City to appeal airport verdict
The city of Atlanta is appealing a multimillion-dollar verdict awarded to a businessman who claimed the city and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport illegally steered an advertising contract to a competitor with political connections.
In court filings Tuesday, the city said it would ask the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out the $17.5 million verdict and grant a new trial. Last July, a jury awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages -- to be paid in thirds by the city, Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. and businesswoman Barbara Fouch -- to Billy Corey and Corey Airport Services. The jury also ordered Clear Channel to pay $8.5 million and Fouch to pay $500,000 in punitive damages. Clear Channel and Fouch are also appealing.
About the Author
Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.
