Three popular KIIS FM breakfast hosts have dramatically walked off the job earlier than planned following their unexpected dismissal from the Brisbane radio station.
Early Exit After Shock Axing
Kip Wightman, Corey Oates and Robin Bailey were originally scheduled to depart the airwaves by the end of December, but revealed this week they will instead conclude their show this Friday. The trio shared a clip to their Instagram on Thursday titled '2nd last show stitch-up', confirming their early departure despite having two weeks remaining in their contracts.
The hosts received the brutal news of their axing back in October, with ARN initially announcing their final broadcast would air on December 12. A station spokesperson praised the trio's "hard work, creativity and commitment to the Brisbane audience," adding that their "contribution has been significant and will be celebrated in the weeks ahead."
New Podcast Venture Revealed
As news of their early exit broke, Wightman and Oates simultaneously announced their next career move - a Brisbane Broncos-themed podcast featuring NRL great Sam Thaiday. The Unofficial Broncos Podcast with Sammy, Oatsey and Kip is scheduled to launch in February 2026.
Speaking about their new venture, Wightman couldn't resist making light of their recent unemployment situation. "Look, when the radio station said 'We're making changes' we thought that meant new chairs," he joked. "Turns out the 'changes' were us leaving. So yeah, podcasting felt like a natural step down."
Oates added his characteristic self-deprecating humour, explaining his motivation for joining the podcast project. "Kip lost his job, and I thought, why should he suffer alone?" he said. "Besides, Sammy said he'd shout lunch if I joined, and I'm easily convinced."
Controversial Replacement Sparks Backlash
The trio's departure comes as their replacement - shock jock Craig 'Lowie' Low - has raised eyebrows within the industry. Insiders have slammed the appointment, with one source describing Low as a "poor man's Kyle Sandilands" to the Courier Mail.
"I feel so bad that the team is going to be replaced with someone like that," the insider revealed. "It just makes me sick." The source claimed Low's appointment had left the radio industry "gobsmacked" and suggested he would merely be a "seat-warmer" for radio royalty Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson.
ARN's chief audiences and content officer Lauren Joyce defended the decision, stating that Low's new show "will bring fresh energy, creativity and pace to mornings in Brisbane" and would be "everything that KIIS stands for: fun, fearless and completely in tune with its audience."
However, critics argue the network is mistakenly targeting a younger demographic while ignoring their core audience of over-40s women who have remained loyal to the station.
