A bold move or risky gamble? Major breakfast radio change leaves listeners split

Change is nothing new in radio, but few announcements have stirred debate quite like this one. After a surprise shake-up at one of Brisbane’s most popular stations, insiders and listeners alike are questioning whether this move marks a fresh start—or a risky experiment for the city’s morning airwaves.

A controversial choice for Brisbane mornings

Craig ‘Lowie’ Low has been announced as the new host of KIIS 97.3’s breakfast show, replacing Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman and Corey Oats after their sudden departure last week.

The decision has sparked backlash across the industry, with one insider saying: ‘I feel so bad that the team is going to be replaced with someone like that. It just makes me sick.’

The same source claimed the appointment had left radio circles ‘gobsmacked’, calling Low a ‘poor man’s Kyle Sandilands’ and speculating that he could be a short-term ‘seat-warmer’ ahead of a possible national rollout of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s Sydney show within months.

Network defends its decision

ARN’s chief audiences and content officer, Lauren Joyce, said in a statement that Low’s appointment was part of a network-wide refresh.

‘The new show, led by Lowie, will bring fresh energy, creativity and pace to mornings in Brisbane,’ she said. ‘It will be everything that KIIS stands for—fun, fearless and completely in tune with its audience.’

However, some within the industry believe the network is chasing a younger demographic at the expense of long-time listeners.

‘They are totally ignoring the over-40s women who are obsessed with that station,’ one insider said. ‘There are already enough radio stations covering the younger demographic, so who is going to be looking after the people in that demographic that want to listen to radio?’

A new chapter begins for Brisbane radio as Craig 'Lowie' Low steps into the breakfast spotlight, bringing fresh energy—and plenty of debate—to the airwaves. Image Source: Instagram / lowielive.

From teenage beginnings to television cameos

Low began his radio career at just 15, working in audio production for Sea FM on the Gold Coast.

After co-hosting the Hot30 Countdown in 2006, he moved to the United States to work as a comedian and writer, appearing on E! Network’s Kevin Hart’s Celebrity Game Face and MTV’s Ridiculousness Live.

But his return to Australian radio comes with mixed memories from past colleagues.

Maz Compton, who once co-hosted with him, described their working relationship as ‘interesting… toxic could be another [word].’

She recalled that Low had been ‘obsessed with Kyle Sandilands’ and was hyped as the next big thing in radio. ‘It felt like he was kind of like this beast that couldn’t be tamed,’ she said.

A change of tune

Compton said the pair have since reconciled, and Low himself has spoken openly about his past.

‘I can’t change who I was, no matter how much I would want to, but I can certainly control how I move through life now as a man,’ he said. ‘I live with joy and I try to leave every room a little happier once I’ve left it.’

Looking ahead to 2026

Speaking about his new role, Low said he was excited to take the chair in 2026.

'Growing up in Queensland, every boy dreams of two things—getting politely escorted out of The Normanby for causing a scene, and playing so many catchy pop hits on the radio that someone calls to check in,' he said. 'Next year, I plan to achieve both.'

He promised lighter mornings and a local focus for Brisbane commuters.

‘With 80 per cent of the Sunshine State now stuck on the M1, we’re going to play more music, give away more cash, and keep the ads tighter than Reece Walsh’s mullet,’ he said.

‘Brisbane is the greatest city in Australia, and our new show promises to be the most okayest breakfast show you’ve ever heard—or your money back.’

Former KIIS 97.3 breakfast hosts Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman and Corey Oats, whose recent departure paved the way for a major shake-up in Brisbane radio. Image Source: YouTube / All Around View.

Will the new direction pay off?

While the move has divided opinion, it highlights the broader shifts shaping commercial radio today.

As networks chase younger audiences and experiment with high-profile personalities, some fear older listeners—the loyal base that has long defined Australian radio—may feel left behind.

Whether this bold change wins over new fans or risks alienating the faithful remains to be seen.

Read next: When career calls: 2GB host shuts restaurant to focus on radio milestone

Key Takeaways

• Craig ‘Lowie’ Low has been announced as KIIS 97.3’s new breakfast host, replacing Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman and Corey Oats after their recent departure.
• Industry insiders called Low a ‘poor man’s Kyle Sandilands’ and claimed his appointment might be temporary ahead of a potential network rollout.
• ARN defended the move as part of a wider network refresh aimed at energising mornings in Brisbane.
• Low, who will take the chair in 2026, says he’s grown from his early career and promises a fun, music-filled new era for listeners.

Do you think the shake-up will bring fresh energy to Brisbane’s airwaves—or risk losing the loyal listeners who’ve tuned in for years? Share your thoughts below.