ARN, the Australian Radio Network, has confirmed that the breakfast radio slot on KIIS FM, left vacant by the cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show in March, will remain unfilled for the remainder of the year. The network is reportedly building a strategy for 2027 and beyond to fill the position.
Dave Cameron, ARN's Director of Content for Metro Radio, told Media Week that the process for finding new hosts will be deliberate, with any earlier appointments being an unexpected bonus. He indicated that the network is known for its bold approach to creating new content, which sometimes involves risks that do not always yield the intended results.
The breakfast slot has been managed by a rotating series of guest presenters since the show's abrupt cancellation. Notable fill-ins have included Abbie Chatfield, Georgie Tunny, Bianca Dye, and Melissa Leong.
Speculation in the industry has pointed to several potential permanent replacements. Among the names mentioned are broadcasting veterans Carrie Bickmore and Dr. Chris Brown. However, Bickmore is reportedly under contract with a 2Day FM show until the end of the year, and Brown has previously been a frequent guest on the axed program. Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw, currently hosts of the network's national drive show, have also been suggested as possibilities for the Melbourne breakfast slot.
Mitch Churi, who was previously removed from KIIS FM in December 2024 after a decade with the station and frequently filled in for Sandilands, has also been considered. Additionally, comedian Jim Jeffries has been mentioned as an outside contender. Kris Fade, a star from Virgin Radio Dubai, has confirmed he is in discussions with ARN regarding a potential role in replacing the show.