Radio host sues employer over alleged ‘toxic and sexist’ workplace

An Okanagan radio personality is suing her former employer, Pattison Media, for what she claims was a pattern of sexual harassment and ‘intentional infliction of mental suffering.’

Suzanne Milne, who is best known as her on-air persona Sue Tyler, was a host on Power 104.7 (now 104.7 The Lizard) from 2014 to early 2021.

In a Notice of Civil Claim filed earlier this week in B.C. Supreme Court, Milne claims she suffered years of harassment because of a workplace culture that was ‘toxic’ and ‘fostered misogynistic ideology.’

Her claim against the company as well as general manager Karl Johnston, and three other male colleagues, in part, focuses on the inability of those staff members to differentiate between Milne’s on-air character and the reality of her ‘day-to-day life as a wife and mother of four with a successful long-term career in broadcasting.’

Court documents claim the Sue Tyler persona was promoted by the radio station and had a strong male demographic market share. On-air she was a ‘confident and provocative woman’ and a character ‘designed to push the envelope on women’s sexuality’ and was ‘equally as sexual as men.’

Milne claims certain staff deemed it appropriate to speak to and treat her ‘in a belittling and sexist manner simply because the Sue Tyler character was overtly sexual and confident.’

Milne is suing for her mental suffering, loss of earnings and reputational damage.

Kelowna10 asked Pattison Media for comment.

The company said it does not comment on personnel matters involving team members.

As of Nov.17, Pattison Media had not filed a response to the claim.

The accusations have not been tested in court.