Sandilands reaches $12m settlement, ending legal stoush

Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands has reached a settlement with his former employer, ending half of a bitter legal battle.

ARN Media said it would pay Sandilands $12 million in an ASX announcement published on Wednesday.

It will also receive $1.5 million worth of advertising services across the radio network’s partner platforms, and ARN will receive a 19.9 percent contribution from any of its new ventures for up to three years.

The former KIIS FM radio presenter will not be able to contact any of ARN’s direct rivals for up to nine months from the date of the deal, although he said he intends to pursue independent media opportunities.

“This agreement brings certainty to ARN and resolves the legal dispute,” said ARN CEO Michael Stephenson.

“ARN remains focused on executing its strategy, including supporting a leaner, more efficient operating model, strengthening its core radio network and continuing to invest in digital capabilities and long-term growth.”

The radio giant has confirmed that legal proceedings against Sandilands’ former presenter Jackie “O” Henderson are ongoing.

The pair were being sued by their former employers after filing separate lawsuits following an on-air dispute that led to the cancellation of their show.

Both wanted to be paid in full the remainder of their 10-year, $100 million contracts signed at the end of 2023.

However, ARN claimed the controversial duo had cost the company significant advertising revenue due to their dismissal.

The highly public incident moved into the legal arena following an exchange between the pair in February, with Sandilands accusing her co-host of “consorting with fairies”.

The on-air comments prompted Henderson to say he could no longer work with his combative colleague.