It's on: Nova and ARN ignite breakfast showdown

Nova has moved early to lock in its 2026 strategy, unveiling a refreshed Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill lineup for 106.9 just as the Brisbane breakfast market prepares for a rare head-to-head reset.

With Survey 7 confirming Nova remains No.1 in breakfast at 13.2, only slightly down from 13.4, the network enters the new year with momentum and a clear incumbent advantage.

Susie O’Neill’s return alongside David “Luttsy” Lutteral and newcomer Nick Allen-Ducat positions Nova with a blend of familiarity and fresh energy.

It’s a move designed to strengthen its hold at a time when listeners are already highly engaged - and when competition is reshaping itself in real time.

ARN resets

Crucially, ARN will reboot its KIIS 97.3 breakfast show at almost the exact same moment, with Craig “Lowie” Lowe stepping into the slot.

This puts both networks on the frontline of a simultaneous relaunch - a dynamic Brisbane hasn’t seen in years.

ARN’s broader expansion adds another layer: KIIS will stretch to five metro markets in 2026, with Adelaide’s Mix 102.3 becoming KIIS 102.3, and Perth gaining a KIIS DAB+ station.

Despite the network’s national push, Brisbane’s breakfast battle remains the cornerstone of its eastern strategy, making the timing of the local overhaul particularly significant.

With Nova holding the stronger ratings footing and ARN debuting a brand-new show, the opening weeks of 2026 will function as a direct test of listener loyalty, marketing muscle and programming clarity.

Nova bets on continuity as 2026 pressure builds

For Nova, the play is as much about signalling stability as it is about refreshing the product.

O’Neill’s return gives the station a strong local identity at a time when audiences may be fatigued by shifting lineups.

Allen-Ducat’s homecoming narrative strengthens the brand’s Brisbane roots, while Luttsy provides the throughline that anchors long-term listeners.

The stakes for both networks are unusually high: two new shows, one market, one timeslot - and one clear ratings leader trying to hold its ground as a challenger regroups.

If the breakfast wars are going to flare, January is exactly when it will happen.

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