Peter Deppeler, affectionately known to Australian radio audiences as 'Intern Pete', has announced his departure from KIIS FM to join Christian O'Connell's Gold FM breakfast show. The move concludes a tenure of over 12 years on The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
New Role on National Show
In his new position, Deppeler will serve as both a roving reporter and senior producer on The Christian O'Connell Show, which now broadcasts as Australia's first national commercial breakfast radio program across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Opportunity Amid Turbulence
Deppeler revealed that the opportunity emerged organically during a turbulent period at KIIS FM. 'I've known Christian for years,' he told news.com.au. 'The last couple of months have been a bit crazy, and he touched base. We started chatting, and about a month ago he broached the idea of joining the show.'
For Deppeler, the decision was straightforward. He described O'Connell as someone he had long admired, dating back to O'Connell's broadcasting days in the UK, and expressed excitement about joining the team.
No Blessing from Former Bosses
Despite spending over a decade alongside Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson, Deppeler confirmed he has not spoken to either since they departed ARN, meaning he has not yet received Kyle's blessing. However, he remains hopeful that his former boss would be supportive, noting that Kyle had always wanted happiness for him.
O'Connell Welcomes New Addition
Christian O'Connell, whose established team includes producer Riordan 'Rio' Lee, newsreader Patrina Jones, and former Today personality Alex Cullen, was effusive about the addition. 'Pete is one of the most genuinely loved voices in Australian breakfast radio, and he's chosen this as his next chapter,' O'Connell said. 'He's an extraordinary talent who's ready to evolve, and I couldn't be prouder that he's chosen the Bright Side of the Dial to do it on.'
KIIS FM's Next Steps
Meanwhile, KIIS FM has remained tight-lipped about replacement plans amid an ongoing legal battle over unfair dismissal claims by Sandilands and Henderson. However, sources indicate that talks with prospective replacements are already 'well underway'.
