In brief
The long‑running breakfast duo “The Kyle and Jackie O Show” ended abruptly when ARNB Media cancelled Kyle Sandilands’ ten‑year contract in March over allegations of workplace bullying. Sandilands sued for wrongful termination, seeking to recover A$85 million, and the case was settled on Thursday. ARN agreed to pay him A$12.09 million plus A$1.5 million in advertising revenue over three years, with a non‑compete clause preventing him from working for a competing station until March next year. The settlement also includes a 19.9 % commission of any future independent media ventures. Jackie Henderson, who also sued for the same contract cancellation, is still fighting her case in court.
Australian radio personality Kyle Sandilands is expected to pocket a total of A$12.09 million after resolving his lawsuit against his former employer, ARN Media, which earlier this year abruptly cancelled his ten‑year contract worth A$100 million.
Sandilands, who had been the face of the popular breakfast program “The Kyle and Jackie O Show” on KIIS FM, was terminated in March following a contentious on‑air exchange with co‑host Jackie Henderson. Henderson publicly accused Sandilands of bullying, a claim that contributed to the station’s decision to end his contract.
Seeking to recoup A$85 million, Sandilands filed a wrongful termination suit. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, includes a cash payment of A$12.09 million and an additional A$1.5 million in advertising value that will be distributed across ARN’s platforms over the next three years.
ARN Media also imposed a non‑compete clause that bars Sandilands from working with any rival stations until next March, and it secured a 19.9 % royalty on any independent media ventures he pursues for a further three years.
Jackie Henderson is simultaneously contesting the same contractual termination and her court case remains active, adding another layer to the dispute between the duo’s former employer and star talent.