John Derringer and Corus

[silentkisser]

Q107's Derringer in the Morning on hiatus pending external investigation - Broadcast Dialogue

Corus Entertainment is suspending highly-rated Q107 (CILQ-FM) Toronto morning show Derringer in the Morning, following a gender discrimination complaint filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission by former co-host Jennifer Valentyne.

broadcastdialogue.com

Corus Entertainment is suspending highly-rated Q107 (CILQ-FM) Toronto morning show Derringer in the Morning, following a gender discrimination complaint filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission by former co-host Jennifer Valentyne.

Over the weekend, Valentyne posted a 13-minute video to her social media channels detailing a toxic work culture during her time with the show from early 2017 to 2019, that included enduring vape smoking by her co-hosts in an unventilated space, and a general lack of respect.

The veteran Toronto media personality alleges that after developing a persistent cough, losing her voice, and despite numerous complaints – including discussing the situation with company CEO Doug Murphy – Corus chose to shuffle her out of the radio show and into a television role with Global News that she had previously been told she “wasn’t a good fit for.” She was part of layoffs at the network a little more than a year later.

In an emailed statement to Broadcast Dialogue Tuesday morning, attributed to Q107, the station said based on new information that’s come to light about the conduct of the Derringer in the Morning team, the show will be on hiatus pending an external investigation.

“We are aware that Ms. Valentyne has voiced concerns about her time in the broadcasting industry, including from her time with us,” reads the statement. “A few years ago, Ms. Valentyne shared certain concerns and we took action to review at that time. There is also a process underway with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. We have had mediated conversations with her, been responsive to proceedings, and we are waiting determination of next steps. We take these matters seriously and look forward to a resolution.”

“Over the past two days we have received new information about workplace concerns in our station,” the statement continues. “We have referred these to our ethics and conduct team and will be conducting an external investigation. Effective immediately and during the course of the investigation the show Derringer in the Morning will be on hiatus pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

“Any concerns involving employee experience are of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to listen, learn and take any appropriate action.”

Some of that “new” information undoubtedly is linked to Derringer’s alleged treatment of other former female co-hosts and colleagues. Following Valentyne coming forward, former Q107 staffers like Jacqui Delaney, Andrea Rooz, and Raina Douris took to social media to relate their own experiences, as outlined by media blogger and podcaster Toronto Mike.

This whole statement is full of weasel words and bullshit. They knew Derringer was a dick and toxic, but he had good ratings....so they allowed him to be a shit heel. There is obviously a history of inaction on the part of HR and the company, and I doubt any of this is new information. It just became public, so they are now forced to do something.

I wonder what will happen to the sidekicks. It sounds like they didn't do anything to stop the bad behaviour, but I don't know if they did stuff themselves. I've worked for assholes like Derringer. They become a big name and feel empowered to say or do anything they want. And when management coddles them instead of making them tow the line, that's when they become huge pricks.

What I'm most surprised about is that this has been going on for nearly 20 years. And nobody had the balls to call him out. Well, Jacqui Delaney did, but it basically fell on deaf ears...

 

[Mr Deeds]

I honestly enjoyed Derringer but listening to him for years I'm actually surprised to hear this about him I hope it's not true it's very disappointing

 

[james t kirk]

lol............ Had to come over to my alt account for this one. Worked there! Worked with him. I got along with him but saw his abusive behaviour and how he was protected for 11 years. Corus is/was an EXTREMELY toxic workplace. The conduct of certain on air staff was protected and indulged as along as I was there. The names of the men who fostered this environment should be included. I will go first. JJ Johnston, Dave Farough, John Hayes, Mario Cecchini, Ross Winters, Troy Reeb, Brad Phillips, Doug Murphy, Blaire Bartrem ... I could go on. And don'

John Hayes is John Derringer's real name.

 

[basketcase]

John has been in radio since I was in high school… he has done more than well for himself.

I like Jenn V. I believe her. But you can’t fire a guy on one accusation. If other women come out with similar stories, then that’s another story

Her statement says that all sorts of people were aware of what was going on so they likely wanted him gone before their years of coverups get exposed.

 

[Sonic Temple]

What an asshole - I always thought he was a prick - Stu Jeffries - he's the real deal.

Stu Jeffries – boom Mornings 5am – 9:30am

Get off to a good start, weekday mornings with Stu Jeffries, Call or text me at 416 872 0973 when I'm on-air w...

www.boom973.com

 

[Goodoer]

I would have assumed that being a radio DJ to be an ultra-competitive environment. You're hot until you're not... and there is an upstart always waiting in the wings. BOOM. You're gone and off the air.

Personally, I thought Jennifer Valentyne was horrible to watch on TV and horrible to listen to on the radio. I would turn her off immediately. As such, it doesn't surprise me that Derringer would aggressively berate her. He probably didn't want her in the room on his show.

Is/was he an absolute dick? Of course he was. People pay to hear opinionated fuckers. I got bored of Derringer and haven't listened to him in forever.

Right or wrong? That's their environment. You have to be amazing.

Maureen Holloway should be ashamed as she (partly) capitalized on her relationship with Derringer to gain radio fame. She reminds me of Ron MacLean.

 

[Goodoer]

To me, my favourite morning show was Dean Blundell with Jason Barr and Todd Shapiro. Derrick Welsman was also funny with them. As soon as they added Billie Holiday, it was a disaster.

 

[wigglee]

I’m shocked JD had a career. Like, I stopped listening to Q107 after high school and life went on and I never gave the guy that much thought. Just forgot about him as I never found him entertaining.

oops.

So, catch me up, what was he popularly known for? Opinion pieces?

JD is so bad he has to hire a guy whose main gig is to laugh at all his jokes.

 

[roadhog]

Maureen Holloway with John Moore - NEWSTALK1010

Q107 morning man John Derringer has been put on hiatus, following a gender discrimination complaint filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission by former co-host Jennifer Valentyne. Toronto radio legend Maureen Holloway, who was once part of that show, has lots to say on the matter for Moore...

omny.fm

 

[poker]

He has been scrubbed from the Q107 website…

 

[Ref]

Maureen Holloway with John Moore - NEWSTALK1010

Q107 morning man John Derringer has been put on hiatus, following a gender discrimination complaint filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission by former co-host Jennifer Valentyne. Toronto radio legend Maureen Holloway, who was once part of that show, has lots to say on the matter for Moore...

omny.fm

Halloway raises a good point at the end of the interview. She states that management should be held responsible as they are in the wrong by knowingly allowing his behavior to continue.

Where was HR in all of this? Cowering. Regardless of who the person is HR is supposed to deal with these types of issues. Had they done their job way back when, and bullying/harassment policies have been around for many years, perhaps they could have avoided the abuse Derringer displayed towards his co-workers, and maybe saved this guy's career.

Whoever was running HR over at Corus, I wouldn't hire them.

 

[james t kirk]

Maureen Holloway with John Moore - NEWSTALK1010

Q107 morning man John Derringer has been put on hiatus, following a gender discrimination complaint filed with the Canadian Human Rights Commission by former co-host Jennifer Valentyne. Toronto radio legend Maureen Holloway, who was once part of that show, has lots to say on the matter for Moore...

omny.fm

That blows my mind.

Holloway and JD always had such great chemistry on the air. I can't believe what she had to say about him. How she describes these explosive rages of his. About what? I never heard the two of them slip on the air to a point where rage was justified.

I can imagine that when JD hears this interview he will feel betrayed, and it will be as if you found out your ex wife always hated your guts for years while you were still married.

 

[tml]

Where was HR in all of this? Cowering. Regardless of who the person is HR is supposed to deal with these types of issues. Had they done their job way back when, and bullying/harassment policies have been around for many years, perhaps they could have avoided the abuse Derringer displayed towards his co-workers, and maybe saved this guy's career.

Wrong. Had they done their job way back when they would have been fired by Corus. Ownership/management would have sided with Derringer because he made money for Corus.

 

[Goodoer]

I can imagine that when JD hears this interview he will feel betrayed, and it will be as if you found out your ex wife always hated your guts for years while you were still married.

Exactly my point!!!

Maureen Holloway should be ashamed as she (partly) capitalized on her relationship with Derringer to gain radio fame. She reminds me of Ron MacLean.

How do you take these celebrities/personalities seriously? They're all as fake as a $3 bill. Nothing but sharks swimming in the water waiting for blood. Maureen is just as bad as Corus' HR.

JD is so bad he has to hire a guy whose main gig is to laugh at all his jokes.

I'm assuming you're referring to Ryan Parker... Many, many years ago, I remember Derringer pitching/advocating for Corus to keep Ryan the Intern on the show. He played the roll of the 'dumb goof' perfectly (please remember that this is a show, an act). Maureen Holloway played off of Ryan as well to create many fun shows and segments.

I haven't really listened to the show in about 8 years as I changed my commute. While things are different now, I'd feel like a shit if I didn't say something as I was one of many who listened to the show and enjoyed.

 

[poker]

Exactly my point!!!



How do you take these celebrities/personalities seriously? They're all as fake as a $3 bill. Nothing but sharks swimming in the water waiting for blood. Maureen is just as bad as Corus' HR.



I'm assuming you're referring to Ryan Parker... Many, many years ago, I remember Derringer pitching/advocating for Corus to keep Ryan the Intern on the show. He played the roll of the 'dumb goof' perfectly (please remember that this is a show, an act). Maureen Holloway played off of Ryan as well to create many fun shows and segments.

I haven't really listened to the show in about 8 years as I changed my commute. While things are different now, I'd feel like a shit if I didn't say something as I was one of many who listened to the show and enjoyed.

Bullshit. John Derringer is solely responsible for John Derringer’s behaviour. Full stop.

She has not betrayed anybody just because you liked how they sounded on air. She did her job. She also witnessed him have fits and bully the little people.

Maureen went to management and complained… and had she pushed it, she would have been pushed out of the business entirely. Just like Valentine was. That is the entire point of the human rights complaint. Management sided with profits over people in unethical ways.

Fucking sit back and blame the victims in this. Unfucking believable.

 

[james t kirk]

^^^ I didn't say she betrayed him, I said Derringer is going to feel betrayed. Big difference.

But he did make her.

Before she scored a slot on his show, Maureen was doing a Hollywood gossip thing on the afternoon ride home time slot which was just fluff.

It was indeed her being on his show that lead to greater, much greater things, for Maureen Holloway, including until a few months ago, her own mornings show on 98.10. (She was canned in late 2021 by Rogers and is not happy about that.)

Usually the morning guy makes large amounts of cabbage in the order of 500k a year.

I put up with abuse for a lot less than that right now. I'd wager most people are in the same boat.

 

[silentkisser]

Here's the thing, Corus HR could have/should have stepped in much sooner. There was talk that he had been sent to anger management training. But, like in many professions, stars get a much longer leash than anyone else. But, eventually, it's long enough to hang them. Derringer felt protected from management. He was doing well in the ratings book, and his bosses must have bent over backwards to keep him happy. So his behaviour festered and he probably became worse as time went on. If they punished him for his bad behaviour, he might have changed. A suspension might have done wonders. I mean, there are only so many prime radio gigs in the city/country, and few of them could pay what Q was offering.

Saying shit about Jennifer, Jacquie, Maureen or Anne....well, it isn't their fault. You gotta stop saying Derringer made them, or they weren't talented enough. Dealing with a bully will diminish anyone, and make it harder for them to shine....which might be why he acted like he did. Didn't want it to be Derringer & Halloway in the Morning! It's always been and always will be Derringer in the Morning!!!!!

I enjoyed listening to him once in a while. But I can totally see him being a massive asshole. It wouldn't be something you would see/hear on the air, he saved that venom for before/after the show and during commercial breaks. It was likely important to him to be seen as a fun friendly dude on the radio.

The final point here is that HR is useless like tits on a nun or the 'g' in lasagna. As we should all know, HR is to protect the company, not the workers. But, when there are serious allegations of harassment or bullying, they need to do something. It doesn't matter if it's the CEO. Not doing something opens them up to lawsuits with punitive damage.

 

[poker]

^^^ I didn't say she betrayed him, I said Derringer is going to feel betrayed. Big difference.

But he did make her.

Before she scored a slot on his show, Maureen was doing a Hollywood gossip thing on the afternoon ride home time slot which was just fluff.

It was indeed her being on his show that lead to greater, much greater things, for Maureen Holloway, including until a few months ago, her own mornings show on 98.10. (She was canned in late 2021 by Rogers and is not happy about that.)

Usually the morning guy makes large amounts of cabbage in the order of 500k a year.

I put up with abuse for a lot less than that right now. I'd wager most people are in the same boat.

I was replying to the other one. I get what you said.

I have been listening to him since high school. For a brief period he was my go to for the morning show. I liked the guy. It’s disappointing. Had management been competent, it would have been stamped out years ago.

 

[james t kirk]

I was replying to the other one. I get what you said.

I have been listening to him since high school. For a brief period he was my go to for the morning show. I liked the guy. It’s disappointing. Had management been competent, it would have been stamped out years ago.

Agreed. Mgt. should have been more in control.

It's funny but I don't think that morning guys actually have a lot of opportunity. These high paying jobs are few and far between. Most radio personalities don't make a lot of money. The exception is "thee" morning guy. Now that one is truly hugely lucrative.

And looking back on Derringer, he's had run ins with male DJ's as well (not just female DJs) that I can recall.

You may remember Craig Venn (AKA Lobster Boy). Craig was on the show probably 20 years ago and he started out much like Ryan Parker is now, he was Beta Male to Derringer's Alpha Male and he knew never to disagree with Derringer. As Craigie grew in his role and in experience he began to voice his own opinions and then, gasp, disagreed with JD. I recall one conversation that they had on air that actually got ugly. JD had just gotten married (later in life) for the first time and the discussion was about infidelity in marriage. Derringer said that if ever his wife strayed, that would the end of the marriage, end of story. Craigie, on the other hand said he disagreed that it wasn't necessarily a death sentence for a marriage. Derringer became incensed. Finally Craigie said something to the effect that JD had been married for a couple of weeks and was a long way from an expert on marriage (I'm hugely paraphrasing here). Anyway, the relationship between JD and Venn hugely deteriorated until finally they got rid of Venn. (I speculate that JD went to mgt. and said that either Venn went, or he was going to leave. Dunno, but JD definitely had a hand in the execution of Venn.)

Venn started out as a Dufus and JD could handle that and that was what JD wanted. When Venn got tired of being Beta Male, well that was that.

Same with JD and "Rossco" (If I recall his name). Rossco didn't last too long at all with JD. Rossco was a thinking man and I think they brought him in in an attempt to form a more traditional talk radio format. Well, Rossco was actually smarter than JD. JD was the name, but Rossco could outhink JD. The banter became more like a battle. I remember once Rossco was shown the door, JD saying, "it was just wrong on so many levels"

Lastly, there was the old pro, Bill Hayes. Derringer's own (much) older brother. (John Derringer's real name is John Hayes.). Bill was like this laid back and intelligent older guy who had accumulated a lot of wisdom. Whereas JD is all about "this is the way it is", Bill was much more shades of grey. I have no idea why he left, or where he's at.

It would be very interesting to get Craigie Venn's outlook on the John Derringer controversy, not that I would expect him to be forthcoming, but he was with JD for a loonnnggg time and it went south.

 

[james t kirk]

The final point here is that HR is useless like tits on a nun or the 'g' in lasagna. As we should all know, HR is to protect the company, not the workers. But, when there are serious allegations of harassment or bullying, they need to do something. It doesn't matter if it's the CEO. Not doing something opens them up to lawsuits with punitive damage.

TRUE.

And they failed to do that. Mind you, they can only protect the company if the guys at the top let them do their job. If HR gets cut off at the knees, which is probably what happened, well, that's on the big boys.