The Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) has imposed a five-year ban on Kiis FM from airing strong sexual content on shows hosted by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, following repeated breaches of the commercial radio code of practice. The regulator warned that ARN Media, the station's licensee, could face penalties including cancellation of the radio station's licence if the ban is breached.
The penalty comes two weeks after the Kyle & Jackie O Show was taken off air and Henderson's contract with ARN was terminated. ARN provided written notice to Sandilands, stating it considered his behaviour during a show last month to be 'an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN’s services agreement'. Sandilands has until Tuesday 17 March to show how he will remedy the alleged breach or his contract will also be terminated.
Henderson said she could no longer work with Sandilands after an incident on 20 February, in which he mocked her interest in astrology. Acma chair Nerida O'Loughlin said the licence condition follows multiple failures by the licensees to meet their obligations under the code, adding that 'to date ARN management have been unwilling or unable to control the content that has gone to air'.
Acma cited breaches including episodes where audio clips of staff urinating were aired, a contestant's offensive description of a sexual position, and lewd discussions about masturbation and pornography websites. ARN Media acknowledged Acma's decision and said it would review options, having already taken steps to ensure compliance and brand safety.
Sandilands has apologised to Henderson, saying he said things he wished he had said differently and that he sent her a message apologising that evening. Henderson stated she did not quit or resign and was 'deeply saddened' the show may end.
