WYLD and other stations Named in Discrimination Suit Against Clear Channel

Radio Facts:

Clear Channel properties in New Orleans include urban-themed stations Q93.3 FM and 98.5 WYLD-FM, and urban gospel station 1280 WODT-AM.Q93.3 and 98.5 WYLD-FM were the two top-rated stations in New Orleans in the most recent Arbitron ratings report. There are seven black account execs who have attained council and filed a discrimination suit against the radio giant in that market. The executives accuse Clear Channel of paying lower commissions for advertising sales tied to local stations that reach a predominantly black audience. They further charge that white account executives were given leads on preferred advertisers, hampering the earning potential of black salesmen and saleswomen. Clear Channel rep Lisa Dollinger issued a press statement that read:   “Clear Channel does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. These charges are totally baseless and without merit.”The company’s website touts the diversity of its employees as one of Clear Channel’s “greatest strengths” and stresses a zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.