Radio host Jackie O has filed legal proceedings against radio network ARN, claiming compensation of at least $82.25 million and alleging that her termination was against the Fair Work Act.
In a notice to shareholders this morning, ARN said it disputed Jackie "O" Henderson's claims and will defend against the suit in court.
It is the latest salvo in the ongoing feud between the network and its once highest-rating program, the Kyle and Jackie O show.
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The announcement comes after Henderson's long-time colleague, Kyle Sandilands, launched his own lawsuit against ARN after his contract was terminated.
The duo, who dominated Sydney radio ratings for years, saw their audience fall in a much-touted move to Melbourne more recently.
The co-hosts fell out after an on-air argument on February 20, after which Henderson reportedly declared she was unable to work with Sandilands.
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Both of their contracts were ultimately torn up and the show was cancelled.
In its statement to shareholders, ARN said Henderson also accused the company of making "misleading and deceptive" market statements, a claim ARN also denies.
The proceedings have been filed in the Federal Court, where Sandilands' own lawsuit against his former employer was first heard last Friday.
Full statement from ARN Media
ARN Media Limited [ASX: A1N] announces that Ms Jacqueline Henderson and her related company have commenced legal proceedings against ARN.
The proceedings have been filed in the Federal Court against Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation Pty Ltd (CBC), a subsidiary of ARN which is the licence holder for KIIS 1065 Sydney and contracted with Ms Henderson and her services company. Unsealed copies of Court documents in respect of the proceedings were served on CBC on 30 March 2026 after market close.
In summary, the applicants claim that the termination of Ms Henderson's contract constituted adverse action. Ms Henderson sent a 'Complaint Letter' to CBC which noted that Ms Henderson "cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands" and made psychosocial health and safety and bullying complaints in relation to the conduct of Mr Kyle Sandilands on and prior to 20 February 2026. It is alleged that the Complaint Letter involved the exercise or proposal to exercise workplace rights, and that the contract was terminated because of that exercise or proposed exercise, in alleged contravention of section 340 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). It is also alleged the termination of her contract amounted to a repudiation of that agreement.
The applicants also claim that ARN's ASX Market announcement of 3 March 2026 included misleading and deceptive statements under the Australian Consumer Law. The applicants claim compensation of 'at least $82,250,000', and payment of a pecuniary penalty, plus interest and costs.
ARN disputes the claims. It intends to defend the proceedings. Given the early stage of the matter, ARN is unable to reliably estimate the outcome or any potential financial impact.
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