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Kyle Sandilands Faces Federal Court in Fight Over Axed $100 Million ARN Deal

The case tests whether an on-air clash qualifies as serious misconduct under a nine-figure radio contract.

Overview

  • Kyle Sandilands attended the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday for an initial case management hearing and said recent weeks had been traumatic.
  • He is suing ARN and its subsidiary Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, alleging his firing was invalid, not based on serious misconduct, and unconscionable under Australian Consumer Law, which polices unfair business conduct.
  • ARN says it will dispute the claims after it ended his deal following a February 20 on-air row, issued a 14-day breach notice on March 3, and terminated the contract once that period expired.
  • Jackie “O” Henderson told ARN she could no longer work with Sandilands, leading the company to terminate her separate $100 million agreement, and she has not filed legal action.
  • The stakes are huge for KIIS FM and advertisers given the duo’s 27-year partnership, a reported $200 million, 10-year deal through 2034, and a show that dominated Sydney ratings but struggled in newer Melbourne and Brisbane slots.