12-12-11
Local contractor Pete Chryss has filed a lawsuit against the station claiming ?salacious and sensational? radio segments that said Chryss was a wanted felon who collected child pornography. KNEWS-FM talk show host Lee Rayburn, General Manager Jay White and News Director John McMullen also face allegations of invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The news of the lawsuit were splashed all over the pages of the Desert Sun newspaper. The suit cites eight radio segments that date back to early October, when public outcry began over Chryss' contract work with Desert Hot Springs.
According to the paper, the Desert Hot Springs police c even called in to Rayburn's show to let the station know that Chryss does not have any warrants for his arrest. Chryss claims he's lost 90 percent of his business, and his children were ridiculed so much they stayed home from school ?during the worst of the smear campaign.
KNEWS is owned by Morris Communications. General Manager Jay White told the paper, "Desert Radio Group categorically denies that it has broadcast falsehoods about Mr. Chryssikos. Desert Radio Group expects to show to the court that it broadcast information that was in the public interest and protected by the free press provisions of the constitutions of the State of California and of the United States." White told the paper his company will respond to the lawsuit by January 9th.
Read the entire Desert Sun article HERE
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
