Major blow for ARN as Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Kyle Sandilands both launch bombshell lawsuits against their former employer

by

As a long-time listener, it’s really worrying to see how much trouble ARN Media is in right now. They’re facing some serious financial and legal challenges, and their value has plummeted – it’s dangerously close to just $100 million! What’s even more shocking is that Kyle and Jackie O, two of radio’s biggest names, are now preparing to go up against the network in court. It’s a really tough time for everyone involved, and I’m honestly concerned about the future.

KIIS 106.5, once a leading Australian radio station, is now valued at around $100 to $110 million as of late March 2026, a significant drop from its previous high.

At one point last week, ARN’s value dipped even lower, briefly hitting around $98.5 million.

This represents a dramatic drop from the company’s previous value, and importantly, means the company is now worth just slightly more than the combined amount the two actors are claiming in damages.

The lawsuits themselves are nothing short of explosive.

Sandilands is seeking damages potentially worth as much as $85 million in an ongoing case, and Henderson has now filed a separate lawsuit claiming unfair treatment and a broken agreement.

She is requesting at least $82.25 million in damages, along with a financial penalty, interest, and legal fees.

If the reported claims are even close to accurate, ARN could face debts of over $160 million, which is much higher than its current value.

If ARN were to lose their cases, the consequences could be existential. 

A payment that large would probably compel ARN to take extreme steps, like finding funds quickly, selling important parts of the company, or potentially being bought out for a much lower price than it’s worth.

Sandilands himself is rumoured to be considering buying ARN. 

Just before Kyle Sandilands was let go last month, a former radio executive, Craig Bruce, said Sandilands had hinted he’d be interested in buying the network if he lost his job.

Bruce said someone at the Australian Idol taping told him they heard Kyle Sandilands threaten to buy the network if he was fired.

It’s unclear if Sandilands made the comments seriously or in jest. 

Sandilands filed his lawsuit against ARN in the Federal Court on March 23.

The 54-year-old, with strong legal representation, alleges that ARN intentionally worked to undermine his $100 million, ten-year contract. He claims this was a deliberate effort to get out of the expensive deal after only 14 months.

Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery, leads Sandilands’ legal team.

ARN also disputes the claims and will defend them.

Henderson also filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming her contract was terminated in violation of the Fair Work Act.

Henderson has taken legal action against the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, which is owned by ARN, the company that also owns KIIS 1065.

She is claiming that the termination of her contract ‘constituted adverse action.’ 

Henderson filed a complaint with CBC stating she was unable to continue working with Kyle Sandilands, and also raised concerns about his behavior, including allegations of bullying and risks to her well-being, both before and on February 20, 2026.

She believes she had the right to raise this issue as an employee, and her firing was a direct result of doing so – something that would violate the Fair Work Act.

She also alleges that ARN violated Australian Consumer Law by making false and misleading statements when they publicly announced her departure on March 3rd.

Henderson disputed a statement from ARN claiming she left her radio show voluntarily. On March 6th, she released a statement clarifying, ‘There’s been a lot of incorrect information circulating about my leaving. I want to be clear: I did not quit or resign.’

ARN says it denies the claims and will fight the case in court.

Read More

2026-03-31 08:04