Nationwide — Ojinika Obiekwe, a former PIX11 reporter, received a $2.4 million award after a federal jury ruled that the station and its parent company, Nexstar Media Group, retaliated against her after she raised concerns about racial discrimination.
The jury awarded Obiekwe about $1.14 million in compensatory damages and $1.28 million in punitive damages following her lawsuit against the New York television station, according to People.
Obiekwe spent 22 years working at PIX11, beginning her career as an intern before becoming the station’s entertainment anchor and reporter. She claimed that as her role expanded, she was given the workload of multiple employees while receiving less support and compensation than some of her white male colleagues.
The journalist said she repeatedly reported her concerns to company leaders and human resources. She claimed PIX11 promised to address the issues but did not make meaningful changes.
Obiekwe also accused the station of retaliating against her after she continued speaking about the discrimination she experienced. Her lawsuit stated that a news director told her to stop discussing the issue because it was making others uncomfortable.
PIX11 fired Obiekwe in January 2023. The station initially said she was terminated for failing to perform her duties and being insubordinate, but her lawsuit claimed the company later changed its explanation and said it decided not to renew her contract.
Following the verdict, Obiekwe thanked the jurors who reviewed the case and said she hoped the outcome would encourage others to speak up about unfair treatment.
Her attorneys, Eric Abrams and Andrew G. Celli Jr., said the decision showed that Obiekwe’s claims were taken seriously after years of alleged retaliation. They said the verdict helped restore her reputation following her termination.
Nexstar declined to comment on the ruling, while PIX11 did not immediately respond to requests for a statement.