Tallahassee radio legend Joe Bullard files lawsuit against Cumulus Media for age discrimination
The lawsuit alleges “differential treatment and hostility” in the workplace from various employees and managers
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Joe Bullard, a well-known radio personality in the capital city, has filed a lawsuit against the owner of his previous station, alleging age discrimination and a violation of Florida’s Civil Rights Act.
The lawsuit comes 50 days after he “unknowingly” signed off on 96.1 Jamz, ending nearly 28 years with Cumulus Media and three years after his induction into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.
The eight-page lawsuit, filed Aug. 1, claims Bullard is the “victim of discrimination on the basis of his age in that he was treated differently than similarly situated younger employees.”
The lawsuit alleges “differential treatment and hostility” in the workplace from various employees and managers.
According to the court documents, it was requested that the 72-year-old “no longer play certain music even during his show, specifically citing artists such as Anita Baker and Gladys Knight as ‘too old.’”
Other claims include he was offered “minimal” technical support when experiencing issues with software and equipment.
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The documents also say that on June 17, Bullard was told in a meeting that he was “banned from Disney properties in a professional capacity” after an alleged ”sexually inappropriate comment to a female Disney employee during an event in late May 2025."
Bullard denied the allegation, and he was not provided with additional details about the incident after his request, per the lawsuit.
Later that same day, an email was sent to Bullard asking him to resign, per the lawsuit. However, Bullard “did not intend to resign and did not submit any resignation letter.”
The following day, Bullard was informed his resignation was accepted, “despite [Bullard] never submitting one,” according to court documents.
Bullard is seeking damages of more than $50,000 and is represented by civil rights lawyer Marie Mattox.
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