Overview

• On July 8, Justice Christopher Beale formally referred shock jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O to the Office of Public Prosecutions for potential contempt of court.
• Their June 16 broadcast included Sandilands urging listeners to “lock that b**ch up” as the jury retired to consider Patterson’s guilt.
• The Supreme Court’s media unit will continue close surveillance of radio and other commentary to prevent prejudicial influence on juries.
• Under Australia’s sub judice contempt laws, media outlets face fines or jail if commentary risks swaying legal proceedings before verdicts are delivered.
• The incident has reignited scrutiny of Sandilands and Henderson’s on-air conduct as their KIIS FM breakfast show holds just a 5.1 per cent Melbourne audience share.