ARN has confirmed that Kris Fade will not host breakfast on KIIS next year, ending speculation about the Dubai-based broadcaster’s future with the network.
“We’re constantly having discussions with talented people that are reaching out with interest to be a part of ARN, but Kris won’t be a part of KIIS plans for 2027,” an ARN spokesperson said.
Sources have told Mediaweek that ARN approached Fade several times, and each time he declined the offer.
The cryptic post that started it all
Fade had fuelled speculation himself.
On Monday morning, he took to Instagram, asking his one million followers whether he was about to leave Dubai and return to Australia permanently.
He promised to reveal his answer at 7:30 am Dubai time – 2 pm AEST – leaving fans and industry watchers to fill in the blanks.
ARN has now filled them in. Whatever Fade announces, it won’t be a new KIIS FM breakfast gig.
Who is Kris Fade?
Fade left Sydney for Dubai in 2008 and quickly became one of the UAE’s most recognisable media personalities, building The Kris Fade Show on Virgin Radio into the country’s top-rated breakfast program.
Australian listeners got a taste of it from 2018, when KIIS FM ran a localised Sunday version nationally for several years.
Beyond radio, Fade has leveraged his profile into broader celebrity – appearing on Netflix’s Dubai Bling alongside his wife and earning a wax likeness at Madame Tussauds Dubai. He continues to reach Australian audiences through podcasting.
Why the KIIS seat is empty
ARN tore up a $200 million deal with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson in the wake of a February 20 on-air incident, triggering lawsuits from both hosts.
Sandilands, who was seeking $85 million over the termination of his $100 million contract, settled this week – though ARN will retain a 19.9% cut of his future earnings.
Henderson is pressing ahead with her own claim of at least $82.25 million, alleging ARN breached the Fair Work Act.