When the likeable and talented Corey Oates announced his retirement from the the NRL and Brisbane Broncos in October, KIIS 97.3 FM’s breakfast team of Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman took it upon themselves to help Corey find a new career. In what became a daily segment called Find Corey a Job, Oates, a one club man for the Broncos and among their top try scorers, tried his hand as a stand-up comedian, real estate agent, retail sales assistant, counsellor and traffic reporter.
Behind the scenes in Brisbane at the same time there has been some seat switching and departures on radio. Susie O’Neill is leaving Nova 106.9, with her last day this Thursday the 28th and the new lineup not yet announced. A different former star Brisbane NRL player by the name of Corey, Corey Parker, is joining the local Sports Entertainment Network station SENQ Breakfast alongside Queensland cricket legend Ian Healy. Coincidentally Corey Parker’s wife Margaux is part of the Triple M Brisbane breakfast team of Marto, Margaux and Dan. Triple M also decided to get rid of its local and often sport-centric Drive show Liam Flanagan, Leisel Jones and Ben “Dobbo” Dobbin and replace it with networked Marty Sheargold.
When GfK Survey 7 came out on November 14, the steady and consistent B105 were top, and in breakfast. KIIS however saw the biggest leap in breakfast listening, +1.6 to 12.1, taking them from 5th to equal second in the time slot. Adding the fresh, well known and popular voice of Corey Oates has resonated with listeners and so, this morning he announced he has indeed been assisted by Robin and Kip to find his new career, and it will be working alongside them in 2025!
The new Breakfast show will be called Robin & Kip now with Corey Oates in the morning.
Robin Bailey said of the addition:
“Corey is honest, kind and real. He doesn’t lie nor does he filter which is brilliant to have on the show… the over-sharing may not be great for his friends and family, but we can’t wait!”
Kip Wightman said:
“Part of me is excited about no longer being the most forgetful, least able to focus member of the show, but mostly I’m looking forward to talking footy (even when the mics are off). Right from the start, it was easy having Corey in the studio, he’s got no filter which is frightening and perfect!”
And Corey added:
“I’m absolutely stoked to be joining Robin and Kip in the morning. I can’t believe I get to have this much fun every day as a job! The whole KIIS 973 team has been so supportive, and I can’t wait to bring
on 2025!”
The three will be on air together this week and then back in January 2025.