Tomorrow may be too early for any management decisions. One thing is for sure, this is a
MAJOR deal, as it should be.

RadioActive wrote:

I just did a web search for anything involving Jennifer Valentyne and Corus. Other than generic pages about her, most of which are dated, I haven't found a single thing about the video she posted. In fact, this is the only place I've even seen it mentioned. Maybe it's because it's a holiday weekend and the word hasn't spread, but so far it hasn't gotten the traction it deserves. 

I'll be curious to see how this unfolds during the rest of the week and if other media pick up on it. 

It's a big topic on the Twitter machine. I would be surprised if the Toronto papers don't pick it up tomorrow or Wednesday.

RadioActive wrote:

I just did a web search for anything involving Jennifer Valentyne and Corus. Other than generic pages about her, most of which are dated, I haven't found a single thing about the video she posted. In fact, this is the only place I've even seen it mentioned. Maybe it's because it's a holiday weekend and the word hasn't spread, but so far it hasn't gotten the traction it deserves. 

I'll be curious to see how this unfolds during the rest of the week and if other media pick up on it. 

Toronto Mike has a write-up on it and that has 9 comments which is relatively high as the comments have gone down since Mike changed to a new comment format about two years ago.The Allegations Against John Derringer
 

So, no JD and crew, zero reference to the show this morning.
Good Bye JD

It's Dan Chen in this morning - as Centerline noted, no reference to "filling in for". No sidekicks (Parker or Garbutt), although Parker's pre-taped "Re/Max" ad read remained. And there was an Employment Lawyer ad spot for Lior Samfiru which is always a bit interesting whenever there's radio station changeover or turmoil where it's airing.

mike marshall wrote:

Somebody on Twitter suggested if Derringer was on the air this morning, the CRTC should immediately
revoke the license for Q107.
The suits, themselves in trouble, appear to have made one good decision today, but (1) this is far from
over, and (2) this has become even more deadly serious.
Karma?

CRTC has no jurisdiction here.

Anyway, he won’t be back. It was time to move on anyway.

Broadcast Dialogue has more on this, the first major news source I've found beyond Toronto Mike, to pick up this story. I suspect more is coming.

One article confirms that Valentyne has now filed an official complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which certainly got the attention of Corus. 

Jennifer Valentyne files gender discrimination complaint with Canadian Human Rights Commission 

The company responded, as others here have noted, by immediately suspending Derringer's show and its crew until further notice. 

Q107’s Derringer in the Morning on hiatus pending external investigation

The company sent the website an official statement in which it admits management was informed about this situation in the past, but that "new information" surfaced on the weekend that forced them to at least temporarily suspend the show. I take it that "new information" was Valentyne's official complaint and post about what she alleges happened to her. 

Corus Statement (courtesy Broadcast Dialogue.)

“We are aware that Ms. Valentyne has voiced concerns about her time in the broadcasting industry, including from her time with us,” reads the statement. “A few years ago, Ms. Valentyne shared certain concerns and we took action to review at that time. There is also a process underway with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. We have had mediated conversations with her, been responsive to proceedings, and we are waiting determination of next steps. We take these matters seriously and look forward to a resolution.”

“Over the past two days we have received new information about workplace concerns in our station,” the statement continues. “We have referred these to our ethics and conduct team and will be conducting an external investigation. Effective immediately and during the course of the investigation the show Derringer in the Morning will be on hiatus pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

“Any concerns involving employee experience are of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to listen, learn and take any appropriate action.”

Came across this old article from Media In Canada back in 2019. In light of recent developments, it has a whole new meaning. It mentions how Valentyne was shifted from Q107 after two years to the Global Morning show.

"It was during her time at Corus’ Q107 that the company really took note of Valentyne’s mass appeal. “She has this ability to connect with people. Every time we’d tap her for one of our TV projects, it’s always drawn massive audiences,” Mackay Taggart, news director for Global News Toronto, tells Media in Canada."

Meanwhile, in an article from the same source in 2017, the station explained why it had decided to bring Valentyne into the Q fold in the first place. Considering what's taken place, the irony of the following paragraphs can't be lost on anyone.

"Q107 senior program manager Blair Bartrem said the adding and showcasing of Valentyne was part of a key strategy to bring a female perspective to the show — and bring back some female audience share that it’s lost over the years.

“We looked at it as adding Elaine to our Seinfeld,” said Bartrem.

"The show has been without a female anchor for nearly two years since the departure of Maureen Holloway, who co-hosted the show for 15 years...

"During the time since Holloway’s departure, Bartrem said, the gap between male and female listeners has widened. Two years prior, said Bartrem, the balance of the audience was approximately 60/40 split. Now, he said, it’s closer to 78% male..."

"While he said the material of the three hosts was never intentionally alienating to women, he understands why female listeners would gravitate to more gender-balanced shows.

“It’s like when you have a few guys throwing a party and they’re all standing around a punch bowl and some women come by, they take a look inside and say, ‘yeah, we’ll come back when there’s a few more women.’”

Wow.

Interestingly, the very first real news story on this from an actual broadcaster is Global - owned by Corus.

Broadcast personality Jennifer Valentyne alleges gender discrimination at former employer


 

I worked with Jen when she was just starting in the biz.  She is a former Argo cheerleader who got into radio promotions and was amazing at the job.  I believe her 100%.  Years later when I was in Corus management, Derringer even took a swipe at me on air even tho we were in way different markets.  I just shrugged it off as a morning guy making fun of a PD somewhere.  Never thought it would come to this.  The more I hear directly from people the more I think he's out the door "with cause".  Hope he saved his money.

Meanwhile, Derringer's last Twitter post came on May 20th, just a few days before this exploded online. What's fascinating to me about his page is this one mention in his bio: "Father of three girls." 

I wonder how they will feel if the accusations against him prove true. 

CTV Toronto has also picked up on the story, at least on their website.

Popular Toronto radio show pulled from air after human rights complaint filed against host  



PJ 

And now The Toronto Star just in the last few minutes from Kevin Donovan:

John Derringer’s co-hosts allege abusive behaviour behind the scenes at Q107

I am glad to see this is getting the attention it deserves. Wasn't sure if it would. But the terrible things that allegedly happened to Jennier aside, it's a great story and worthy of more follow-up.