A long-running dispute between one of Australian radio's best-known figures and his former employer has now been settled. A statement to the Australian Stock Exchange has confirmed that the former radio breakfast star Kyle Sandilands will receive a payout from ARN Media, the company he had taken legal action against, after his contract was terminated and the Kyle and Jackie O show was axed.
Under the confirmed settlement, Sandilands will receive a total of twelve million dollars. The payout begins with a three million dollar payment from July this year, paid monthly until 2029. As part of the agreement, ARN Media will also provide Sandilands with services on its partner platforms, worth around one and a half million dollars.
That sum is far less than what Sandilands had originally been chasing. He had previously been seeking eighty-five million dollars, an amount he has said represented what was still owing to him on his contract. The gap between the two figures underlines how far the final settlement falls below his initial claim.
The roots of the dispute go back to earlier this year. In February, there was an on-air clash between Sandilands, who has a long history of controversy, and his long-time co-host Jackie O, during which he criticised her work ethic. The exchange proved to be a turning point for the pairing.
That clash led to a breakdown in their relationship, with both hosts having their contracts terminated. The two then launched separate lawsuits against their former employer, ARN Media, which is the owner of the radio station Kiis FM, turning a falling-out on air into a legal battle off it.
The payout, which had earlier been reported but not officially confirmed, has now been set out in the statement to the Australian Stock Exchange. That statement gives a clearer picture of exactly what has been agreed between Sandilands and ARN Media, bringing the months-long fight over money to a close.