ARN moves to terminate Kyle Sandilands contract as host rejects decision

ARN has issued a notice of termination to Kyle Sandilands and Quasar Media, effectively ending the long-running Kyle and Jackie O show, though the radio host has rejected the decision and signalled a legal challenge.

In an ASX announcement on Wednesday morning, the broadcaster said it had terminated its services agreement with Sandilands and Quasar Media Services following what it described as serious misconduct during the 20 February broadcast.

The company had previously notified Sandilands on 3 March that it believed the incident constituted a breach of its agreement and gave the host 14 days to remedy the breach.

ARN said the breach had not been remedied and confirmed the show “will no longer be presented”.

The Kyle and Jackie O show has been one of Australian radio’s most commercially successful programs and has anchored ARN’s KIIS network for more than a decade.

However Sandilands has publicly rejected the termination, saying he does not accept ARN’s decision and believes it is invalid.

“I don't accept it,” Sandilands said in a statement.

“My lawyers told them last week this would be invalid. And guess what? It is.”

Sandilands also defended his long relationship with the broadcaster.

“ARN knew exactly what they were getting when they signed my deal. They’ve worked with me for over a decade. They knew how I work, they knew the show, and they were happy to pay for it - because I delivered.”

“Number one ratings. Year after year. Hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for their business. I held up my end. I always have.”

ARN said the termination notice had been authorised for release by its board.

The dispute is likely to trigger a legal battle between the broadcaster and its most high-profile on-air talent.