The protracted conflict at CKLN, Ryerson’s radio station, has born a slew of lawsuits with plaintiffs and defendants in not only former and current staff, but the Ryerson Students’ Union and the university itself. CKLN has had two boards of directors since February, when 90 per cent of staff, students, volunteers, and donors who voted opted to oust the board. A brand-new board was elected, but the first board refused to acknowledge the election.
More than 50 volunteers and employees have been dismissed since, many protesting their dismissal and criticizing the station’s actions as undemocratic. The RSU is withholding funds from the station until the two boards come to an agreement. Now, the board in possession of the station is demanding the funds. CKLN normally receives $50,000 annually, from a student levy where every undergraduate pays $2.75.
“We’ll fight it all the way. That, or move to another school,” CKLN staffer Daibhid James told Ryerson newspaper the Eyeopener. “Bottom line is it’s our money, they have no right to do this.”
RSU president Muhammad Ali Jabbar said he simply doesn’t know who to give the money to. “Right now, there are two people who are coming to me and saying, ‘I’m the right CKLN,’ well, no ‘I’m the legal CKLN.’” Jabbar rejected the idea that CKLN is in great need of more money and said the board in charge have enough to run the station.
Don Weitz, former host of Antipsychiatry Radio, is suing former station director Mike Phillips and program director Tony Barnes for wrongful dismissal and unjust treatment.
“I put in hundreds of hours,” said Weitz. “And this is what I get for it? I’m not going to take this lying down.” According to Weitz, Phillips, Barnes, and their lawyer failed to show up on Feb. 2 for their mediation in small claims court. Weitz is determined to continue the lawsuit, though he awaits Phillips and Barnes’ next move.
Tony Barnes declined to comment on the case.
