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News Director: Jesse O’Neil
Experience described as: “Rude, full of himself, inexperienced”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Hopefully I won’t be here too much longer but I’ll chime in to save someone else the pain. If you’re coming here as a manager you’ll probably like it because they now have 3 times the number of people doing what just a few managed 2 years ago. Crews in the field have it the worst. We never know who’s looking over which shows, who to contact during the day. The new ND has had more time off since he started than we’ve all had this year. He took over and troubled struggling green newsroom and when I’ve called the station to talk to him about leaving he’s always off.
GM doesn’t care. She allowed the News Director to fire the only producer who had experience and didn’t screw over the crews out in the field. Why? Because she was was fearful of Covid and wanted to work at home. @Hearst doesn’t care about their people. Not at this station. But managers work from home all the time and even some favored producers.
The ND is petty and I know people with a year plus left on their deals who’ve already started looking.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is run on nothing but inconsistent management. Seems to favor a green producer staff. Some have good attitudes . others are allowed to be nasty and then crews get in trouble if they react back after constant bs from the booth. Get out of TV before you consider KOAT.
Or, if for whatever reason you want to be in New Mex, look at KRQE, Solid GM I hear who knows the market. Staff like it over there. Adults with experience who run the shop respectfully and don’t treat hard working people with threats.
And,,,,they have about triple the number of people for every job , unless us. Always scraping to get by. Competent leadership would care more about quality and not just getting on the air but when we are communicating with multiple managers who all tell you different things all day, hard to make quality anything and make slot.”
News Director: Matt Stein
“Verbally abusive, worst news director, in fact worst leader I’ve ever worked for. He pushes his agenda, he makes you feel stupid, he belittles you, says you aren’t important to viewers, no news judgement.”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You will enter this place and want to leave your first day. Matt Stein is the problem. He always has been, and will be till he is fired. He is a liar, a manipulator, someone who doesn’t know how to lead.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“He will make you feel so unimportant, countless people have left the business after working for him.”
News Director: Nicole Hogenson
“Nicole was the cheap option when there was a news director position for Scripps to fill. She was inexperienced in upper management prior to becoming news director. She has trouble finding focus in morning meetings and story assignments. She has comprehension issues when checking scripts. She also shows favoritism to a few and beats down everyone else. She was by far the most toxic and incompetent news director Iâve ever worked for.”
While working for WPTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mostly great people at this station. Everyone bonds by commiserating management together. Toxic management and overwhelming workloads. Lots of overtime at this station, whether youâre up for it or not. MMJs turn multiple packages/VOSOTs for back to back shows, generally with multiple studio or newsroom hits daily. When paired with a photographer, two and sometimes even three packages are expected with live hits in multiple shows. It can feel like a sweat shop at times.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Many donât last at this station. Management has driven a number of talented employees to break contract and get out of the business.”
News Director: None currently (formerly Matt Stein)
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Matt Stein was just fired, so things could take a positive turn with a new news director that isn’t an awful human being. A new GM is in place there too. But this station has been bought and sold multiple times in the last couple of years and no one’s been able to actually do more to fix things than buy a few new vehicles and cameras. The building’s disgusting and falling apart and on top of a mountain, so the commute to work sucks unless you live up there too. There are people there who want to do good work, but in my experience they never had enough support.”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
Experience described as: “Horrible, Toxic.”
While working for KNOE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“All of the negative reviews about this station are accurate. Management does not communicate well with employees and this newsroom is run by incompetent management. Toxic work environment. This newsroom is always severely understaffed because people resign. The news director Brad Ginsberg has no experience and it shows. He does not know how to communicate with employees and does not treat all employees equally. He has also burnt bridges with many key contacts throughout the city. Run far away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “Educational, demanding and a lil fun”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Ya’ll don’t know what you’re talking about. WAAY was a mess before Matt got there. The news director before him was a witch. I learned so much working there.
All the managers want the reporters to do a good job. They won’t let ya’lls stories on TV if they aren’t any good.
I got 100x better and better than yall cuz I listened to Matt, Rachel and Regan. They don’t always agree with what I want but they listen and will change their minds.”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
“I worked with Jenelle. She picks favorites depending on who kisses her behind. If you stand up for yourself, you will be casted out. She chooses whoever she likes best for promotions within her station, not based on talent. She allows those with the most experience to bully others below them. When she addresses you for being wrong, it’s usually rude and condescending. Prayers for her new station.”
While working for KPLC this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you’re black and stand up for yourself, expect your issues to be casted aside. Jenelle is rude most of the times, he barely speaks if she doesn’t like you. Head anchors are allowed to talk crazy to new people. Left as soon as I could.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jess OâNeill
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you have another opportunity take it. As I sit in a much larger market now I have the current KOAT Asst, ND Melissa Williams to thank. When my former friends still stuck in that place showed me her grand EMMY win pic she posted of herself this week, current and former employees want to barf. Just know that it’s clear evidence of how this newsroom runs. Come here, work your butt off, be verbally abused by management. They take credit for everytihng and lie constantly. “Her” emmy was for a newscast that so many people made happen that night. Here in my current newsroom, they were nominated for an newscast Emmy too and it credits the station STAFF….Not ONLY some loser manager who just yells at people and noone listened to that night we were putting that emmy winning show together anyway (me included).
Melissa Williams entered herself for a newscast Emmy and only put herself. Not staff, not KOAT team. All the newscast entries were for Staff . Except KOAT. Thank you to her, that award winning night i said i would be leaving that place somehow.
Surprised she’s still there. Inflated ego and mistreatment has ruined that place.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’m gone so haven’t worked with the new ND but have a lot of good pals left at the station . They now make reporters do 2 packages a day . So get ready, They run the place BARE BONES,. this is not your typical Hearst-run station. I’ve heard they keep padding the place with more managers but then burn out reporters and sometimes have just 1 reporter a day. Be warned.”
News Director: “? Stein got fired”
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Josh Good
“Josh was a nightmare to work with. It was like the mean kid in high school choosing who to make an outcast. He would ask for things to be a certain way, then complain when it didnât look right (although it was exactly what he asked for.) if you donât have high self-esteem, do not work for him. If you are not okay with being called a curse word behind your back and to your face, donât work for him. And if youâre definitely not okay with him talking about private meetings meant just for him and HR, do not work for this man. I donât know who had a stroke and hired a 28 year old ex-anchor… But it was the wrong decision and he creates the most toxic work environment.”
While working for News15 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one was professional. Anchors would talk about people while their mics were hot. If they didnât like you, they would spread lies to the higher ups to get you removed. There is absolutely no room for growth at this station because any role you get placed in, you will never do it correctly. You will always be talked about even when doing a good job, someone who does no work will always get treated better because theyâre in the âin-crowd,â and everything you say will be critiqued or mocked in front of others.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I wouldnât wish this job on my worst enemy. I am writing this to warn others that this is NOT the station you need to be at. Allen Media needs to take control of their people or clean house. Nothing you get from here is worth the nights of no sleep wondering how to make work not miserable. If you didnât like high school cliques, stay far away. An ethics board needs to seriously look into management, the news director, most of the anchors, and a health inspector needs to condemn the building.”
News Director: Tia Streeter
“Tia is amazing. She’s a great boss that cares a lot about her team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KX News is in Bismarck, ND. For young reporters, this is a GREAT starter market. I had friends at my station and the competing one. While the winters in North Dakota are tough, the job is great. I was MMJ/weekend anchor when I left KX. I still keep in touch with the news director as she has become a mentor for me in my next job. Starting salary for MMJ’s out of college is pretty awesome. Around $32K.
If you want to be at a place that invests in you and truly teaches you storytelling, don’t pass up Bismarck. I couldn’t say enough good things.”
News Director: Josh Good
“Terrible. He likes drama and has favorites. He will not help you grow. Not genuine. Luckily I have stayed off his radar. I feel bad for those who haven’t.”
While working for KADN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Assistant News Director is like family. I love the area and Acadiana has become my home.”
News Director: Matt Stein
“It was the worst place to ever work.”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It is troubling to know Matt Stein actually looks at these things (I know because he has pulled producers, reporters into his office to ask them about these ratings) and is writing the “good” reviews himself. The honest truth is this WILL be a horrible job for you. You WILL cry and HATE every second of it, and blame yourself for being so dumb to accept his offer. He is manipulative and fosters a toxic environment on purpose. In fact, he was fired from his job at WREG (Memphis) before coming to WAAY for creating a toxic environment. The station was even warned via email by a WREG employee (right before he started at WAAY) that he will create a toxic environment. This was known by upper management, including HR and the General Manager. Within a few months (YES MONTHS) of his arrival, nearly 14 quit (many of them broke their contracts including a member of management).
Do not believe anything that paints the picture of WAAY being anything but a horrible place to work at where they will belittle you, break you down, and leave you in a puddle of your own tears just for their amusement.
To put it simple, MOST PEOPLE break their contracts here. If you have any mind of your own at this station and dare to speak up, he will isolate you and make your work experience a living hell.
DO NOT WORK HERE! I honestly wish I wasn’t typing this. I honestly wish I, along with many others, had a pleasant experience here. But, knowing Stein is even trying to manipulate people who look this site up is disgusting and I had to say something.
I just wish someone was looking out for me before I went there. You can do better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Matt Stein is racist, homophobic, and sexist and should’ve never been hired. He has at least one complaint filed against him for the aforementioned things, and it would likely be more if he didn’t instill fear in his employees.”
News Director: David Lee
“Verbally abusive, put me down, mocked me, degraded me bullied me, drove Good people out. Any pushback meant he didnât like you and he wasnât going to make your time there easy, disrespectful, didnât know what he was talking about half the time when it came to stacking and producing shows, clearly targeted me and certain employees while purposely trying to clean house. It was a nightmare to be working for him. Had anxiety during shows waiting for an email he was going to send to talk down to me about. A lot more to say but you get the jist of it. Heâs a horrible âleaderâ which is not what he deserves to be called at all. Did I mention the 30 plus jobs heâs had? Yup.”
While working for WFRV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Look at the paragraph above about my boss.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Donât work here. Underpaid people as well. They run on a skeleton crew to save a quick buck. People have three different position titles and donât get paid extra.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Like any job its what you make it. I enjoyed my two years at WVLT. The people who work there are amazing. There is a high turn over rate in producers and reporters. There are plenty of people who will help guide you if you are willing to seek out their help. Managers are not all on the same page which makes things difficult, but forces you to get better independently. If you are looking to be with a photographer often, that won’t happen here. If you’re willing to bust it everyday, come with ideas you will succeed, just be prepared for anything. You can leave here a better reporter if you find the right people to mentor you and push you in the building.”
News Director: Curtis jackson
“No direction. Not helpful with growth. No one cares and only like mormans or other LDS people.”
While working for KIFI/KIDK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lot passive aversive people in the office. Wet common for coworkers to speak badly of other. Reporters get mad if another has a better story that is in the tops. Discrimination against women is very common. Was told a womanâs place is in the home where they belong and no one will listen to a womanâs opinion because it isnât valid.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“General manager will not hire enough staff. They run two stations on a skeleton crew And will make reporters cover up to 3 stories a day. GM is cheap.”
While working for WJXT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would walk into the bathroom to find producers crying. A certain morning show anchor was always a complete asshole.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Itâs a good (paid) internship program. You have an opportunity to experience all shifts, record stand-ups, and learn from talented people in a large market. I didnât even realize how toxic the work environment was until I got my first ârealâ journalism job elsewhere.”
News Director: Brian Gregory
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KDVR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director has his favorites who are allowed to do whatever they want, and be as terrible as they want, and he turns a blind eye. If you aren’t a favorite, he’ll never acknowledge you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They did not tell anyone there was a covid case in the building. When you went to management with concerns they were swept under the rug. For months producers worked at home with a select few coming into the building to booth all the shows… meaning they no longer got to produce and had to watch the same show 6 times a day since the producers are lazy and just drag one story, mistakes and all, from one show to another. Management will not work with anchors who ask for certain producers to work on their shows. Laziness is rewarded, hard work is not.”
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KOAA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was verbally harassed daily by the production manager/ director. She constantly blamed her mistakes on me. Daily she would curse at me.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would try new things, the set is amazing, but if he didn’t like it he would just yell at you. Him and the production manager are old high school buddies, I would call her out on her mistakes and he sat me down in his office and tried to intimate me by putting his elbows on his desk and leaning toward me and threatened me with having to do what she said and with a certain number of animations per show. Overall toxic, extremely unwelcoming and terrible communication.”
News Director: Jess O’Neill
Experience described as: “Negative, Moody”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Station continues to get worse. Sadly, everything that’s been written is true. The GM has sat in her office for years telling employees different stories and playing dumb.
They refuse to hire anyone with experience anymore so if you actually care about doing real news don’t come here. We get beat on all the big stories and managers don’t want to hear it. They blame the crews for voicing concern. Producers are fresh out of school or have no newsroom experience. Some are trying others have horrible attitude and are nasty to reporters and managers blame the crews instead.
Producers get no real help or coaching so reporters battle everyday with producers.
Until @hearst decides to hire good managers who actually care and will listen to those actually trying to make things better more people will throw in the towel. #hearst #koat”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Legal claims are in the works from a variety of current/former staff.
And they fired the ONLY good producer we had. She was respected and was 1000 times better than our non existent EP. But the station allows managers to work from home where they do nothing but she was given ultimatum to work IN the newsroom despite COVID worries or get canned. Hearst claims to care about employees. There’s one example of what that really means.”
News Director: Jesse O’Neill
Experience described as: “Disrespectful, condescending, immature, inappropriate”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There was so much hope with a new ND starting and this guy has been here for 2 months and already decided he’d rather play boss for the first time in his career and cost the station good people. Sadly the last poster was right on all counts. Reporters need help. Managers misguide them then make them out to be the inept ones. Most nights we call from the field and rarely is there someone on the assignment desk. We get BEAT on so many stories. I see other stations in the field asking about what happened to KOAT? Well , a GM took over who lies to staff and pretends she doesn’t know what’s happening in the newsroom for the last 2 years. Isn’t that her job?
Constant revolving door. 2 pkgs a day for reporters because we have no staff. But the station is one step away from something going really wrong because a 22 year old producer was forced into a position without any care.
@Hearst may be good in other places but look for even more to quit and leave soon (with contracts).”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The ONLY experienced producer was just FIRED for working from home. She didn’t feel comfortable with the lack of covid precautions. She produced from home, As a reporter she is the only one who knows how to communicate with field crews. The canned her. So now we are left with a newsroom recent college grads. This place is more like market 140. If you have an opportunity to go to the other stations, take it. They staff their station. Just watch the product. They have more than 1 reporter doing all the shows. And they must have fact checkers, because here, managers are pitiful and abusive and will lie to save themselves.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“Barb Roethler is the worst person in news, if not the entire media business. This woman does not care about a single person who works for her. I don’t work here anymore but stumbled on the site and had to give my informed opinion. She is so insufferable to work for that the weather guy of 30+ years left and so did the morning anchor. Did I mention that there is only one person of color on the air @NABJ?”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The quality on the website is bad now. So glad I’m not there. Multiple typos or mistakes in every article. She either gets no applicants because of low pay or is blind to good applicants. The people in the newsroom are very nice. They just have to stay quiet all day because she’s in her office. Apparently Roethler went on a 2 week vacation on election day.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “Toxic. Negative. Neglectful. Disrespectful. Miserable.”
While working for WJCL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I laughed out loud while reading the review from June 23. It was CLEARLY written by a manager or an anchor trying to save face for this toxic and failing news station. Ignore this âpositiveâ review. WBTW is DESPERATE and pathetic. This is how low theyâve stooped to get people on their team. Trust your gut and more importantly, trust the negative reviews because they were written by people who actually worked as MMJs under Eric Waltersâs leadership, unlike the person who wrote that âpositiveâ review.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Listen to every single one of the negative reviews. Every single one. Work somewhere else. There are plenty of stations to choose from.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“Horrible. Sheâs manipulative, conniving, sends empty emails and expects you to guess what she wants. will ask you if you knocked on someoneâs door for ratings. Ethics out the window for her. She really does not care. Get everything in writing. Everything and start documenting everything because sheâll do the same for you and have it ready whenever she feels like you overstepped youâre boundaries or challenges her authority.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not open to creative control, youâre not allowed to tell her or the EP Jeff no. Jeff also has anger issues. If he has a bad day EVERYONE has to have a bad day. Sheâll also send a million emails in one day and add on to your daily tasks as she pleases randomly and for reason. She also leaves early nearly every single day. And good luck getting time off.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just donât go.”
News Director: Jess OâNeill
Experience described as: “Overwhelmed – unprepared”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The leadership from Jess to Melissa Williams set a tone of overall incompetence. The EP is uninvolved. There is no training or growth for green producers who have been brought in with no prior experience and can not even booth their shows confidently. The new GM is nonexistent. The rumor is she was a solid newsroom leader once but is a ghost who only cares about issues directly impacting her. KOAT gets crushed daily on coverage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Reporters are as green as the producers and are expected to turn two pkgâs a day with no editorial guidance and burden the blame of management when something goes wrong.”
News Director: Brian Gregory
Experience described as: “Absolutely rude and unprofessional.”
While working for KDVR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Brian Gregory is a disgrace to the news business. He is a terrible communicator with a horrible attitude and has NO BUSINESS managing a news station whatsoever.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Brian Gregory is an absolute joke and encapsulates everything that is wrong with the news business. Very, VERY unprofessional and disrespectful.”
News Director: Rod Jackson
Experience described as: “Positive, but micromanaged”
While working for WOWK this person experienced:
“There’s a lot to like about the station and a lot to dislike. Weather is top notch and there is a crop of promising young reporters. The station has a foundation built on mud though. People rarely News Director is a smart caring guy, but direction changes due to overall miscommunication or on his whim. Your ideas are heard but rarely followed upon and you’re forced to deal with situations with no input or you hear second hand from others. Lots of younger people at the station, so loads of cliques and gossip. Sales department is creative bankrupt and interferes with content a lot on web presence.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do your research. Newsroom is a revolving door of management and personalities. News Director is a caring, smart guy, but he’s the longest tenured ND and he’s been there a year.”
News Director: Jessie ONeill
“BEWARE before taking a job here”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Thank god I left when I did. I had the “pleasure” of working with the worst managers in tv news. Now that I’m in a bigger market I see how people should be treated and how real managers know how to actually run a newsroom. Laughable today that the newsroom shared with former KOAT’ers that Melissa Williams the most clueless and nasty one I worked with is bragging that she was nominated for an emmy on a night we all watched her do nothing but be verbally abusive to staff in the field.
Greg Shepperd got fired because he allowed his lying managers to destroy that place and they are still there. Ask any employee past or present how incompetent managers are. Staff takes the heat instead for problems that NEVER should happen.
I hear it’s no better with the new ND. Only worse. BE careful before working there, Do your homework. The station has the least number of reporters in the market. Constant revolving door.
The new ND sounds like an inexperienced bully that says really legally risky things to employees. I know of a few who are ready to bolt with the backing of attorneys.
That station has so many great people but noone will be left. there are greener pastures.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Previous News Director: Gary Kanofsky
Experience described as: “Terrible.”
Current News Director: Katie Farritor
While working for RFD-TV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Typical news experience as an on-camera female. Rarely called into the news directorâs office but, if ever, comments on looking pretty, âI donât like that dress on you,â etc. weâre always made in every meeting.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Patrick Gottsch owns RFD-TV. He lives in Omaha but the station is located in Nashville. You rarely see him, but he makes irrational, crazy decisions via phone calls (usually screaming at the top of his lungs for no reason). The news director there when I got hired, Gary Kanofsky, was never there. Lived in NYC and flew in on occasion. Totally disconnected from the broadcasts and only wanted to sit around and talk about his glory days (which are lies, by the way) while we should have been working on making the newscasts better. The current news director, Katie Farritor, is an awful human being, not a good producer, and threw multiple people under the bus to get promoted with lies. She told management people that on-air talent like me, and a couple great producers and editors, said bad things about the company in public. We know the business and âplay the gameâ and would never say bad things in front of people like her, knowing she would do something like that. Well, she did and they believed her. Up she went in the company, and ALL of us she lied about were let go within a few months – if not as a direct result of her lies. (So NOW I donât mind posting this in public). I personally was let go when Verizon dropped this so-called rural network and they let go of 40% of employees. In my âyouâre being let goâ meeting, they actually told me ânon-farmâ people were being let go. This was insulting because we researched and did our jobs as journalists do, learning about farming and rural America inside-out for the job, but Patrick Gottsch and his daughter, Raquel (just as awful) truly discriminate against ânon-farmâ people. Who would have thought thatâs a thing? At RFD-TV, it is.
Best thing that happened to me was being let go. Life moves on and I laugh with fellow co-workers I have stayed in touch with about RFD-TV now (âwe actually worked there?!â) but I wanted to be sure to warn others in case theyâre considering working there. Especially now that Katie Farritor is News Director. If youâre a true journalist, donât be tempted when they tell you itâs a ânetworkâ job. Itâs not an actual news network. And the company is so far in debt, itâs only a matter of time for them to completely fold. Stay in local news. Even the worst issues of local news stations are no match for the craziness of RFD-TV.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
Experience described as: “Minimal”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Overall, this station helped shape me into the reporter I am today and prepared me for my next job. Thereâs a lot of talent and you just have to find the right mentors to help guide you. However, management is very disorganized and does not always have a solution-based mindset. Instead they would rather focus on the negative, which can hinder your progress. While a negative, this did force me to become more independent in my work.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
Experience described as: “TOXIC, CONTROLLED, BACKSTABBING, LIAR”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The environment is so toxic at WGEM and the news director is so controlling that after seeing real reviews from former employees, the news director posted a fake review on this website hyping himself up. Like..seriously?”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just a horrible news director. Do all you can to stay away from this place you will regret it.”
News Director: Callie Starnes
“Callie runs the news department as a democracy. She is fair and willing to listen to the concerns of others. You won’t find a better News Director in the market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I have been at WRCB for five years and some of my best memories were made at the station. I started my role there as the 5:00 pm producer and, at the time, Callie Starnes was the Assistant News Director. She taught me a lot about gathering stories, news judgement, multitasking, and how to come up with solutions when stories fell through. She soon moved to the News Director role and I shifted to Senior Producer. I have stayed at the station for this long because of the management and the way we cover stories. We always take the compassionate route and Callie listens to everyone’s opinion before making a firm decision. I grew into roles that I never thought I could do because of Callie. If you are ever lucky enough to work here, take the opportunity. You will make life-long friends and Callie will make sure you grow as a person on your way to the top.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
“This place has and will continue to be a toxic work environment. Chad Mahoney is a miserable person who brings negativity into the workplace which then spills onto his employees.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m not one to speak out about these things, but the more I think about it, the more I realize people should know what they’re getting themselves into. Plus, I feel like I’ve been silenced long enough. Under Chad Mahoney’s leadership, there is pressure to NOT speak up. There is intimidation and bullying involved with those who do. Mahoney will make you feel like he’s on your team, but the second you have a concern about how something is handled, he will turn on you and use that for leverage against you. He pits employees against each other and encourages them to “tattle-tale” on one another instead of working it out themselves. He also encourages employees to not socialize with each other outside of work. How is that supposed to build a good team? Especially when a lot of the reporters move to this town without knowing anyone. There’s also a good ol boy mentality where males talk about women in derogatory terms, sometimes in front of the female employees, and females feel like they can’t come forward to express their concerns. Even the general manager has been heard saying “If you don’t like it here, then get the hell out.” Talk about a welcoming, educational and fun experience.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Chad Mahoney and is managerial team stifle creativity. This is touted as a place where new journalists can come to grow, except that’s the farthest thing from the truth. Mahoney likes things done his way. If it’s not done that way, he will make sure HIS reporters fall in line. People are treated like property, instead of real people who have real lives and who have real feelings. I would strongly discourage working at this station. It sucks the life out of you. The turnover rate and other negative reviews prove that.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
“This place has and will continue to be a toxic work environment. Chad Mahoney is a miserable person who brings negativity into the workplace which then spills onto his employees.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The negative comments made about women, to women, are often overlooked or laughed off. It is a “good ole boys” society with NO females in leadership positions…wonder why? You are encouraged to “tattle tale” on employees instead of work it out like adults which then turns into unorganized, stressful, mess.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Creative control is suppressed. It’s a mentality of – this is how it’s always done so do it that way. This station is mostly comprised of new reporters/producers. It’s toted as a place to learn and grow your craft but it’s at the expense of a young persons sanity. They like to hire young females who they can intimidate and harass until they “fall in line.” Even the general manager has the attitude of…if you don’t like it, then get the hell out. Which he has verbatim on multiple occasions. The leadership is toxic. This could be a great station but leadership doesn’t see themselves as the problem. They see the employees as a problem -which is why they have such a high turnover rate with employees. Sad, pathetic, and draining place. Don’t work here – they’ll suck the life out you.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
Experience described as: “Good. He is a no non-sense News Director”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Higher standards compared to other small markets, where there is no feedback or direction, you get a photog for live shots, not much creative control but you’ll adjust. Management is actively involved & will call out mistakes and what you can do better. That rubs some of the other reporters the wrong way, who are used to doing whatever they want. There is a small clique among the reporters and former on air people, who keep a group chat and gossip about team members & news director. If you get a job there focus on your work, not making friends with your coworkers.”
News Director: Brian Gregory
“Stay far, far, far away. This is a toxic, cancerous environment. The news director is an out of control dictator who should not be in the business, muchless at a top-20 station. Adversarial, has driven off very good talent to bring in his favorite pets from Kansas. Do. Not. Go. Here.”
While working for KDVR this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Again, stay way. Horrible place.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
Experience described as: “Confusing, frustrating, depressing”
While working for WGXA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“As a news director, Jenna is very competitive and wants the station as a whole to do well. That’s where the positivity stops. She made false promises to me and I was only able to do maybe 20% was I was promised. She makes false promises to all new hires and will regularly backstab reporters. There is absolutely awful communication between management and newsroom staff. I really warn anybody considering working here. I saw a bunch of bright new hires come in during my time and they were thrown the bs right away. Take your talents where they’ll be appreciated. Reporters have to “earn” a photog by Jenna’s made up criteria that is ever changing. You’ll never realistically get a photog but maybe twice during your contract.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This was the most confusing internship experience of my life and I would not recommend working here unless it’s the only place you can get an internship. Sinclair has so many rules on what interns can and cannot do and the News Director would allow you to do things only when it was convenient to her. You eventually have to go behind management’s back to get stuff done only to be told you can, in fact, do that, only to be told to stop doing it because “it’s against the rules”. You will never have your work on air and if you write for web, your name is not allowed to be on the byline.”
News Director: Kevin Brennan
“Doesnât know how to lead a newsroom”
While working for WSAV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“We are the only station in the market that doesnât make reporters go live every day or respond to breaking news. The assignment editor is so unorganized to the point we miss a lot of stories in our market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Most of the stories we cover should be on Facebook. A lot of the content is not real news”
News Director: Jon Levy
“I loved working with Jon. He was very kind and understanding and allowed me to experiment with different ideas. I have a lot of respect for him.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Every station has its problems. Youâre working in a high stress environment that has strict deadlines and requires impeccable attention to detail. While I did feel overwhelmed sometimes, I really treasure all that I learned at TV20. I worked with amazing people who are still my good friends today. I was able to creatively do what I wanted and achieve things I wouldnât have been able to at a bigger station. Iâm eternally grateful to the station and everyone there. Much love.”
While working for WPMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There should be a place for ratings for the entire station, not just the News department. The entire station has problems with bullying & back stabbing. If you come to the station with experience the “lifers” at the station will try to cut you down like they are the only ones who know everything. They don’t want you to succeed and they are jealous of you if you are not part of their inner circle. Training is a joke and if you don’t catch on in what THEY think is enough time then that “brilliant” General Manager will begin to harass you so you don’t succeed & then if you don’t leave on your own you will be out the door. It’s obvious from the start that management plays favorites so if you have any type of integrity & sense of self worth STAY AWAY from this loser station because they will cut you down & try to break your spirit. I regret the day I took the job 100% but I survived & am so happy to be out of that horrible environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management needs a total overhaul for any type of improvement to happen but good managers will run away rather than deal with that unprofessional, playground type of environment.”
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
“Overwhelmingly positive. Supportive. Open to ideas. Willing to give you any resources you need.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great place to work. Great people. Talented staff on all levels. Everyone supports each other and has everyoneâs back. Management is easy to approach and understands what employees go through each day. Highly recommend applying here if a job is available.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
Experience described as: “Toxic. The worst.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Chad Mahoney is such a bad leader that not only does he create an environment that thrives on co-workers turning on one another he also constantly trashes and bashes the city and area that he lives in, has chosen to work in and has chosen to lead a newsroom in. He has said direct quotes like “downtown Quincy is a dump. There is nothing worth more than $700/month.” The constant negativity and B.S. from him is what is driving 99% of his employees away and out of the news industry all together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chad Mahoney
“THE WORST NEWS DIRECTOR/HUMAN BEING IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. MANIPULATIVE, LYING, CONNIVING AND JUST AN OVERALL HORRIBLE PERSON. HE DOES NOT TRUST ANY EMPLOYEES AND TRIES TO CONTROL EVERYBODY 24/7. CALLS HIMSELF A FAMILY MAN BUT SITS AT HOME ALL NIGHT LONG WAITING TO CATCH MISTKAES AND THINGS THE NEWSROOM MIGHT MISS.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“GOOD OLD BOY ATOMOSPHERE. SEXUAL JOKES. MALES GET MORE ADVANCEMENT. THE MOST TOXIC WORK ENVIRONEMENT ANY OF MY COWOKERS HAVE WORKED IN. TURNOVER IS AT AN ALLTIME HIGH BECAUSE OF CHAD MAHONEY.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT WORK HERE. TURNOVER IS HIGH FOR A REASON.”
News Director: Debi Highland
“Management has no idea how to run a newsroom.”
While working for WNKY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom is constantly short staffed. Management has no clue how news actually works. The GM is a sales lady & will convince you itâs wonderful, beware ITS NOT! You can have a doctors note and they will still ask you to come in. You may have vacation days, but good luck getting it approved. Many times you are stuck driving your personal vehicle. âVolunteerâ events are mandatory & happen every weekend. You will not have a photog. You will be asked to do a minimum of a pkg & 2 vosots per day. You shoot, edit, write, front the pkg, and post all content to the web yourself. Management is very unprofessional & talks poorly about their staff to other staff members. DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT HERE. You will be overworked & underpaid. This is where news dreams go to die. They fire staff constantly, itâs a rotating door. Please do yourself a favor & avoid this place.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT WORK HERE.”
News Director: Kent Harrell
“He has favorites but tries to care about everyone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“GM has a lot of control over creative services. New creative services boss is also control freak.”
News Director: Chad Hypes
Experience described as: “Shady”
While working for KTVL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Do not work here. The station is a total scam, full of internal politics and butt kissing, fake people. The great people either got fed up and left or were let go. Completely dysfunctional from the top to the bottom, the station does not care about developing you or your reel and only cares about its own best interests. Chad means well but continues to fail his employees. Nice guy, horrible boss. Can be rude at times but truth be told heâs probably fed up too with the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It could have had potential but never will deliver its promises to its employees given how the station is operated. Do not work here. Do not waste your time. Turnover is unbelievably high and you will see why. Youâve been warned!”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
“Easily the most worthless news director. She isnât a leader and picks favorites who kiss ass. She doesnât take responsibility for any of her mistakes and will blame it on her employees because this is a starter market and they wonât stand up for themselves. Allows well known anchors to bully the newer/less experienced employees. Iâve seen several of my former coworkers, myself included, have mental breakdowns over the stress this station put us through. She jumped ship as soon as she could to go ruin another station.”
While working for KPLC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There is no true leadership in this newsroom. No constructive criticism, only critiques meant to break you down. Since this is the only tv news station in the market, there is no motivation when it comes to storytelling. The next market over usually beat us on breaking news in our own area. Management never cared. Unless you were a favorite, this place quickly wore you down.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Eric Walters
“Terrible. Weakest, fakest manager I have ever hadâa bully and blowhard with a fragile ego and an inability to manage various personalities in a newsroom.”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Eric Walters is one of the âgood Olâ boys.â He treats women as objects, despises younger guys because he sees them as âthreats,â and was a total nightmare to work for.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The review from June 23rd is an obvious paid shill, and I think itâs pretty pathetic that the current GM has to pay people to try to cover for the fact that he runs a toxic station full of gossip, sneering managers who canât deal with âdifficultâ personalities, and who do not play fairâwhat is OK for the favorites is not OK for everyone else. There is also a senior producer there who is notorious for causing trouble, tattling on people for using the restroom like this is some kind of grade school class, and pushing people to their breaking points while trying to play victim when they stand up for themselves. Standing up for yourself here is Frowned up and will get you labeled âdifficultâ in a hurry. Theyâll make sure to stack the deck against you so that you will either fail or quit. I really feel sorry for anyone else who has to work under Eric Walters (and I understand he left the station months ago). I Would not wish this place on my worst enemy.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
“Awful. We were warned before he arrived and it was much worse than we could have expected. Letâs just say, one year after he jumped on board, 20+ people have been fired, pushed out or simply walked because itâs so horrible.”
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The managers spend all of their time focusing on gossip, rumors, name calling, etc and not the real issues. Five years after launching, the station is circling the drain and itâs entirely the fault of Warren Stewart and Eric Stremming (station manager… what a joke)
If I didnât have ovaries, I may have stood a chance to be heard.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“My coworkers were great. Management let a really good thing fall a part because they are too proud to admit they donât know everything.”
News Director: Brad Myers
Experience described as: “Fun”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WECT is the land of opportunity. Youâll get to try new things, and you’ll go as far as your own ambition will take you.
Iâve moved up through the ranks in record time â starting my career in the industry a morning producer and flying the main flagship newscasts three years later.
Things are a bit hard on everyone because of recent staff reduction, but the managers do a great job at boosting morale. The news director is really cool and encouraging. You can feel comfortable to go to him with anything, and he always recognizes good work.
If youâre a toxic person who isnât a team player, then youâre not going to have a good experience. But if you like to have fun, be yourself, and be creative with great people who will become your second family, then WECT is the place for you.”
News Director: Gail Bending
Experience described as: “Confusing”
While working for WJZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director is easy to approach and very nice, but I think she is out of the loop on how negative the environment is. She encourages new ideas but no one really efforts any because creativity gets shut down and the common argument from management is âthis is how weâve always done it.â”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station has a good reputation, but working under the management team is terribly toxic. This place will suck the creativity out of your soul and drain any passion you had for journalism. There is no communication. You are constantly told everything that is wrong and never given any direction on what is right. I have been in news for 6 years and have never experienced a more negative environment. The micromanaging will mentally destroy you. You produce to please management, not to deliver information to an audience. Things are done because itâs âthe way weâve always done it.â You are encouraged to run stories that have aired multiple times instead of efforting new content. I have often heard management openly berate other employees and complain about reporters behind their backs. The only time I heard the assistant news director say âgood showâ was after the newscast was preempted due to a special report from network. Sarcastic prick. Management makes it obvious who their favorites are, and while I certainly respect seniority, I respect hard work and compassion more. If you choose to work here, I hope you understand the disaster youâre embarking on. I would suggest setting your expectations ridiculously low, using the station for its reputation as a gold stamp on your resume, and know that there are better opportunities out there where you will be valued more. The only positives to this station are the employee benefits – you get 3 weeks vacation time, 8 days of sick time, 10 paid holidays/comp days, and 3 personal days.”
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “Best first reporting job I could’ve asked for”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“They work hard to help you grow as a journalist, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They are very good about providing guidance, advice, and constructive criticism. They always encouraged me and made me feel appreciated.”
News Director: Greg Shieferstein
Experience described as: “Atrocious. Lacks any kind of understanding”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Moronic, jerk, and plain and simply undeserving of the position of News Director. He pretends to know what he is doing and it becomes painfully clear that he has no business in this business. His sexual harassment complaints are between 5 and 10 and he still works there while others were let go for much less. I have watched him stare at women as they are walking away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Greg turned a thriving newsroom into a highly toxic environment. The 6am morning show tanked within 6 months of him taking over. He is a complete and utter disaster. He is protected by the good ol boy system and nothing will happen to him no matter how many claims are made against him. While he is there, avoid this station at all costs. People are leaving in droves and are not being replaced quickly.”
News Director: Greg Scheiferstein
Experience described as: “Fine. He delegates a lot. But overall he seems to be a good guy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“There has been a lot of change here. People sometimes don’t like being asked to do what many of us have done in other markets or even in college for a long time. So, some people are unhappy. But, we have it easier here than people in other markets. It’s a good city. Good station. I’ve worked in worse places.”
News Director: Mike Truett
Experience described as: “Absolutely Aweful”
While working for WICS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is toxic unlike any other station Iâve worked for. Years ago it was a great starter market but once Mike came in it crashed and burned. Sinclair is a GOP funded company pushing their agenda in every story, Mike is a puppet yes man, he made several gross and sexual comments about female employees and once referred to a new anchor hire as âdesk candy.â As well as saying no one cared what she wore because âwho would want her to cover up.â
Mike yelled at reporters till they cried, barely lets Photogs and Reporters work together, demanded extra hours while discouraging overtime.
One coworker was harassed for being a single mom and he couldnât have cared less about it, even when the employee left for her own safety, he would tarnish her reputation for being a âquitter.â”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This used to be a great starting station, but Mike and Sinclair have buried it. Lots of great hardworking people are there, who are decent and just want to do a good job. But corporate overreach and micromanaging are killing it.
AVOID THIS PLACE until Mike and Sinclair leave”
News Director: Brian Gregory
“Brian is aggressive and treats employees like trash”
While working for KDVR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is not willing to listen to feedback and makes questionable editorial decisions. The news director openly yells at employees in the newsroom or over phone/email when things arenât done the way he thinks they should be done.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Thereâs some great journalists in this building but itâs the news directorâs way or the highway. If you donât suck up to him, you get treated like trash. Itâs a true shame.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
Experience described as: “Beyond unprofessional”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A wonderful place to toughen ones skin. The overall toxic environment overseen by the News Director is nothing short of despicable. I cannot imagine any other station exists where passive aggressive emails, unrealistic expectations with little time to execute, non existent communication etc. Are allowed to happen for as long as it has with this current news director. Management at the top is quite oblivious or blind to the high turnover and lack of drive this station produces. Not to mention the blatant disregard for reporters time. Especially god forbid if they have to use overtime to achieve the things set out for them. Do not work for WILX. If you have any other offer. Take it!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The best advice I can give is this. If you would like to work at WILX there is only one thing to check. Is Barb Roethler the news director. If yes, do not take it.”
News Director: Dave Kaplar
Experience described as: “Positive”
While working for WOWT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
“Some underhand comment that only came from one person. When that person was addressed the Apologized and fixed the behavior.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“If you want to go far and get attention and help from management you need to show youâre worthy of the help. Workers that donât care donât get the extra help that people who go the extra mile get.
Communication could be better but itâs not detrimental to my daily job.”
News Director: Rich Kurz
Experience described as: “clueless and regressive. Will yell at you over a problem without offering any form of a solution”
While working for KOIN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“harassed one of our reporters enough for her to be able to get a full out of her brand new contract. Treats women as less than men.(probably subconsciously)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“stay away. apply as a last resort. WILL BE THE FIRST PORTLAND STATION TO FOLD Guaranteed*”
News Director: Stephen Crews
“He’s a local guy with several decades if experience who generally cares about the product.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“The old news director was problematic, but now things are significantly better. You’ll have some frustrating days, but overall the station is a chance to develop as a journalist with a lot of creative liberty. The expectation is a package and a separate vosot everyday, so you have to be comfortable running around quite a bit. The community is great and loves this #1 station. Upon leaving, I’m glad I got my start here.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
While working for WDVM this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Mark Kraham is a tone deaf and racist news director. Heâs extremely hard on African American reporters compared to other races. Heâs burnt out and needs to retire. He doesnât care about the quality of the stories, but the quota.
Since NBC pulled its affiliation some years ago, the station is pressed fill all of his newscasts with content. When reporters fail to meet the mandatory three stories a day, he writes them up. He loves to yell, slam doors and kick his office trash containers. The reporters are literally worked into the ground every single day.
The station is so toxic that an entry-level journalist can easily lose their passion for television news. The assignment editor is unprofessional and loves to yell and shout expletives. The news director and assignment editor are both bullies. Their lack of professionalism is why they have both been stuck at the same small station for more than 20 years.
The morning and evening news meetings were brutal, stressful and unprofessional.
WARNING:
Find another starter market, please go elsewhere. You have been warned.”
News Director: Jerry Giesler
Experience described as: “Not productive, ND is an instigator”
While working for WJFW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The management system here very clearly has one agenda: to get good ratings. If they get that, they have very little concern for employee well-being and personal success. The News Director has very little leadership/management and employees have to constantly doubt what he says to them in close-doored meetings because he will go back on his word many times.
If you want ‘creative freedom’, that is very easy to access because, again, the ND takes no initiative. But that being said, it will be frustrating because you will feel like you’re not growing or learning with the lack of constructive criticism, accountability for producing a good product and resources to match the skillsets that prepare you for job #2.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Being #3 in the market, this station certainly has less resources and staff than the other stations in this market. It’s very easy to feel frustrated, especially since the station is an hour away from the other two stations. The hiring process is very slow here too, so the newsroom constantly feels understaffed and inefficient.
If you do come here, you’ll have cheap living expenses and friendly people in the community. Be prepared to find mentors on your own time and challenge yourself, because relying on any form of management in the building for help won’t get you anywhere.”
News Director: Dan Delgado
“Delgado rules with an iron fist and does not like to be questioned. He rarely works a full week and is known for forcing people to work overtime without paying them for it and is constantly yelling at the newsroom. HR does little to mitigate the harassment from upper management and often turns a blind eye to whatâs really going on. Much like a car salesman, Delgado presents himself as a mentor and someone who truly cares about you, but in reality he could care less about any of his coworkers. Sioux City is a great starter market, but KCAU no longer allows for new hires to get anchoring opportunities the other stations offer.”
While working for KCAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for WHBF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When I was there, the News Director at the time (Heather Voudrie) was not a great leader. She would talk down to her employees and yell at them at times. She had horrible news judgement. Never knew her mood. Never worked to make anyone better. There was a corporate HR complaint by multiple employees and nothing was done. GM at the time didnât seem to care about news. Anchors were great, and willing to help make the younger journalists better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Iâve heard theyâve invested money and made improvements. Management has also changed.”
News Director: Ryan Webb
“Ryan is honest, approachable and truly wants to see his employees grow”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Choosing to work for WBTW was the best decision I could’ve made for my young career as a reporter. It’s important to note most of these reviews are from people who worked/work in the bureau (Florence) and the majority never finished their full two year contract OR literally just arrived at the station. Your first six months as an MMJ will be difficult no matter where you go. It’s an adjustment. I think it’s unfair to judge a station based off your first few months/first year. Also, you need to be tough and extremely disciplined to work in a bureau in any market. No station is perfect, and WBTW is no exception, but this station is #1 in the market for a reason. Ryan, the new ND just arrived a few months ago and is already making great changes and giving much more feedback than the previous ND. Steve, the EP is fantastic at giving feedback and will take the time to sit down with you and explain what you could’ve done better/what you did well. It’s rare to find that in a smaller market IMO. Some people are sensitive to constructive feedback, but that is the only way you will grow. And trust me, you will GROW at WBTW. I can say confidently almost everyone at the station is willing to listen to new ideas and concepts, as long as you’ve earned their respect. If you’re a hard worker and truly love reporting through the good and the bad, you will excel at WBTW and your hard work will pay off. Also, a couple corrections to the previous reviewer- Steve previously worked in Charlotte and Ryan just came from Nashville, so maybe the most recent reviewer was unaware when they stated that this is most people’s first market. A lot of people at WBTW have experience you can learn from. In addition, there are TWO photogs based in Myrtle Beach and one based in Florence. You will often be paired with a photog for live shots, but occasionally will have to run live shots yourself. There have been plenty of times I’ve told the assignment manager, Matt that I didn’t feel comfortable going live alone and he’s let me shoot look lives. Of course, this station has had it’s bad days, but PLEASE don’t let these negative reviews ruin this for you. I promise if you work hard and have a positive attitude you’ll be happy at WBTW.”
News Director: Susan Farley
“She favors men and does not know how news operations work. Since it is a small market, it is the blind leading the blind”
While working for WVII/WFVX this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is ignored. Management doesn’t know what a real newscast is supposed to look like. Farley does not know how to do most of the things that she expects of her employees. Men are clearly treated more fairly. I have been told my suggestions are invalid due to my age and because asking questions “undermines authority.” Expect to be stretched thin and receive no feedback. This place has killed all of my passion for journalism.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here unless you hate yourself.”
News Director: Bridget Foster
“It was horrible. She is not involved with reporters whatsoever. She’s also very new to being a news director and it shows every day.”
While working for Spectrum this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m still wondering who the boss is and I worked here for two years. It’s a hot mess express and everyone knows it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“For anyone considering Spectrum News in Raleigh, don’t! It’s the station that needs Jesus, Mary, AND Joseph! They hire incompetent people, the decision-making is horrible. The management is tragic. No one ever communicates with each other yet they sit next to each other in the same room. There’s also a lack of reporters. They can never stay fully staffed and it’s because reporters are over worked and under paid and are miserable. I hated my job 30 days after I started and was counting down every day until my contract ended. I’ve never experienced this amount of unorganization, confusion, and poor effort from a station ever. They truly need to fire every person in management, get SKILLED employees and just restart. This station has made me and several others get out of the business.”
News Director: Jerry Howard
Experience described as: “He is a manipulator.”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“For a majority of my time at KDRV, I worked under Ashley Hall. She was horrible and created the most toxic work environment for everyone. When Jerry started, everyone was hopeful things would change. However, they did not! He pretty much was gaslighting the entire staff when he first started. He promised all these changes and did not follow through with any of them. The station has been understaffed by 10+ people for more than a year now. You could plan a vacation MONTHS in advance and at the last minute, Jerry will deny it and force you to cancel it. Him and Mark do not value their team and constantly put their employees in unsafe situations. When an employee comes to them with how unsafe they feel, they do not care and claim “that is a part of the job”. When an employee comes to them with genuine concern for their own mental health that has deteriorated because of the job itself, they don’t care. Every MMJ is forced to cover multiple stories by themselves daily, which is fine at any other station that actually values you and gives you time for a lunch break. Imagine covering two separate stories early in the morning and then being sent to a wildfire and working a 15 hour day with NO lunch break… then management yells at you for going into overtime and REFUSES TO PAY YOU for that overtime, even though they are the ones that made you go into overtime by overworking you. THAT is what a day in the life is like at KDRV. You are underpaid, overworked, put into unsafe situations and nobody values you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I feel bad for everyone still working at KDRV. Every single person is burnt out and unhappy. They are all looking for ways to get out of their contracts, but do not have the money to break their contract because KDRV does not pay their employees hardly anything. Most importantly, a LOT of people have completely left the industry as a direct result of what KDRV put them through. Even as a last resort, do not work here.”
News Director: Allison Gibson
Experience described as: “Not the best. Nice, but not a good leader in the slightest.”
While working for KWWL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“All employees did was rant about horrible the managers were… rightfully so. Almost always, reporters had to MMJ their stories as the station refuses to hire more photographers. Reporters sometimes had to go live in dangerous areas BY THEMSELVES, which is unacceptable. Producers are treated like dirt and sometimes have to produce more than one show in a day like it’s normal.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You should never pick a place to work and count down the days until your contract is up… I felt like I was in a legal prison working there, dying to get out as soon as I could. Their old news director, Shane Moreland, was HORRIBLE to his staff and went out of his way to make people feel like crap. When Shane left, people were thrilled to get a new news director. Personally, I liked Allison, but that’s because I value the treatment of employees more than anything else, including growth. Was she a good leader? …that’s a no from me. It was sad when a few months in, people realized they’d actually prefer Shane over her, because of how terrible of a leader and decision-maker she was. She’d harp on minor details on a story/newscast without looking at the big picture a good majority of the time. Employees had to do more (write more stories/produce more newscasts) because Allison could hardly hire anyone. She has NO charisma to get a candidate excited to say YES to accepting a position and a 3-year contract. They’d come in for their interview and walk out thinking “no thanks,” prolonging the added work current employees would have to pick up. If you’re a reporter looking for a job out of college, I get why this station sounds enticing as a top 100 market, but you really should consider elsewhere, including KCRG, their main competitor. This is not the best market to grow and get feedback… you’re basically left to fend for yourself.
Also, the parent company (Quincy) SUCKS, so avoid working at any of their stations. Their IT team is paranoid about possible viruses and blocks dozens of essential websites that make your job 10x harder (like Dropbox and Gmail… yes, GMAIL!). So enjoy trying to get your work done with ease. Also, enjoy their high deductible medical insurance that won’t cover prescriptions that most other companies would. Avoid KWWL and Quincy like the plague.”
News Director: Mike Truett
“Everyone likes Mike, he’s a good boss and meets with everyone regularly to personally and professionally check in. Lots of good advice.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great market to start in. Every reporter leaving her after two years goes to high markets.”
News Director: Janice Gin
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KITV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is run by bullies. The news director at the time Mike Darrah created a toxic work environment by encouraging people to tattle on one another for everything, and created an environment of distrust. This man had no clue how to be a good leader. There was rampant complaining, gossiping, bullying, cruelty, and bad mouthing – and the news director encouraged it because he called it “getting to the bottom of things.” The bullies there ran the place and intimidated everyone, and got away with it because they grew up in Hawaii which made them “superior” to others. They created an atmosphere filled with fear and negativity, and it can’t be emphasized enough how much tattle telling was encouraged regarding the smallest of incidents. Inappropriate language and conduct and sexual harassment were overlooked. The group of girls who worked there were the meanest of the meanest and loved to tear the newer girls down, until they recruited them to also behave like mean girls in order to fit in and continue the cycle of negativity. Again this was encouraged by the news director because he loved having his little spies out there tattling on other employees, often making stuff up and exaggerating things in the process. His spies would scour people’s social media to find things to “report” about employees. It was absolutely disgusting.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jim Platzer
“Hands off, maybe a bit too hands off. Heâs not as bad as people will tell you who donât know what the job all entails, but has his quirks that rubs people the wrong way.”
While working for WJAC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Itâs your typical small market station, no one wants to stay there and group speak makes everyone aware of their hatred and piles on. Itâs Sinclair but they avoid the worst of the Sinclair style. They run the must runs but the local news isnât influenced by any of it (most viewers think WJAC is liberal). If it had a spark of positivity, there would be lot of pluses.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Again, itâs your typical small station. Young group that has fun but hates being in a small town and think theyâre the next big thing. Veterans who range from mentors to has been/never was. Station has long track record of putting good people (and even those only good because they look good) into major league markets. If youâre a go getter, youâll make the best of it. If you like the big things in life, well…maybe find a new career!”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“Everything is done thru email. its so strange and passive aggressive.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Most of the reviews below are accurate. Barb does have good enough news judgement and doesnt get in the way on stories. But good lord, she’s a mean person deep down. The turnover at WILX the last 8 months or so was INSANE even by tv standards. An anchor and met let go just because Barb felt like it. A revolving door in the digital department and reporters. People have families but she doesn’t care. She’ll kick you to the curb. As mentioned in the review below, get anything you can in writing. You won’t do what you were told you were hired for. And you’ll be grossly underpaid and chasing stories LSJ and WLNS already did. Photogs did most live shots and they seemed to like their boss. You’ll have room to grow, but its sink or swim. Guidance and feedback is minimal at best for a sub100 market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You can do better.”
News Director: Frank Volpicella
“I haven’t met Frank because I am on mornings but in talking with him it’s been positive. Others say he’s a little overbearing, tells people things they already know and has strange news judgment. I am hoping he will eventually make the newsroom better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KOKI overall has been a wonderful place for me to work. I am very happy. My last shop was horrible, under staffed, no resources and mean people. I left the industry all together and KOKI bought me back. FOX 23 doesn’t have drama. If someone doesn’t like somebody they leave it at the door. Now there are always negative parts to a newsroom, and the small but growing nags at the station are keeping them from ever being completely first. KOTV, is very strong but we’ve chipped at the lead they have. They beat us on slightly more staff and longer tenured talent.
I was going to hold off on my review but I saw a review that was slightly inaccurate and wanted to share my own experience as a producer and a little bit about the reporter experience too.
It is very true that reporters work hard at FOX 23, sometimes too hard. Dayside, Nightside and Weekend Evening reporters, (with exceptions) have to turn two separate PKG”s within the late 90 (9pm to 10:30pm) or Early 90 (5pm to 6:30pm) on weekdays. Weekends two different PKG’s at 5 and 9 or Saturday or at 5 and 9 or 10 on Sundays. Most reporters have to do some MMJ work, most are trained on it. If you need a photog, management is good about getting you one, if you work mornings you’ll get one almost always. Reporters are also allowed to do live shots at safe locations as well.
I saw this quote in a review of FOX 23, “That trickles down to producers who carry that same attitude when talking to reporters and photographers. Theyâre only worried about live shots and content. Your safety or you being comfortable is an after thought.”
I wanted to call out that quote. That isn’t completely true. Mornings and Weekends, we really care about reporters and photogs, we want them to be safe and comfortable. Same for the weekday noon and 10pm Producers too. The 5pm, 6pm and 9pm weekday producers are that way though, they are cold, strange and only care about themselves. They’ve never been a problem for me, but the rare times I see them, they ignore me. Some producers have only worked at FOX 23 so they don’t know how bad other places can be. We did pick up staff from the competition that calls FOX 23 the best newsroom in Tulsa to work for.
We do love crime at FOX 23, and it’s a little grating, but we also have a fluff problem. Sometimes too much of either. We skip stories that are more important sometimes and it frustrates me.
Photogs at FOX 23 are so kind, they do their job and are very positive. Reporters vary, I’m close with one who likes the station, some as you see in other reviews are jaded. We don’t hire a ton of experience anymore but it’s a problem at ALL Tulsa stations. Some of the newer people fly and others aren’t ready but survive. Morning reporters do nine live hits of the same story (unless sent to breaking news) each day and turn a different story for noon. Weekend Morning reporter does less hits but turns a PKG for later on.
Clay Loney (main anchor) (been there since 2004, we launched in 2002) is so kind, helpful, funny and knows the market, I never get to work with him but see him and talk.
Shae Rozzi (main anchor), (been there since 2013) a sweetheart, she cares about the station. Very positive and a delight to be around.
Both Clay and Shae write scripts as needed and they really care about the product.
Lynn (Weekend Evenings) also sweet. Tiffany (noon anchor), loud and crazy with a heart of gold. Naomi (weekend morning anchor) cool and calm.
As for the morning anchors; Ron Terrell is a market veteran and a nice guy. Great sense of humor, but doesn’t write scripts, and checks his scripts way too late into the show. Sometimes causes confusion.
Ah, Michelle Linn, she’s something. She really cares about the newscast each day and has a lot of experience. But she’s exhausting. Wants what she wants added in as soon as she says it. Lots of fluffy pet projects and enjoys making herself the story. Can be mean to reporters and producers if she doesn’t like something. I’m used to her at this point but not the biggest fan. On the bright side she will do rewrites if needed and they are strong. Great writer she is.
I’ll get to the biggest problem in a second but I really like Tulsa. It’s one of the best underrated news markets in the country. Tons of news here, pretty city and good weather. Great market to cover weather stories after storms.
Now as for turnover, we did have a couple of layoffs from COX after Coronavirus hit but we are staffed pretty well except for mornings. Five hours and we go down to one producer and EP only sometimes. We do a wheel format in the mornings and update when needed. Monday, and Tuesday, 2 producers, and AP and EP. Wednesday, and Thursday, 3 Producers and AP and EP. Fri 3 Producers and an EP. When fully staffed we are fine but we struggle on days without someone and it is tiring. As for the rest, we have a noon producer, a 5pm producer, 6pm producer, 9pm producer and 10pm producer. Two AP’s and four producers who fill-in. One of them is attached to mornings three days a week (and weekend mornings), other three do weekend evenings.
The sports team is kind, I came to FOX 23 on the advice of one them who had gone through a similar experience to mine.
Weather team is great, James, Michael, Laura and Mike are all delights and so kind.
Some have said that FOX 23 has bad turnover, and we do have some, but every station in Tulsa does, few people make their career here. Ours isn’t particularly worse than others. Other stations in Tulsa have it far worse than we do.
COX (even after the sale to Apollo) is one of the better companies. Better benefits than a lot of shops, especially compared to Sinclair. Lots of editorial freedom to cover what we want.
Now for the part that will keep us at second place, the managers. Frank is still so new and gets so many ideas from Magid (which COX loves), some are decent. He has the experience, just has a hard time getting them in place. Some ideas are confusing. Tina the old ND was very hands off and Frank is the complete opposite.
Greg is Managing Editor (in normal terms Assistant ND), he has been nice to me but not everybody is a fan. Lots of experience and still makes a lot of decisions in house.
Leslie (nightside EP) hired me and gave me a shot and I am always going to be grateful. Not always the best news judgment and makes us confused often. She means well.
Marti (morning EP), she is very kind and supportive, she is willing to listen. She is underprepared for her role sometimes. She can be late and missing when we need her. She gives good feedback but gets carried away over the smallest things and is afraid of Michelle. Changes scripts but forgets to tell anchors.
Communication is a struggle at FOX 23. Some don’t communicate at all, some too much and with others missing information. There has been confusion over who is anchoring on a day or who is reporting at times.
I feel I am a tiny bit underpaid for the market size but I came to the station for a decent pay bump.
Overall I am very happy at FOX 23, I know others aren’t but some have never worked anywhere else or in a toxic newsroom like I have. KOKI has toxic people and parts to it. But most people are kind and helpful and want you to do well.
This overall is a good station that is hopefully on the way to even better. Not an overly toxic newsroom by any means, just be careful around some.
I recommend coming to FOX 23 to start or continue your career.”
While working for WECT this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Youâll be prevented from advancing your career because of your age and gender. Youâll also be talked down to in front of everyone for the same reasons, but management will deny they do it. The newsroom is negative and everyone complains all of the time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you donât like having to constantly stand up for yourself and your work you wonât survive working here. But if mediocre surface stories are your thing youâll be fine. All of the good reporters left at once and several poor hiring choices have been made since then. Youâll also never be thanked, appreciated or recognized for your work and/or effort. If you win an award the station will take all of the credit.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
Experience described as: “Horrible. Unpleasant. Moody. Unprofessional. Conniving. Just a bad/miserable human being.”
While working for WJCL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Barb was the worst person I have ever worked for. She promised many of us young reporters that we’d get our chance to anchor, do some sport reporting, whatever we wanted, etc.. None of that happened, she lies to bring you in, but once you are in, you’ll soon realize it was all lies, it is a shit show. My outfits were scrutinized by her and EP Jeff Proctor, who is the worst human being of ALL-TIME. This guy should not be allowed to work in a news room. He made fellow female colleagues of mine cry because he would yell at them for officials not answering calls, something out of their control. This was something that happened all the time, by the way. He followed me into the room where we got our cameras and threatened to fight me, because we had words over my suit color. I could not believe it. The man definitely has a bipolar disorder. He also took a reporter’s keyboard and slammed it on his desk in front of his face, keys flew everywhere, all because his script was “shit.” Here is the best part, this was in front of Barb’s office. Barb never says a thing about Jeff’s tantrums, so good luck going to her LOL. Oh and don’t give money to that union, they won’t do a thing for you. Also, be prepared to see Barb/Jeff play favorites, they had this one reporter “follow” a dog abuse case for about a month or two, and by follow, she just sat at the station all day, and used left over stock footage each time she pushed a story out, meanwhile all of us were slaving away to turn stuff every day. When I look back, I think of all of the friends I made, BUT I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Again, I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy. This place ruined my whole outlook on Local News, really. All Local News stations are shit, run down, you get paid like crap, but I was hoping that the good would outweigh the bad, but not at WILX. This whole WILX experience was very sad, since I am a Lansing native, and went to MSU, it was just very eye opening.
#FireProctor”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“Sheâs not qualified for the position. Bases everything off her emotions instead of whatâs best for the company”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“Run as fast and as far as you can. While everyone else in the building is amazing, Greg is the worst person I’ve ever met, let alone worked with. He has had several sexual harassment claims against him, and yet is still there.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you’re a woman, beware. Greg is check you out openly, and make inappropriate comments about the way you look.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s an experience to work there, that’s for sure”
News Director: Frank Jones
“If you are a man, come work here. If you are a female reporter STAY AWAY. He, along with the other managers, respect male opinions and work more than the work of women. He will lie to you, and will give you an inch so he can say he did something for you, but you will be stuck.”
While working for WWBT this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Men can ask for what they want in the newsroom and will be heard. Women are seen as argumentative and demanding.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jim Campagna
“I have a love/hate relationship with Jim. He can be a little frazzled and doesn’t demand respect from his newsroom–he can be the butt of a lot of jokes. My big issue with him was the way he treats men versus women. He typically views male reporters as “lead story” material, while women are more health/education reporters. But I always felt cared for… he makes a point to stop in on every holiday.”
While working for WSYR this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I felt as a woman I had to work every day to prove I could do harder news. My male colleagues would walk in and immediately be assigned the top story. There is definitely an old school vs. new school feeling at the station that led to some toxicity, but it was also wonderful. The photographers, some anchors, and some managers have been in the newsroom for decades. Some offered a lot of amazing lessons and really looked out for you, while others resented the change in the industry and took it out on you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Scott Atkinson
“Scott has an incredible news judgement. He is willing to teach and work with each reporter on an individual level.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“If you are just out of college, you want to work here. This station will make you better. The newsroom is filled with news veterans and wonderful teachers. The ND actually cares about your mental health and works to make sure you have a good work/personal balance. I cannot say enough good things about this station.”
News Director: Andy Paras
“Heâs not to bad but some of the hires werenât so good”
While working for WFFT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was great to work here at first but they start expecting you to do things that arenât your job and donât pay you for the extra work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Itâs fine for a starter place but I wouldnât work here for more than a year. It weighs heavily on mental health. Thereâs a lot that needs worked on like management listening to employees.”
News Director: Mike Tomko
“He was a terrible mentor.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is seven miles from corporate Sinclair HQ, and is heavily controlled by those at corporate. It is a testing ground for group-wide projects which can be nice, but there are too many cooks in the kitchen — and no one who will stand up to corporate and voice an objection if something isn’t working and is detrimental to the local product. The News Director is completely spineless and spends most of his time in the GM’s office, where there is very little transparency and an uneasy feeling emanates. When I was there, a certain reporter had a horrible clique and — if she didn’t like you — you were either a) always in the “dog house” and/or b) forced out. Honestly, I left because she made it impossible for me to come to work. Her husband worked at corporate and she is best friends with the corporate head of the news division. I could have stuck it out, but the nail in the coffin was when I was strongly encouraged to give to the corporate PAC. I found that reprehensible.”
News Director: CJ Hoyt
Experience described as: “Not engaged. Doesnât care about anyone except anchors.”
While working for WXIN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Talk about a toxic work environment. Management does not value any employees. Morale is at an all time low. All I ever hear are complaints of misery from coworkers.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Low pay, poor health coverage, toxic environment.”
News Director: Jay Quantanince
“He may be a sociopath. HATED photogs and pushed literally every vet out when he came in. Also seemed to believe TV wasnât important which is a bad look for a TV News Director.”
While working for WJHL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Josh Smith is a BULLY. He will threaten you and has the cache there to follow through. Jay is worthless and they lost all their good employees after his reign started.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I almost left the industry after working at this station. I feel so badly for any fresh faces coming here and getting THIS as their first taste of a newsroom. Please avoid at all costs.”
While working for KOKI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are out in the field, you’re worked like a dog. Management prides themselves on how hard they work their crews. That trickles down to producers who carry that same attitude when talking to reporters and photographers. They’re only worried about live shots and content. Your safety or you being comfortable is an after thought.
Reporters must turn two different stories a day that usually involve some type of crime. Arrest and booking reports are their bread and butter. Reporters who are interested in doing real journalism should go elsewhere, but if you’re down for turn and burn, this is your place.
Live shots by yourself and expected to make them creative, engaging. When an issue arises because of the insane workload, the individual is made to feel like they’re the problem. That isn’t the case because a lot of reporters who’ve left have gone on to bigger markets and better stations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is organized and educational in the most negative, toxic way possible.
If you suck up to management and do whatever they say without question, you’ll be fine here.”
News Director: Valerie Sullivan
“She is very nice, but does not stand up for her employees. She plays favorites and lets the GM call the shots.”
While working for WVNS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is extremely toxic due to a lack of leadership in management and the general manager, Al Sandubrae. Al takes every opportunity to undercut his newsroom management and tear down growing reporters. This environment could be a good place for young reporters to grow. Instead, the GM harassed reporters and producers and belittles them in front of an audience. Not a healthy environment. If you want to get burned out quickly in news, this is the station for you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Many reporters and producers have left the station with a sour taste in their mouths due to the GMâs behavior and treatment. It could be a wonderful place if some of the leadership stepped aside. I would not recommend this station to young reporters. Way too toxic.”
News Director: Darrel Lieze-Adams
“Rarely work with Darrel. EP and Asst. ND are my main “bosses””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Waterman is the most organized station I have ever worked for. You have to be a go getter. Seek feedback, speak your mind, reach out to management about upward mobility. You may be surprised at what they’re willing to let you do!”
News Director: Tom Henderson
Experience described as: “Chaotic”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Tomâs vast knowledge of the news industry is overshadowed
by a hot temper and poor, dictator-like leadership. He does not trust his staff and fosters a culture finger pointing and scapegoating. He is out of touch with the happenings of his own newsroom. The man knows good story telling and will drops some solid gems along the way. Just be prepared for some character assassinations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Managing Editor and Anchor, Latricia Thomas is also veteran journalist with a lot to offer. Rather than make good on her word to help develop rookie reporters, she wields her power in the newsroom to crush creativity and patronize lower level employees. She engages in petty office politics. Sometimes, falling down on the job to catch errors before air, she becomes combative with anyone from photogs to web staff. She simply has too much on her plate, and will throw you under a moving bus to save face.
You will walk away from this station a solid reporter with a thick skin, and likely a good psychologist on speed dial. Keep everything in writing. HR will likely be copied on any email against you.”
News Director: Heather Corson
“She is utterly clueless as to how to run a newsroom. The only reason she has a job is because the tyrannical owner wants a puppet in the newsroom.”
While working for KTWO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Numerous complaints have been filed for sexual harassment with no response from management. This place is pretty much run in the dark ages where women are seen as objects.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. This station is extremely toxic. The middle management and news director are spineless rubes who cower at the corrupt owner Mark Nalbone. His job is to ruin your life. This place should be investigated for so many sketchy and morally rotten dealings.”
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “Terrible, constantly putting you down, never positive”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The staff at WAAY is made up of mainly females and I think the ND does that on purpose because he can intimidate them. He does not allow female reporters to wear what they want meaning multiple colors on air, patterns, long/dangle earrings, bell sleeves, you name it, he doesn’t like it. He will call people out in front of everyone and then make people change. He once said someone looked homeless, and he wasn’t trying to be funny.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I worked there for a year and a half and my mental health suffered so much. I would cry to my parents about how I was treated and how the management didn’t care about any of the reporters. They overwork everyone there and give no affirmation for it. I never wanted to go to work and when I did I avoided ND and all other management like the plague. The managers are so far up the ND’s you know what that they are like robots. The assignment manager disliked me from the first day I started and I never gave her a reason to dislike me, so she made it extremely difficult to work. There’s a big difference between being critical and giving helpful advice, and just being negative. The ND never gave helpful criticism it was always well you did this wrong and no advice on how to do it better even when you ask him for suggestions. I felt like in the year and a half I was there I only grew because of the experienced anchors and reporters who would give me advice and feedback. The producers get put on a pedestal because the ND used to be one. He pays them more, he defends them and blames reporters, you can just tell he likes the producers more. Another thing is reporters rarely ever get a photog, which there was only one of, and then the ND gets mad when reporters can’t do active stand ups or live shots. He doesn’t see that he’s the problem. I’m going to keep adding to this there are too many reporters/people who need cameras and cars and not enough cameras and cars. The news reporters are given everything they need while the sports people must take the leftovers. There’s a lot more to say, but I’ll leave it there. Main point of this, don’t work at WAAY while Matt Stein is the ND.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“She was very knowledgeable , had good experience. She was pretty easy to talk to. Never yelled or talked down to people. She also didnât pit up with lazy people or drama.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I had a great experience. I learned a lot from management and people who had been there for awhile. I liked that management didnât put up with drama . It didnât matter if they were a reporter, producer , Anchor been there for a long time , it didnât matter. She treated everyone the same and with respect if they did their job.”
News Director: Kyle Fobe
While working for WBND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not even sure where to begin — However, I’ll start by saying all of the previous reviews are absolutely accurate. ABC57 is an extremely tough place to work whether you’re a producer, MMJ, or anchor.
There is no overtime, safety is a huge issue with reporters running their own live shots, there’s little training / professional development opportunities ( i.e. conferences, feedback, etc ), and it’s disorganized. There’s no standard protocol for breaking news, etc — It turns into everyone doing different things, receiving different information, and confusing the staff and audience in the end. Multiple people have up and quit ( I can think of at least 15 ) over the 2.5 yrs I was there due to poor morale / toxic work environment. Most of the producers / MMJs I worked with felt anxious / depressed while there.
The station just transitioned to a new ND, Kyle Fobe. Kyle is a nice guy and has improved the overall atmosphere of the newsroom, but his news judgement is horrendous. My impression is that he values stories that would get clicks / likes and quantity over quality journalism. MMJs during coronavirus coverage have been responsible for multiple VOSOTs and PKGs, often on stories that don’t provide any true news value to the audience. While the previous ND was horrendous in the way she treated staff, she did have decent news judgement ( although she sometimes had too high of a standard ) that made the station’s newscasts different from the competitors. Kyle is also notorious for having ideas in his head that could be great in theory but just aren’t realistic due to station / staff limitations. Although, I will say, he is a visually creative person and in the instances his ideas can be implemented, they’re good.
The few bright spots at this station are they will give you opportunities to anchor, travel if you work for it, pay, and South Bend is a great town.
There’s no permanent weekend morning anchor and the station leaves it open for MMJs who want anchoring experience. It’s a three hour show filled with a lot of moving parts so once it’s mastered, you’re prepared to handle other newscasts.
ABC57 / Weigel also sends MMJs to cover big stories — During my time, MMJs went to LA for Dancing with the Stars, almost all of the Democratic debates / first few rounds of the primaries, national championships, and more. Although, I will say I think it was something more emphasized by the previous ND. I’m not sure if Kyle will keep it up.
South Bend / Michiana itself is filled with a lot of cool restaurants / bars, outdoor activities (45 min away from Lake Michigan), festivals, and more. It’s a smaller town but you won’t be bored. It’s also a great news town meaning there’s a variety of things to cover. The station also pays decently compared to the competitors but remember there’s no OT which sucks because you will work a lot of extra hours.
Overall, this place is tough and will break you — I was warned it will be like boot camp and it was. If you feel like you can handle it / it’s your only option, great, take it. It will help you get to your next station. Most reporters / producers have gone onto top 40 markets after ABC57, but like the one review mentioned, it doesn’t have to be this hard / there are probably better opportunities.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Joe Inderhees
“I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News director Joe Inderhees appears to have issues hiring minorities. All the minority on-air talent who have left has been replaced by non-minorities. The racial disparity is also apparent during coverage of news stories. Stories that happen in predominantly white neighbors get more coverage than areas where African Americans live.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The problem with First Coast News is that management does not get challenged. All fall in-line behind news director Joe Inderhees and fail to challenge. This leads to the station being third on nearly every story and playing catch-up on a daily basis.”
News Director: Open
“He was shady. Just took orders from corporate. No one in this position has a voice. Itâs disgraceful.”
While working for WBFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Certain people are given preferential treatment, leading to pettiness and poor treatment all around.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Tom Henderson
“Tom is a very nice man. Heâs very persuasive when he wants something, and will make promises to you for the future, but doesnât actually adhere to them. ALWAYS get EVERYTHING in writing. He loves the âmanaging editorâ Latricia Thomas. Anything she says goes and she knows it. Tom is a little old fashioned and doesnât agree with most of the new reporters stories. Unless it involves being dirty and calling out people in the city. Great man, but doesnât actually run his newsroom.”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do I even begin.
News Channel 9 thrives on one thing, and thatâs getting the juicy stories.
There are people that make the newsroom toxic, and unfortunately itâs the people that are in charge.
Latricia T. (5,5:30 anchor, and managing editor) she is condescending and rude. 0 compassion comes from the person thatâs being paid to mentor reporters and MMJs. Latricia picks her favorites and if youâre not one of them sheâs sure to let you know it. She takes all your scripts and makes them her own. Donât expect to actually do or write something youâre passionate about. Sheâll read it, crumble it up and throw it out then force you to read and claim what she wrote as your own. She doesnât change things because theyâre factually incorrect or because it sounds weird, she changes it because she wants it to be her writing.
She doesnât give compliments or praise when deserved to any of the reporters, and when she does you can feel that itâs being forced from her.
When you pitch a story idea, sheâll make sure you feel ignorant for even saying it out loud.
She speaks to her employees as if theyâre all in preschool when sheâs trying to get her point across.
If you get something finished throughout the day on time or early it will NEVER be good enough, sheâll expect you to get more and demand things that just arenât doable 45 minutes before shows.
SHE requires that you write not one but 2 different stories for the 5&6 news casts. SHE HAS to approve what your write for the 5, before you can voice and edit your package in time for it to air at 5, and then once youâre finished with that you HAVE to write the 6 and get it approved in time to also voice and edit before the 6 starts. And thatâs if youâre lucky and arenât elected to be top of 5 and 5:30.
She believes both packages must be different, but doesnât care if that makes your job harder. Youâre also required to post to social media three times a day at the minimum, begin your web story before shows, and if you donât expect a passive aggressive text message from her.
Sheâs a very rude manager, and to be honest as long as she works there with power under her belt, there will never be a reporter that leaves there without running(unless youâre a favorite).
She doesnât actually care about the reporters, photographers and staff at Channel 9. I watched a reporter that had worked under her for four years on their last day at channel 9 walk out the door and Latricia not even look at that reporters direction. Itâs very sad.
The next manager there, previously a producer, now promoted to Assignment Manager, Shannen S.
Shes a rude person in general, but has her good days. She and the managing editor are close.
Personally when itâs just her in the newsroom, sheâs a pleasant person to be around, but is influenced by Latricia.
Overall the newsroom only does stories on shootings, deaths, car wrecks, city scandals, and really anything negative.
They do not like happy stories.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The photographers, producers, HR, sales team, engineering and everyone else are all wonderful. Everyone else tries to work as a team and a lot of them love what they do. If youâre in sales youâll like it there, everyone always seemed to be smiling across the hallway.
The other anchors are all very helpful and sweet.
Kim Chapman (anchor) is the kindest and sweetest person at Channel 9 and if you ever needed real help and guidance sheâs the woman to ask!”
News Director: Bryan McGruder
Experience described as: “Good at first, soured later”
While working for WZTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“1) There was some kind of Alt-Right/KKK rally. Told them I didn’t feel comfortable/safe going multiple times, but was forced to go.
2) Terrible Chief Photographer.
3) Little to no communication between staff.
4) Conservative station/management”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Darrel Lieze Adams
Experience described as: “Very frustrating”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“The News director is gay and hires an inordinate amount of gay men. It is actually an open source of discussion in the community. A gay anchor was actually arrested for domestic violence and KEPT his job,…until he was arrested for a second time. You can look it up.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management takes credit for all successes and blames all failures on employees. The company also runs the ABC affiliate. Both stations should be a dominant number #1 and 2 because of, by far, the largest staff in the market, and superior equipment. There are some good people and the news judgement is generally good. The station also suffers from a weak weather department which holds them back.”
News Director: Shauna Ziegler
Experience described as: “Very poor”
While working for KFOX14 & CBS4 this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic work environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Bryan Queen
Experience described as: “Literal hell. Toxic”
While working for WHP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not come here. Go somewhere else. Theyâre all over the place. Itâs an overall toxic work environment. Not worth working here.”
News Director: Bryan Queen
“Bryan is a nightmare of a person. He has no leadership skills, constantly puts his staff down, openly favors men, has no communication skills, only wants to cover national news and weather, and facilities an extremely negative and toxic work environment”
While working for WHP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Over the course of Bryan Queen’s two years at the station more than 40 people left. Some left without another job lined up and some of those people had families to provide for which speaks volumes. Person after person went to our GM, HR, Corporate, and each time was told to suck it up or that they’re being too sensitive. Bryan is constantly putting his staff down, never gives positive feedback, doesn’t understand what a good news story is, is unable to make eye contact or hold a conversation… I would rather be homeless than ever work under his leadership at this station again.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re thinking about working here I would strongly encourage you to RUN, fast, in the opposite direction.”
News Director: Bryan Queen
Experience described as: “Toxic. Upsetting. Demeaning. Horrible work environment”
While working for WHP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was an unfortunately terrible experience. No feedback, only harsh criticism. No manager stands up for what’s right. Complaints to higher management have gone unanswered. Little camaraderie, as the work load piles up and people look to get out of their contracts early. Little promotion within.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay away under this leadership”
News Director: Bryan Queen
“HORRIFIC. Has no human decency, lacks basic communication skills, sets team up for failure, is in no way a positive leader and creates a toxic work environment.”
While working for WHP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is completely unprofessional and lacks all leadership skills. The stations turnover rate is incredible and constant.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Morgan Schaab
“Young and unable to make sound decisions that reflect her entire newsroom and community”
While working for WAND this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Oh my! Where do I even start? First, if youâre thinking about working here please run the other direction (and fast). You will not get a sense of comradely from the main anchors. You will not be supported by your news director and you will not do the job you think youâre coming there to do. I canât even begin to describe how unorganized this newsroom is on top of the fact that most of the staff is straight out of college, the cameras and tripods are heavier then any Iâve experienced. I understand that this is a tough industry and we have to take what we can get sometimes but if you are not straight out of college, trust me – you can do better then this place. Iâll end this with saying the main female anchor at night is a bully who can barely get through the A block without stumbling all over herself. If you want this market, Iâd do WCIA.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The control room folks have a history of being nasty. So, if you are an incoming anchor, thatâs something to be aware of.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“He is such a jerk. There is no way he should be in charge of a news room. He likes to bully people and tries to rule with fear tactics. I canât wait to leave.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You just canât thrive in an environment that holds you back. I know I was meant for better things. This place puts a strangle hold on your abilities.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Iâm so happy to be leaving this place. I canât wait to really bloom in my next role.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“I donât want to bash him. However, heâs simply not a good person. That translates into awful mgr. very little empathy, and very much like a mean girl from high school. Gossipy and plays favorites. Get everything in writing – immediately! (Been known to say promotions, raises and schedule change discussions never happened)”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Massive turnover- disrespectful managers – too focused on tiny things instead of overarching issues – regional ND is a former news director from a previous job. His unscrupulous morals and uncomfortable convos with women were always apparent when he was in town. The entire Sinclair executive board of suits would talk about leaving their wives to visit their girlfriends in Bham. Disgusting. That regional ND once had me do a studio fashion show for him before I could report on the morning show. He picked the outfits he wanted me to wear and how he wanted my hair. It made me feel gross.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It wasnât always like this the former ND, Garry, was fair and a hard worker. Heâd work the desk in an ongoing breaking situation like snow. Heâd fill in on a show if someoneâs child got sick …. heâd listen and consider other ideas. He wasnât perfect, but it set the tone for the entire operation. When he left, the newsroom fell a part. My friends who still work there confirm.. it hasnât recovered. So many people get out of the biz, quit with no job lined up, and cry in the parking lot. Itâs no way to live. I havenât regretted getting out, once.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“He is the worst person I have ever worked for. Clearly unorganized, major OCD about minor things. Completely incapable of communicating effectively with staff. Heâs the kid that was bullied in middle school and now takes it out on others because he has some power.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management consisted of bullies. The GM, The ND, and HR all team up to bully you. HR here is a joke. She will only take the station side no matter what. Even if you go to her first, she turns it around and blames you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid at all costs. I worked here in production several years ago under different management. I loved it then. I came back as a producer and it wasnât the same station. Everyone is miserable. Everyone! Iâm the 4th producer to quit in the last 2 months. The other 4 are looking to quit as soon as they can.”
News Director: Jefferson Houston
Experience described as: “Horrible boss. Worst Iâve ever had.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was constantly harassed by another coworker. Upon reporting it I was immediately deemed a ânon team playerâ. I reported it over and over and nothing was done about it until I was finally demoted.
The News Directorâs mottos for leadership: âI prefer to inspire with fearâ and âif people like you, you arenât doing a good job.â
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid if at all possible. Unless you are on the favorites list, you will be bullied constantly, by management. There has been a complete turnover in the newsroom in less than two years. And the turnover continues.”
News Director: Eric Walters
“DO NOT WORK HERE – Terrible experience”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WBTW is NOT the station you want to be! Do not disregard the negative reviews from this station because you will find yourself in misery during the length of your contract. The management failed its employees several times, but was too prideful to admit it. You do not get paid enough to deal with the unorganized, toxic environment that calls itself News 13, and management does not put your safety first. You will be unnecessarily overworked and you won’t have a voice to speak up about the way things are being done. Don’t dare have new ideas or suggestions on how to improve the way news is covered, because you will be seen as a problem and management will make sure to make your job a living nightmare. This station does a terrible job of covering news fairly, so if you have any sort of ethics, this is also not the place you want to be. There are too many people who have never worked in other markets or who only worked in small markets, so they have a “that’s how it’s always been done” attitude.
You will not be treated with respect at WBTW – especially if you are a person of color; We’ve all witnessed the unfair treatment far too many times.
This station only has ONE photographer at the main location in Myrtle Beach, and ONE in the Florence bureau. They are not pushed to work hard, so they get away with making excuses to be lazy. In other words, don’t think you will ever work with them on a story or live shot.
Honestly, there aren’t enough words to describe just how terrible this station is, but please trust the negative reviews and save yourself the trouble.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You may love the area, but you will be miserable getting out of bed every day going to such a terrible workplace. DO NOT come to WBTW! Everyone else in the market knows how terribly the staff is treated and it’s quite sad.
If you want to come to Myrtle Beach, apply to one of the other stations.”
News Director: Holly Gauntt
“Holly and her management team play favorites and create a toxic work environment.”
While working for KMGH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Holly and her assistant news director play favorites. For how well respected Holly is in the television industry, she is oblivious to the toxic work environment in the newsroom, created by her management staff. Over the past three years, several top-notch reporters have departed due to this issue. Gerardo Lopez, the assistant news director, spends more time micromanaging the staff than actually working. I wouldn’t be surprised if more departures happened because of his poor management skills.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Holly Gauntt
Experience described as: “Negative, toxic, disorganized”
While working for KMGH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director plays favorites with some and targets others. It was easily one of the worst work environments. The lack of focus was dizzying. Some of the older employees thankfully keep the newsroom grounded and encourage creativity and growth. They are great. The news director will tell you she does, but it’s often lip service. It’s a real shame who she identifies as a “true Journalist” and who she does not. Too many top-notch photographers, reporters and producers left because of that. Some even left the business, which is really disturbing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“News director aside, many of the people working in the trenches are great people who work their butts off.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Chuck is a good news director overall. Strong ethics. Unfortunately, heâs not able to run the newsroom because the VP of Content controls everything.”
While working for KOTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Without giving too much identifying information, the station has gone extremely downhill in the last five years. The VP of Content brought in an extremely unqualified news director who was not only bad at his job, but has been described as âevilâ and the âworst boss Iâve ever worked forâ by people who have been in news for decades. The damage done during that NDâs time felt irreparable. Now, Chuck Maulden is a good news director, but is still not allowed to make the big decisions because the VP of Content controls everything. The VP of Content is massively disliked throughout the newsroom for how he treats to and talks to people. He is notorious for playing favorites, and giving promotions to people who absolutely do not deserve it, while deserving candidates fall by the wayside. He also hires âfriendsâ from outside the company to fill positions when there are many qualified candidates already under his roof. The people you work with directly are, overall, wonderful, even the managers. But again, they all fall under the VPâs thumb. In the past year, all reporters have been forced to turn into MMJs, plus an extra show has been added and doubled everyoneâs workload. It seems like no one cares about quality anymore. Itâs sad to see what was once an amazing station, fall into ruin because of poor leadership.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Neogiate outs in your contract.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“She’s been fired from all the Detroit stations for a reason.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lack of leadership and vision for the product results in daily “knee jerk” reactions by continually chasing the paper or the number one station in town.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“WILX also does the news for the FOX station in the market, however, the FOX product has its own set of anchors (but uses WILX reporters for all its content.) The GM is relatively new to her position so looks to guidance from the news director. It’s not a coincidence that more than 40 people have left since Barb took over several years ago, but despite being told, management/corporate refuses to do anything about it. The overall newsroom atmosphere is not a positive one. The pay is also extremely low at the station for reporters, producers, and photogs. If you’re promised anything in the interview process, get it in writing. Barb is notorious for not being truthful to new hires about actual job duties (promising things that can or will never happen.)”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“I learned alot. She has alot of previous experience so she was helpful”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I really learned alot there. I was given a start with not alot of experience and I got a ton. All of the anchors that were experienced. the EP and News Director both work with new employees and teach them alot. I moved on to a bigger market from there..”
News Director: Barb Roethler
“Horrible. She doesnt care about her employees but she is an an okay ND– has good news judgement. She lied all the time. She hired her friends and didn’t work hard. She’s out the door early every day, and made empty promises.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Do not work here. The people in the building are nice but they treated their employees poorly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Randy Bain
“I like Randy. Nice guy. Heâs just the messenger to the GM, who is a nightmare.”
While working for KTBS this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station picks and chooses who gets help and who doesnât.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. Not one person in the newsroom is happy.”
News Director: Randy Bain
“Great guy. One of the best overall bosses I’ve ever had. Truly cares for his employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Seemingly always understaffed, and a bit less structured than other stations due to private management. Anchors get treated very well. Not a terrible place to work but understaffing can put excessive stress on employees to pick up the slack.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
News Manager: Kerri Copello
“Disheartening, depressing, mentally draining, stressful, petty drama, unpleasant, unproductive, poor leadership”
While working for WFXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The News Director is Jenna Huff, who works out of the station hub in Macon. Employees see her roughly once per quarter and have conference calls with her roughly once per month, if not less. Jenna cared very little about the day-to-day operation and would direct any problems in the station to the News Manager, Kerri.
Staff in the “Albany bureau,” for lack of a better description, report to News Manager Kerri Copello. Kerri has little, if any, respect for her employees and the work they do. She has no experience as a leader and is incredibly unqualified to be in charge of a news operation or employees.
She is quick to point fingers at her employees openly in front of other employees, even when she is fully in the wrong, which usually stems from Kerri’s inability to communicate clearly or her lack of focus. She never takes responsibility for her own actions or her own mistakes. It’s always the news team’s fault.
When her employees do make mistakes (which everybody does every so often), she once again openly calls them out in front of other employees, which drives morale amongst the news team into the ground.
Kerri holds personal grudges against her subordinates and does not treat them fairly.
When viewers throw negative comments at reporters, Kerri does little to stand up for her employees. She takes pleasure in watching her employees fail and does nothing to support them.
Kerri’s passion is meteorology, so she has very little experience in a news setting. With MMJs coming straight out of college, she has very little to offer them in regard to bettering their news product to help them grow as journalists. It’s up to coworkers to critique, edit, train, and support each other. They are on their own.
If anybody has problems with editing in Avid, Kerri wouldn’t be able to help because she is the only person in the station allowed to continue using Edius, even after the station fully switched over to Avid. Coworkers were forced to train each other on the new editing software after Kerri returned from a full training session with no useable information to guide the MMJs.
Kerri was very rarely ever in the station during my time at WFXL, especially whenever she was needed. She would frequently disappear in the nicest news car and not be seen for hours at a time. This left MMJs wondering if their package scripts were approved or left them not knowing what stories they’d be covering for the day, let alone if breaking news happened when she was away.
Because of WFXL’s position as a distant second place in the market, Kerri would get 99% of breaking news stories from the top station in the market. This had reporters calling on crime scenes or going to house fires or robberies hours, if not days, after the top station broke the news. She once asked me to download the other station’s mobile app so I could see their breaking news push alerts and send an MMJ to the scene when she wasnât in the office.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I was fortunate enough to have my position abruptly eliminated by Sinclair Broadcasting roughly halfway through my two-year contract, along with the newscast director, who had been there for decades. That left a total of 3 MMJs, the web director, and Kerri working in the bureau. I felt bad leaving my friends and coworkers behind in that environment and had a sense of survivorâs guilt.
Getting out of bed and going into work everyday was difficult and depressing. A passion for producing quality news was rarely found because of Kerri, making the employees just want to put their eight hours in and get out as fast as possible, counting down how many days are left in their contracts.
When problems do arise between Kerri or Jenna, the station/HR manager does not stand up for the employees. The GM, who is hubbed at WACH in South Carolina (5 hours away), is understanding and supports the staff better than anybody working in the Albany bureau. Whenever I had issues, I felt like the GM was the best person to talk to about things I saw in the station.
The staff was paid well compared to other stations in the market, but the higher pay wasn’t worth the mental exhaustion of working in that environment.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
News Manager: Kerri Copello
Experience with Jenna described as: “Indifferent- not seen much”
While working for Fox 31 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The toxic work environment is brought on by the news manager, Kerri Copello who runs day to day operations for the station. She single handily made every reporter miserable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The news manager, Kerri Copello is one to watch out for. She runs the day to day operations, not the news director. She will lie to you, be deceitful, and will be sure to throw you under the bus. She will tell one reporter one thing, then another person something different. When upper management cracks down on her, she covers herself with more lies. She takes the station cars out for 3 hour lunch breaks with her friends and doesn’t seem to care if another reporter actually needs the car for work or not. Kerri finds time to come in and see what you’ve done an hour before deadline and will change your entire day and force you to re-work your whole story last minute. She is a pro at coming in an hour late every single day and will make you wait for her to even start your day. She is the reason why the station is in a bad position. Kerri also does stories as favors for her friends in the community. If one of her friends is having an event that isn’t really news-worthy, Kerri will force a reporter to go cover it just because she’s friends with the person. She also does this to gain power and influence. Lastly, Kerri has zero news experience- she was a weather woman and they made her news manager. She has no idea what real news is and her judgement makes the station look silly in comparison to our competition. Kerri creates a terrible, toxic news environment and you can’t fully understand how terrible it is until you work for her. Not recommended.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
News Manager: Kerri Copello
“Jenna is very competitive and a great leader. She expects the best from everyone. As long as you give it your all, you’ll have her respect. Bring stories to the table that will lead the newscast.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“WFXL has always struggled going up against a legacy station, WALB. But that has gotten worse since it was bought by Sinclair and now it has become a satellite station. Many people were laid off in 2016 and now the only newscast (10 p.m. weekdays) is anchored from Macon at the studios of the Sinclair station there. The station has three or four reporters covering a large geographical area. I had a good amount of live shots but that was several years ago…now, you probably won’t get any or very little live shot experience. Also, years ago, it was great because nearly all reporters at least had a chance to fill-in anchor. Not a station I would recommend unless things change.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
News Manager: Kerri Copello
“Hardly work with her (Jenna) because she is the news director at another station, and is in Macon. The News Manager, Kerri, Copello is the go to person. Not the best work environment, especially for a first job when you’re trying to learn. Hardly get any direction.”
While working for WFXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No weekend show, so you automatically get the weekends off. No photographers. Hardly go live in the field. Always live in the station. Satellite station as well.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
While working for WGXA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There was no open communication between reporters and management. If an assignment feel through reporters were told to figure it out but management got frustrated when the task wasn’t completed properly. There were safety concerns for reporters.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“An overall toxic and unorganized work environment.
Contracts “can not” be broken without them threatening you with thousands of dollars in damages.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
“Manipulative News Director, Very Deceptive and Passive/Aggressive”
While working for WGXA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station has lots of potential, but it just never has a sense of direction when it comes to the types of stories to cover and misses the mark most of the time, compared to the legacy station in the market. Management (Jenna Huff) is manipulative and really doesn’t care about the staff. She pits reporters against one another in negative competition, makes false promises and creates a hostile work environment.
She developed a “leadership team” of “yes men” including the Executive Producer who has no clue as to what she’s doing and is very lazy, but only pretends as if she want’s to help and can’t work under pressure. The EP is Jenna’s right hand and agrees with everything Jenna says and does as if she doesn’t have a brain of her own.
The Assistant News Director has a great attitude but is so overly dramatic and freaks out about everything. She plays more of an EP role than the actual EP who has no idea how to lead a news room.
The Assignment Editor is a former producer at the station who seems to hate his job and is miserable. He talks to staff like they are the scum of the earth and will never help with researching information of finding contacts, he’s useless.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everything is mandated by Sinclair. We ran all types of content “Must Runs” because corporate said so. When I first started working at WGXA I liked it, but then I saw the place for what it was. They took my photographer away and made me cover stories in the ghetto alone. Women can’t even wear their shoulders out because Jenna says so, with no real reason as to why. Glad I got out when I had the chance through the company’s upward mobility program. The station isn’t even in HD and it’s soon to be 2018.”
News Director: Allison Gibson
“Terrible. Zero social skills. Does not know how to talk to her own employees.”
While working for KWWL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Attack culture style from management. You will get little to no feedback to improve as a reporter. There’s no appreciation for employees here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“You are 100% better off working at the other two stations in the market and you’ll get paid better.”
News Director: Allison Gibson
Experience described as: “New”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This station was a really good starter market for me. I really loved the Cedar Valley and I met a lot of people in the community who I felt valued me and the stories I told. I made some friends for life here. The anchors are wonderful. The evening anchor, Abby, really cares about this community. Management changed A LOT from 2018 to 2019. I did have to fight for some feature stories I wanted to tell. I was given opportunities to try anchoring here, but Quincyâs contracts are long, and ultimately I decided I want to focus on reporting/mmjing in a bigger city.”
News Director: Allison Gibson
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KWWL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“DO NOT WORK HERE. Yes, this is a great market to work in. Youâre better off working at KCRG, the #1 station. Leadership at this station has gone down dramatically under the ND. If you want to sign a long contract and then count down miserably until youâre done.. work here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Allison Gibson, Shane Moreland prior to her
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Shane Moreland was a wonderful news director who takes chances on new reporters and works with them to help them grow. He is very straight forward and for those willing to listen instead of getting defensive, it paid off for them as reporters. When Shane left Allison Gibson came in. She is very kind and willing to listen and hear you out if you ever have concerns. There are a lot of great people at the station including the main anchor Ron Steele who has been there for more than 40 years. I look back on my time at KWWL with good memories and am thankful to have had the experience.”
News Director: Allison Gibson, shortly before her Shane Moreland
“This year alone (2018) a number of on-air talent left the station, most of them finding ways to leave their contracts. It really says something about a station when they lose a met, an anchor, and several reporters in a short amount of time. I think many quit after the former ND Shane Moreland left because they had gone through so much belittling, verbal abuse, and disrespect from him. They finally felt liberated. The current ND Allison Gibson somewhat got a bad situation having to deal with all of this, but she really didnât make things better like some people had hoped. Not sure whatâs going on, but management has yet to fill most of those positions, although itâs been months. The station likes to put on a front like itâs a welcoming, friendly, âIowa niceâ environment. A few people were kind, but there were some very negative, miserable ones behind the scenes who had nothing better to do than to plot against others. Youâd think the focus would be the news, right?”
While working for KWWL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Cathie Batbie-Loucks
“She can be very manic and fails to listen to reason. However she is fair and means well in her decision making.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
News Director: Cathie Batbie-Loucks
“Enjoyed my time there. She’s worked in the market for years and knows what viewers want to see. It’s a laid back environment, but you need to be motivated to work. There’s great content in this market. It’s up to you how you want to put the story together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Some are mad the station is hiring kids right out of college, but it’s not the exception, it’s become the rule. If you have a chance to work at this station straight out of school, it’s a great opportunity. Cathie can be tough, but she’s fair. Show up to work on time, be ready to work and drive far, and leave your personal drama at the door. Cathie is willing to take chances on people who probably don’t deserve them. It’s a relaxed environment and you can put together a great tape because there’s plenty of great content. Many work here if they want to get to Phoenix. Nice place to live, pretty inexpensive too. They did a newsroom remodel in recent years. Chief photographer is nowhere to be found and is known to bully people. GM is a great guy, very laid back but he’s all business. Bottom line, if you work hard, you’re creative and you’re positive, Cathie will love and help you. Remember it and never forget it.”
News Director: Cathie Batbie-Loucks
While working for KVOA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
While working for WATE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Reporter had relations with former news director and he was fired. Multiple complaints from multiple people on same reporter causing toxic work environment, nothing done by HR and she is still there. Very bad general manager Coby Cooper. Doesnât listen to concerns. People feel unsafe working around toxic employee. Glad I left. Get out if youâre still there. For those considering, think again.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chris Best
Experience described as: “Horrendous”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Took a job there because of market size and it being near the beach. While I learned some stuff, I did not nearly get the opportunities I was told Iâd get. The new director has a very threatening management style that creates for an overall hostile work environment. Then once it gets to you, he blames you for being ânegativeâ or says âmaybe this isnât for you.â You should take a job in a way lower market before ever signing with Chris best or WKRG.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run! Do not sign here. Everyone is overworked and the newsroom is way understaffed. The only positive is the assistant news director, who the news director said he almost didnât hire because he, âhadnât been a manager before.â Meanwhile, the ND is a first time ND. All he cares about is click bait and video. No storytelling. Doesnât have reporterâs backs when he makes them do accountability stories. It really is a toxic environment. So many people are leaving and have left the station, yet everyone who leaves is âthe problem.â”
News Director: Nic Moye
“The news director is a nice person and easy to talk with.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“This station is not perfect, but no job is. I do not agree with the previous ratings that this is a toxic work environment. Your attitude at work plays a big role both here and in life. I enjoy my job and Iâve found if you show initiative, are a team player, ask for help when you need it and donât expect to have everything handed to you on a silver platter, you can learn a lot here. The co-workers are very nice people. They lookout for each other and become friends and hang out, outside of work.”
While working for WCTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The work environment is draining. Morale is low because of the transient nature of the market size. The anchors are great at what they do, but the way everyone is worked makes it tough to want to stay. Scheduling is awful and littered with mistakes. Not a place that has the best resources for you to grow. Number one in the market, but the lack of real competition forces panic to go overboard with story ideas. The people are great, but overworked & underpaid. Management needs to work on organization…”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Angela Green
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for WFXG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News director would curse out employees regularly, have mental breakdowns in front of the staff and send berating emails to staff. Had a lack of respect for employees and vice-versa.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Lorra Lynch Jones
“Lorra is definitely one of the best news directors in the south. Thereâs a reason people chose to stay at the station for a career and they bring in talents from good schools (i.e Columbia). They also send their employees to larger markets like Miami (Karli Barnett) and Hunter Williams (KVUE Austin). She recognizes hard work and itâs shows when talent jumps to higher markers after leaving. Thereâs a reason her employees are the best of the best and the station has a double digit ratings lead over the other 2 stations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“If you want to work in Macon, youâve got to work for 13WMAZ. The station has a double digit lead over the 2 other competitors. Lots of people jump ship from WGXA and WMGT and have nasty stories from the other stations. Lorra is creative and letâs her staff cover stories they choose. The slogan is âstraight from the heartâ and Lorra runs her newsroom by this.
Her talent often goes to top markets after a few years of hard work and TEGNA invests in their employees. The station also retains a lot of talent who decide to stay in Macon.
The community is always put first and the news is always accurate.
The other stationsâ newscasts are almost unwatchable. Their sets are out of date and the reporters donât have the talent and resources that the ones at WMAZ do.”
News Director: Jamie Justice
“Want a news director that stays in her office all day? Youâve found the right place.”
While working for WSYX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone is miserable. Turnover rate is terrible. The GM Is cheaper than cheap. HR is useless. Overworked and underpaid describes the overall environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Could be a great station with a management swap, and move the pay scales that should have been readjusted 5-10 years ago.”
News Director: Jamie Justice
“Sheâs nice but not super forthcoming. Plays favorites.”
While working for WSYX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
“Very few minorities at the station and most work weekends. Morning show is all White.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
News Director: Jamie Justice
“She was Asst. ND while I was there. Played favorites, hardly ever came out of her office.”
While working for WSYX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management criticism tended to be destructive, not constructive, and there was a lot of it! I once witnessed the News Ops Manager, Matt, openly mocking the way a photog had shot an interview, and telling other people “you have to see this.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jamie Justice
Experience described as: “Good, she is fair”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Overall WSYX/WTTE is a good place to work but the GM has a VERY tight grip on his wallet. Don’t expect to make the money you are supposed to be making. Work hard, payed little.”
News Director: Jamie Justice
Experience described as: “Awesome!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great station. It treats its employees well, listens to their concerns. Jamie Justice is a great news director. It IS possible to find a good news director in the business. She is fair, understanding and wants to succeed. I recommend taking a job at WSYX”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station has some great people working there, starting with the anchors. But, management was the issue. Reporters are often sent alone to remote locations over an hour away with no cell phone service at ANY hour of the day/night. I worried about my own safety more than once while working here. Little empathy from management. Communication within the newsroom is not always great. Shift and scheduling priority is random(sometimes given to newer staff instead of those who have worked at the station longer). High turnover at this station. Most on air talent will leave right when their contract is up.”
News Director: Vicki Bradley
Experience described as: “The worst news director you’ll ever have”
While working for WTXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director and management here is the reason why I left. The station got bought by a new company (Scripps), fired the old news director and brought one ten times worse. Vicki plays clear favorites, doesn’t know how to lead a newsroom and talks to everyone like they’re below her. A couple people after me have left, too. Everyone there talks about wanting to leave but is scared to break their contract. News director is also inexperienced and has terrible news judgement.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They had to hire an all-new staff to try to kick out the “toxic environment” but the workload and attitude toward reporters hasn’t changed (content over quality). It seems things will never change there.”
News Director: Geoff Roth
Experience described as: “Awkward. Doesn’t seem to care about employees health or safety.”
While working for KMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Doesn’t take employees complaints seriously. Claims to be looking into it, but doesn’t do anything.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you want to cover actual news, don’t work here.”
News Director: Jay Quaintance
“Jay is the worst boss Iâve ever had. Iâve never met a bigger asshole who didnât understand why most everyone hates him. On the rare chance he does speak to, heâll look in every direction except at you. Just complete weirdo on top of treating most employees like garbage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Ernesto Romero
Experience described as: “Awful. Living hell. Resentful.”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management seriously couldnât care any less about you. Youâre constantly belittled and criticized. If you want to know what severe depression feels like, work here”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management will turn down great stories because they donât want to piss off the public agencies in town. The town knows this and feels like they have KYMA wrapped around their finger”
News Director: Megan Lewis
“Megan is trying to turn this station around. She is overall understanding and wants the best for a person individually. She expects a good product and pushes you to get that. Megan was one of the only good experiences I had working for the station.”
While working for KFBB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There’s a serious lack of resources – beyond just starter market struggles. They do not have photogs. They’re behind our competitors in almost everything and it’s not even close. There’s not a budget to get content done that you want. It’s an overall negative work environment and often tension and drama throughout the newsroom. The people who have been at the station awhile are a bit controlling. Nobody wants to stay in a small market, but nobody ESPECIALLY wants to stay in THIS small market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The pay is barely livable (as in, you qualify for food stamps) and the town is horrific. The only upside to coming here is that it gives you experience to get somewhere else. If you have nothing else, I would take it. The communities and people are really nice outside of the actual station. If you have other offers, I would choose those over KFBB.”
News Director: Megan Lewis
Experience described as: “Challenging, but positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Don’t get me wrong, working here is NOT easy. It’s a small market, and we’re behind in the ratings by far. But, most of the people who work there genuinely care about their job and the product. Megan Lewis can be a bit overwhelming with her demands, but is generally reasonable and cares about her employees.
The anchor team is young, with the main female anchor a “lifer.” She can be a perfectionist, but helps reporters/producers a lot whenever we need it.
Most of the newsroom drama comes from reporters who spend too much time together outside of work.
Cowles is a family-owned company, but sometimes it feels like they forget about their Montana stations. Communication is not always great, and it shows in our product.”
News Director: Megan Lewis
“Megan is a difficult, cross, unorganized manger who is constantly trying to prove herself for reasons unknown.”
While working for KFBB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was constantly pushed beyond the limits any human can possibly achieve. On my *first day*, I was told to turn a PKG and a VOSOT on a separate topic, in addition to MMJing a live shot. Mind you this was my first TV job, and I previously had no experience being live nor did I ever have to day-turn a PKG. I missed my live shot by roughly 30 seconds, as I was quite literally running to get to my live location. I’m in my second market now, and know it is generally not acceptable to miss slot, but this was my FIRST DAY. There are no photographers, so I was completely solo. My ND told me if I ever missed slot again, I would not be able to go live for the remainder of my two year contract. She added that “some people just can’t handle the pressure.” That was my first day, and it only got worse from there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I was overworked and underpaid. That is *somewhat* understandable or expected in a first market, but this station limits your resources so severely, and hardly ever encourages its employees, that you always feel drained. One time, I told my ND that I did not feel safe going live at a certain location (there were a plethora of reason: it was on a busy road with no shoulder, we were not provided any vests- even after I asked for them-, and it was dark). My ND responded to my concerns with an “I don’t care.” That was the last straw for me. Also, management plays favorites. That becomes abundantly clear within the first 15 minutes you step into the newsroom. Their retention rate is terrible, but they aren’t willing to make changes to improve that score.
I will say that the people of Montana, and The Treasure State itself, are BEAUTIFUL. Although my experience with KFBB was negative, the people and place almost made up for it. I would highly recommend working at any of Cowles Montana Media’s competitors!”
News Director: Phillip Ohnemus
While working for KULR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was contacted for a newscast producer position. The news director, Mr. Phillip Ohnemus is also on Indeed.com regularly and was not happy that KULR did not win any Emmy awards this year. This news director has insulted entry-level candidates who really want to be a reporter / multi-media journalist (MMJ). Mr. Phillip Ohnemus recently contacted me for a job interview at KULR and said that he doesn’t want any “introverted, awkward, loner, shy, and wallflower people” in his newsroom and in the journalism industry. When I told Mr. Phillip Ohnemus that my true journalism endeavor is to be a multi-media journalist (MMJ), Mr. Phillip Ohnemus said that “newscast producers cannot be a multi-media journalist (MMJ) and will not be successful in this venture at his station.” Mr. Phillip Ohnemus also felt I was not vocal enough to contribute to anything his newsroom and at KULR-8, and that I am just an “awkward, loner, wallflower” person. It is known that it is an “image business,” but do not make entry-level candidates feel discourage that they are “unattractive,” “ugly,” and not “pretty enough.” Mr. Phillip Ohnemus does not truly understand or know how difficult is for any entry-level job candidate to find his or her first television news job at a small market station. KULR-8 and its sister affiliates across the state of Montana, KFBB, KWYB, KTMF, and Cowles Montana Media Company (Cowles Company), must give all entry-level candidates the opportunity to learn all roles in a newsroom regardless of any news positions the candidates is being hired for and to prove the news director (Mr. Phillip Ohnemus), entire news staff, and newsroom management personnel wrong. If an entry-level producer candidate really wants to be an MMJ in an entry-level starter-market station like yours, give them a chance and give them real, truthful and actual help. Do not discourage entry-level candidates telling them that they cannot do anything and cannot be successful in anything, especially in a starter-market station. Help them to be a news reporter / MMJ, especially if newscast producing is not what he or she wants to do for the rest of their entire TV news career. Give entry-level candidates from all walks of life, all backgrounds of life, including candidates with learning differences/learning disabilities, a real chance and a real opportunity to be a multi-media journalist (MMJ). Do not put them down. Help entry-level newscast producers who truly want to be MMJs, be MMJs. There are entry-level newscast producers out there that do not want be a producer for the rest of their life and have no desire for newsroom management. Show all entry-level candidates respect! Give everyone an equal, decent, fighting chance and an opportunity to be an MMJ.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Joe Inderhees
“I was not a fan. He belittled employees and was always the last to know in the newsroom. I was also not a fan off his yelling matches in the newsroom with management/anchors.”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Newsroom management was never on the same page, which caused mass confusion. Hostilities were constantly shown.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unfortunately, the station seemingly has fallen off a cliff during the past couple of years. Last in broadcast and at the bottom-of-the-barrel for digital. The fact that more than a dozen staffers in the newsroom have left the station should tell you something.”
News Director: Robert Davidson
“Robert is an excellent ND to work for starting out in the TV business. Heâs always available to talk and can be tough at times but wants what is best for his reporters and team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is in direct response to the review from March 10, 2020: please do not take what he said as truth. WCBI is a great place to work for starting out in the industry. The GM is actually a superb person and the experience this former employee describes is inaccurate. You have ample opportunity to learn from great people but also learn on your own. Youâll make mistakes and they accept that so it encourages an environment of experimentation and effort. Overall, WCBI is a great place to begin your career and it will further your future wherever you decide to go next.”
News Director: Kristen Shill
Experience described as: “Toxic and stressful”
While working for WQOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is toxic, the previous news director Dan Shillinger was worst. The management here is sub-par. The turn around is quick, and they blindly promote people without proper experience. Do yourself a favor and skip applying here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“People either quit or get fired very quickly”
News Director: Jon Levy
“Levy lacks leadership and management skills. Too busy looking to be a âbroââinstead of a âbossâ, doesnât care for anyone member of the newsroom unless theyâre â buddy buddyâ with him, heâs very unprofessional”
While working for WCJB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very unhealthy and toxic newsroom, management is the worst by far. If you want to feel unappreciated, then be my guest and join the crew!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This site is here for honesty. And itâs said that someone took it upon themselves to lie about the reality of the station. This place is very toxic!!!! Many of the reporters and producers experience terrible anxiety and stress on a daily basis. All Management do is complain instead of helping. The news directors is terrible and shows favoritism. Itâs an awful place to work.”
News Director: Jon Levy
Experience described as: “Inconsiderate, not believable, has favorites”
While working for WCJB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management has favorites, and if you aren’t one of the favorites or aren’t in the “clique” with their favorites, you will feel the burn. They will get everything they want and ask for, and you won’t, and that comes along with opportunities. The favorites will continuously get time off, be defended in arguments, represent the stations at events, while everyone else does not. It doesn’t matter whether you are a reporter, producer, director, or AP. You will not be treated fairly. You can try standing up for yourself and others, but it won’t work in your favor. You’ll be dubbed as “always having a problem” and “something to say” about how the place is ran. But, in my opinion, change never happens without someone standing up and saying something. Also, when it comes to your health and mental health, it is not a priority for management, because they don’t have enough employees to cover in your absence. They’ll ask you to work with pneumonia, the flu, even if you’re in the hospital, they’ll ask when the soonest you can come back is.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everything is unorganized, and management does not have your interests at heart. If you do take a job here, make sure to negotiate for what you want. Don’t trust that they’ll honor your word, because the ND will switch up on you quick. Many are not happy here, and are leaving after only months to a year at the station. These aren’t “disgruntled” employees, but these are employees who deserve better and want to go somewhere where they can learn and are treated as equals. It is the number one station, but there are only 2 stations in the market, plus a college station we also compete with. You’ll learn in some ways, but you’ll also be alone. Paige Beck and David Snyder are the best, and will have your interests at heart. As the main anchors they will try to fight about things with management, teach you, and try to help you, but overall the majority of people are not happy at the station. I suggest if you have more questions, reach out to some of the former producers, photogs, and reporters on LinkedIN, Facebook, Twitter. They can give you more information on the place to help with your decision.”
While working for WFFT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station has a reputation across the country, and itâs not good. While attending workshops, Iâd introduce myself and my station. More than half of the responses are âoh, Iâm sorry.â First impressions are everything, and this station canât be bothered to get a welcome mat with a current logo. The web address on the welcome mat takes you to another station in the market. If you want to learn every job in the station, this is the place to work. There are no photographers on staff so reporters shoot all local stories. Reporters have even filled potions in the control room. Management doesnât understand how much work is worth. People in smaller markets make more. Great place to learn, but note all on air staff was hired less than three years ago.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You learn to be efficient, which will help in the future.”
News Director: Jay Horowitz
Experience described as: “High expectations, there is a lot to learn. Hands-off.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“News product published on Youtube, but our daily audience is larger than the circulation of the Washington Post and we only publish original reporting. All staff work from home. Not for someone who canât self-motivate. I think thereâs potential for huge growth, but I regularly have to deal with stigma against non-traditional media, which is very real and is something I didnât expect when I accepted. We publish at www.youtube.com/realworldpolice“
News Director: RubĂŠn Olague
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for EstrellaTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Host & Managing Editor: John Bachman
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for Newsmax TV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Alison Coe
“Alison is not a supportive news director. She is very unorganized and only makes contact with staff when they’ve done something not pleasing to her. She definitely picks her favorites, so if you’re not one of them, good luck.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rod Peterson
Experience described as: “Overall positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Overall this is a great station to work for. While there are a lot of MMJs, you never do a live shot by yourself and if you absolutely need a photographer for any reason they usually do everything in their power to make it happen. Our newsroom has a lot less people than our competitor so sometimes it feels like we try to do just as much with less resources. However, management recognizes hard work and in the end if you tried your best to cover what you can thatâs all they ask for. News Director Rod Peterson works hard to make corporate happy which can be frustrating sometimes, but more than that he has his employees happiness at heart. He always stresses making time for family, making sure your time off/weekends are spent unplugging, etc. If you are sick or have a family emergency heâs the first to have your back. Anchors are awesome people and are willing to work with you on stories, critique, etc. Great place to grow in your career or maybe even call a permanent home.”
News Director: Jaime Copley
Experience described as: “Horrible/ Toxic”
While working for KIMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management at KIMT expect reporters to never take a sick, personal or vacation day. They pile up the workload and expect us to not get overtime.
The news director is extremely unprofessional. They will speak to everyone about you and how you’re a problem here without directly coming to you. There is no room for growth. This is a small market, meaning most people are straight out of college or in their first tv job. They use that to their advantage by making you feel like you will never be successful outside of KIMT.
The news director has only worked at KIMT for 20 + years. If you try to suggest doing something different of a new way to approach a story. She’ll try to embarrass you in front of everyone during the pitch meeting. The station is going through a change of shifting coverage from primarily Iowa to Rochester, Minnesota. Management (News director, news content manager, HR, etc) all live in Mason City Iowa. That means they don’t know what’s really going on across the border. They don’t understand how far some areas are from each other and expect reporters to be able to do two live hits about two different stories on two different sides of the state. They also heavily rely on reporters to become content managers and know EVERY event going on in the area. That means if a reporter calls in sick or is on vacation and we miss a story, they blame reporters and not their own lack of understanding.
Many reporters have cried, experienced anxiety attacks and even broke out into severe rashes because of how unorganized and toxic the newsroom is.
This is not a place where you can grow and be thankful for your experience. FOR THOSE LOOKING TO COME TO KIMT, YOU WILL REGRET YOUR DECISION WITHIN 3 MONTHS!!!!
If you try to get out of your contract they will come after you. This station is the absolute worst newsroom I’ve ever been in.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The management staff is horrible.”
News Director: Jaime Copley
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station feels like another round of college. Youâll learn a lot, especially from George and corporate consultants. The KIMT team is a fun bunch. We hang out even when weâre off the clock. You know the phrase âthe customer is always right?â If you treat management like the customer and can swallow your pride, youâll do just fine.”
News Director: Jamie Copley
Experience described as: “Toxic, disaster, working to tear you down rather than build you up.”
While working for KIMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director Jamie Copley creates a very toxic work environment. You never knew which Jamie you were going to get each day. One day sheâs out in the newsroom playing music and dancing, the next sheâs throwing things across the room and screaming.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would never wish the experience I had there on anyone. Right out of college, I believed this was the way all newsrooms worked and seriously considered changing my career. Luckily I had one mentor there who was awesome, looked out for me, helped me grow and honestly saved me. News Director Jamie Copley and General Manager Steve Martinson are absolutely terrible to work for. They donât care about their employees mental or physical health at all. Youâll work crazy overtime, expected to do more work than feasible in an 8 hour work day, but get in trouble for actually clocking in those overtime hours. They abuse their salary employees. For example, they were short staffed in the weather department and made meteorologists work 6 days a week for months with promise of âgetting that time backâ only to never see it. Not to mention when the meteorologist started to complain about being over worked they actually had anchors with no weather experience do the weather! It was honestly embarrassing. They also feel local sports are not important once so ever. Copley has anger management issues and itâs clear she brings her home life into the workplace and takes it out on her employees. Her best friend is one of the anchors and she lets her get away with doing absolutely nothing while pushing the work onto other employees. No newsroom is perfect, but I honestly believe this is one of the worst.”
Director of Content: Adam Miller
Experience described as: “Undervalued, unwanted and disposable”
While working for WKYC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working at WKYC is only favorable if youâre a favorite, aka if you have celebrity status. Those are the only people that matter to the news director. He plays favorites and only cares to get to know you if youâre on-air talent and if you suck up to him. Most of his time is spent behind a closed door or in meetings where management talks negatively about the employees. If you want feedback youâll only receive it if it is negative and it comes in the form of a passive aggressive email. Those working off-camera or behind the camera arenât prioritized or valued. The standards arenât uniform for all employees. Raises arenât more than 2% to 3% but management claims there is no budget for them, yet they add new hires who are mostly anchors at an alarming rate. You might like WKYC if you are a well known anchor. Otherwise you wonât matter.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Joe Inderhees
“Heâs bipolar. Heâs moods determine what kind of day youâll have. He lies to get people to sign contracts. Make sure everything you ask for is in writing in your contract.”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Newsroom is very toxic due to management. They are never on the same page and that causes confusion and frustration.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Donât expect a raise when negotiating. They only give the anchors and seasoned employees good pay raises. Everyone else donât matter.”
News Director: Megan Harris
“Megan is fair but takes time to warm up to people. Once she’s comfortable with you, she’s great. However, if she’s not comfortable with you, she can make you feel awkward.”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“My negative experiences were with co-workers who seemed to be determined to drag the morale of the station down. It was like a “good old boys” club. I noticed certain people are not readily welcomed as others. Things have changed significantly in last year or so with new management including Megan.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The newsroom was toxic but new mgmt has changed that.
The morale here is improving daily. I really enjoy coming work now.
We can be unorganized sometimes and the workload not evenly distributed.
Severe weather is our forte. It’s like we come alive for it. Mgmt seems too “come alive” as well.
Training opportunities through the year.
ND has an open door and always willing to critique your work. I love that about MH.
Our newsroom is pretty fun. We have a ping pong table and other games IN THE NEWSROOM! Lol it does help relieve the stress of the day to get a game in.
This station LOVES creativity. The motto is basically “go for it”. No idea is too crazy.
We do need more staff. Especially photogs. We are usually outnumbered on stories and sometimes miss opportunities because we have one crew or just an MMJ at a scene when the competition has two crews (none MMJ) or more at a scene.
This station is heavily MMJ when the competition rarely uses MMJ’s. so, the playing field is NOT even in the field.
You will find yourself running like a chicken with your head cut off trying to keep up with the competition.
If I had one piece of advice to management/corporate it would be to adequately staff your stations!
Overall, I would recommend this station. If you’re a loner or anti-social, this is NOT the newsroom for you. Mgmt loves creativity, passion, and personality.
We’re in a transition but headed in the right direction.”
News Director: Robert Davidson
“Robert is a great news director. He knows the news business. He really wants to seee his reporters grow, and his door is always open. You can approach him about anything and heâs understandable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Sometimes things can get a bit unorganized which causes a lack of communication, but overall this is a really good news room. Great producers, and great writers. This is a great market and TV station for starters who are just getting into the business and looking to perfect their craft and go to the next market.”
News Director: Robert Davidson
Experience described as: “Horrible and mismanaged, the General Manager is too”
While working for WCBI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The good-ole boys will quash any positive progression towards a better future, and if you raise your voice about something they will push you out the door.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The General Manager is a bully and a tyrant, and unsupportive of staff. When an employee told him that they were getting flown out for a new job, the GM told that employee “I hope you don’t get it.” He has a temper and micromanages the place. It is not a great place to start out.”
News Director: Greg Scheiferstein
Experience described as: “A real nightmare”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Inexperienced employees will most likely get raises and promotions. Communication sucks and ambitious women are often passed over.
You will not get promoted if you arenât from the Midwest or at least Ohio in the News Directorâs terms. Only hires people he feels comfortable with.
This is a dead-end station with a lot of favoritism. Most unprofessional work environment Iâve ever worked in. Culture is worse than high school.
You donât matter, your career doesnât matter, nothing matters here unless you get lucky.
You will be encouraged to apply for a position but then passed over. He refuses to hire within unless you show sexual interest in him.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Thatâs nice all the young kids get big wig titles but theyâll crash and burn later thanks to this guy.”
News Director: April Samp
Experience described as: “Driven, formulates a plan effectively.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great place to learn from seasoned, award winning storytellers.
Advancement opportunities are given to those who want to try new challenges.
Major improvements have been made to the station in the past 5 years.”
News Director: April Samp
Experience described as: “Inconsistent, vengeful”
While working for WOI-TV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Samp fails to unite the team, looks out for herself and fails to follow-up on promises. Her personal life is a disaster and each day is dependent upon her tinder date from the night before.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“The station has been purchased and sold several times now, there have been several GMs in last few years and total lack of oversight to hold April accountable.”
News Director: April Samp
While working for WOI-TV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“As long as April Samp is ND WOI-TV, DON’T WORK THERE! She will promise you many things during the interviewing process but it’s all a SCAM. Reporters who were promised photogs for live shots were sent to breaking news and other normal live shots (ALONE).
The station is so bad … reporters, photogs and editors have decided to leave ahead of time.
There are many unorganized newsrooms but this is one of the worst.
The ND cannot run an efficient editorial meeting, she will lash out at you when you least expect it. Even when the ND is there her mind is barely present – she has her EP pick up all her slack (which is why her EP is miserable).
The station is last in the market which is why the newsroom is so toxic. People in the community and from the competion do not take WOI reporter, photogs – serious.
BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT APPLYING OR TAKING A CALL FROM THE ND – She may seem nice but once she locks you in , you are screwed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: April Samp
“She goes all in on big things, but hard to judge her mood.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“There are some great, talented people who work here. Great pit stop for anyone starting a career.”
News Director: John Walton
Experience described as: “Amazing, Thoughtful, Personable, Down-to-earth, Understanding”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Itâs a great place for a mid-size or starter market. Has itâs ups and downs but I appreciated the people here. Itâs a family. Everyone there wants to see you do better. For what you lack in viewers, resources at times, the people make up for it with bright personalities.”
News Director: John Walton
“Amazing man. Wanting to do the best for others in the community. Wonât throw you in a bad spot.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
News Director: Carrie Hofmann
“I have enjoyed my time much more at the station once she took over in January.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is currently going through a lot of changes but in my eyes, they all have been positive. The group of people who work in the newsroom now are all positive and are excited to see the station continue to improve. We just released a new app and brand new website, as well as just hit 1 million monthly views for the first time. There are lots of great, new things going on here and I am excited to see where it goes.”
News Director: John Haferkamp
“He was good, made some offensive jokes at times but overall seems to care about his employees. Never had a problem getting time off or anything.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great first station to work for, and I think everyone should disregard the negative review by the reporter.
That negative review makes some good points but is mostly false. WSBT has a lack of on air diversity, but then again it’s Indiana. We do have a very diverse group of people working behind the scenes, but I doubt (they)*** ever cared to meet any of them. (The person who wrote the negative review) was fired because (they) kept sharing confidential details about our daily news operations on (their) public social media and openly criticizing us in detail on those platforms if we didn’t like (their) ideas that day. (They) also refused to take criticism and would get offended when changes were made to (their) scripts. I even saw (them) refuse those corrections and voice (their) pkg with (their) original script on several occasions. (They) would constantly miss the point of stories or force an angle that just wasn’t there. (This person) was once sent to cover a town hall on gun violence and came back with a cutesy story about a child asking the mayor his favorite food. (Their) firing had nothing to do with (their) race, (this person) was just a bad employee and delusional. (This person) was even given multiple warnings and chances to improve, and management spent extra time and resources working with (them). Still, (this person) always thought everyone was out to get (them). Our news director was not shady at all or discreet with (this person’s) performance issues with (them). I would consider him one of the better bosses in this industry.
The station also does not hate Joshua Short or WNDU. We just dislike his famous black friday live shot because he made a mistake being on the wrong side of the mall. He also continues to ride that gimmick for going on 3 years now. Most people are friends with him and he regularly goes out for drinks with WSBT staff.”
***The pronouns were changed to hide the previous reviewer’s identity.
News Director: John Haferkamp
“Excellent, he is a great boss and really cares about his employees. I miss working for him. But he’s trying to get into Sinclair corporate and losing some of his positive tendencies.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great first station to work at. I personally believe their product is much better than many of the top 20 markets. They go above and beyond to train you and work with you to get you ready for a big market job. Executive Producer Jim Pinkerton is the best EP I have ever worked for. He sits down with every producer and reporter for hour long personal training sessions 3 times per year. He sets goals for you to work towards and really mentors you. I now realize everything he ever taught me was correct, and I have not seen any other EP’s in my career with the knowledge that he has.
This station would be almost perfect except for it’s owned by Sinclair. As a reporter this will not effect you, but as a Producer or Anchor this is completely soul crushing and ethically repugnant. They purchased the station in 2017 I believe. I started working there not too long after, and I saw almost every experienced journalist quit as soon as their contract was up. This station went from a 2nd or 3rd job to a starter market in the span of a year. Sinclair also has low pay so the people replacing these tenured journalists were kids directly out of college (the only ones willing to accept the pay and contract.)
This ultimately led to me quitting. I wanted to work and learn from experienced journalists. You’re also forced to air their beyond right wing “must runs”. Many of them genuinely have false or incredibly misleading information. These aren’t even conservative pieces, they actively promote harmful conspiracy theories. I would always advise reporters to actually watch the rest of the shows they are in, so that they knew what they are representing. I would do my best to write intros for these stories that mitigated their damage. Many of the must run reporters are “journalists” fired from fox news for sexual harassment. As an anchor you will be forced to read the intros or worse, forced to star in the “P.O.W” style promos against fake news.
Every news employee (reporter, producer, management) is required to sign a contract. I have a family friend who is a corporate contract attorney and his direct words about my contract were, “this is worse than slavery.” Basically the contract is poorly written and forces you to sign away all your rights while giving the company more rights. Currently all contracts have a clause against speaking negatively about the company, but I was one of the last few to not have that. The contract also waives your right to sue in court, and instead mandates a mediation process. You are not allowed to choose the mediator or the location. If you lose the mediation you are forced to pay all of Sinclair’s legal costs. If you win Sinclair is not obliged to pay yours. You also are not allowed to quit but they can fire you at any time.
At the end of the day this is a good place to learn and start out, but not anywhere you will want to hang around too long. I loved my time working there and miss everyone. It’s a great stepping stone to a larger market that does not have must runs or force you to sign a poorly written one sided contract.”
News Director: Tom Lewis
Experience described as: “Hell on earth”
While working for WWMB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station will make you a worse journalist and you will struggle to survive.
News Director Tom Lewis was voted 2nd worst person in TV news on FTV live in 2019 and has the nickname “Tom Lucifer” for a reason. He told me he didn’t understand social media so he didn’t believe in it. He hired his friend’s kid to be the evening producer and gave her special treatment. He also won’t hire you if you are a man or if you aren’t white. There was literally no oversight, feedback or training and if I made a tiny mistake Tom Lewis would scream at me. Market 156 (or whatever it is) is where you go to learn and make mistakes. You should be helped and taught the entire time. Lewis doesn’t watch a single newscast.
Panama City is also a terrible place to live, and after the hurricane rent doubled while the salary stayed the same. It’s almost impossible to work for WMBB and afford rent.
I also never knew how we were doing in ratings, I felt I was lied to. All the equipment is super old and constantly breaking down. The computers could barely run ENPS. The turnover rate here is literally worse than a fast food restaurant.
Luckily Tom Lewis has no clue about contracts and would easily let you out of yours if you are a female or read it and realize all the errors and loopholes. As a producer I found I was signed to a contract for a reporter, making it invalid. When I quit Tom Lewis threatened me, and then bad mouthed me to every single person in the newsroom. They believed him and it created a very toxic work environment for my last two weeks. He also told me he would put me on a blacklist so that I could never work at Nexstar again. THIS IS ILLEGAL and also let’s be real, If I’m good enough and applying for a job at a Nexstar station in a top 20 market they will not care what Tom Lewis thinks.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Will not hire male reporters, very little diversity. There are literally no positions for anyone to get promoted into. Walmart pays a much higher salary. Reporters make 23 or less.”
News Director: Tim Maestas
“He is hands off, letâs you do your job. Overall I really appreciate Tim.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KOB is a fantastic place to get your feet wet in a top 50 market. It offers decent-ish pay depending on your role and is in by far one of the best markets for spot/breaking news in the country. From a blooming film industry to a heinous crime problem, you wonât struggle with story pitches in Albuquerque. Youâll work long hours, have enough breaking news on your reel in a month to sustain you a lifetime and also probably be in a movie at some point (hey, breaking bad). Overall, itâs a good place to be.”
News Director: RHONDA LAVELLE
“Worst Experience, micromanaging. toxic, childish”
While working for WXYZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Rhonda yells at people all of the time. She talks down to everyone, acts like they are stupid. She can’t think for herself, only copies off of the competition. She thinks she is the only one that knows anything. When she started, just about every manager, producer and on air person quit. Now, after a few years, her own people are all quitting. The station used to be number 1 , now it’s a far number 3”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s an unhappy newsroom and the General Manager Mike Murri is just as useless and does what he can to protect Rhonda because they have been sued .
Rhonda was bad hire but Mike knows he has to stand by her. Ask anyone.”
News Director: Kent Harrell
Experience described as: “Liar, gossips”
While working for WDJT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When the ratings are bad, they try to discredit reputations. They retaliate against employees who demand respect t.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Absentee landlords. Chicago owned and donât care about the community. GM and former news director Tracy Davis like about others to make themselves look good and deflect blame.”
News Director: Alex De Leon
Experience described as: “Unprofessional and toxic environment.”
While working for WTVO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was terrible. This is, by far, the most unprofessional and toxic environment I’ve ever worked in. One of the reviews on here explains why. There was very poor management, unprofessional employees, and inappropriate comments made in the workplace on a daily basis. People at the station did not take their jobs or the industry seriously.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station desperately needs new management. The current staff lacks journalistic integrity. More than 12 employees that worked in the newsroom left within a one year timeframe. This was the most toxic environment I’ve ever experienced. Management fires their best employees that work hard, go above and beyond, and always do the right thing, while keeping the trouble makers that cause nothing but problems.”
News Director: Rhonda LaVelle
“The most evil person I have ever worked with. I worked with five news directors there. She screamed, yelled, demeaned people. Everyone leaves”
While working for WXYZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director terrible. Only cared about copying off competition. General manager Mike Murri just as bad. He only likes his boys club and. His hires.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Itâs sad to see what was once a great station be dug into the ground by those two. Donât work here. Reach out to previous employees first”
News Director: Mandi Mendoza
Experience described as: “Smart, open, but does promise a bit too much”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Hires young, so constantly training.”
News Director: Liz Grey-Godbout
“A lot of people on this site claim their news directors are the worst. I’d put money on Liz claiming that title. This woman is the queen of double standards, which only incites anger throughout the newsroom. Her decisions when it comes to news judgement are rarely well-thought-out, and she’s quick to disrespect even the most experienced and hard-working employees. My most enjoyable days working for her were those that I knew I wouldn’t see her or when she wasn’t around.”
While working for WTIC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You know that meme with the dog sitting in a room where everything is on fire? It’s kind of like that.
From overt favoritism to disrespect across the board, the management group has created an environment that very few people want to continue to work in. It’s no surprise that there’s been an immense amount of turnover for what’s considered a top market. There’s probably been upwards of 50 anchors, reporters, and producers alone that have left since the current management group took over (closing in on three years), with a fair amount of them finding work at stations in the same market just to get away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’ve actually been working elsewhere in the tv industry for over a year now, and wanted to give myself time away from WTIC so I could rate the station with a level head. Yet every interaction with former coworkers/those that still work there always leads to them saying one of two things: “It’s good you got out of here” or “I can’t wait to leave this place”.
Don’t get it twisted: there are some truly wonderful people that still work there and who, despite it all, grind day in and day out to deliver the best news possible. Those that are in charge, however, have turned it into anything but a dream destination.”
News Director: Jack Acosta
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KENS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Just a bad boss to work for. Doesnât know how to positively deal with people and is threatening to employees, especially women.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I agree with other reviews. My time at the station was very awful. The ND has a terrible personality and knows nothing about how to get the best from the people under him and almost no one re-signs after their first contract. HR nightmare waiting to happen because of how he treats people, but Tegna wonât do anything until someone actually has the guts to sue. I understand that the longtime Operations manager recently âretiredâ mainly due to the ND and Iâve heard that another longtime manager may do the same soon for the same reason.
Avoid the place because even though the news director will make it seem like the newsroom is a happy family, heâll turn on you behind close doors, especially when your contract is up.”
News Director: Kendra Martinez
Experience described as: “toxic, awful”
While working for KSBY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom employees are dedicated, driven, and hardworking people but management creates a toxic environment. Reporters and photographers are often sent on wild goose chases and rarely get the opportunity to pursue a story that matters to them. Producers are left in the dark and constantly lose stories without any heads up from the news director. The only time employees receive feedback from the news director is when they are told they did a poor job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Communication is lacking. Some employees are favored and others are made miserable. Time off requests go unanswered for weeks/months and schedules are always changing without notice or communication. Pay is barely a living wage for long-time reporters/producers and those starting out here make less than a grocery bagger. High turnover here.”
News Director: Bryan McGruder
“Nice guy, his story selections are hard to understand”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The people there are good people, but the story selection and petty rules are a constant grind. Wears the reporters out even as the place operates under the guise of a “storytelling” shop. Lots of little frustrations.”
News Director: Sheryl Barnhouse
“Super nice to work with and is very open to new ideas, as well as making sure everyone has the resources they need. One of the best news directors I have worked under.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WTVR is an amazing station to work at. I have only been here 7 months and I have learned more about reporting, writing, shooting than I have anywhere else. If you want to grow into a great storyteller, MMJ and overall reporter, come here!”
News Director: Jay Webb
“It was pleasant working with him.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“WHSV is a good starter market station and a great place to build contacts, learn the ropes of being an MMJ and totally independent. The station does have its ups and downs like any other station but that is to come.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Highs & lows”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Unorganized doesn’t begin to descibe it. The biggest issue is not so much Greg, but the managers he allows to destroy this place. This ongoing joke when we’re in the field is, don’t call Melissa Williams the Assistant ND after 5:10 because she has left the building, She does. not.care. She pretends to but just lies and takes hours to approve our scripts, then we get in trouble for missing slot. The station has added so many newscasts and not enough qualified people and noone cares what goes on TV, “just fill the time.”
The past year has been the worst at this once decent place to work. No longer and no indication it’s gonna get better. Managers just lie to cover their own hide and the newsroom is left to clean it up and get blamed for things that should never be happening. Hearst doesn’t care. People just keep burning out and leaving. Miserable place to work if you actually care about real journalism.
Oh and their big solution to the hiring fiasco is to hire people who have no actual producer experience. Place is a mess. Stay away for now.”
News Director: Kevin Daniels
“He is great, assistant news director is the problem one”
While working for WGHP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Iâm only writing this now because someone I know is looking at the station, and I wanted put this out there.
WGHP has an incredible news product. Viewers love the station. They are constantly the first with the story, because of the hard working staff and the resources available (drones, photographers, lots of live equipment). But when Lori Denberg became the Assistant News Director a couple of years ago, replacing Eric Olsen (who was a great manager), this stationâs morale went downhill. It used to be the best place to work. Everyone worked together. People were happy and had no problem working the long hours because everyone believed in it. Now, Lori has changed that. She yells at everyone, is manipulative, sends out nasty emails to reporters and photographers for the entire station to see, takes pride in making people cry, and micromanages everything. In the past year or two, they have had about 10 people leave because of her. One talented reporter had a breakdown and left because she couldnât take Loriâs incessant bullying.
Kevin is great to work for. He takes the time to coach you and work with you to make you the best. I donât understand though how he lets someone like Lori beat down some of the most talented people in the business. Several of the people who have left recently, left the business entirely because their mental health and motivation had been ruined by her.
Everyone is miserable. Producers cry. Reporters cry. Photographers are ready to walk out the door. It doesnât have to do with Nexstarâs recent purchase, but everything to do with how Lori operates the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Youâll learn a lot if you can deal with the assistant news director. Itâll be a good learning experience and youâll become a better reporter if you can withstand her toxicity.”
News Director: Alex de Leon
“Very good work environment. Only bad review is from a diva anchor who was fired after a short tenure, which happened at other stations she had worked at in the past. She was not liked by her peers in the newsroom, and often threw temper tantrums and cussed out the news director and general manager, then complained of a toxic work environment and unprofessionalism which must have been what she saw in a mirror, because that’s not what the rest of the newsroom experiences.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A very good station to start your career, plenty of opportunities for growth. there is a powerhouse of experience among the evening team, best in the business. this isn’t a newsroom for those who are more interested in “being famous” or wearing obsessive amounts of orange.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
Experience described as: “Abhorrent and unprofessional”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Ernesto is a nice person, but only as a person. For him, there’s no boundaries. Texts and emails early in the morning and late at night. Often times he is missing in action in the newsroom. You are frequently wrong, but he never is. Absolutely unable to make quick decisions and more times than not, plays favorites. Upper management even turns a blind eye to his horrible behavior – but ratings and web views always does well, so he gets credit. (Someone in management)** made a move on me outside of work and it was majorly uncomfortable ever since. Worst two years of my life.
Don’t even think about asking for your equipment to be fixed (when it often breaks) or you’ll get all the blame. Very unorganized. If you’re strong-willed, independent, and pay no mind to the drama he creates, then you’ll succeed. Otherwise, this newsroom is absolutely toxic.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Can’t really say anything positive about this newsroom except the tight relationships made with other people in the newsroom. But, there are some with major egos – they are fueled even more by the News Director. Everyone says it’s not a competition, but you’ll find yourself all competing and fighting to get the top stories and coverage. Usually agendas/plans for news coverage for big events (President’s visit, Press Conferences) is last-minute. The station has NBC, CBS, ABC, Telemundo, and FOX all under the same roof… but all the company’s resources goes into the NBC’s 5 & 6pm shows. If you’re not on those shows, then don’t expect to be a priority. Not worth it for the amount of time you’ll bust your butt to work.”
**The person’s job title was removed due to claims of libel from the accused.
News Director: Ernesto Romero
“Abhorrent. One of the worst experiences Iâve ever had with boss – in and out of the news business. Dreaded going to work and my skin would crawl when he walked through the door.”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was on the receiving end of sexual harassment by (someone in management)**. It wasnât during work hours, but it seemed to affect me during work hours (would be ignited, not considered for stories, etc). He would scold, curse at you also for the smallest things. Also, you had to be on call seemingly 24/7. He would text you constantly about anything and everything â when it couldâve been sent in an email. Mostly laid back, but a little too laid back where youâll receive no guidance or leadership. Takes tremendous amounts of time off and delegates tasks to everyone else. Massive egos in this newsroom and reportersâ egos get bigger because he picks favorites. Even if you believe you work harder than others, youâll miss out on big stories because youâre not his favorite. Very toxic and demeaning newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid this station if youâre trying to break into the business. The newsroom is home to ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and Telemundo all under one roof with one news director. The quality or the newscasts are mediocre and money is rarely spent on new equipment. The ND has only worked at KYMA (NBC) so expect all company resources to be put into that show (5&6). Do not expect constructive feedback on your work. Also, upper management doesnât take your concerns seriously. Avoid like the plague. You will become unhappy.”
**The person’s job title was removed due to claims of libel from the accused.
News Director: Shawnda Adams
While working for KOCO this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Former news director “resigned” after someone filed a complaint to corporate HR.
Certain people are favored over others.
Double standard vacation policy during sweeps.
Surprised station didn’t get sued for racial discrimination.
Toxic culture in sales department too.
It all starts at the top.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“New news director is trying to change the culture.
We’ll see if the GM lets her run the newsroom the way she wants it.
GM plays dumb about not knowing about things that go on there.
But it all starts at the top.”
News Director: Currently none
“In typical fashion, the lifespan of news directors here is a maximum of 2 years. Last one, Scott Fitzgerald didnât even let a whole year. The one before that, Warren Stewart, lasted a year and a half (shouldâve been sooner because he was delusional)”
While working for KJRH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Let me be clear, the overall individual effort by so many of my peers is admirable. Everyone who leaves this station as a reporter, anchor, producer, director, photog., etc will go one to do bigger and better things. These people truly pull their own and then some.
Managers on the other hand are going to run this place to the ground. Itâs hard to tell how much of the harrowing morale is corporateâs fault, but the station, in my humble opinion, will continue to be a horrible work environment as long as GM Amy Calvert continues to serve as the boss. Anybody else find it strange how much face time she gets on TV? Seems like sheâs featured in either a VOSOT or PKG every week or so. Iâve never seen a GM put her face on TV, let alone as often as she does. Iâve heard from producers these Amy-featured-segments are âmust-runâ.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I hope before you accept a job offer from this station you get a chance to read this review. You will likely get buyerâs remorse. Everybody I know thatâs escaped this unholy infrastructure have told me âitâs like a weight has been liftedâ from their shoulders. Every department is short-staffed by AT LEAST 2 people, so if you like being overworked for the least livable wage possible, this job is for you.
But hey, at least the ratings are good….oh wait…..my mistake….theyâre dead last every day. As in itâs been a good day if the mornings post a 0.2. Occasionally, as a fluke, one of the evening shows will finish 2nd or even 1st. Then weâll all get an email from Amy the next day congratulating everybody on their hard work and that this is the start of a promising ratings trend…..only for the station to promptly fall back in last place as per usual.
Last I heard (since I donât work there anymore) thereâs 1 producer writing and boothing the entire 2 and a half morning show. I believe the 10pm producer is usually a producer thatâs already done one of the earlier shows as well. Thatâs absolutely outrageous.
You might think, âweâll at least you get good overtime, right?â
Well, yes and no. Mostly no. Theyâll tell you overtime is an option, but managers will bend over backwards to keep from approving it.
A few years back when Warren Stewart was our station manager, we had tons of overtime since he inexplicably fired the production manager at the same time another newscast director quit. But then Warren absolutely botched a studio renovation. He mustered some budget out of nowhere since corporate didnât send any money for said renovation, maxed out EVERY credit card every manager had, and then out of the blue, our overtime was cut. Weird, right? The amazing thing is after the reno, our ratings jumped from from last place to…..last place. Wah-wah.
The other thing youâll probably find is that if you stay there long enough, eventually youâll make slightly more money through yearly raises, etc, right? Thatâs pretty normal. But as soon as the bosses notice youâre making considerably more money than some of your less experienced peers, theyâll railroad you out of there in a bogus way to make room for the budget. Iâve seen this happen.
The ONE person apparently impervious to managerial criticism and budgetary constraints is the Chief Meteorologist. I donât know how true this is, but I hear heâs got a friend (if not several) on the corporate level at Scripps. That wouldnât bother me so much if he didnât have the worst work ethic of anyone Iâve ever worked with.
Heâs the one person at the station Iâve directly worked with whom Iâve had consistent problems. Heâs screwed over producers and directors alike during shows all the time. Sometimes Iâd stop myself and think, âHey, I think itâs been a whole week since our Chief Met hasnât done anything to aggravate me.â Like clockwork, though, as soon as I think that, he does something stupid on the air. Heâll say âummmâ a bunch and put a turkey graphic over Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of Thursday on the extended forecast graphic. At least once a day heâs not ready for his first wx hit even though weâve printed him a rundown AND told him point blank when heâs coming up. Stuff like that. Yet somehow, heâs untouchable – completely free of chastisement. Better meteorologists than him at the station have quit from the sheer injustice of having that buffoon as the face of the wx department.
Long story short, youâll probably make some decent friends along the way, but you wonât make money and youâll be miserable. Donât work here.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Nightmare”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There are constant verbal and physical altercations between staff at KOAT. Thereâs a director known for slamming his fists on desks when someone in production makes a mistake during a live show. This guy got so upset about two months ago and unleashed on staff. The public altercation gave another staffer a panic attack. Last week, I walked in on the only two assignment desk editors going at each other. Thereâs also been an ongoing problem with photographers loosing their cool while covering storiesâthrowing keys at reporters, throwing gear, violently slamming doors. Itâs a known thing at KOAT that if you report ANY workplace abuse, management retaliates against the victim.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There arenât enough people working here for the amount of shows we have. So far management has fired two high paying staffers to make space for cheaper, newly hired staff. There are rumors that theyâre preparing to give an anchor spot to a morning show reporter who they hired straight out of college because they know they can take advantage of herâwhich means several more qualified employees are being cheated. Itâs another big problem here at KOAT. Please, send help, but not Hearst corporate because theyâll do nothing!”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
“No newsroom is perfect and this one is not without it’s problems. But reading through these reviews, most people who actually work here can easily recognize the voice of one particular “reviewer” who seems to like writing reviews more than he likes writing new content for shows.
Again, this newsroom is not perfect. But there are a handful of bad apples that like to bring the whole place down. And write reviews in forums like this one and trash blogs like FTV Live and then complain we don’t have enough employees. Maybe if they quit writing crappy reviews and discouraging people from applying – we could actually get a full staff so people didn’t have to work to the bone.
There are more amazing people here than not. But there are a few people that continue to bring the whole place down.
How could things could better? Get rid of those bad apples.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Negative/Toxic because of those few jerks mentioned above.”
News Director: John Ehrhart
“John is new to the area and has big-market expectations as far as the quality of work is concerned, but realized the challenges of working in a small market. His criticisms are tough but largely fair and well-intended, even if they come off in the wrong way occasionally. He cares about video and how the product looks more than anything, along with good writing.”
While working for WDTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management excuse in appropriate behavior and doesnât know how to identify good talent. Fireable actions are brushed aside and employeesâ concerns arenât take seriously. There has been a mass exodus of good employees because of the toxic work environment created by managementâs favorites. Nothing has changed or ever will change.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The good employees are genuinely nice people. Itâs a young newsroom. But management doesnât know how to squash toxic attitudes and allows the best employees to walk out the door. Nothing will change until management stops ignoring their largest problems that are making people dread coming to work and driving good people away from the industry.”
News Director: John Ehrhart
“News director has no sense of management or people skills. He never stands up for his employees, is passive aggressive, and has unrealistic expectations of how news cycles in NCWV work.”
While working for WDTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Good employees are beaten down and taken advantage of while others are praised for doing something completely wrong and toxic to the work environment. Disheartening and not a good place to be. Mental health is not a priority here. Apply elsewhere if you want a successful place to learn and grow.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Shawn Venhaus
“Classic “yes man”, feel like he doesn’t think before giving assignments, hear he makes reporters feel uncomfortable, just an overall below average news director.”
While working for KFDA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management really turns the other cheek to situations that happen in that news. My boss who oversees me and the rest of the people at my position I feel is completely oblivious to what goes on and more importantly what our goals are. The talent, more specifically our primetime female anchor has gotten burned out multiple times and as a result takes all her frustrations out on the production staff. She needs more help, but clearly isn’t getting it. Certain reporters and others have been passed up for other positions because they want to stay “in house” and are just lazy at times. Have I learned a lot since I’ve been here? Yes. Do I enjoy going to work here everyday? No. The only days I enjoy are when I photog which is rare. I used to do it way more on my old schedule, now I barely do it. I want to do it more and reporters want me to but because this station has cut many positions and forces everyone to do millions of things, the quality of work I feel has taken a hit. Don’t stay here too long cause I don’t plan to.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Adam Henning
“Adam is an awful manager. He doesn’t know how to treat people or speak to people. He makes poor decisions when it comes to his news judgement. It’s his way or the highway. He wants no input from anyone. General manager Michelle Harper lets him get away with murder. There are no checks and balances.”
While working for WHBQ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The environment is completely TOXIC!!! Everyone hates their jobs. People hate coming to work. Majority of people are underpaid, overworked and treated poorly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Terrible place to work”
While working for WDAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Current station management is extremely toxic. Do not let the family owned and number 1 station fool you!
Yes, there are some hard working and caring people who work here, but many of those people are beneath the radar of the managementâs eyes.
If you are a guy you better suck up to managment hard core or else you will just be a place holder until the end of your contract.
If you are a female get ready to show some legs to the bosses! Current station managment prides itself on âTV female prostitutionâ promotes and gives females what they want if and ONLY if they look the part in managmentâs Eyes!
Seriously if you want to sell yourself as âa prostituteâ without being one then work here. If you pride yourself as a person of integrity without looks then please look the other way and do not waste your time here.
They need to do a full sweep of station management and start fresh again in order to move forward. And again, if your a guy or a somewhat attractive female you just are along for the ride. Only women that are victory secret qualified get the advancements and it shows to the public eye and reputation of the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Needs an extreme managment and ethical overhaul.”
News Director: Jennifer Dale
Experience described as: “Horrific. She is manipulative, petty, and is the reason that the entire newsroom wants to leave. Iâve never encountered anyone more emotionally abusive than that woman.”
While working for WCSC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The ND talks over people, calls them out in front of coworkers for things only she considered problems, trash talks her employees to their peers, and so much more. My former coworkers are some of the best people in the world and the station itself was a good one to work for but the toxicity she puts into the work environment causes so much anxiety and fear. Being called stupid on a daily basis is never how anyone should live.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Maggie H.
“Maggie was decent but definitely plays favorites and panics.”
While working for WIFR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND treated me okay, but it will only take you a day to notice she has her favorites. She also panics a lot for minor events. The rest of the staff all think they’re better than the other person. Zero unity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Not worth it… anchors will never leave so impossible to move up.”
News Director: Andy Pederson
Experience described as: “Absolutely awful – Worst Job”
While working for KTVE/KARD this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was sexually and verbally harassed by (someone in management)** during my time there. It was my first job out of college and I thought it was normal to have an older white male constantly stare at my ass, constantly comment on tight dresses I wore, and even would pass by me to ‘casually’ touch my butt. He has a very specific type. After he hired me, he hired skinny and brunette females as if he had a type. He is married with a son and was constantly preying on me. I had to go to Corporate to report him, because my HR rep at the time would not have done anything about it. Corporate brushed it under the rug despite the fact that I had about 4-5 instances as proof. When he wasn’t sexually preying on me, he was verbally harassing me making fun of what I said and constantly bringing me down. If you go to myarklamiss.com, you’ll notice there are only 4 males that work at the station and the rest are females…”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I did eventually transfer to another station and never want to look back again, but do not work there if you are a female. You will run into the risk of working with a sexual predator and will have little control of your situation.”
**The person’s job title was removed due to claims of libel from the accused.
News Director: Scott Pickey
“Pickey has his favorites. Simple as this he is a major HR problem. You are always wrong no matter what happened. No feedback ever given. Like I said if you are on his good side no problem at all.”
While working for KOSA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KOSA is a starter market and they advertise as such. But the way Pickey treats you makes it not worth working there.
GM Don Davis is worse. All about the bottom line and only cares about the product, not the person. He is the reason there are HR problems at the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The people you work with are great, management has issues.”
News Director: Tai Takahashi
“Tai is a nice person, however very passive.”
While working for WJTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is dead last in the market and there are obvious reasons why. Ranked distant third out of three stations. There’s a monotonous mindset of refusing to change. Staff is overworked,underpaid and unappreciated. Still a good place to get experience and grow. Just don’t expect to have fun doing it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Extremely lazy, old-fashioned main anchors that have been there forever. Outdated presentation, young producers lacking concern passion or drive. The station is run by an assignment manager who has a bad attitude and very toxic management skills. Passive leadership that doesn’t take control. Overall unhappy newsroom, but good opportunity to learn. The market itself will teach you. Not the station. Its what you make of it.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A very toxic environment to work in. ND plays favorites, employees are uninclusive, have huge egos/do not respect each other. The turnover rate is very high, FOX/ABC/CBS/NBC/Telemundo affiliates are all under one roof..extremely weird. Management is unorganized and does not deal with issues fairly. It’s a shame because it is a great community with a lot of story potential.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Liz Haltiwanger
“Speaks negatively to people, is completely absent and impossible to get ahold of.”
While working for KKTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Most of my problems come from the news department and upper management. GM/ND has been completely absent and nothing is able to get done around the station. We were recently told anyone who mentions the absence will be fired, which was the final straw for me. The GM once told someone they were a stupid idiot who did not deserve their job. Anchors and EPs speak about people as if they are not human.
I’ve heard lots of sexist and racist comments from both news anchors and engineers but I’ve never felt targeted.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The pay is less than other stations in the market and the benefits are horrible, basically useless. There is a cultural rift between longtime employees and the younger generation. Long-time employees seem blind to issues like benefits and continuously ridicule anyone who leaves to better their career/life. Most of the reporters and younger producers are genuinly understanding and supportive. There are double standards based on whether important people (anchors/EPs) like you.
The biggest positive is the creative flexibility we are given.
Overall their are better places to work in the market.”
News Director: Andrea Stahlman
Experience described as: “Terrible. She’s never there and when she is she doesn’t do anything.”
While working for WLKY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone there is trying to leave. They don’t believe in mental health and threaten lawsuits all the time. It’s very hostile and clicky. You almost feel like you’re in high school again.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jerry Howard
“Jerry is a great leader that truly treats his employees as though they matter.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station used to be the most toxic work environment I have ever worked in. That was before our new news director, Jerry took over. Jerry has been a God-send for this station. The previous news director, Ashley Hall, ran the station into the ground. She was degrading, manipulative, toxic and was not a leader in any capacity. While she was news director people were consistently breaking contract in order to get out and save their sanity. Those that stayed through their contract were very honest about their intentions to leave but in her last 6 months at the station she didnât make one single new hireâthat left our station 8 people short. All in on-air positions.
Jerry is now working hard to rebuild the station, essentially from the ground up. Jerry has been a life-saver. He is kind, considerate, a leader and very knowledgeable. He has tough road ahead of him but he is doing everything he can to rebuild the station and the people that were completely degraded by Ashley. Jerryâs motto is âcare so much it showsâ and it does show. He brings a positive attitude to the newsroom every day and is encouraging and uplifting. Under Jerryâs leadership this newsroom is transforming into a place that supports their employees and understands the pressures this job brings.
I worked under Ashley for two years and was ready to leave but because she announced she was leaving I decided to stay and give Jerry a chance â Iâm so glad I did. I absolutely love working under Jerry. He is a breath of fresh air for a newsroom that has been gasping.”
News Director: Phillip Hickman
“Personally cares about his employees. Sometimes to the point that they arenât disciplined as they should be.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Overall can be unorganized, but a wonderful place to start. Lots of people who will be friends for life. Pay is rough, but itâs more the business than this station.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “TOXIC”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I wouldn’t suggest the station to my worst enemy. If you are considering a job here, prepare for the worst. It’s very chaotic, and management doesn’t know how to communicate and treat their employees. Prepare to work on days when you aren’t scheduled, prepare to have your stories changed just to accommodate management’s favorite employees.. If you ask for a day off, the assistant news director (Donald) will try his best to ruin your plans.. Their agenda is way more important to them than your health.. There’s also no constructive feedback. The news director is supposed to talk to you every six months about your progress, but that never happened.. If you don’t get a story before the competing station (who has employees that have been there over +20 years) they will talk down on you..You will also sent to dangerous areas where shootings/murders have occurred in the middle of the night even if police are no longer there. Your safety is not a concern to this station…
The only positive thing I have to say is the community they cover is great. I built wonderful relationships with people who were very welcoming.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Before taking the job, I read the negative reviews on RateMyStation, but I still made the decision to move anyway.. Worst mistake I could’ve made in my life. Everything that previous reporters wrote was true, and I found out the hard way.. You don’t want to take a job and find yourself paying a buyout fee months later.. They will also try their hardest to make your next job search difficult. If you do take the job, make sure you keep your reel updated often for when you too decide to leave.. Good luck”
News Director: Cj Hoyt
Experience described as: “Not great”
While working for WHTM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Come to WHTM if you want to never do anything creative. We have one arrogant photographer who thinks heâs the shit because he has some emmys and hits on interns (you really have to see it to believe it). MMJ university.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Bunch of lifers work here. Everyone is back stabbing, shit talking, and never going anywhere else. Harrisburg is a terrible city to work in overall anyway.”
News Director: Maggie Hradecky
Experience described as: “Miserable”
While working for WIFR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is a joke here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Every place has pros and cons, but the other stations in town donât leave to come here for a reason. The ND is controlling, plays favorites, and alters between her moods all day long victimizing others just trying to work. You can learn a lot here if you work with and next to the right people. But the pay is pathetic yet they spent billions to buy another company. If you are truly passionate for news, do your time here and move on. They need to re-evaluate the news director and find someone who can make it less like working in a tornado that never stops spinning.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Troubled newsroom because of his assistant ND”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I recently left after so many others in 2019. Some great hard working people there and EVERYONE is miserable. The ND lets his best friend and assistant news director treat people like dirt and she is CLUELESS. The running joke in the newsroom is how Melissa Williams will KNOW there are problems and she leaves early every day. What manager walks out at 4:30 or 5:15 during a newscast? How about helping a producer who had to recently produce 3 dhows in one day? Nope. She does her bare minumum and Greg doesn’t care. They will tell you how much you suck at your job. Not quite sure they’re employed, especially Melissa.
The new GM tells employees she’s making changes which actually seems really unprofessional on her part but she’s a joke too. More people have left under her watch than in the other 2 years i was here.
They added more newscasts, won’t hire people with any experience . Everyone is looking to get out and fight contracts if they have to do to it. STAY AWAY until Hearst comes in and brings in a competent GM and people to run the news department.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Hearst corporate Human Resources visited the station and interviewed most employees a few months ago, including me before I left. She asked A LOT – why a new experienced EP hire quit after 3 weeks on the job and why I though the station rarely brings in job candidates even though so many people have applied. Also asked about the overall perception of the new GM , who has allowed the newsroom to suffer all year and as a result, has lost many good people. She added a newscast without any care of how staff was going to put on decent shows all day as more and more people continue to leave. 2020 gonna be worse if they don’t get their acts together and start treating the people who actually get the news on the air like they’re appreciated.
Pay attention HEARST.”
News Director: Greg Sheppard
Experience described as: “So-so”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg’s not the major issue as much as his highly incompetent Asst. N.D. When she actually decides to show up for work for a full day she makes horrible decisions and sets the station up for lawsuits constantly. She takes forever to approve a script then when she changes something that is completely factually incorrect which is almost daily, she won’t admit it and blames the reporter or another manager. They don’t care when viewers call about these huge mistakes that are gonna get the station sued.
Reporters and producers have no idea what she does on a daily basis. She sits in her office with the door shut. Greg will never admit she’s such a huge liability because they are personal friends.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“And does @hearst care that this station for OVER A MONTH HAS had NO lights around the station for the 3am crew or the night crew? Parking lot is pitch black. Employees are left to walk in and out scared. Dozens of employees have voiced concern to managers. They just say they’re working on it. This station has had so many calls to the cops about drunks, and people with weapons just walking onto the property and they think it’s ok not to put lights on or find some other solution temporarily. This places is a craphole, used to be a great place. The last 6 months are just awful.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
“Had my ups and downs. He can come off as a nice person, but does have his moments. Sometimes his demands and expectations are unrealistic and unreasonable”
While working for WDVM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom overall is very toxic. If you were to take a survey of the station, most people would say they don’t like working at WDVM. The news department is very focused on story quota, which sometimes doesn’t always work or make sense. They’ll have you drive an hour for a big story, but will still expect you to turn a vosot on a separate story. You have to find and pitch your own stories. If you have trouble meeting quota, they’ll write you up for missing quota. However, the job is largely contingent of people willing to be interviewed on camera. That’s never taken into consideration when they write you up for missing quota. Also, the assignment editor and executive producer are bullies. They yell at people and don’t give people encouragement. The assignment editor has anger management issues and has crossed the line numerous times talking to employees. The news director never properly addressed the issue. The station will overwork people at times, which is very unethical. For instance, they’ll have the 4 a.m. reporter cover late stories and go live. That same reporter is also required to turn a pkg, making them stay hours beyond their shift. They don’t take into consideration that the morning reporter has been in since 4 a.m. Overall, it’s a very stressful job with low pay. The management at the station makes things even more stressful. Working at the station will make you want to go into PR.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“It’s a starter station near the D.C region. A lot of people who work at the station leave and go to work in the Harrisburg market. If you get hired to work at WDVM, stay for 1 year and try to get out. It’s not a good job unless your a full-time anchor.”
News Director: Diana Castillo
Experience described as: “Amazing mentor”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This was by far the best starter market ever. Within 1 month of living here, Sioux City felt like home. The whole staff gets along. Everyone can help you out in some capacity if you ever have a question. Diana sits down with you and reviews anything you ever want to go over. She loves when you come up with creative ideas that are impactful on our viewers. If you second guessed your live shot? Just do better the next day. Make a mistake? It’s not the end of the world. Did you impact someone’s life today? Yes. This is a feature driven market and people love a good, positive story. Breaking news doesn’t happen often, so when it does give it all you’ve got. This is a station you can shine, grow, learn, and move up. A family-feel newsroom.”
News Director: Alex de Leon
“Alex genuinely cares for his employees. During my interview, he promised to get me ready for my next job. One year later, I landed a job in a Top 40 market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Rick Moll
Experience described as: “Nice Guy, TERRIBLE MANAGER”
While working for WSLS this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Loyalty is not valued. If for any reason, the News director Doesn’t Like you, you will be demoted for people he likes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Producers are right out of college and have no field experience, yet they control the newsroom. Reporters and Anchor who have been in the business 5+ years are not respected, and their story pitches are thrown out because the 23 year old producers don’t like them. There is no Team here, If the producers don’t get what they want, crews are often berated and belittled by the news director.
Loyalty and Hard Work is not rewarded. New employees are given prime and coveted shifts. FAVORITISM RUNS RAMPANT. No Matter how hard anyone works, or how long they have been there, they will be demoted in favor of managements favorite people, and then its justified by saying “too bad” and excused that no other employee has heard of.
There is ZERO Chance for advancement in the news room, you may apply for jobs, but management will not acknowledge your application, and will keep you in your same position. Most of the Hires are young women (age 22-28) White and blonde. Corrective punishments are distributed unfairly, certain employers will be written up for the smallest infraction, while others display problem behavior (Showing up late, poor attitude, cussing other employees) are not even addressed the issue. We have had employees who had been hear for years asking to get off weekends, and to be replace by new employees, but management will not move anyone, because they want to keep the new hires happy.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “So-so”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The biggest issues are the managers, expecially the assistant ND who is a mix of clueless and just doesn’t care. She’s either rarely there or leaves during our afternoon news as producers need help and reporters are begging for script approval or assignments. She says one thing then throws you under the bus if her boss wants it a different way. The station in the last 6 months doesn’t care at all about facts. Managers are all going in different directons.
And forget SAFETY. Does @hearst care that their employees have been walking in at 3am and out at 11pm in complete darkness because noone cares that the entire parking lot lighting has been broken for a month. The station has had dozens of problems with crazy people on the property. Cops take hours to arrive. And they feel it’s ok to not light the area. It’s a TV station with no security, Managers say it will get fixed eventually.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Tom Lewis
“Tom Lewis is tough when he needs to be, but also the best boss I’ve ever had. He actually cares about his staff as people and helps them with their jump to the next market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WMBB is a fantastic starter market with surprisingly, a decent amount of breaking news to cover. You learn a lot at this station and with the remodel post-hurricane Michael, the environment of the newsroom has improved. The staff are friendly and only want you to succeed. This station destroys the competition in breaking news and follow-ups on major stories. It’s a clear number 1. Tom Lewis is a great boss to work for. While some have negative comments about his leadership, I had a positive experience and learned so much from him. I highly recommend working at this station, especially if you’re just starting out.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “TOXIC”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“negative environment to work for”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“if you you want to fail; wbtw is the place to be. management wonât
help you succeed.
give you proper training.
give you heads up on days you will be working for someone else.
give you feedback.
they act like the last station in this DMA. be prepared to do extra work other than mmj. people hate this station. contact former and current employees and do your homework before signing to this awful station”
News Director: Roger Gray
Experience described as: “The worst supervisor I’ve ever had”
While working for KVII this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Roger Gray has no business being in charge of any news department. His behavior towards his employees is inappropriate, unprofessional, and completely transformed the newsroom’s moral. We went from winning in the market – to barely being able to keep our heads above water because of an overall lack of leadership. He has a knack of accidentally “replying all” to emails, insulting employees in front of their coworkers. He sleeps in his office. Constantly attempts to anchor even though he has no business behind the desk. And treats women like second-class citizens.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“By hiring Roger Gray, Guyanne Taylor (GM) single handedly plummeted all momentum this station had gained as a market leader. I legitimately loved working here when I was first employed. The previous ND encouraged creativity, pushed us to win, and held us to a high standard. Guyanne pushed her out the door, and this is what she gets. A newsroom with staple Amarillo talent calling it quits because Roger Gray has turned the news department into an environment I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Thankful I am gone.”
News Director: Doris Lewis
Experience described as: “Not a nice lady. Short conversations and dumb, lacks ethics and understanding”
While working for KTNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one is happy, bringing in people not experienced and poor corporate decisions that will keep station in last place”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No one in their right mind would work there. Unless you want to treated like a robot and let go for no reasons what so ever.”
News Director: Rick Erbach
Experience described as: “Toxic, Micromanaging, Plays favorites, Depressing”
While working for WGNO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You know that saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life?” I went into the TV business to do just that. I lost that passion at WGNO. The managers turned my passion into a job where I was very depressed working there. I have since left to a station that has more competent managers that truly care about your growth and development. I have that passion back.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would avoid this station until ND Rick Erbach and GM John Cruse are gone. Most days the morning show gets a 0.0 rating and hash marks. You know its bad if the managers celebrate with a cake if one show beats a station one time coming in 3rd. It may take several years to undo the damage Rick and John did for the station just to get to #3. But, Nexstar just took over so maybe there is hope.”
News Director: Geoffrey Roth
Experience described as: “Not helpful or trustworthy. Trying to make everyone mmj with their cellphone.”
While working for KMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Lots of turnover. People quit and even more are fired. Gotten significantly worse in the last year or so.”
News Director: Sally Ramirez
“Sally Ramirez is absolutely the best news director in this business. She believes in her team, and opens every opportunity to create better journalist and people”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KHOU is a unique place. The newsroom is enjoyable to be in. People LOVE working here.”
News Director: Rick Erbach
Experience described as: “Approachable but lackadaisical”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Most people who work here actually hate working here and would rather be at another New Orleans station that actually has competent managers and resources. There’s a lack of vision and that leads to a power vacuum (i.e., the AM EP sleeps and the AM technical director leads editorial meetings). Most employees are really excited for Nexstar to take over and finally install competent managers.”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for KNOE this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Brad kept his newsroom extremely understaffed to save a buck to look good in the eyes of corporate. The meteorologists were extremely overworked, as were the rest of the staff. But during the peak of severe weather there were only 2 mets on staff and we were working 6-7 day weeks on very little sleep. He would constantly promise things to separate individuals, but then turn around and recant the statement. He was clearly intimidated by women and would rarely look them in the eye.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Brad Ginsberg and Laura Long, the station manager are struggling to keep the station afloat. Over 25 people have left due to their poor management. They severely underpay their employees and due to being short staffed constantly, all their employees are extremely overworked. I was hired as a weekend met but was doing the work of both the weekend and the morning met, but was not receiving that pay of such. When I asked for just a slight pay raise I was essentially laughed out of the room. On my last day there I was told that I was not experienced enough, nor good enough to be a morning meteorologist. Yet they were clearly in no rush to find what they deemed an experienced met.
The chief meteorologist, who had been with the station for many years, was essentially forced out because he had maxed out his PTO and Comp days and they refused to pay him for the days he worked.
Brad is now forcing anyone he hires to sign a contract before they arrive at the station because no one wants to stay once they arrive.
Until the current management is ousted, stay away from this station.”
News Director: Diana Castillo
“Diana is a phenomenal ND! She is very involved in the newsroom and with her staff. We are the smallest staff wise in the market and Diana also anchors an evening newscast. Easily the best ND in the market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KMEG is the CBS affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa and is part of a duopoly with KPTH FOX 44, collectively known as Siouxland News. As one of the smallest-staffed newsrooms in Sioux City, KMEG is consistently rising in the ratings and is closely behind the No.2 station in the market. The News Director is Diana Castillo and she also acts as the 5 p.m. anchor. She is highly involved in the day-to-day activities in the newsroom and works to give everyone on the staff creative control and the chance to branch out beyond their written job description if that person so chooses. Morale at the station is for the most part positive and the staff are all friends outside the newsroom as well! One complaint about this station is that they are consistently understaffed. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the management, but of the company, Sinclair Broadcast Group, as Sioux City is one of their smaller markets. They tend to put hiring freezes on management, leading to everyone working long hours. Overall though, this is a great station for any recent graduates to get their feet wet. Plenty of opportunities for liveshots and creativity! Plus, when you are ready to move up, Diana will do anything she can to help you get to your next market. Highly recommend this station!”
News Director: Brian Neal
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for WLEX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is under new management and has undergone a lot of changes, not necessarily for the better. First time news director doesnât know how to manage people, bad behavior gets rewarded while hardworking employees canât catch any breaks. ND not an authority figure, no consequences given when issues arise. First time assistant news director is a nice person, butnalso canât manage people and doesnât like confrontation. Lots of complaining, people trashing management, talking behind other employeesâ backs, green reporters, producers and photographers hired but nothing is done to help them learn, âsink or swimâ environment. There is a mass exodus of people leaving. Some of the story selection has improved due to the station being bought by Scripps, and there are a lot of photographers here for a station of this size. Also there are a lot of shows and the potential to go live. Those are the main positives.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If youâre new to the business and looking to learn, donât come here. If youâre somewhere in between looking to climb the ladder, come in, get your reel and leave.”
News Director: Jacque Harms
Experience described as: “Amazing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is truly a diamond in the rough. Our station manager is caring and always has your best interest at heart.”
News Director: Paul Alexander
“Is a dinosaur. A weak man who cannot make eye contact He lies and cannot be trusted.”
While working for KRIS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have always known Scripps being a solid company with great stations, but, the recently acquired KRIS TV is nothing more than a “Hooterville” station in a backwoods, backwater’s town of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, where the newly grands getting their first job meet the nearly dead’s on their last job.
First day on the job I get my camera and it is broken. They just got it back being refurbished and they never checked it out before I started my job. Major red flag. Handed off a cheap handheld camera that had many settings changed that the chief photographer had a hard time figuring out. Given a tripod with broken locked down handle and a plate that did not lock the camera. Given a stick mic that the cube fell off constantly. A lav mic that was with a permanently made XLR cable attached. Constant issues with the camera the chief photographer who was an unmotivated bad photographer who still shoots like market 1,029 not market 129 with 17 years in the business, felt threaten by me (And the only one who did not clapped when my name was announced among the new hires in the company meeting) blamed me as user error and would not fix it when it was the previous user’s error and negligence of equipment.
I never worked with a reporter and sent out to shoot rollovers and vo’s of stupid uneventful stuff that I asked if I can turn into an anchor pack and turned down. The desk would send me stuff with wrong address all the time to a bunch of little cow-towns. It was really boring.
After watching many company videos included all forms of harassment, I reported the Chief Engineer, the chief photographer who unwanted intimidating glares to corporate H.R. since the station’s H.R. manager is in Tucson at KGUN TV was never accessible by phone or email and only reached out to me the day after I left.
Most of the cars that I had to drive will fail a safety inspection with bad breaks, badly crack windshields, flat tires, check engine lights on and one’s catalytic converter was out. When I brought this up to a couple people I was asked, Did you tell (chief photographer) Mike? I said yea, he walked away from me. The response was, he is lazy he doesn’t do anything. What can I say, every station has a Fredo.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Got an email from news director Paul Alexander to call chief photographer Mike Salazar ASAP. They are ready to move on the job. When I spoke to Mike I asked, “What’s the shift?” He told me it was either coming in at 2PM or at 4AM Monday through Friday. He asked was there any shift I cannot work? I said, I won’t work the 4AM shift. The next day, I drove four hours for the interview. When I walked into the interview, I was immediately hired on the spot. Paul did not make eye contact with me and that is a sign of weakness and someone you cannot trust. In the interview they never gave me a job description. I told them I want to help elevate the product and mentor younger journalist. Paul asked, “What shift work for you?” I said, I don’t do the early morning shift coming in at 4AM and I am not going to work nights and weekends. I will only work dayside Monday through Friday and this was a deal breaker for me and I need a quality of life to meet people and have a girlfriend. I would come in early, stay late for breaking news.
After passing the background check, I emailed Paul needing to know about the shift before I report work on Monday. I have had some bad experiences that I showed up for a job not knowing the shift and get a shift I am not happy with or promise a shift and not get it in writing and not have that shift when I walked into the door. He would not answer the question and offered me a job without telling my shift. I made it clear what shift I will only work.
My job offer letter did not have the shift and I called and emailed. H.R Business Partner Katie Ford who works at KGUN in Tucson who was never accessible, responsible and lacks diligence. When I finally spoke to her on my first day, she told me we assigned people base on our business needs. I told her nothing has been assigned and reiterated what I told Paul and Mike on the phone and on my interview this was a deal breaker for me. This insensitive H.C.chic says, then you have to make a real hard decision when they assigned your shift if you want to stay or not. I said, I never got the shift in writing and if I don’t work dayside, I’ll quit.
Two weeks later, after 4 PM Mike called me and said, Paul put out the schedule and your scheduled changed. I asked what the shift was and he would not tell me. When I got back from my Vosot, after 5:10PM, I went into Paul’s office recording the conversation. I said, I need to talk to you about my schedule. He laughs says, “I don’t know. I don’t know how to answer that question.” That is your schedule. I said, what is’ I don’t know the schedule?” Paul says, “Okay Good. If will be coming out later.” Just caught him in a lie. Mike comes back at 6:20PM and I recorded the conversation saying, the schedule Paul put out, it’s going to be the morning shift. 4AM to one o’clock. If you get an hour break, it’s one. Again, caught Paul in a lie.
I immediately quit without notice with no intentions coming back and drove four hours back home. Called E.W. Scripps the next day report my issues and I was told to call in sick. The worthless, unprofessional, H.R. girl Katie Ford who did nothing contacts me about my issues from days before and was clueless I left. I called or emailed sick using my 3 company sick days I had I accrued to get paid for the week. Gave written two week notice and never had to go back.
Any new hire do not take a job if you don’t have what you need in writing like your shift and if you go work there, be smart like me and record your conversations.”
News Director: Alex de Leon
“I canât say enough. Knows what heâs doing and genuinely wants to help new employees. My writing skills improved with his help.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There is so much room for growth. There is a laid back vibe throughout the newsroom but when itâs down to business â everyone is in the zone. Been here for a few years now, I know I should be leaving soon but itâs hard to leave such a great team.”
News Director: Steve Cohen
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for KUSI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No communication whatsoever, biased, close-minded, old fashioned, unwilling to try something new.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt McConico
Experience described as: “Horrible, he’s a bully who doesn’t have any newsense.”
While working for WPMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The GM bullies, intimidates, and basically threatens employees to do things. He forces people to put their jobs before their lives, scheduling mandatory “retreats” that are out of our job descriptions , and even if we have other plans we’re forced to cancel or our jobs are threatened. The ND is no better, he acts like he knows what he’s doing but doesn’t. He’ll make up fake excuses as to “why we do this” even if it doesn’t work and fails horribly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. Apply elsewhere. It really isn’t worth it. If you don’t want to be miserable, don’t work here.”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
Experience described as: “Horrific”
While working for KNOE this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He is clearly turned on by attractive white women and holds them on a pedestal in the news room. As a cis white man when he refers to black employees as âmy brotha or my sistaâ the entire news room cringes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Brad Ginsberg is one of the most toxic news directors I have ever known. A micro manager to the hilt. He will tell you one thing and do another. Promise you someoneâs job who still works there, even if theyâre not leaving. His favorite game is to pit employees against one another. Heâll pull you into private meetings and give you a little information about another employee that puts them in a negative light, and then he does the same thing with that employee. If heâs mad at you, he takes out revenge with story selection and schedule shifting. Heâs an absolute monster about time, donât think about asking for comp time even if your working 6 days a week. In the past year 25 people have left this station, because of Brad Ginsberg. Until heâs gone stay far away.”
News Director: Lon Lucas
“He is fine…others, not so much.”
While working for WEEK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The company and some managers are okay…keywords SOME. Many managers though are honestly less skilled at their jobs than college graduates. You are sometimes blamed for their never-ending mistakes and poor decision-making. There is no standard of how things are done…especially disciplinary actions, varying from employee to employee. It is also a “do as I say, not as I do” station for sure.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“HR plays favorites and if you’re not one, won’t even listen to your side. If you stand-up for yourself, it is “disrespectful”. They have also asked females about their cycles, which I’m surprised didn’t end in a lawsuit. Also, if you don’t clock out on break, you’re a criminal.”
News Director: Stephanie Hedrick
Experience described as: “Toxic, micromanages, unorganized, blind to problems”
While working for KWQC this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station tries to build on a positive workplace culture, but instead, it fosters negativity and management pits members of the team against each other. The moral of the newsroom is very low.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station lacks leadership in the news director, who rarely is involved in the day to day operations. She spends much of her time in the GM’s office or out of the building. Everything she says is built on lies. She will tell people one thing and do the opposite, never following through. Main talent has been there a long time but the turn over is extremely high. Management will try and spin turn over to be that it was the result of a personal or family reason, when it is really the toxic and low moral.”
News Director: Matt Waggoner
Experience described as: “Okay.”
While working for WXIN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management marched us all out one after another in a mass firing event… at least two dozen fired in eight hours. Watch out for this newsroom… in fact, avoid Nexstar newsrooms altogether.”
News Director: Jon Levy
“truly cares about employees.. and tries his best to understand each personal situation.”
While working for WCJB this person experienced:
“The negative reviews are disgruntled employees the station has worked to weed out. The station is a good place for a first job experience. Yeah, pay is not always great but you have so much room to grow and learn. So if you got a good attitude and like to take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way this is a great place.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great stepping stone to larger markets. Management will drop what they’re doing to help you with personal things. Working alongside 3 separate large markets in the state.”
News Director: Tina Commodore
“She is awesome to work with, very hands off and let’s you do your job”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The overall morale at this station is great. I love working here.”
News Director: Jay Quaintance
Experience described as: “Worst boss I’ve ever had”
While working for WJHL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Jay and his new assistant News Director, Britt Stack, are a joke. If you are wondering if you should come here, don’t.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I hated everyday. Management is a joke, they are so understaffed yet they refuse to hire anyone except for digital only reporters…”
News Director: Sean McNamara
“He is brand new, no judgment. Literally just hired by GM”
While working for WDAF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“People gossip and complain non stop. People randomly get fired. People get pushed out with performance improvement plans.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management is mixed. There are some good managers and there are the spawns of Satan.”
News Director: Phil Buehler
“Allows his far right politics to affect coverage. Believes he is the smartest man in the room. Bad temper. Has tipped over a chair and kicked boxes in the newsroom while cussing up a storm”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stress is handled terribly by management other than the assistant news director.
Calling in for whatever reason and you will be guilted over it.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for WDVM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The comments are right. The assignment editor is a horrible human being that is rude to everyone and is a snake. He pretends he is on your corner then goes behind your back to talk crap. The ND is a scatterbrain and also delusional. The GM actually isn’t too bad from my experience. This is really a terrible, cheap budget station. Barely any live shots (NOT READING THE PROMPTER I MEAN, REAL LIVE SHOTS) only one digital person, no real assignment desk, no police scanners, only one Executive Producer who is also the Assistant News Director. No room for creative growth, they are stuck in doing things in ancient times (haven’t won an Emmy in years). The ND is kind of weird and suspicious of everything even when there isn’t a need also people are spiteful. Oh and the shots from the studios look like a college kid project. The directors are incompetent at actually focusing anything. They are embarrassing but for some reason this station believes that they are part of the DC media market when they really aren’t. If you DO decide to do this def pick a bureau bc Hagerstown is a joke. Looking like a market 125 or worse. Good luck!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Nope….i just say if you are going to take this you have BEEN forewarned….get in and get out. ASAP”
News Director: Tom Yazwinski
Experience described as: “Tyrant Tom – The worst human being Iâve ever met.”
While working for KEPR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Want to know what itâs like to go to hell? Welcome to KEPR. The most negative, degrading, unhealthy news environment youâll ever experience. Every other station in the market gets paid way more than every reporter at KEPR. If you accidentally leave a phone charger in the car, the ND will rip your head off, call you an idiot and cuss you out. Iâve experienced many newsroom environments that were all positive and know this is a bad one. Itâs such a joke.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT WORK HERE. Stay away from Tom the Tyrant. Take a job at McDonalds. Itâs not worth it.”
News Director: Crysty Vaughan
While working for WOLO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Managers do show favoritism in who does what. There have been times where a story could have been covered, but nope … let’s sit on our butts and let the other stations beat us like they always do. Even if you are going above and beyond, it won’t be appreciated. But you’ll definitely get called out for what you don’t do even if it’s once.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Please do not expect to make decent livable wages…the company is cheap and have no shame in it. Crysty has no desire to be the news director, she lacks management skills. She’ll much rather let the “assistant news director” call the shots. God forbid you pitch a good story, their ‘news judgement’ will say that’s not a story. YET, you’ll see that same story you pitched on the competitor stations. I think WOLO enjoys being #3, they follow behind everyone else and don’t take any ownership of those true enterprise stories. Please don’t expect to be critiqued in the good work you do either. Employees are super amazing, most have raw talent and great ideas, but are at the wrong station to express it. If company brings in new management then it would have potential, but as of now …. NOPE! Look elsewhere.”
News Director: Sara Howard
Experience described as: “Sara’s ok. The GM sucks.”
While working for WTVQ this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If there ever was a place where inmates ran the asylum, this is it. Serial harassers are left unchecked. The News Director is left powerless due to a cheap General Manager who has only succeeded to get rid of talented News Directors and promising talent. If there is anyone who keeps this place together, it is the long-term producers or long-time main anchor. If you have a choice between taking a job at a #1 station in market 130 and here, take the job in market 130 or pursue a graduate degree.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station has potential. But the long-timers who’ve made a life in Lexington deserve better. They love the station. It shows. They’re the only ones who keep the ship from hitting the Titanic.”
News Director: Sarah Gray
Experience described as: “Decent. She promises a lot and delivers little.”
While working for WSAW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WSAW suffers from bloated egos. Mainstays in the newsroom do not pull their weight (looking at you evening anchors) and the GM is a joke. It was fun to see bright eyed young reporters come in and a year later be seriously considering if they’ve made the right career path simply because the expectations are extraordinarily high yet no support to reach them is provided by the team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Boiling it down WSAW is dysfunctional. It gives opportunities to those who seek them out but does not have what it takes to be a place that someone seeks to ‘end up at’. The GM only treats the Sales team well, as that is his background, and either cannot understand or blatantly ignores the rest of the buildingâs needs. In fact, the building they are occupying is literally crumbling, but who cares since sales is doing well? News is over worked and understaffed, and Promotions//Creative Services is always last in line. In fact, there was a bomb threat at the station, and no one told those in Creative Services to come back when it was safe to do so. No one apparently thought to let an entire department know.
The GM often gets accolades from corporate for being the cheapest run station. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES AND YOU NEED TO REALIZE THIS. It is ill-advised to expect your employees to give you their best work but not provide the tools to allow them to do so. I am not saying you need new cameras, new cars, or new computers (which is what you have). You need to provide your employees livable wages and support them on projects to allow them to grow and feel that the work that they are doing is appreciated. How do you do this? Hire people who care. Replace the GM who can only see cash cows walking around instead of people and acknowledge the fact that the negative attitudes from main stays and new talent is actually affecting everyone in the building. If someone cannot and will not do what their job requires them to do, then they need to be let go. Yes, it is hard to find people to come out to middle of no where Wisconsin, but if you treat your employees well, then more people would want to work for you instead of scrapping the bottom of the barrel. Stop the ship from sinking and fix what is broken.
For positives: for those who work hard and learn from their mistakes, WSAW can provide stepping stones for well-rounded News individuals. You work hard, you learn a lot, and you must be careful not to feel burned out. If you can look past all the crap floating around, you will find that working this hard at an entry level station will provide you the tools to succeed. But the negatives things cannot be overlooked any more.”
News Director: John Haferkamp
Experience described as: “Shady, Liar”
While working for WSBT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I thought the W in WSBT stood for WHITE” – often said by South Bend viewers who are black. With the demographics of the city, you would think that the news room would reflect that, but they do everything to travel hours away ( i.e. to Michigan) to tell stories that don’t affect people of color, as opposed to talking to people in their own backyard.
The team HATES competitor WNDU anchor, Joshua Short who is a black man that went viral in 2017 for his Black Friday clip. They’re only upset because they’re barely #1 anymore since WNDU is more relatable with their diverse team, coverage and personalities on air. Editorial meetings are often spent bashing the competitors to drill into reporters heads to not enage with them even outside of work on their down time.
John Haferkamp is a shady liar who doesn’t care about the success or well-being of his reporters. When asked questions upfront about performance, he will tell them they are doing okay while planning their termination behind the scenes. He forces his team to create made up scenarios with no evidence to rid himself of talent who stand up to him. Very rarely are there people of color on the team, but when there are every few years, they’re all treated horribly.
He prides himself on operating a teaching station in a mid-market for students fresh out of college, but only allows mentorship for his favorite kids. Management follows his lead in joking about immigration and “ghetto” people. Their only audience is older white conservatives. It’s Indiana so it makes sense, but in the future, their #1 rank is definitely going to be taken.
They’re opposed to any new talent being better than their favorite talents. Never open to creative control. Never given any opportunities at the anchor desk unless you’re a favorite. This station is perfect if you’re a young white reporter whose only ambitions are to jump to the Indianapolis market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Honestly, go to WNDU. If you want a positive fun environment where you’re not constantly put up against your coworkers by management, don’t go to WSBT. The only good thing about that station is the look of the product on air and the cute dogs that come in on the morning show, but even they’ve barked at the team cause animals know evil.”
News Director: Kevin King
“Kevin King is an easy-going News Director. If you do what you have to do and turn good stories he’ll be on your good side. Rarely gets upset with people, but wants to see hard news all the time. Easy to talk when you’re having a hard time, but be prepared to see nothing changed if you have a problem. The GM basically runs everything because he goes through him.”
While working for KSFY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place is currently merging with the #3 station in the market and it’s been an unorganized mess since starting.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re not a favorite in the newsroom don’t expect to get any help on anything. You’re basically on your own the whole time you’re working. Need help shooting something you’ll rarely have access to the THREE photogs they have.
The only time you’ll get guidance is if they think something should be done differently. Every script has to be checked before editing. If they don’t like it expect them to change it to their own words. No creative control at all. Favorites are picked in the newsroom so expect MANAGEMENT to talk bad about you behind your back. If you’re doing well they’ll make you feel like you’re not. You’ll drive as far as three hours away for a story by yourself and back.
Everyone has one-on-ones each week so expect to be DRAGGED by the GM. He’s never put together a story or stepped in front of the camera but thinks he knows what makes a good reporter. The newsroom may have all positions filled here and there, but it is severely understaffed.
If you’re interviewing they will build this place up because it’s a brand new building with decent technology. You get paid pennies to work here so don’t expect to be financially stable. Overtime isn’t allowed here and you’ll be asked to change your schedule and still turn a story with less time. If you have mental health problems this place will make it worse.
Overall, Sioux Falls is a cool place if you like having nothing to do and like living small. They’ll say it’s an upcoming city which it is but won’t change for sometime. Person of color? Expect to feel out of place. The people who work there aren’t bad at all, but management makes life so difficult. Start somewhere else!”
News Director: Mark Kraham
“Mark Kraham is a news director who I believe genuinely wants to support young journalists. However, that mentality is out of step with the GM, Andy Wyatt, who sees WDVM as being capable of competing with the true DC stations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The newsroom itself is chaotic, with high employee turnover, a general lack of direction and not enough attention or resources are given to the multiple localized bureaus, despite the instance that Nexstar is a local first news company. The split between the ND and the GM in terms of what the station should be is frustrating to say the least. Unfortunately, the GM is so out of touch with what is going on in the newsroomânot knowing who reporters are, not knowing the coverage areaâthat it makes it hard to imagine things will straighten out until either the GM or the ND caves to the otherâa reality that ultimately hurts both the staff and the viewers. I will say, the ND does make an effort to get reporters live experience, as well producing and anchoring experience as he realizes these are critical for people to move onward and upward. On the other hand, some former reporters say he tried to sabotage their efforts to land jobs at other stations in efforts to get them to re-sign.”
News Director: Matt Waggoner
“Doesnât follow through with promises. Clearly overwhelmed.”
While working for WXIN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Micromanaging constantly slows down work. People hate one another and being there. Repercussions for calling out sick. Iâve directly witnessed women being treated differently than men.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Duopoly with wttv.”
News Director: Jack Acosta
Experience described as: “Clueless, directionless”
While working for KENS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When you meet with the news director one on one he stares at you hard in a very creepy way. Very uncomfortable and I hated having to go in his office alone. Tegna HR is useless because they still have another department boss who kept his job after a huge investigation.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The ND rules by chaos which is fun sometimes but makes the reporters crazy and unhappy. No consistency to the news coverage because what he likes changes from day to day. No philosophy or âvisionâ at all. Iâm not sure why Tegna keeps him there. He really has them fooled. He brags about how much of a âtight wadâ he is and it shows by how many reporters donât stay past first contract. He will lie to your face and then totally deny it. Turnover is all the time at KENS so beware and ask around before signing with that guy. Glad I moved on.”
News Director: Jeff Harris
Experience described as: “Thoughtful, inquisitive. Good guy. Pushes you to be your best in an encouraging way”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This place was horrible under the last news director, but times are different here. The photographers are incredible and there’s a lot of value placed on storytelling. This place is amazing under Jeff Harris. He treats his employees fairly and also values investigative journalism over gimmicks for ratings. We may not be #1, but I often see #1 and #2 following up on the stories we break the next day. We have the best content and news environment in the market hands down.”
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “He’s sort of odd.”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A station that is dead last in the market with barely any resources. Management expects so much with very little resources to provide to reporters. Of course, everyone pitches but it would be nice if reporters are ever assigned stories. Reporters (MMJ’s) are expected to pitch and turn two packages a day which is a LOT. Especially without a photog or given a story. I’ve worked at other stations that have assigned stories to reporters that are expected to turn two packages a day. The assignment manager favors one reporter that gets all of the leads on stories. Also, there are no photogs at this station. I still work here but PLAN TO LEAVE SOON.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Mitch Jacob
“He knows exactly what we need in order to succeed. Sometimes hard to read and standoffish, but overall supportive of his team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The station is on the rebound after several years of bad management and bad decisions. New management at the station is breathing new life into the stale product including doing more community events, more investigative consumer action stories, and making cosmetic changes like a new set and graphics. The station struggles with being first to breaking news and struggles with overall organization. While ratings have improved with new management and better decision making, the market is extremely competitive and no one station is doing better than the other in the demographics. There seems to be more chiefs than Indians and different ideas on how things should be. Overall, the station is a decent place to work and the newsroom is a nice albeit dysfunctional family. They need to get better organized in managing news assignments and expectations, and replace a few bad or lazy eggs to totally get back on track to greatness, however.”
News Director: Estelle Parsley
“She was an evil, vindictive, vile woman who made all who worked under her work in fear.”
While working for WRDW/WAGT this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director picked favorites and was well known for being biased towards females over males in the newsroom. She destroyed careers of those who tried to break their contracts to get away from her. Her demeanor was always cold, unfriendly, and unsupportive. How she has maintained being the news director for three decades is beyond me, since the newsroom itself is notorious for high turnover and low morale.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is a dumpster fire and they are known to sucker young talent out of college into contracts they canât get out of. The atmosphere is catty and cliquey, and the morale is lower than ever. Avoid at all costs.”
News Director: Ed Reams
Experience described as: “Rough”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Plan on it being a two year stop”
News Director: Matt Stein
“He offers male MMJ’s a higher salary than female MMJ’s.”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station lacks a lot of resources. Be warned that this station has no photogs because Heartland Media does not believe in having photogs. Everyone is an MMJ with the exception of 4 anchors. It’s very obvious that this station is struggling financially because all the other stations in Huntsville have several photogs, yet this station has none. If this is your first station out of college, there is very little room for growth because you will be an MMJ for 3 years before you are ever considered to anchor. Also, this station only does 3-year contracts for MMJ’s which is a huge red flag. No one wants to stay in a starter market for 3 years. There is also a lack of diversity in management. The saying of “Black people don’t last long at this station,” is relevant. All of the black reporters and anchors within the last 5 years at this station never stayed for their full contract. If you are considering this station, you need to VISIT it first before you sign a contract to make sure it is a good fit for you and the company.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Visit the station before signing a contract.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Greg Shepperd is the conniving control freak who has no news judgement. He’s a hypocritical micromanager with no actual skills.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KOAT is the most toxic work place I’ve ever encountered. They do not take your concerns seriously. Employees with allergies are consistently questioned and belittled there, regarding the severity of them. Even though there has been an attempt to alleviate the situation by throwing away a microwave and refrigerator, employees have had to leave the station because of allergic reactions and management have had to step in and complete entire newscasts. The white men in the newsroom are constantly targeted and our concerns go ignored often. Management hasn’t taken proper steps to ensure the wellbeing of their employees who suffer from medical conditions.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The issue has gotten so bad, several times, people have walked out mid-shift, leaving the rest of us with more work. It’s a problem for months, and the new general manager isn’t helping the issue. Save yourself the heartache and drama, and avoid at all costs.”
News Director: Roger Gray
While working for KVII this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women arenât allowed to have a mind of their own in Sinclair. If you do, you are considered a threat. Either that, or you are considered bossy or ignorant. The typical way women get treated by companies like that. Iâm mainly talking about corporate and Guyanne Taylor, but donât even get me started on that guy Cory Bayle. Too chicken to talk to anyone other then other men.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Guyanne doesnât look out for anyone but herself. I know a lot of people have left this station because of her. Sheâs acts understanding and supportive, but when it comes to what she tells corporate, itâs a whole new narrative. The newsroom is being led by someone who doesnât know how to run a newsroom. Glad Iâm no longer there.”
News Director: Darrel Lieze-Adams
“Outstanding Journalist. Best connected news director I have everworked with.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Matt Templman
Experience described as: “Extremely toxic, run FAST”
While working for KEZI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is terrible! You DO NOT want to work here!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
