Controversial Star's New Radio Job Sparks Industry Outcry
Controversial Radio Host Takes Over High-Profile Breakfast Show
Craig 'Lowie' Low has landed a prominent breakfast radio gig, which has sparked significant controversy within the industry. He has been named as the new host of Brisbane's KIIS 97.3 breakfast show, taking over from Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman, and Corey Oats following their unexpected dismissal last week.
However, this decision has not been well-received by some industry insiders. One insider reportedly told the Courier Mail that Low is a "poor man's Kyle Sandilands." The source expressed disappointment, saying, "I feel so bad that the team is going to be replaced with someone like that. It just makes me sick."
The insider also mentioned that the appointment has left the industry "gobsmacked," suggesting that Low would merely serve as a "seat-warmer" for radio icons Kyle Sandilands and Jackie "O" Henderson. Additionally, the insider claimed that the Sydney KIIS breakfast show might be nationalized within "three to six months."
ARN's chief audiences and content officer, Lauren Joyce, stated in a statement that Low's appointment is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the network. She said:
"The new show, led by Lowie, will bring fresh energy, creativity and pace to mornings in Brisbane. It will be everything that KIIS stands for: fun, fearless and completely in tune with its audience."
Despite this, some insiders believe the network is making a mistake by targeting a younger demographic with Low's appointment. They argue that the station is ignoring the over-40s women who are loyal listeners. "There are already enough radio stations that are covering the younger demographic, so who is going to be looking after the people in that demographic that want to listen to radio?" one insider questioned.
Background of Craig 'Lowie' Low
Low began his radio career at just 15 years old, working in audio production for Sea FM on the Gold Coast. After a stint on the Hot30Countdown in 2006, he moved to the US to work as a comedian and writer. He has appeared on shows such as E! Network's Kevin Hart's Celebrity Game Face and MTV's Ridiculousness Live.
Controversies and Past Experiences
Low's appointment comes with some baggage, as former colleagues have spoken about his challenging personality. Maz Compton, who co-hosted the Hot30 countdown with Low back in 2006, described their working relationship as "interesting" but also "toxic." She added, "It all went to his head. He came into the building obsessed with Kyle Sandilands and was told that he was the next Kyle. It felt like he was kind of like this beast that couldn't be tamed."
Compton later said that they have since reconciled, and Low expressed regret over his past actions. "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, and I live with joy and I try to leave every room a little happier once I've left it," he said.
Excitement for the New Role
In a statement, Low shared his excitement about taking on the role in 2026. He said:
"Growing up in Queensland, every boy dreams of two things – getting politely escorted out of The Normanby for 'causing a scene,' and blasting so much Dua Lipa on the radio someone calls a wellness check. Next year, I plan to achieve both on KIIS. With 80% 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 added: "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."
Industry Speculation
The appointment has raised questions about the future of other radio programs. Could Kyle Sandilands bounce back from brain aneurysm surgery amid industry buzz over KIIS FM's alleged plans to revamp his controversial show? Could the famous Kyle & Jackie O Show be set to oust their Brisbane counterparts and once again dominate the airwaves?
How did Kyle and Jackie O's bold move to Melbourne shake up local radio, outperforming former KIIS FM stars? How did Kyle Sandilands threaten to shake up and pull the plug on Melbourne's morning radio scene? Is Beau Ryan biting off more than he can chew by jumping into the breakfast radio scene with little experience? Hear why he sought Kyle Sandilands' blessing before making the leap!
