KJZZ’s Paluzzi Retires After Sexual Harassment Finding

0

According to a story on azcentral.com, Jim Paluzzi, the VP of Phoenix station KJZZ — an NPR-member station — is retiring after an investigation found that he had sexually harassed three male employees, and behaved offensively towards another. Paluzzi, 62, has been on paid leave since May. He is disputing some of the findings and said others were taken out of context.

The accusations include touching of thighs, backs, or arms, as well as other inappropriate conduct. The findings come from an investigator, Jean Wilcox, hired by the Maricopa County Community College District, which holds the radio station’s license. That article states that “it was concluded that Paluzzi’s conduct was unwelcome because of the power differential between the vice president and the employees.”

Wilcox delivered her report after interviewing close to 40 current and former KJZZ employees. The process was originally set in motion when the district’s human-resources department received an anonymous letter in December 2017.

In her report, Wilcox says that, when she interviewed Paluzzi, he admitted nothing: “He disputes the allegation that he is attracted to (redacted word) men, says he has a happy life and does not need to get relationships from work.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here