Santa Maria Sun / News

Meteorologist Jim Byrne is suing his former employer

AMY ASMAN

Former KCOY/KKFX meteorologist Jim Byrne is suing Cowles California Media Company for allegedly breaching his contract when officials terminated his position at the broadcast news station in January.

According to documents filed on April 25 in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Byrne entered a four-year contract with Cowles in October 2008. On January 12, 2012, the company terminated the contract “without cause” and refused to pay him the balance of his wages and benefits.

Byrne claims he has suffered monetary damages as a result; he’s seeking compensation with interest.

Byrne believes Cowles never intended to pay him wages and benefits through the end of his contract. The suit said had he known what Cowles’ “true intent and objectives were, he would not have agreed to enter into the agreement, and would have taken advantage of other opportunities for employment.”

On June 6, legal representation for Cowles filed a countersuit denying “each and every allegation of the Complaint.” The document states Byrne’s claims are barred by the applicable statutes of limitations, that the meteorologist consented to the actions alleged in the complaint, and that he has waived his right to recovery of wages and benefits.

Cowles is asking that the case be dismissed and is also seeking reimbursement for the cost of the suit, including attorney’s fees.