From Fortune Media IP Limited:

Reporter Jad Sleiman was reinstated to his job at a Philadelphia-based public radio station after an arbitrator ruled that his standup was sometimes “simply funny,” despite being found “inflammatory” by station execs. He plans to fight for his right to continue performing comedy while working as a reporter.

A 34-year-old reporter at WHYY, Sleiman, who was diagnosed with MS in 2021, turned to comedy after he found stand-up to be a safe space to express himself. He plans to return to work after an arbitrator’s ruling, which also required him to delete nine videos and any disparaging posts. Sleiman remains frustrated and has indicated that he may pursue legal action.

Sleiman, though reinstated, has vowed to fight to maintain both his job as a reporter and his career as a comic. Execs at WHYY took issue with his stand-up comedy and argued that it violated the company’s code of conduct, social media guidelines, and values of social responsibility. Subsequent to arbitration, an arbitrator ruled in Sleiman’s favor, prompting his reinstatement.

Sleiman, who has reported from abroad and served in the Marine Corps, argued that his comedy routine was based on his experiences as an Arab-American. He has stated that he plans to continue performing comedy alongside his journalistic work. He is pleased with the ruling and feels somewhat vindicated.

Brooke Schultz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Subscribe to the CEO Daily newsletter to get the CEO perspective on the biggest business headlines with this free online service.



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