JAKIB Media, once a rising star in Philadelphia’s sports media scene, is now facing multiple lawsuits and shedding key talent, reports Rob Tornoe for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Joseph Krause, JAKIB’s owner, is being sued in Montgomery County’s Court of Common Pleas by Audacy, the parent company of 94.1 WIP, for over $440,000. Audacy claims Krause failed to fully pay for programming agreements involving broadcasts from May 2020 to July 2023.
In addition, former JAKIB host Mike Missanelli has filed a separate lawsuit in Montgomery County. Mike Missanelli alleges that Krause owes him over $65,000 for his role cohosting JAKIB’s Eagles postgame show. Krause disputes this, claiming Mike Missanelli failed to meet contractual obligations, though specifics were not provided. Missanelli’s lawsuit includes multiple messages to Krause, with Missanelli expressing frustration over delayed payments and unfulfilled promises.
Several other former JAKIB employees have anonymously claimed they’re also owed money, but no further legal action has been taken. Despite these controversies, Krause maintains that all contracts have been honored.
JAKIB’s financial troubles extend beyond Montgomery County. Krause is also in a legal dispute with New York-based Amsterdam Capital Solutions, which provided JAKIB a $449,500 cash advance. The financing firm claims Krause stopped sharing revenue repayments, leaving a balance of nearly $240,000.
Since launching JAKIB Sports in 2020, Krause has lost key figures like Seth Joyner, Rob Ellis, and Missanelli, leaving the network with just two daily shows. Krause insists that JAKIB’s audience continues to grow and that the company remains a significant player in the Philadelphia market. Both lawsuits are ongoing.
Read more about JAKIB Media’s legal battles at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
