'Termination was unconscionable': Kyle Sandilands hits back at ARN with legal action

Kyle Sandilands has began legal investigation against ARN Media following the termination of his $100 million contract.

The dispute stems from ARN’s decision to axe Sandilands after an on-air beef with co-host Jackie O Henderson on February 20, which ultimately led to the temporary pause of The Kyle and Jackie O Show.

Contract termination challenged

In an ASX statement, ARN Media confirmed that Sandilands has commenced legal proceedings, with his team playing the consumer law card.

“In summary, the applicants claim the termination of Mr Sandilands’ contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law,” the statement read.

“The applicants seek an order for specific performance of two contracts, payment of whatever amounts are due and payable under the contracts at the time of judgement, and damages.”

ARN Media said it intends to defend the claims, with proceedings now underway and no court date yet confirmed.

Fallout from on-air dispute

The legal action follows a public breakdown between Sandilands and Henderson, who had co-hosted the show for more than 25 years.

Sandilands had previously indicated he would pursue legal action after being removed from air, describing the incident as a routine on-air “blue”.

During the segment, he criticised Henderson’s on-air contributions, leading to a broader shift in their working relationship.

In a separate ASX update on March 3, ARN Media said Henderson had “given notice” she could not continue working with Sandilands, although she later disputed that claim publicly.

Uncertain impact for ARN

Prior to the dispute, Sandilands and Henderson were contracted to remain on air until at least 2034 under a deal reportedly worth $200 million.

At its peak, The Kyle and Jackie O Show attracted an audience of 797,000 listeners in Sydney each weekday morning and held a 16.3% market share.

In response to the legal financial damage of the legal proceedings, ARN Media said it is too early to “reliably estimate the outcome or any potential impact.”

Top Image: Kyle Sandilands

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