Radio Industry Abuzz with Speculation Over KIIS FM's Vacant Slot
Fresh chatter is sweeping the radio industry regarding who might take over the coveted slot left behind by the cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show on KIIS FM. Intense speculation centres on two major figures: Kris Fade, the successful Virgin Radio host based in Dubai, and Kyle Sandilands, the former co-host of the axed show.
Kris Fade: A Dubai-Based Star Tempted by a Mega Deal
Industry rumours are rife that Virgin Radio host Kris Fade, who presents the highly popular breakfast programme The Kris Fade Show in Dubai, could be lured to ARN, the network behind KIIS FM, if presented with a substantial enough financial package. The 46-year-old Lebanese-Australian broadcaster boasts an impressive roster of Hollywood heavyweights as close personal friends, including Kim Kardashian and Will Smith, the latter of whom reportedly assisted him in proposing to his wife.
A source close to the situation emphasised Fade's stature, stating, 'Kris Fade is the biggest name in entertainment in Dubai. He's interviewed all the biggest names in Hollywood.' However, significant obstacles exist. Fade and his family are currently constructing their 'forever home' in Dubai from the ground up, and the radio personality would require a serious financial incentive to relocate back to Australia after establishing his life in the UAE.
'He'd have to be offered a huge amount of money – we're talking millions a year – to leave Dubai which he has called his home for so many years,' the insider revealed. Kristan 'Kris Fade' is also the brother of Gogglebox star Matty Fahd and made his reality television debut on the Netflix series Dubai Bling, adding to his celebrity profile.
Kyle Sandilands: A Potential Comeback Amid Legal Negotiations
Meanwhile, competition for the slot could emerge from an unexpected quarter: Kyle Sandilands himself. Chatter is equally widespread that the shock jock might return to the airwaves within mere weeks. The radio star is reportedly preparing to reclaim his throne at KIIS FM, albeit without his former co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson.
Sandilands is said to be in discussions with ARN regarding a return to his breakfast show as his substantial $100 million lawsuit edges 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,' a source informed news.com.au.
The source added that Kyle 'would go back' to his show and harbours 'no hard feelings' about the headline-making bust-up with Jackie that led to his ousting from the top-rated programme. 'It is just business' to Sandilands, 54, the source alleged; however, it remains uncertain whether he would accept terms less favourable than his previous $10 million-per-year deal prior to the show's collapse.
Legal Settlements and Financial Considerations
This development follows recent claims that Sandilands is open to settling with ARN as court dates approach for both him and former co-host Henderson. A source told news.com.au that Sandilands is keen to avoid a protracted trial and would contemplate a 'reasonable' offer from his former employer.
'If there was a reasonable figure that made him feel like he didn't get totally f***ed over… yeah,' the source said. 'He is a righteous guy, and he could just go, "Let's take this to the end", but no one loves the idea of court.'
The source further indicated that beyond the prospect of a lengthy court battle, Sandilands was 'not interested' in hearing additional 'unflattering' claims about him, such as those detailed in Henderson's recent statement of claim. They suggested that the financial burden imposed by the court action could also motivate a swift resolution.
'Kyle and Jackie are playing with their own money here,' the source noted. The publication also asserted that Sandilands might be amenable to returning to his former KIIS FM breakfast timeslot if an agreement can be reached with ARN, setting the stage for a potential radio rivalry with Kris Fade.
