Astarboardist Kyle Sandilands, known for his provocative radio style, has secured a cash settlement of A$12.09 million (US $8.5 million) after a legal battle with ARN Media over the abrupt cancellation of his decade‑long contract. The settlement also includes a three‑year advertising allocation of A$1.5 million on ARN’s platforms.
The Settlement Details
The deal was announced on Wednesday, with ARN stating the payment resolves all claims and counterclaims. In exchange, Sandilands will be barred from working with any ARN competitor until March of next year, and ARN will receive a 19.9 % cut of any future independent media venture for three years.
The On‑Air Feud
The conflict ignited on 20 February during a seven‑minute tirade when Sandilands accused co‑host Jackie Henderson of “being off with the fairies” and not pulling her weight. Henderson’s frustration with his references to astrology sparked tears and a dramatic glimpse at their partnership’s end.
Legal Repercussions
Sandilands sued ARN for wrongful termination, seeking to recover A$85 million. While the settlement halved that figure, Henderson remains in court over her own cancelled contract and is still pursuing a claim for the cancelled A$100 million ten‑year deal.
The Show’s Demise
After the call that toppled the show, staff at ARN reportedly celebrated the end of the program, citing the high cost of their contracts and the need to reorganise staff resources. The program’s cancellation also spurred speculation that ARN’s failed attempts to expand the Sydney flagship into Melbourne contributed to the decision.
