Kyle Sandilands fronted the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday morning (March 27th) as his high-stakes legal battle with ARN over the termination of his $100 million contract officially gets underway.
The radio host is suing ARN and its subsidiary, the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, alleging his contract was terminated without valid grounds and in breach of Australian Consumer Law.
The case follows ARN’s decision to terminate Sandilands’ deal after an on-air dispute with co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. Sandilands is arguing the termination was invalid, claiming there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract. He is also expected to argue the decision was unconscionable under Australian Consumer Law, a claim ARN is set to contest.
Speaking outside court on Friday morning, Sandilands said: “I’m just happy that we can get in today and get the ball rolling. I just want to get back to work as quickly as possible. I’ve got a family to support.”
When asked about the lead-up to the hearing, he described the period as “Traumatic.”
“Wish me luck,” he added before entering the court building.
The legal action stems from an on-air exchange on 20 February, during which Sandilands told Henderson she was “off with the fairies.” Henderson left the studio mid-show, telling Sandilands she would “never say things like that” about him.
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ARN subsequently issued Sandilands with a two-week deadline to address what it described as “serious misconduct” before terminating his contract when that deadline expired.
In court filings, Sandilands’ legal team argued the exchange was consistent with the program’s established tone. “The exchange was congruent with the style, tone and nature of the Show and the robust character that [ARN] ‘desired’.”
His lawyers also argued that even if a breach had occurred, he was not given a reasonable opportunity to remedy it.
Sandilands claims he is still owed more than $85 million under the deal agreed in 2023.Financial details of contract revealed
Legal documents filed with the court outline the terms of the agreement, including a $7.4 million base salary, a $120,000 annual flight allowance, $500,000 in advertising for his products, a $200,000 consultancy fee, and sublicensing fees to his company, Quasar Media, worth $2 million annually.
More to come.