It's been a contentious year for radio hosts. TMZ is reporting that Big Boy, the vivacious fixture on Los Angeles' Power 106 FM, is being sued by that station's parent company, Ennis Communications, for trying to jump ship. The radio giant is seeking a reported $5 million in damages, plus the right to keep Big Boy in their employ.

Big Boy has been with the station for over 20 years; prior to working with Emmis, Big (real name Kurt Alexander) was making his living as a security guard for the Pharcyde. Estimates put his 2014 earnings in the $1.5 million range. However, his contract lapses at the end of this month, and rumor has it Big Boy accepted an offer from iHeartMedia that promises $3.5 million annual plus amenities, like the use of the company's private jet.

The catch, then, is that Emmis' contract with Big Boy includes a clause that allows the conglomerate to match any competing offer, something they are reportedly prepared to do. However, Big Boy has indicated that he will be leaving anyway; this morning (Feb. 4), Power 106 played music without any DJ present in Big Boy's normal time slot.

Emmis also owns Hot 97, the legendary New York station that has of late played musical chairs with some of its key DJs, most recently watching Cipha Sounds walk.

[TMZ]

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