Kyle Sandilands settles $12m lawsuit with ARN Media, avoids trial
Consensus Summary
Kyle Sandilands has settled his wrongful termination lawsuit with ARN Media for $12.09 million in cash, avoiding a high-profile trial. The agreement, announced on June 16, 2026, also includes $1.5 million in advertising support for Sandilandsā new independent media venture, a nine-month ban from competing radio stations, and a 19.9% revenue share for ARN. The dispute arose after Sandilands and co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson were sacked in February 2026 following an on-air argument, with Hendersonās separate $82.25 million claim still pending. While Sandilandsā settlement resolves ARNās legal exposure, the company faces ongoing costs and reputational damage from the prolonged dispute. The Age also highlights Sandilandsā plans for a subscription-based live show and declining ratings for KIIS FMās breakfast slot, alongside unrelated speculation about One Nationās Victorian leadership.
ā Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Kyle Sandilands settled his wrongful termination lawsuit with ARN Media for $12.09 million in cash.
- ARN Media agreed to advertise Sandilandsā new independent media project on its platforms for $1.5 million over three years.
- Sandilands is barred from appearing on ARN Mediaās direct radio competitors for nine months as part of the settlement.
- Sandilandsā $100 million contract with ARN Media was terminated after an on-air argument with Jackie 'O' Henderson on February 20, 2026.
- Jackie 'O' Hendersonās separate lawsuit against ARN Media for wrongful termination remains ongoing, with claims of at least $82.25 million.
- ARN Mediaās statement to the ASX confirmed the settlement on June 16, 2026, terminating all claims and counterclaims.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Sandilandsā next venture is a subscription-based live online show titled 'Kyle Sandilands Live,' planned to air five days a week at 6am, with former staff from his Kyle and Jackie O Show included.
- Sandilands has four mortgages and has been eager to return to air to retain his audience, which bled to other shows after his departure.
- The KIIS FM breakfast shift in Sydney dropped 3.5% (from 11.7 to 8.2) in the latest GFK ratings, while Melbourneās shift dropped 0.4% (from 5.4 to 5.0).
- Speculation about One Nationās Victorian leadership includes Adam Giles, who runs Gina Rinehartās Kidman and Co, but Giles denied political ambitions.
- A One Nation fundraiser in South Melbourne on June 14, 2026, featured attendees like Elliot Loney, Mark Jones, and Aidan McLindon, with tickets priced between $200ā$500 and a private Hanson/Joyce session at $2000.
- ARN Mediaās counterclaims included damages for breach of contract, lost profit, and advertising revenue, alongside legal costs.
- Sandilandsā legal team argued his termination was invalid and his behavior did not constitute serious misconduct.
- Sandilands accused Henderson of being 'off with the fairies' due to her horoscope fixation, leading to his suspension and eventual sacking.
- The settlement includes a revenue share arrangement where ARN Media receives 19.9% of Sandilandsā new ventureās revenue for three years.
- ARN Mediaās CEO, Michael Stephenson, stated the agreement brings certainty and aligns with their strategy of a leaner operating model.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Age suggests Sandilands was seeking $85 million, while ABC and Guardian confirm the settlement was for $12.09 million (no mention of $85m in those sources).
- The Age implies the settlement could be announced as early as June 2026 (before June 15), but ABC and Guardian confirm the ASX announcement was on June 16, 2026.
- The Age reports Sandilandsā next show will be 'uncensored,' but neither ABC nor Guardian mention this detail.
Source Articles
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Radio shock jock Sandilands has already started laying the groundwork for his next venture as he closes in on a settlement agreement with his former employer, ARN Media.
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Veteran Sydney broadcaster Kyle Sandilands and ARN Media have reached a settlement to end a $100 million contract dispute which had been playing out in the Federal Court.
Kyle Sandilands settles with former radio station for $12m and a helping hand with new media venture
ARN Media settlement of dispute with sacked radio host includes $12.09m cash payment and $1.5m worth of advertising Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Kyle Sandilands has settled his dispute with ARN Media for a $12m cash payout and a promise it will help him launch a new media venture. The money is a fraction of the $85m the former radio host had been seeking after his abrupt sacking from the network in February, b