Controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands has launched legal action against ARN Media after it terminated his $100 million contract.
ARN Media made the decision following an on-air argument between Sandilands and co-host Jackie “O” Henderson on the now-defunct Kyle and Jackie O Show on February 20.
In a statement to the ASX, ARN Media confirmed Sandilands had commenced legal proceedings, with his team claiming the termination of the contract was invalid.
“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 has disputed the claims and intends to defend the proceedings.
A spokesman for Sandilands declined to comment.
Too early to ‘reliably estimate the outcome’
A selfie of Sydney radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O on November 22, 2023. (Instagram: @jackieo_official)
Sandilands had flagged he intended to pursue legal action against the network after he was sacked last week following what he described as an on-air “blue” with his co-host of more than 25 years.
He said Henderson was “off with the fairies” and her “fixation” on horoscopes was making her “almost unworkable”.
It happened during a segment in which the pair discussed the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the United Kingdom.
Henderson had shown interest in looking up the former prince’s horoscope.
She described the incident as an attack.
On March 3, ARN Media announced in an ASX statement Henderson had “given notice” she could not continue to work with Sandilands.
The co-host later denied she had ever quit the show.
‘Dire’ fortunes of network behind now-defunct Kyle and Jackie O Show
Sandilands and Henderson had been due to remain on air with The Kyle and Jackie O Show until at least 2034 as part of a $200 million contract with ARN Media.
At one point, the pair’s show attracted an audience of 797,000 people in Sydney each weekday morning and held 16.3 per cent market share — the largest of any Sydney radio station.
The ARN Media statement said it was too early to “reliably estimate the outcome or any potential impact” of legal proceedings.