Kyle Sandilands has reached a settlement with ARN Media for more than $12 million in cash plus support for his next project. The agreement, announced to the stock exchange on Wednesday, resolves the legal dispute that arose after his abrupt sacking from the network in February.
Settlement Details
The settlement includes a cash payment of $12.09 million, with $3 million payable next month and the remaining balance spread in monthly installments until June 2029. In addition, ARN Media will provide $1.5 million worth of advertising services on its partner platforms over the next three years to support Sandilands' new media venture.
Sandilands will also share 19.9% of any revenue from his new show with ARN Media for three years. The agreement terminates all claims and counterclaims lodged in the federal court and severs all previous ties with the station.
Legal Battle Avoided
The settlement is a fraction of the $85 million Sandilands had been seeking. He and his co-host Jackie "O" Henderson had taken separate legal action against ARN after the company terminated their 10-year contracts a year early. Henderson's lawsuit remains ongoing, with her claiming compensation of at least $82.25 million for wrongful termination.
Henderson told the court she had complained to ARN about Sandilands allegedly bullying her on multiple occasions. The legal stoush began after an on-air argument led Henderson to take immediate leave, prompting ARN to take the breakfast show off-air on March 3.
Non-Compete Clause
As part of the settlement, Sandilands is barred from appearing on any radio stations that compete with Kiis FM for nine months. ARN Media stated that Sandilands is pursuing "independent media opportunities" and has agreed to advertise his new venture on its stations.
ARN's chief executive officer, Michael Stephenson, said the agreement brings certainty for ARN and resolves the legal dispute. "ARN remains focused on executing its strategy, including driving a leaner, more efficient operating model," Stephenson said.
