Robin Bailey has admitted she was ‘furious’ after a shock backflip decision to reinstate her axed show, leading to her confronting her boss live on-air.
In December, it was announced Robin and co-hosts Kip Wightman and Corey Oates had been re-hired for KIIS FM Brisbane Breakfast after their radio show was axed in October.
The veteran presenter admitted she was confused about the backflip and asked CEO Michael ‘Stepho’ Stephenson on Monday about what had led to the indecisiveness and whether their rehiring was a ‘stunt’.
‘It absolutely was not a joke. There’s no stunt about this. Obviously, we made a decision at the end of last year, and quite clearly, it wasn’t the right decision,’ Stepho told the presenters.
He then revealed the very surprising reason as to why ARN reconsidered their decision and brought back the popular presenters for 2026.
‘Every person that I spoke to when I started in my new role said, “We love Robin, Kip and Corey. When are they coming back?” And I said to the guys in Sydney, “Can we change our decision?” And they said, “No one’s ever done that before,”‘ he said.
Robin Bailey (pictured) has admitted she was ‘furious’ after a shock backflip decision to reinstate her axed show, leading to her confronting her boss live on-air.
However, Robin was having none of it and bluntly asked Stephenson if he realised he had made a ‘dumb’ decision by letting them go.
‘It sounds like you’ve been rehearsing that. But in that process, because for us, from the sign off to the call was almost two weeks. At what point did you realise that this was a really dumb arse decision?’ Robin asked.
Stephenson admitted the network had initially made the wrong decision in axing the show and decided to reinstate it after receiving strong positive feedback from the community.
‘What I’ve realised is that just radio generally has this incredible connection to communities and cities. And the feedback was overwhelming,’ he said.
‘Every single person I spoke to said, “We love this breakfast team and we want them back.” We made a decision and it is awesome for Brisbane. I can speak for everybody, we are pumped to have you guys back.’
ARN announced in October that Robin, Kip & Corey Oates would leave the airwaves by the end of 2025.
In December, ARN rehired the trio in an extraordinary backflip.
The veteran presenter admitted she was confused and asked CEO Michael ‘Stepho’ Stephenson (left) live on-air about what had led to the indecisiveness
ARN announced in October that Robin, Kip Wightman and Corey Oates would leave the airwaves by the end of 2025
‘ARN’s priority remains delivering the shows audiences love, and today’s announcement reflects that commitment to Brisbane listeners,’ a spokesperson said at the time.
‘Robin, Kip & Corey are known for their warmth and relatable humour.’
‘Their on-air chemistry is matched by a strong commitment to the local community, supporting Brisbane causes and sharing stories that resonate with everyday listeners across the city,’ they continued.
‘In 2026, audiences can expect even more, with new segments, special guests and interactive moments designed to celebrate Brisbane’s unique spirit and keep mornings fresh, fun and engaging.’
Robin, 55, has since thanked Brisbane listeners for convincing ARN to keep her show on the air.
‘Brissy, you did it! Thank you so much,’ she began.
‘We are coming back because of you and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be back behind the mic with Kip and Corey again on KIIS973. A reversal like this is a first.’
Derek ‘DB’ Bargwanna, Head of KIIS Network, said the ‘Brisbane listeners were clear about what they wanted’.
‘Robin, Kip & Corey have a strong connection with this city, and the way things wrapped up meant the door was always open for us to reunite,’ he added.
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