ARN has announced Pete Deppeler, known to radio audiences as “Intern Pete”, will join The Christian O’Connell Show on the GOLD Network.
Deppeler will take on an on-air role as roving reporter and senior producer for the national breakfast program, which airs across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
The move follows more than a decade for Deppeler as a key part of KIIS Breakfast, where he built a following for his high-energy segments, interviews and on-air humour.
Throughout his career, Deppeler has appeared on major red carpets and at press junkets, interviewing figures including Will Smith, Angelina Jolie and Dolly Parton, as well as members of the Royal Family.
He has also been part of several high-adrenaline radio segments, including skydiving and swimming with sharks.
Christian O’Connell: ‘He’s an extraordinary talent’
Christian O’Connell, host of The Christian O’Connell Show, said Deppeler’s move marked a new chapter for the broadcaster.
“Pete is one of the most genuinely loved voices in Australian breakfast radio, and he’s chosen this as his next chapter. He’s an extraordinary talent who’s ready to evolve, and I couldn’t be prouder that he’s chosen the Bright Side of the Dial to do it on.”
Deppeler said he had long admired O’Connell’s work, including his time broadcasting in the UK.
“I’ve admired Christian’s work for years, going right back to his broadcasting days in the UK,” Deppeler said.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this incredible show with Christian and the team right across Australia. I love radio and everything this medium offers.
“I want to thank ARN, the incredibly talented KIIS team and everyone who’s supported me over the years. And now – onto GOLD. Let’s go!”
Christian O’Connell
ARN moves amid Sydney breakfast reset
The appointment comes during a period of change for ARN’s breakfast portfolio, following the end of The Kyle and Jackie O Show after the high-profile fallout between Kyle Sandilands and Jackie “O” Henderson earlier this year.
It also lands as The Christian O’Connell Show works to build its Sydney audience on GOLD101.7, after a difficult start in the market. GOLD101.7 breakfast fell to a 6.1 per cent share in GfK Survey 1, before dropping again to 5.5 per cent in Survey 2.
Deppeler’s move gives the national GOLD breakfast show another familiar ARN voice as it looks to build momentum across the year.
When will Intern Pete start on GOLD?
Deppeler’s final day on KIIS Breakfast will be Friday, 22 May.
He will make his on-air debut with The Christian O’Connell Show on Monday, 25 May.
The program airs from 6-9am weekdays on GOLD101.7 in Sydney, GOLD104.3 in Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, and via the iHeart app.
Top image: Pete Deppeler