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ARN Media is reeling from a devastating financial and legal double hit, with its market value now hovering dangerously close to the $100 million mark as former radio powerhouses Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson both prepare to take on the network in court.
Once a dominant force in Australian radio, the KIIS 106.5 parent company has seen its valuation plummet to roughly $100 – $110 million as of late March 2026.
At one point last week, ARN’s value dipped even lower, briefly hitting around $98.5 million.
That figure is a staggering fall from previous highs – and, crucially, puts the company’s entire worth at barely more than what the two stars are reportedly seeking in damages combined.
The lawsuits themselves are nothing short of explosive.
Sandilands is already pursuing a claim believed to be worth up to $85 million, while Henderson has now launched her own legal action alleging adverse action and breach of contract.
ARN Media is reeling from a devastating financial and legal double hit, with its market value now hovering dangerously close to the $100 million mark as former radio powerhouses Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson both prepare to take on the network in court
She is seeking compensation of at least $82.25million, as well as a pecuniary penalty plus interest and costs.
If both claims land anywhere near their reported figures, ARN could be staring down liabilities exceeding $160 million – well above its current market capitalisation.
If ARN were to lose their cases, the consequences could be existential.
A payout of that scale would likely force ARN into drastic measures such as raising emergency capital, selling off key assets or even becoming a takeover target at a heavily discounted price.
Sandilands himself is rumoured to be considering buying ARN.
Days before Sandilands was officially fired last month, former radio executive Craig Bruce claimed Sandilands had mentioned he wanted to buy the network if he were given the axe.
Bruce claimed he’d received a message from an audience member at a live taping of Australian Idol who overheard Sandilands saying he would buy the network if they fired him.
It’s unclear if Sandilands made the comments seriously or in jest.
If both claims land anywhere near their reported figures, ARN could be staring down liabilities exceeding $160 million – well above its current market capitalisation
Days before Sandilands was officially fired last month, former radio executive Craig Bruce claimed Sandilands had mentioned he wanted to buy the network if he were given the axe
Sandilands filed his lawsuit against ARN in the Federal Court on March 23.
Backed by a prominent legal team, the 54-year-old claims that ARN deliberately conspired to sabotage his $100million, 10-year contract in a calculated attempt to exit the costly agreement after just over 14 months.
Kevin Lynch, a partner at Johnson Winter Slattery, leads Sandilands’ legal team.
ARN also disputes the claims and will defend them.
Henderson meanwhile filed her own lawsuit Tuesday, and is alleging the termination of her contract was a breach of the Fair Work Act.
Henderson has filed in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, a subsidiary of KIIS 1065’s parent company ARN.
She is claiming that the termination of her contract ‘constituted adverse action.’
Henderson sent a complaint to CBC saying she ‘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’.
Henderson filed her own lawsuit Tuesday, and is alleging the termination of her contract was a breach of the Fair Work Act
She argues that making this complaint was her right as an employee – and that she was fired because of it, which would be illegal under the Fair Work Act.
She also claims ARN made ‘misleading and deceptive statements under the Australian Consumer Law’ when announcing her exit to the ASX on March 3.
Henderson rejected ARN’s claim that she quit her radio show, releasing a statement on March 6 that read: ‘Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about my departure on the show. I want to make one important point very clear: I did not quit or resign.’
ARN says it denies the claims and will fight the case in court.
