Speculation is mounting over a potential successor to Kyle Sandilands, with Dubai-based radio star Kris Fade emerging as a name to watch amid industry chatter and recent moves back to Australia.
The Sydney-born presenter, who has spent almost two decades in the Middle East, has built one of the region’s biggest radio brands with The Kris Fade Show on Virgin Radio.
The latest round of speculation surfaced on the RadioToday podcast, where Jen Seyderhelm and Steve Ahern discussed what was described as a “fascinating hot tip”.
Seyderhelm pointed to comments made during the global Radio Days summit in March, where Fade was questioned by presenter John Simons about whether he had been approached by ARN following Sandilands’ axing.
“Simons asked Kris whether or not he had been approached by ARN, and Kris said ‘no comment,’” Seyderhelm said.
“It gets better, that by itself is the same as Kyle stirring the pot, but before radio days, Kris’ family moved to Sydney.”
“And, Kris Fade is currently in Sydney… it might not be right away, but I think there is definitely something to see here.”
“He is extraordinarily talented and has many strings to his bow.”
Industry backing builds
Co-host of the industry podcast GameChangers, Craig Bruce, also weighed in on the rumours, saying Fade would be “at the top of my list”.
However, he added there is a caveat: “He and Kyle are friends. Kyle stayed at his house when he was in Dubai, so they know each other very well”.
Bruce also said that, while he hasn’t met him, he had heard of Fade from Guy Dobson, the former Head of Content at Austereo.
“He has sung his praises for years” (getting Fade on) would be the move. That is absolutely, 100% the move.
Sydney move adds fuel
The speculation has been further fuelled by Fade’s personal ties to Australia, with his wife, Brianna Fade and their son recently relocating to Sydney.
Brianna has shared images from the Sydney Royal Easter Show in recent days, underscoring the family’s presence locally.
Fade himself is also understood to be in Sydney, adding weight to industry talk, although no formal approach or deal has been confirmed.
Existing ties to KIIS FM
Fade is not new to the Australian market or to ARN’s KIIS FM network.
In 2018, KIIS FM picked up The Kris Fade Show Around Australia, airing a localised version of the program nationally on Sundays for several years.
While he no longer holds a regular Australian radio slot, Fade maintains an audience connection through his podcast distribution.
A global profile with commercial upside
Fade’s profile extends beyond radio, with appearances on Netflix’s Dubai Bling alongside his wife, and a high level of recognition across the Middle East.
His commercial appeal is underscored by a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Dubai.
Kris Fade (right) beside his wax figure… I mean, we think he’s on the right?
For ARN, any move would represent a calculated shift towards a proven, internationally recognised talent with existing Australian roots, at a time when the network is navigating one of its most high-profile talent gaps.
Main image: Kris Fade