Abbie Chatfield and Brittany Hockley’s podcasts could be among those at risk of being cancelled amid rumours that listeners are fed up with hearing “nonsensical” content from former reality TV contestants complaining about “rich girl problems”.
In recent years, a host of former reality TV stars and Australian celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon and created their own podcasts, but it has been claimed that not all of them are thriving.
The Bachelor star Abbie, 29, hosts LiSTNR’s It’s A Lot podcast, where she discusses everything from her relationships to politics and feminism.
Meanwhile, Brittany and her best friend Laura Byrne often discuss their personal lives and pop culture on their podcast LifeUncut with iHeart.
Experts have claimed that the Australian podcast scene could be about to undergo a major shake-up, with the spotlight on those hosted by celebrities.
“There are rumours within three of Australia’s largest podcasting platforms that changes are on the way, and one category is currently under scrutiny,” a radio source told Daily Mail Australia exclusively after tracking the popularity of podcasts on LiSTNR, Nova Podcast and iHeart Radio.
‘Former reality stars who have moved into podcasting appear to be facing a cut across the Australian radio industry.’
“The long list of former reality TV stars who have launched podcasts in the past four years is facing a cutback with declining numbers for Abbie Chatfield, Brittney Hockley and Laura Bryne,” another source added.
It has been claimed that it is “well known internally” that many producers no longer want to work on the long list of celebrity podcasts across Australia.
Podcasts from Abbie Chatfield (pictured) and Brittany Hockley could be among those at risk of being cancelled amid rumours that listeners are fed up with hearing “nonsensical” content from former reality TV contestants complaining about “rich girl problems”.
Producers also criticised the “absurd” content of many celebrity gossip podcasts.
“The content of these programmes is tremendously absurd,” said a former programming director.
“I don’t know if it bothers me more to know what toilet paper they use or if it bothers me if they have rich girl issues with entitlement.”
Experts say the Australian podcast scene could be in for a major shake-up that puts celebrity podcasts at risk of being axed amid a drop in listenership (pictured: Brittany Hockley)
Podcasters with “extreme opinions” are also said to be turning off listeners, and there have also been issues with fact-checking on some gossip podcasts.
Abbie recently hit out at former MAFS stars Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding, who also have their own podcast, on her show, slamming them for interviewing controversial MAFS boyfriend Jack Dunkley on their Sit With Us podcast and not questioning him about his infamous ‘muzzle’ comment.
“We have been instructed to inform our clients that some of our talents have ‘extreme opinions’ and that has been a real disincentive in this category alone,” said a Nova source.
Another source said listeners are reluctant to tune into celebrity podcasts because they don’t have the same level of “integrity” as other news shows.
“There are many executives who point out that these new podcasters are not journalists,” they said.
‘They don’t have that journalistic integrity, which is more common in categories like true crime, health and fitness, news and sports.
Podcasters with “extreme views” are also said to be turning off listeners, after Abbie attacked Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding on her show, criticising them for interviewing Jack Dunkley.
‘While everyone loves a bit of gossip, listeners are tuning out in droves because they’ve grown tired of unsubstantiated gossip, sometimes leaving the public feeling like they’re being misinformed.’
“The podcast industry in Australia has not grown as much as SCA, NOVA and iHeartRadio had hoped it would with some of these ‘babble’ podcasts and while True Crime continues to gain momentum, this section of the industry has not proven to be as viable,” another source added.
‘The decline of the industry is a clear indicator that the public no longer feels that just because you were on a reality show or have over 100,000 followers on ITV means we need to hear every thought that comes into your head.’
A source has denied claims that Abbie’s podcast is at risk of being axed, after she celebrated her highest monthly audience of 315,587 listeners in July and was renewed for a sixth season.
In a recent press release, LiSTNR Podcasts CEO Grant Tothill said: “Hamish & Andy continuing to be Australia’s favourite podcast, and Abbie achieving her best monthly audience ever, is a real credit not only to Hamish, Andy and Abbie, but also to their respective teams.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the LifeUncut podcast for comment.
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