Judge orders TV station to pay reporter $2.4 million after she says she was fired for complaining about racial discrimination

A federal jury ordered PIX11 and Nexstar Media Group to pay Emmy Award‑winning reporter Ojinika Obiekwe $2.4 million after finding the station retaliated against her for complaining about racial discrimination.

The verdict includes $1.14 million in compensatory damages and $1.28 million in punitive damages.

Ojinika Obiekwe’s Long Storied Career Detailed in Complaint

According to her federal complaint, filed in January 2025, Obiekwe began her 22‑year PIX11 career as an intern before becoming the station’s entertainment anchor and reporter. She said her responsibilities grew steadily, yet she received less support and lower pay than some white male colleagues.

Heavy Workload Alleged

The complaint said Obiekwe performed duties typically assigned to multiple employees.

“As the years progressed, Ms. Obiekwe had to do the work of two or even three people,” the filing stated. She said she raised concerns with management and human resources and was told changes would follow. However, she said no adjustments were made.

Warnings After Speaking Out

As she continued to report discrimination, Obiekwe said she compared conditions at the station to “a plantation.”

The station’s news director allegedly told her to stop because she was “making people uncomfortable,” according to the complaint. PIX11 fired her in January 2023. The station cited performance issues, but her attorneys said PIX11 could not produce documentation to support those claims.

Jury Rejects Station’s Defense

Jurors found the station’s explanation inconsistent with her long tenure and positive evaluations. They concluded PIX11 retaliated against her for raising concerns about racial bias. Her attorneys said the verdict shows that retaliation carries serious consequences for media companies.

Obiekwe Responds to the Verdict

After the ruling, Obiekwe said she hopes the decision encourages others to speak up.

“No one should have to choose between their livelihood and speaking up about what they believe is wrong. I did,” she said. She added that she was grateful to jurors for weighing the evidence and returning a unanimous verdict.

PIX11 and Nexstar have not said whether they will appeal. The station has not commented publicly on the verdict.