What's New July 8, 2021

KIIS Melbourne begins teasing audience with potential new co-hosts for Jase Hawkins

Former Editor & Content Director

KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne is ramping up its promotional efforts for its Breakfast show as audiences wait to find out who will replace Polly ‘PJ’ Harding to host the show alongside Jase Hawkins.

The talent was meant to be revealed prior to this survey break, however the station’s owner, the Australian Radio Network (ARN), said timelines blew out due to COVID-19 and an illness in Hawkins’ family.

Despite Sydney’s Breakfast star Kyle Sandilands pushing for The Kyle & Jackie O Show to be syndicated into the slot, the program is being teased as Jase & ? In The Morning.

Chief content officer Duncan Campbell has also promised all will be revealed “within the month”.

Campbell told Radio Today after this week’ survey that they are “closer” to the big reveal, after earlier blowing out the timeline.

“The drums are very quietly beating in the background as we start to increase the intensity of the tease as we head towards the announcement,” he said. “We’ll announce the show within the next month.”

The station has also been running teasers featuring former B105 Breakfast co-host Osher Gunsberg, who is allegedly putting his hand up to be Hawkins’ co-host.

“Is there really any other more logical choice than me?,” he says, noting his media experience and podcast pedigree.

In this week’s ratings, the station slipped 1.2 points in Breakfast, taking it to a 6.2% share.

Campbell has repeatedly backed the program’s content but vented his frustration that it’s been unable to generate consistent ratings.