Shock jock Kyle Sandilands has told the Federal Court that his termination from ARN Media was invalid because he was performing his contracted role as a “robust character” presenting a “deliberately provocative” radio program. The $100 million contract was terminated last week after an on-air argument with co-host Jackie “O” Henderson about astrology, which ARN alleged constituted serious misconduct and a breach of the services agreement with Quasar Media.
Sandilands’ statement of claim, filed on Friday, argues that the exchange that triggered the termination was “congruent with the style, tone and nature of the show.” The document describes the Kyle & Jackie O Show as a high-energy, controversial program using crude humour, ribald commentary and sexual innuendo, with banter and tension between the hosts as a central dynamic.
The claim states that ARN Media acknowledged Sandilands’ “robust character” and expressed a desire for him to present in that style. It argues that the incident does not constitute a serious or consistent breach of contract, nor did it cause “serious and imminent injury” to Kiis FM. Notably, the two censors monitoring the show did not use the dump button during the segment.
ARN Media responded in an ASX filing on Monday, stating it would defend the claim. The company disputes the allegations and says it is unable to reliably estimate the outcome or potential financial impact. Sandilands seeks an order for specific performance of the contract, payment of amounts due, and damages for economic and non-economic loss.
The contract, which was due to run until 2034, entitled Sandilands to $7.4 million in cash annually, plus a consultancy fee, flight allowance and contra air time. The termination deprived him of the remaining $85 million he would have earned.
