Kyle Sandilands Settles $100 Million Contract Dispute with ARN Media
Quick Look
- Kyle Sandilands has settled his legal dispute with ARN Media over his terminated $100 million contract for $12.09 million.
- ARN will also advertise his new venture for $1.5 million over three years, with Sandilands agreeing to a 19.9% revenue share and a nine-month non-compete clause with competitors.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O' Henderson had their contracts terminated after an on-air argument led to the cancellation of their show on ARN Media-owned KIIS FM.
Kyle Sandilands has reached a settlement with his former employer ARN Media, over the termination of his $100 million contract.
According to a statement to the ASX on Wednesday morning the media company has agreed to pay the radio shock jock $12.09 million to settle the legal dispute before the Federal Court.
As part of the settlement ARN Media has also agreed to advertise Sandilands's new, independent media project on its platforms in a $1.5 million deal over the next three years.
As part of the deal Sandilands has agreed to a revenue share arrangement with ARN Media, providing the media company with 19.9 per cent of the revenue from his new venture.
However, Sandilands cannot engage with ARN Media's direct competitors for nine months, according to the ASX announcement.
"ARN remains focused on executing its strategy, including driving a leaner, more efficient operating model, strengthening its core radio network and continuing to invest in digital capabilities and long-term growth."
Jackie O's ARN Media legal action ongoing
Sandilands and co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson had their contracts terminated after an on-air argument on February 20 led to the cancellation of the Kyle and Jackie O Show on ARN Media-owned KIIS FM.
Legal proceedings that Ms Henderson lodged against the termination of her contract in the Federal Court remain ongoing.
Her separate legal action against their former employer is claiming at least $82 million in compensation for wrongful termination.
Sandilands's team originally argued the termination of his contract was invalid and his behaviour did not amount to serious conduct, while ARN Media fought back with counter claims, seeking damages for breach of contract, losses in profit and advertising revenue, and legal costs.
After a Federal Court appearance in late April, Sandilands told awaiting media: "If you know how these procedures work, there's strategy and then there's truth and once we get inside and we get all the answers out, the truth will raise its head."
The Kyle and Jackie O Show abruptly ended after Sandilands accused Henderson of "being off with the fairies" because her fixation with horoscopes made her "almost unworkable".
Sandilands was suspended for 14 days to remedy "an act of serious misconduct", which was in breach of his contract, and was later sacked.
Henderson's lawyers previously said she was left "psychologically unwell" from the "ongoing bullying" and that she "cannot continue to work with Mr Sandilands".
Open Questions
- Will Jackie O's legal action also result in a settlement?
- What is the nature of Sandilands's new independent media project?

