As expected, the Federal Court proceedings that began this morning, April 24th, in the case of ARN vs Kyle Sandilands and Jacqueline Henderson featured Kyle, a media attendance of a size that would please a sporting match, but no Jackie. Kyle’s manager Bruno and Jackie’s manager Gemma were also in court.

The media began to gather outside the Federal Court early on Friday morning.

Arriving at the court in a Rolls Royce, Kyle was asked if there was any message for ARN:

“Put me back on the radio, let’s get the share price back up.”

That was the theme of proceedings inside the courtrooom too, as both Sandilands’ and Henderson’s barristers agreed they wanted the case to be heard quickly, with Kyle’s barrister telling the court, he is ‘a performer who wants to get back behind the mic as soon as possible.’

Referring to the contract, Kyle’s barrister said, “if you buy Kyle you get Kyle.”

ARN’s lawyers mentioned that the Henderson damages claim amounted to evidence of serious misconduct, submitting that the case ‘is doomed from the start,’ in comments relating to the ARN defence submission.

ARN’s barrister added that Kyle has no legal reason to be party to the case as the contract is between ARN and Quasar Media Services Pty Ltd (Quasar Media). Jackie’s barrister said she does not wish to spend more time than necessary in the same courtroom as Kyle.

Justice Stewart heard that the arguments will be different in each case, with Kyle’s lawsuit mainly focusing on contractual issues, while Jackie’s case will mainly focus on statutory issues in relation to the Fair Work Act, about providing a safe work environment and contract termination.

The trial date has been set for October 12, and is expected to last around 10 days.

As he left the court, Kyle said to the waiting media scrum:

“It’s not the only radio station in the world.”

Reporting: Jen Seyderhelm