Industry News

Cumulus Seeking TRO Against McDowell and Kemp Podcast

According to a report by WFAA-TV, Dallas, a federal judge in Dallas is denying Cumulus’ request to prevent former KTCK-AM/FM hosts Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp from recording more “The Dumb Zone” podcasts. As a result, Cumulus is refiling its complaint against the duo and is seeking a renewed application for a temporary restraining order. There has been no ruling on that subsequent filing. As TALKERS reported onim Tuesday (8/8), Cumulus filed suit against the duo on August 4 claiming they are in violation of several clauses in their contracts with the company. McDowell and Kemp left Cumulus last month after they were unable to come to terms on a renewal to remain with “The Ticket.” The sticking point was their desire to explore digital initiatives outside of their work with Cumulus. They have since launched a podcast via Patreon that Cumulus says violates their six-month non-compete. The company also alleges the two have violated the non-solicitation and non-disparagement clauses of their contract and additionally alleges they have “commandeered” company-owned social media accounts, threatened to release “conversations Defendants illicitly recorded” with company executives. Cumulus is seeking “emergency injunctive relief” plus attorneys’ fees and costs. McDowell told listeners to the podcast released on Sunday (8/6), “We’re working with certain advisors. We’ve been advised that we are doing nothing wrong, so don’t stop, for now. So right now, we are putting this out there, and what’s in store for tomorrow? I don’t know.” Read the WFAA-TV story here.

Industry News

Cumulus Sues Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp for Violating Non-Compete

Cumulus Media is filing suit in U.S. District Court in Northern Texas against former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth personalities Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp claiming the duo are in violation of several clauses in their contracts with the company. If you recall, McDowell and Kemp left Cumulus last month after they were unable toim come to terms on a renewal to remain with “The Ticket.” The sticking point was their desire to explore digital initiatives outside of their work with Cumulus. They have since launched a podcast via Patreon that Cumulus says violates their six-month non-compete. The company also alleges the two have violated the non-solicitation and non-disparagement clauses of their contract. It alleges the duo have “commandeered” company-owned social media accounts, threatened to release “conversations Defendants illicitly recorded” with company executives. Cumulus is seeking “emergency injunctive relief” plus attorneys’ fees and costs.