He accused the media company of not adhering to “a genuine process”
Radio star Kyle Sandilands has publicly challenged ARN Media’s handling of his suspension and the axing of his long‑running on-air partnership with Jackie “O” Henderson, insisting he has not breached his $100 million contract and demanding to be returned to air.
In a detailed statement released through his manager and producer Bruno Bouchet, Sandilands said ARN had shut him out of the process while moving to terminate Henderson’s contract and accusing him of “serious misconduct” over a fiery on-air clash on 20 February.
Sandilands said he and Henderson – who have co-hosted top-rating KIIS FM breakfast shows for more than 25 years – had argued on air about her growing focus on astrology and time spent on her phone between segments. He acknowledged he had handled the exchange poorly and said he texted her that night to apologise, telling her he loved and cared for her and could have expressed himself better.
He said ARN’s subsequent response – suspending him, barring him from contacting Henderson or colleagues, and giving him 14 days to “remedy” an alleged contractual breach while simultaneously cutting her loose – did not amount to a fair or genuine process.
“The truth is that ARN terminated Jackie’s contract on the same day it accused me of a breach. It suspended me from work,” he said, arguing that the company then instructed him to remain silent, making it impossible to repair the relationship in the way they had resolved disputes in the past.
Sandilands stressed that he remains committed to the decade-long deal, which was signed in 2023 and heralded as one of the richest in Australian broadcasting. He has engaged law firm Johnson Winter Slattery, including prominent media and employment lawyers, to contest ARN’s position.
“I have a contract with ARN that runs until 2034. I am committed to that contract,” he said, calling on the company to honour the agreement and let him resume hosting breakfast radio. He also addressed fans directly, thanking them for their support, saying he missed them and vowing: “I’ll be back.”
Henderson, who ARN says has been offered a new show, has also engaged lawyers and maintains she did not quit or resign, saying recent coverage does not reflect what actually happened. ARN has not issued any further public comment since notifying the ASX last week of the dissolution of The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
