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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Kyle Sandilands Criticizes KIIS FM's New Breakfast Show as "Woke" and "Vanilla"

Former host Kyle Sandilands expressed dissatisfaction with his replacements on KIIS FM's Sydney breakfast slot, deeming the new lineup and show branding as overly progressive and uninspired.

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Kyle Sandilands Criticizes KIIS FM's New Breakfast Show as "Woke" and "Vanilla"

Kyle Sandilands has voiced his disapproval of the new hosts chosen to take over KIIS FM's Sydney breakfast program, a slot previously held by "The Kyle and Jackie O Show." The new lineup, featuring veterinarian Dr. Chris Brown, KIIS regular Amy Gerard, and Nova's Jack Charles, is set to debut on November 9.

Sandilands, speaking on his subscription-only platform "Kyle Sandilands Live," described Dr. Chris Brown as "vanilla" and characterized the show's new branding as "ugly" and "woke." He stated that the new direction for the show equates to "boring as bats**t radio" and suggested that ARN, the network behind KIIS FM, has declined from its former status as a leading radio brand.

Despite his criticisms, Sandilands offered a brief note of encouragement to the new team, wishing them well and acknowledging the difficulty of the breakfast radio gig.

The new hosts have expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming show. Dr. Chris Brown stated his excitement about "waking up with the city I love and bringing a huge dose of real life, warmth and (hopefully) humour." Gerard described the opportunity as a "pinch yourself" moment, highlighting the natural chemistry already present between the co-hosts and promising a show that is "fun, unpredictable" and potentially "completely unhinged before most people have had their first coffee."

Veteran producer Natalie Penfold, associated with "The Kyle and Jackie O Show," will join the new team. ARN's Chief Content Officer, Kerri Elstub, emphasized the network's goal of creating a "fresh, fun and unmistakably Sydney" show that delivers "big entertainment moments" while feeling relatable and full of personality.


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