Abbie Chatfield is the latest personality to take over hosting duties on KIIS FM Breakfast, following the controversial exit of Kyle and Jackie O last month. The media personality will join radio host Mike E and KIIS names such as Intern Pete, who have stepped in for the slot while the network searches for a permanent replacement. Chatfield's takeover of KIIS 1065 and KIIS 1011, running from Monday April 27th to Friday May 1st, has been speculated as an unofficial audition.
“I’m so excited to jump in with the KIIS Breakfast crew for the week,” Chatfield said. “Breakfast radio is fast, fun, and full-on in the best way, so I think I’ll be a perfect fit! I can’t wait to get on air.”
The announcement comes a day after the second radio ratings results for the year were revealed. KIIS FM’s breakfast share eased to 11.7%, down from 12.7% in the previous survey, marking the first ratings read since Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson’s exit. However, the drop is far from dramatic, with only four weeks captured in the survey and the pair still on air for roughly 60% of that period. The modest dip suggests listeners have not scattered en masse, many waiting for a permanent replacement.
Meanwhile, Kyle Sandilands’ first hearing against his former employer begins in Federal Court today. The radio host is suing ARN and its subsidiary, the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, alleging his contract was terminated without valid grounds and in breach of Australian Consumer Law. The case follows ARN’s decision to terminate Sandilands’ deal after an on-air dispute with co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. Sandilands argues the termination was invalid, claiming no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract occurred.
