A former employee of the Chattanooga Publishing Co. has filed an age-discrimination lawsuit against the company over his firing.
Frank Anthony, 64, a former vice president at the Times Free Press, alleges that Chattanooga Publishing Co. President Jason Taylor, 36, "tried to force [Anthony] to quit by removing job responsibilities and giving them to younger individuals."
The complaint, filed in Hamilton County Circuit Court on May 16, also alleges that, upon taking over as president of the company, Taylor "wanted young people as managers."
"The Chattanooga Publishing Co. firmly denies the accusations," Taylor said Thursday.
He declined further comment on the pending lawsuit.
The company has 30 days from the filing date to respond to the complaint.
Based in Little Rock, Ark., WEHCO Media Inc. owns Chattanooga Publishing, which includes the Times Free Press.
In his complaint, Anthony requests lost wages and benefits and unspecified compensation for "great mental anguish resulting from the embarrassment and humiliation that he experienced because of [Taylor's] actions."
Anthony's attorneys did not respond Thursday when contacted for comment.