A 16-page letter from the staff to the board of the Association of Independents in Radio described a “toxic work environment” and detailed then-CEO Sue Schardt’s “unchecked gaslighting of staff,” “inability to collaborate” and micromanaging style, and “sexist and racist comments.” In sum, said the letter, “Sue’s leadership of AIR and treatment of staff directly contradict the organization’s mission of supporting and creating conditions for independent producers to thrive.”