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Breakfast radio shock as Kyle Sandilands contract terminated
Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands has been fired from his decade-long, A$100 million ($71m) contract with KIIS FM, ending the top-rated Kyle and Jackie O Show after an explosive on-air clash with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson.
Contract breach and legal threats
ARN Media, the network's owner, announced the termination on Wednesday, citing 'serious misconduct' by Sandilands, 54. The decision follows a two-week suspension triggered by a heated argument with Henderson during their February 20 broadcast.
Sandilands immediately vowed to challenge the sacking in court, calling it 'invalid' in a statement released moments before ARN's announcement. 'My lawyers told them last week this would be invalid. And guess what? It is,' he said.
The on-air meltdown
The dispute erupted when Sandilands accused Henderson of being 'off with the fairies' and failing to meet professional standards. He claimed her recent focus on astrology had affected her work but refused to provide specific examples when pressed by Henderson, who became visibly upset during the exchange.
Henderson, who has co-hosted with Sandilands for 27 years, took a leave of absence after the incident. ARN initially reported she had told them she 'cannot continue to work' with Sandilands, pulling the show from the airwaves. However, Henderson later clarified she 'did not quit or resign' and was pursuing legal action.
Behind-the-scenes fallout
Sandilands revealed he apologized to Henderson hours after the argument but was subsequently barred from contacting her or the show's staff. He claimed ARN rejected his offer to work with an alternative co-host, alleging the company used the incident as an opportunity to exit his expensive contract.
'They knew how I work, they knew the show and they were happy to pay for it - because I delivered. They thought they saw a chance to get out of the contract they signed with me a year ago and they ran with it.'
Kyle Sandilands
Industry reactions and financial pressures
Local media reported celebrations among ARN staff after the show's suspension, noting that the high-cost contracts for Sandilands and Henderson had led to layoffs of other experienced personnel. Analysts also pointed to a failed attempt to expand the Sydney-based show to Melbourne as a potential factor in ARN's decision.
The termination leaves Henderson's own A$100 million contract in limbo. Both hosts were originally slated to remain on air until at least 2034.
What's next
Sandilands confirmed he would pursue legal action, while Henderson remains silent pending her own legal proceedings. ARN has not commented on the future of the breakfast radio slot or Henderson's contract.
