Why Kyle Sandilands CAN’T be cancelled: Shock jock is ‘protected in his radio contract’

Why Kyle Sandilands CAN’T be cancelled: Shock jock is ‘protected in his radio contract’ against career-ending scandals

Kyle Sandilands is arguably the most controversial figure in commercial radio.

But despite countless scandals over the years, the KIIS FM shock jock has never been ‘cancelled’ and yanked off the airwaves permanently.

Now, in a new interview with Mia Freedman’s No Filter podcast, Kyle has revealed that a clause in his contract prevents him from being fired.

Invincible! KIIS FM radio host Kyle Sandilands has revealed that a clause in his contract prevents him from being fired

He explained: ‘I have to deal with crisis PR people and they’ve always got the wrong ideas, and I say, “You really don’t know what you’re doing.”‘

‘I work for myself, I don’t really work for anyone,’ the 49-year-old added. ‘I don’t have to do anything that they say.’

He then said he wasn’t scared of losing his job because he’s ‘protected in my contract’.

In an interview with 60 Minutes last year, Kyle’s longtime co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson said she ‘worried’ that one day he’d say something that would end his career.

Independent: 'I work for myself, I don't really work for anyone,' the 49-year-old explained on the No Filter podcast. 'I don't have to do anything that they say'

Independent: ‘I work for myself, I don’t really work for anyone,’ the 49-year-old explained on the No Filter podcast. ‘I don’t have to do anything that they say’

‘That is probably the hardest part when working with Kyle, is that he has this really beautiful side. And then with that comes this other side that you just think, “Oh no, why do you have to say that? Why?” I don’t know why I get nervous for him,’ she said.

Turning to Kyle beside her, Jackie added: ‘Because I’m always worried you’re going to say something that will one day just ruin you.’

Although Kyle hasn’t been axed from his radio career, he has lost jobs in the past due to some of his controversial segments.

Fears: In an interview with 60 Minutes last year, Kyle's longtime co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson said she 'worried' that one day he'd say something that would end his career

Fears: In an interview with 60 Minutes last year, Kyle’s longtime co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson said she ‘worried’ that one day he’d say something that would end his career

In August 2009, a teenage girl had become emotional during a lie detector segment on Kyle and Jackie O’s 2Day FM breakfast radio show and reluctantly admitted she had been raped when she was 12 years old.

Kyle then replied: ‘Right… is that the only [sexual] experience you’ve had?’

At that moment, Jackie swiftly cut off the segment and announced the show’s hosts and producers had no prior knowledge of the rape.

It was too little too late, however, and the segment became a major news story. Even 2DayFM advertiser Optus announced it was appalled by the incident.

Shocking: In August 2009, a teenage girl had become emotional during a lie detector segment on Kyle and Jackie O's 2Day FM breakfast radio show and reluctantly admitted she had been raped when she was 12 years old

Shocking: In August 2009, a teenage girl had become emotional during a lie detector segment on Kyle and Jackie O’s 2Day FM breakfast radio show and reluctantly admitted she had been raped when she was 12 years old

Amid the backlash, Channel 10 confirmed that Kyle had been axed from the judging panel of Australian Idol.

The network’s programming boss David Mott said at the time: ‘We thank Kyle for his contribution to Australian Idol over the last four years.

‘But it has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show, even more so this year with the 6.30pm Sunday time slot, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position over this period which is not in the interest of the show.

‘The recent controversy surrounding Kyle’s radio program has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers.’

Kyle and Jackie reportedly earn $8 million each annually, making them two of the highest paid media figures in Australia. 

Living the dream! Kyle and Jackie reportedly earn $8 million each annually for their KIIS FM morning show

Living the dream! Kyle and Jackie reportedly earn $8 million each annually for their KIIS FM morning show