Former ARN CEO Ciaran Davis Credited with Brokering Kyle Sandilands Settlement

Former Australian Radio Network (ARN) CEO Ciaran Davis played a pivotal role in negotiating a $12.09 million settlement for radio host Kyle Sandilands, averting a high-profile Federal Court trial.

According to reports, ARN chairman Hamish McLennan sought Davis's assistance due to his extensive history with both Sandilands and the network. Davis, who previously oversaw Sandilands's 10-year, $200 million contract with ARN, stated that he was asked to help "navigate a position out" of the dispute.

"Because I worked with Kyle for 14 years and worked with the board for 16 years, they asked if I could help," Davis told News.com.au. "There's an element of trust from a board perspective, and a trust with Kyle… they asked if I could help navigate a position out."

Davis engaged in several meetings, offered free of charge, with Sandilands and his manager, Bruno Bouchet, to discuss ways to prevent the court case. "I'm not claiming credit. I think one of the reasons I was asked to get involved was because I'm trusted by both parties," Davis added.

Insiders involved with the situation, however, have lauded Davis's intervention, with one source calling it a "masterstroke" to bring him back into the negotiations.

Sandilands was reportedly months away from a substantial trial concerning his $100 million contract when the settlement was reached. His payout is understood to cover approximately one year's salary under the terms of his contract, which included a significant base fee, a sign-on bonus, and a one-off payment.

Meanwhile, Sandilands's former co-host Jackie Henderson is proceeding with her own legal action against ARN. Her court battle is scheduled to commence on October 12, following a Fair Work claim filed in April. An interlocutory hearing is set for August 24.

Henderson is seeking an $82 million payout, alleging that ARN failed to provide a safe workplace and minimize psychosocial risks after she raised complaints about Sandilands. ARN, however, claims Henderson initiated the end of their working relationship. Henderson's legal team denies this, disputing ARN's assertion that she resigned and also refuting claims that an alternative program was offered to her.

As part of her legal proceedings, Henderson may be required to undergo a medical examination selected by ARN. The network is expected to file an affidavit from their chosen medical expert on August 6. Despite Sandilands's settlement, Henderson's camp has confirmed they will continue with their court case. Industry insiders suggest that Henderson's potential settlement amount could be lower than Sandilands's if she chooses to resolve the matter outside of court.