the termination of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, corks are remaining firmly in bottles.

News.com.au reported on Wednesday that new 'secret' data has revealed ARN's listenership has plummeted since the axing of its flagship stars.

The data, reportedly only for the eyes of 'top-level' executives and not disseminated to staff, indicates 'big trouble' for the network, according to an industry insider.

The external figures suggest that KIIS could potentially lose at least 26 per cent of its listeners by the time the next radio survey rolls around in June.  

'They're a matter of weeks away from it being public, and then disaster will strike,' the source told the publication.

'The edge of the cliff is near.'

The source added that any industry veteran who 'understood radio' would be thinking 'oh f***,' after citing the concerning information.   

It was reported last week that KIIS executives were 'hugely encouraged' by the latest GfK radio ratings survey results.

Its replacement breakfast show saw a bump of 37,000 more listeners in both the Sydney and Melbourne markets than it did in the previous survey released in March.

Cumulative ratings figures reveal that 673,000 listeners tuned in to the show between February 8 and April 4.

KIIS also maintained its number one FM slot for breakfast, with an 11.7 per cent audience share.

However, the show was beaten by 2GB's Ben Fordham, who managed a 16.8 per cent share.

Conversely, the March survey, which covered the period between 18 January and 28 February, revealed the show attracted 636,000 listeners.

Similarly, in Melbourne, listenership increased from 403,000 to 440,000 between the two survey periods.

Speaking about the results to Mediaweek, ARN Director of Content Dave Cameron tempered his excitement with what he said would be a 'roller coaster' of ratings in the transition period.

'Today's result isn't necessarily the result of any kind of turn that I think we will see over the coming weeks and months,' he said. 

'We are fully prepared for the roller coaster of ratings that comes with changing shows.' 

He continued: 'Let's be realistic, there's going to be some audience share, and a little bit of cleansing. 

'And then we are very much moving into a spot where Kerry and I have revealed what KIIS's future looks like. And it's exciting.'

As Kyle and Jackie's separate legal battles with ARN continue, claims emerged last week suggesting Kyle was in talks with the network to return to the airwaves, as his $100 million lawsuit inches towards a potential settlement.

'It will all be wrapped up soon. It will end up just sorting itself out, and it will take two to three weeks max,' the source told news.com.au.

They added that Kyle, 'would go back' to his show and has 'no hard feelings' about the headline-making bust-up with Jackie that saw him ousted from his top-rated show.

'It is just business' to Kyle, 54, the source alleged; however, it's unknown if he will accept less than the $10 million-a-year deal he was on before the show's collapse.

It comes as controversial influencer Abbie Chatfield began her stint as a temporary co-host of KIIS FM's breakfast show alongside Mike Etheridge this week.

Abbie proved that she fit right in with the talent and staff at the radio network, which has in recent months been embroiled in controversy after the departure of Kyle and Jackie.

The network has remained tight-lipped about potential replacement plans amid its ongoing legal battle over unfair dismissal claims by Kyle and Jackie.

However, sources told the publication that talks with prospective replacements are already 'well underway'.