KGBT KVEO
News Director: Rick Boone
“Rick is a good ND, but can be timid or too neutral at times. Has a lot of gusto but it can be inadvertently misplaced, given the day of the week and whether or not his health is bad.”
While working for WHNT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Definitely an awesome place to work, have been here for almost a decade and have never been turned away from any training opportunities! Finding the right people to befriend and the right (seasoned) folks offers a very family-like atmosphere.”
News Director: Mike Rosen
Experience described as: “HORRIBLE”
While working for WJCL this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“DON’T WORK HERE. I got paid 26,000 a year to work harder than I’ve ever worked in my entire life. (Even at my higher paying job in a better market now)
They sold me (tricked me) on the job by saying all the management was new and they were going to turn it around… but it’s all lies. It’s the worst station in the market for a reason. The place is rotten and toxic and it stems from the top down. Racism and bullying in the newsroom made the work culture unbearable. I was sexually harassed daily by the photographer and a m a in the sales department.
One employee tried to physically fight me over breaking news.
HR IS TERRIBLE ZERO STARS!!!! They got mad at me for getting Covid… when they were forcing us all to keep working in-person during lockdown.
Lockwood is a terrible company to work for!! The gear is crap, you have to share it and people steal.
Their benefits suck and they don’t match 401k so you can’t even save for retirement. They have zero problem taking your life and soul and making you feel guilty for not doing enough when you devote all your time and energy to them. Is HORRIBLE!!!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
News Director: Rob Cartwright
“Rob is a very chill news director. If you have a problem he will always hear you out but it’s a different story when something needs to be addressed. He’s active in the day-to-day newsroom operations and genuinely wants to see the station succeed”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“CBS Austin (KEYE) is one of those stations where you just have to keep your head down and get your work done. The station lacks organization and it was always depending on what the other stations were doing for stories. There doesn’t seem to be a want-to-win culture at this station. CBS Austin is a revolving door right now. It’s so hard for the station to keep talent, producers, assignment editors, and photographers. They’ve resorted to hiring people straight out of college or people with no news experience. Every department was always understaffed. The work/life balance here was hard because you’d always have to fill in on someone elses shift. I felt like we were always doing the same stories over and over and there was never any opportunity to tell good people stories. It was always news of day and talking to officials. Characters were always found through MOS. The station has GA reporters and MMJs. I do not recommend MMJing here. MMJs here are time fillers in the C Block and never get to do bigger stories. Those are always left for the reporters. As the weekend reporter/MMJ if you get a big story over the weekend, it was always passed to a reporter during the week. MMJs don’t even get live shots most of the time or even studio time. It was mainly straight PKGs and an added Anchor VOSOT here and there. I was always begging for a live shot. If you want to grow to get to your next market, it’s going to be hard to put together a reel unless you fight for those live shots. I’m in top 25 now and the workload is more than I can handle because I wasn’t prepared, even though I get a photographer every day now. There aren’t enough photographers usually to get a live shot. Your mental health will be tested at times. One reporter even had to take a leave of absence. The assistant news director was promoted from EP. She’s still figuring out the role and will talk behind people’s back. She’s been caught a few times but nothing ever happens. Reporters/MMJs are also required to get Spanish sound for Telemundo when they can because Telemundo reporters just redo PKGs shot from the CBS side. Last but not least, the pay is awful. Austin is too expensive of a city to live in. 3-4 photographers quit around the same time because the station doesn’t pay enough and they don’t like to pay overtime. Positions have been cut to give other departments raises. I wouldn’t label the station as toxic but there are a lot of organizational issues and it could be negative at times. Working here was described as “embarrassing” by some. Managers think the new set will change how people view the station, but good luck. You might be happier at another station in the market.”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
“Fucking terrible. She’s a corporate kiss-ass who doesn’t care about her employees. She hires inexperienced morons and expects everyone to cover for them.”
While working for KOLD this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s a stressful job with terrible pay. Mid-market station that has high market expectations with low market resources.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone is miserable because nobody feels valued. Management treats everyone as replaceable and does not care if their star employees leave. I’ve lost track of the number of people who have come here and burned out of the business entirely.”
News Director: Richard Washington III
“Richard Washington III is a grossly incompetent news director. He has poor news judgement and runs a newsroom purely on favoritism.”
While working for WTIC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is where your career will go to die. A backwards mentality that enjoys its mediocrity. You will get no constructive feedback or opportunities to advance your career.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Easily the lowest paying station in the market and a distant fourth place in the ratings. Would only recommend for someone straight out of college. It is beneath many news stations in smaller markets in terms of news quality and management support. This place is a revolving door that cannot retain talent.”
News Director: Kim Wyatt
Experience described as: “Chaotic, crazy, means well but unpredictable”
While working for WEAR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Asst ND is afraid of ND. Won’t take your side if you’re correct. The EP is a lunatic fights and yells. All women management. HR won’t help you. Valerie Massey”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Very low pay. Many have left, quit, or been fired. High turnover. Story choices are poor. Very little support especially if they don’t like you. Staff afraid of ND. Sinclair is a poor company to work for. They are cutting back in many areas”
News Director: Terry Wood
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KMID this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Terry Wood is the worst human being on earth. He tries to come across as nice but openly talks s*** about employees behind their back, TO OTHER EMPLOYEES. There was a MASSIVE group of people leaving because of how miserable Terry is. Nobody wants to work for him. He’s SO FAKE. He drains the life out of you. He doesn’t care about you. People are afraid of Terry and will do what he says…which is completely understandable. He holds their livelihood in his hands, and he works off of people’s fears. He is a tyrant, a bully, and honestly, a sad loser who takes it out on employees that he has no life. But he thinks he’s hot s*** because he came from being an executive producer in LA. He has no trace of a personality. Blank walls in his office, and nobody is allowed to decorate their desks because of “corporate rules.” That’s an outright lie, he just hates anything that shows you’re not a mindless drone. He doesn’t care at all about the feelings of his employees, he demeans and demotes, he does whatever he wants to fit his agenda. He has talked s*** and told lies to other Nexstar directors for some people who have tried to transfer to other stations, causing them to not get the job. Why? Because he’s a nasty person and can’t come up with genuine reasons, so he has to stay they’re hard to work with in order to stop them from moving forward in their career. If you give him an inch he will take a mile. Yes it’s news and these things can happen, but he makes it a habit. He doesn’t care about training new people, and relies on people with more experience to take pity and train them. It’s a terrible place to get your start. The fresh out of college kids are set up for failure because they don’t know what to do and he works them to the bone without making sure they know what they’re doing. It’s not their fault, it’s his.
Mark is no better. He would weirdly flirt with some employees, and made it a point to touch the shoulders of some of the staff, particularly the female staff. He does not care about you, your health, your anything. He care about profits and making himself look good. He won’t take responsibility for the terrible ND he hired.
HR is a joke. All Cindy cares about is getting her nails done and spreading gossip. She would definitely tell Terry & Mark whatever you say. You can’t trust her at all.
And for the record, the person who put they make $65K was an anchor who was there for a few years and negotiated her contract for that high salary, just to leave a few months later for a job in Denver. That salary was an exception to the norm. And since Terry was obsessed with her, it was fine that she left her job. It was a Nexstar station, but they planned a lot around her being the big star of the evening shows. Outside of that one anchor, if you do ANYTHING that Terry doesn’t like, you’re on his s*** list and he will live to make your life a living hell.
If you’re there now, keep your head down low, get your experience, learn who you can trust and who you can’t talk to, and GET OUT. There are better stations, better NDs, better environments. It’s a tough industry but I promise you, you don’t deserve this flat out abuse. Your well being is more important than being on the good side of that mouth breather.
I would say Nexstar should do an internal investigation, but the company doesn’t care. CEO Perry Sook isn’t a great guy either. Look him up. He’s awful.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here. Don’t work here. Don’t work here.”
News Director: Terry Wood
“Absolutely horrendous. Petty, manipulative, controlling, two-faced. Plays favorites openly, talks bad about people behind their back (including who he can’t wait to fire). Honestly, just a terrible person.”
While working for KMID this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve worked in several newsrooms to this point in my career. My time at KMID was by far the WORST experience I’ve had in the industry. The newsroom morale was the lowest i’ve ever seen anywhere.
Terry came in thinking he’s hot stuff because he’s worked in LA which makes him god’s gift to the Earth. In reality, his lack of small-market experience meant he’s never learned how to allocate resources or develop talent.
He constantly micromanages producers (calls control room DURING THE SHOW to nitpick), couldn’t care less about developing talent. Just expects you to be HIS version of perfect and bickers when you mess something up. Threatened to write people up for saying “over’ instead of “more than”. Also, makes up fake “corporate rules” which are really just his rules. Basically, it’s a game of put up with my crap or I’ll fire you.
He also tries to pit people against each other. He will tell a producer WORD FOR WORD what to tell a reporter instead of just doing it himself. So you’re never mad at him, just the producer.
Trashes you behind your back but won’t say anything to your face about it. Instead of trying to mentor/help you, he’d rather write you off as a failure that should be tossed out with the trash.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Station is breaking laws re: overtime pay. Reporters have been told to count hour-long drives back from shoots as dinner breaks. Terry sends emails that say “unapproved OT will not be approved” – if you work OT and clock it, there have been times ND will change your time sheet and take it off.
GM Mark Garcia is a mixed bag. Probably a chill dude if you didn’t work with him but brutally ‘business-minded’ and cheap as a boss. He’s a sales guy, so he basically defers all news content decisions to Terry. Carries himself as the “good cop” to Terry’s “bad cop”. Can’t tell if he knows how miserable it is to work for Terry or if he knows and thinks you should put up with it.
TL;DR: The people working there are good, hard-working people trying their best. Morale between co-workers is good but management (ND especially) is MISERABLE to work for. Everyone is just trying to keep their head above water.”
News Director: Vladimir Araya
“Bad experience. He used retaliation and intimidation tactics to keep employees “in line”.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The overall newsroom was an ok environment. Excluding the ND, the rest of the employees were cordial, talented, and worked as a team. However, the station is extremely under resourced (boasts #1 ratings but had the smallest team in the market and fewer newscasts), and nobody had a set schedule (it changed every week).”
News Director: Vladimir Araya
“He is incompetent and takes things personally”
While working for Univision 21 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He intimidated reporters with threats of final warnings over minuscule infractions like being late 15 minutes one day.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here unless you’re desperate. This station likes to position itself as the news leader in the Central Valley, but really it had no resources (only station in town that had no photogs for reporters) and always copies the Fresno Bee and ABC30.”
News Director: Jay Quaintance
While working for WJHL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Jay perpetuates a negative environment. Quick to lose his temper on honest mistakes and little to no praise ever.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Jay thinks because you’ve signed a contract you’re a slave. Doesn’t hesitate to make you do a job you never signed up for and put you on ungodly hours against your will.
The station is too cheap to invest in working equipment or cars. Like at this point it’s a major safety concern. There was a reporter who had a car explode into flames one day and no e-mail was sent out to the newsroom acknowledging the incident or promising to actually MAINTAIN the cars. TN doesn’t have car inspections.
Not a lot of concern for safety when out on stories either.
Don’t get me wrong the market itself is interesting and big and you can learn a lot. There are some great people here! There are also some toxic ones. It may not be a mistake to come here if you’re a newbie, but just know these are the risks.”
News Director: Vicki Bradley
Experience described as: “Meh”
While working for WTXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve been away from WTXL for a few years now and from what I hear from people I still talk to, it’s the same as it was when I left— horrible. Not enough people for the workload. When COVID hit, no one knew what to do, so I can give a little grace for that. But having to turn the amount of stories we were told to do, with at least one of them being a looklive pkg, was insane to me. I like to think every person was trying their best to make the best of that situation, but when I think back on my experience, I think it was more of “quantity over quality.” I was salary and being made to work 14 hour days because they knew they didn’t have to pay me OT. That’s when I realized I couldn’t stay anymore and started keeping track of all the OT hours I was working. I left halfway through a 2 year contract and never looked back. Most of the employees were great, but management? Not so much. I was even told in an email to be “crowd control” during protests… basically don’t let the reporter get attacked or something. Completely insane to ask anyone to do something like this who isn’t trained in being a security or body guard.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Tonya Estes
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for WCBD this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Beyond toxic. Catty and middle school work managers who gossip for hours and then will scream at you in front of everyone in the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Not just saying this to get on here and complain, that place is scary for what it is. Workers who made their careers there for decades left under the new management. HR contributes to the toxicity. Overall a very scary environment and I am so grateful I chose not to resign. I would choose 4/5 over 2 if considering Charleston.”
News Director: Kyle Brinkman
Experience described as: “Easy”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I love it here. I’m about to be on my fourth year and comparing this station to my previous newsrooms is a walk in the park. Management can be slightly disorganized but our AND is on it. To be honest you get what you give. I’m a hard worker and I have never had an issue here. I just wish I got more feedback willingly, but have never run into an issue of receiving it when asked.”
News Director: Kristen Palestina
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for WVUE this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’d urge caution to anyone seriously considering a job here. Emphasis is placed on local talent from NOLA and the investigative unit solely. Most everything else falls by the wayside except the occasional special project. No support, broken promises, and management exercises favoritism towards whoever is in the clique. Multiple poor workers and managers are known to fail upwards.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“For those interested in investigative reporting- they’ll promise you mentorship and growth, but they’re empty promises.”
News Director: Lisa Burger
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for KSEE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom staff was overall fine, but Lisa Burger created a toxic work environment. The favoritism is unreal, she also lacks mentorship skills but excels at gaslighting, insulting, and making you feel less than. She likes setting people up for failure. She is incredibly fake and also racist.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run the other way”
News Director: Stacey Roberts
“She was an awful news director.”
While working for KSTU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was set up to fail from day one at that station. There is nothing in the form of support from management, let alone other employees. I was forced to sign a contract before I started which I found odd considering I was not an on-air personality, nor had I the ability to be an on-air personality or do anything else outside of what the contract allowed. But that’s actually not the worst of it. There is nothing but EGO from the reporters, anchors, and pretty much anyone in management, including executive producers, news editors, assistants, photographers, and assignment desk managers. I was talked down to, passive-aggressively dismissed, and blown off by others. I got in trouble for standing up for myself, especially after the head nighttime anchor kept yelling at me from the studio and the news desk manager told me to go away. The news editor completely dismissed my concerns and provided no other support to resolve an issue. The HR representative used mentally abusive tactics to get me to comply. The station manager failed to acknowledge me, my experience, and what I was going through at the station. It was only after I got a lawyer and told them what’s up that I was able to leave.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you are looking for a supportive, fun, and creative environment to work in news, STAY AWAY FROM THIS STATION. During my time there and slightly after, a total of 10 people have left, some of them for the same reason I left. Do yourself a favor and AVOID Fox 13 at all costs if you want to keep your mental health and your career intact.”
News Director: Dutch Terry
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“owned by morris multimedia
cbs station
newscasts
weekdays:
5-7am
10-10:30am(mondays-thursdays only)
12-12:30pm
5:30-6:30pm
7-7:30pm
11-11:35pm
Weekends:
11-11:35pm
we have chattanooga’s only 7pm news
1st tv station in chattanooga”
News Director: Mike Friedrich
“Spoke to him once. Worst ND I’ve ever worked for. Couldn’t be more out of touch, or less concerned with what is happening in the newsroom.”
While working for KUTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kyle Brinkman
Experience described as: “Uncomfortable”
While working for WSPA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Literally the worst work experience I’ve ever had in my entire life and I’ve worked in retail and restaurants. The newsroom is completely unorganized, news cars are disgusting and there’s not enough equipment or photogs for the amount of reporters they hire. I wasn’t set up to succeed at all when I was hired and felt racially discriminated against. When I first got to the station, I had a traditional news camera but management made me give it up to a newer white reporter and forced me to cover stories on my PHONE. Not only did they expect me to produce the same quality of work as the other reporters with cameras, they expected me to meet the same deadlines WITHOUT a station laptop to edit in the field. This negatively impacted the quality of my work and my overall morale. So imagine the stress I endured trying to meet deadline with NONE of the tools other reporters were equipped with. Halfway through my contract I realized I was severely underpaid for the market size and cost of living. There were several occasions where I felt unwelcome and at times uncomfortable at this station due to my experience level. The more experienced reporters clicked up and offered little to no encouragement. I never got feedback on my work from management while working here except for the occasional “nice story on xyz” in passing. I never really felt like I was a part of the “team”. If they ask you to sign a contract at this station I’d advise you to run. Fast. Several seasoned and passionate people have left over the past few years due to poor management.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management in its entirety needs an upgrade. Turnover is high for a reason.”
News Director: Aaron Williams
“News director is laid back. No confrontation whatsoever ever but no push to be the best.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Station is somewhat organized. They assign reporters 3 to 4 stories to turn in each day. Most are fluffy stories of ribbon cuttings so that sales can get ads from them later. Rarely ever any hard news. Whenever something big does come up the reporters aren’t allowed to touch it. The producer will just call the police station for a few bullet points then write a reader on it. A great place to start out right out of college but the only people that stay their have intense life problems. Nexstar just bumped up minimum pay to $15 an hour so that’s what the new people get. Down side is the schedule is never consistent. You can work 10 days in a row. The schedule also only comes out 2 days before the last one is over … meaning you come in on Friday and don’t actually know if you’re working Monday because the schedules not out yet. Not bad …. But not a place i could be at for more than 2 years.”
News Director: Joe Schlaerth
“Joe is the absolute worst news director I’ve ever come across. I would do your own research before working for him. Just Google his name and you will see stories on his firing in Buffalo. He does not, by any means, like when women have voices and very obviously doesn’t like when women speak up. He says inappropriate things to young female reporters and disguises the comments as ‘constructive feedback’ about performance. He will say things about future opportunities and then pretend the conversations never happened. He is the most toxic ‘boss.'”
While working for WFIE this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director doesn’t favor women well. Of course, you’ll see women on the TV screens but the way he treats them off the screens, is repulsive. Outside of that, he makes inappropriate comments about how they look when you do your 1-on-1s with him. His odd smile and your drive for the career helps mask his further intentions. In terms of toxic work enviornments, you very rarely ever have a lunch break, you will get pulled off of MMJ’ing at any time to produce, you never get photog help unless you’re a favorite, you are expected to turn two stories a day sometimes adding another VO SOT into that mix. Your ideas are never heard or executed. No one is ever celebrated, you will only ever hear what you did wrong instead of what you did right. The moral is so low coming from all of the employees who work there, no one is happy. Under Joe as news dorector, they have recently lost over 10 on air employees, including two main anchors. The amount of people who left the industry because of him is repulsive. Joe also enjoys making inappropriate comments to people when no one else is around so he can’t be held accountable. Their reporters have worked over 60 hours in one week with that being the expectation. As anchors, if you’re new, you’re expected to also turn stories on top of anchoring and producing your shows. The list goes on. Management at that station as a whole, is terrible. The General Manager isn’t out of the loop on all this too. On top of that, they are unable to ‘diversify’ their newsroom. The amount of disturbing comments made about why they can’t do that… is awful.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I highly reccomend talking to people who left that station. You will be talked into thinking the station is the best of the best and you will have all these opportunities but none will ever come to you. Also, three years is outrageous, stick with a two year deal if you can. Until Joe leaves, there will be no change. Do yourself a favor and don’t even think about working there. It’s an overall bad place where you can’t / won’t grow. Find a better station. Literally anywhere else.”
While working for KGPE this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was targeted by various newsroom personnel over my sexual orientation and other factors not covered by current laws. There is a cabal of bullies in the newsroom and they will do things behind your back.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are some kind people in the newsroom, but overall, I would not have gone to this station if I had to choose again. I was lucky enough to get rescued from the station by my current boss.”
News Director: Megan Roberta
Experience described as: “Inconsistent”
While working for WRCB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The managers are absent and only invest in the producers. Reporters are taken advantage of. Photographers are not important.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station ruined news for me. The management situation is childish. They cater to certain people and belittle others. They show favorites and let certain people say and do whatever they want. No consequences for inappropriate and rude behavior. I have seen many producers cuss people out and say horrible things with no consequences. Overall, it’s a terrible work environment unless you’re a producer.”
News Director: Jill Manuel
Experience described as: “SOUL CRUSHING”
While working for KXTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“- In a public critique, ND (Jill Manuel) once said she knew she would no longer get useful information and could clean her cat’s litter box when (reporter) came on tv. Yes, this reporter was on the call when she said it. No, she did not apologize.
– ND frequently tells assignment editors and reporters during editorial meetings she is “tired of their bullshit pitches.”
– ND has referred to the LGBTQIA+ community as the “alphabet mafia” in multiple meetings. When told this was offensive, she said she’s a member and it’s okay.
– When auditing content for “diversity,” ND will ask “what’s the Black story for today?”
– Subjected Black employees (and Black employees only) to quotes from Tyler Perry’s Madea movies after she saw it for the first time.
– Excluded a Latina reporter candidate from hiring because the reporter “did not look Latina and if we’re going to hire Latinas we need to get credit.”
– Allows White employees to call BIPOC employees “tolken hires,” even when employees tell her it is offensive.
– Approved a new set design for 2 anchors even though the morning broadcast has 3 anchors. She then proceeded to berate a team of morning producers for not having a plan for how to produce a 3 anchor show.
– ND will never allow you to complete a sentence in a meeting or just regular conversation.
– Regularly yells at belittles employee to their faces, in meetings and behind their backs to other employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you are a BIPOC in the newsroom (which largely excluded the “Originals” team), you will not have an easy time. Jill Manuel is ignorant when it comes to issues of DEI, how to act professionally and how to treat people with respect. She uses stereotypes to make “informed” decisions and is not open to any sort of feedback. Be prepared to go before a one-woman firing squad should you decide to share your feedback with her. HR and corporate knows this is an issue and has done nothing about it. Multiple people have made multiple complaints to no avail. Good luck if you decide to work here.”
News Director: Matt Griffin
Experience described as: “Okay….don’t really deal with him alone in my position.”
While working for KXII this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lots of backfiring, gossip, general bleak atmosphere.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Its the poorest run station I have worked out. This is my fourth. The overall management team is clueless and not involved.”
While working for WKTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“At the start of my term, WKTV had a news director who soon quit due to the hostility of a seasoned anchor and a general manager who was more reactive than proactive.
The newsroom is dangerously short-staffed and although the pandemic did shift the way a newsroom functions, WKTV had always been running on fumes even before the pandemic according to staff that had been there for 10+ years.
I doubled as a weekend anchor/reporter/ producer but my job entailed more. There were times when I was writing and posting digital content, turning packages while producing and anchoring, and handling breaking news (buffalo shooting) without the assistance or help of any other staff. Weekends in any newsroom are usually short-staffed, but for the evening news, I only had a photographer for 8 hours, leaving me to pick and choose what events I could cover without missing out on breaking news.
As a reporter, you will always have to choose between quality and content.
Due to there not being a news director, and a bare-bones newsroom; there is always a lack of planning and a lot of micromanaging.
Jason Powles is not a great person to work with and is known for having the most critiques but doing the least amount of work. Overall, he contributes to the toxicity of the newsroom.
I ultimately broke my contract to get out of there because this is a station that will not provide you the resources to succeed, operates in chaos, and shows no leadership in management so no solutions to your problem regarding other staff or your career will be provided,
If you’re new to this industry– stay away from this newsroom!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“New reporters should really stay away from this station.”
News Director: Lauri Martin
“Lauri is rarely around, and when she was there, she was too scattered to be actually present.”
While working for KKTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The amount of favoritism at this station is incredible (the news director is married to the chief meteorologist if that tells you anything). It is also insane how unorganized it is, and the errors and mis-planning of management always fall on the little guys. The anchors constantly talk about reporters and producers behind their backs in the newsroom. Producers and reporters don’t get feedback or tips on how to improve. If reporters ever said they were uncomfortable doing a story or a live shot, they were forced to do it anyways. The station thrives on “breaking news” and “shocking video” but doesn’t actually care who it affects.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run, don’t walk from KKTV. This is the place where journalists’ careers go to die. In the past year, the station has lost 13 on-air people alone–many of them leaving TV News and Journalism altogether. They do not care about you here–they just want to be first with breaking news. You will never get a raise because there is an apparent never-ending “pay freeze” but they will sting you along for months. Reporters rarely do more than a VOSOT, because KKTV is too busy using them as photojournalists (because they can’t hire anyone for pennies). I’ve never worked in a more dysfunctional, toxic, horrible work environment. Management hires people on false promises (so if you are told something, get it in writing). You will be used here, and when you ask for a better schedule, circumstances, or god forbid an extra dollar an hour–you will be told a BS answer as to how it isn’t possible and then asked to go shoot video of a car accident. It’s shocking and sad how many good journalists have left the business after working here. I am writing this to hopefully save others from this station as there are not any recent reviews. I also chose intern to protect my identity–the station didn’t have interns when I was there.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Chuck was great when he hired me. He was kind and seemed to care about journalism. However, he became hostile toward me when I turned down a promotion, which ultimately led to him completely ignoring me during the final months of my contract.”
While working for KOTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News On 6 is the dominant station in the market, which is both a good and bad thing. It’s good in the fact that there’s a lot of resources and content for producers and anchors. However, there’s too many reporters on staff (at least 20), which means many of them often cover stories that are better left as pacers.
My experience started off positive since I had the best of both worlds getting to anchor and report. That all changed when I turned down a promotion in the middle of my contract. I turned it down to be closer to family and to grow my career, but it felt like the news director took it personally, which led to a hostile environment in my final months.
Todd Spessard, who essentially runs Griffin Media, told me I could sit at my desk for all he cares and that he’d still pay me until he didn’t have to anymore. When I told my news director this he laughed in my face and said, “It’s not that big of a deal.”
Todd and the other managers are known to lie to the on-air talent regarding newsroom opportunities and private matters that shouldn’t be discussed. The constant lies, hostility, and lack of sympathy weren’t things just dished out to me, but to my colleagues as well. At least three of my coworkers, who were all reliable and passionate journalists who planned on being in the market long-term, were let go or told to leave within two months of my contract ending.
When we brought these and other issues to HR’s attention, nothing happened, except that we were all blocked on social media by HR.
Griffin Media (which owns KOTV and KWTV in Oklahoma City) prides itself on being a “family company.” However, that couldn’t be further from the truth in how most of the newsroom employees are treated. I’m thankful for my time at the company as it allowed me to be closer to home and to report on special projects important to me, but the treatment I received in the newsroom made me question my future in this industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Chuck Maulden is a nice guy, unfortunately he sits back while managers run wild in his newsroom. A leader takes responsibility for all employees, reels in managers, and works to create a healthy environment for employees. Chuck Maulden does none of these things.”
While working for KOTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The level of toxicity in the newsroom runs from the top down. KOTV loves having too many managers, resulting in having two assistant news directors. One assistant news director is sexist toward women and the other is an abusive bully. KOTV managers need to feel important in an “us against them” environment. Your mental health will suffer from the daily berating and verbal abuse from Kristie Webb, (one of the assistant news directors). But if you are one of her favorites, you’ll avoid the daily misery! It is only a matter of time before the management abuse results in catastrophic damage to someone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run. Griffin Communications owns KWTV in Oklahoma City and KOTV in Tulsa. The company prides itself on being a “family business” and “treating employees like family”. That was true at one point. That time is long gone. Griffin Communications cares about image, not news stories or employees. And be prepared for terrible health insurance. During the pandemic, Griffin changed their health insurance policy. They *lowered* what the company was willing to pay for doctor visits, specifically for females. So if you are a woman, be prepared to pay more for basic female health insurance.
*Dozens* of producers, photographers, mmjs, and even main anchors left within the last two years, for a reason. It’s unfortunate because Tulsa is a wonderful place to live with great opportunities to grow as a journalist.
Your saving grace at KOTV will be your peers. They are incredibly supportive and genuinely good people.”
News Director: Matt Griffin
Experience described as: “Terrible manager. Rude, homophobic, racist and much more.”
While working for KXII this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I worked there for three years and can not figure out how the news director still has a job. The man has used slurs in the newsroom as jokes. He had to go through anger management and sensitivity training which he made fun of. He has been reported several times, but nothing is ever done.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“All feedback is negative and is never constructive. You will feel like you are worthless and terrible every day your work there. Everyone says you need to start somewhere in this career, but if you can, start anywhere but here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“Overall the photography team itself was pretty good. Heads of the department were helpful. Sometimes we were understaffed or under equipped, but that always felt like it stemmed from the company using the photog department as an easy area to cut costs/milk a little extra labor value out of. (especially after the transfer of ownership when new management always tries to put as good a first few quarters on the books as possible.)
Biggest problem for me was management double talk regarding field crews.
Rarely does anyone in management TELL you to go put yourself in precarious situations for shots, but the pressure from the news room in the moment and the environment of the workplace in general pushed not only you individually, but the entire field staff to do it “of their own volition” hoping to prove themselves valuable. It’s hard to stick to your concerns over the safety of a field situation when not going into the situation would mean abandoning the reporter who’s DESPERATE to earn brownie points with the bosses. And that sort of mentality was definitely cultivated in the field staff.
Nobody ever TELLS you to speed to get to the breaking news, and in fact they tell you not to. But they sure make it seem like it’s a problem YOU’RE responsible for if you don’t get on scene before the other stations.
Overtime on a shift is the rule rather than the exception. I worked on all the shifts for all the news teams and there were rarely shifts that didn’t call for overtime except on Sunday night side. If you want extra cash it’s a good thing, but it can sure get grating, especially when management keeps trying to convince you that it should just be a given because “The news never sleeps” so shut up about it.
Another big personal issue that you readers may not be concerned as much about; it always bugged me how much the station focused on crime, drug panic, and tragic death stuff. On the one hand it makes sense from a business perspective, the easiest thing to find and get coverage of that attracts eyeballs is stuff that makes people afraid.
On the other hand it doesn’t make you feel particularly good to constantly be putting together packages you know only serve to make everyone watching them feel MORE isolated, afraid, judgmental, and hostile toward the people around them. Especially when story ideas that are more optimistic or supportive of communal involvement tend to get shot down/minimized because the station doesn’t want to look like they’re advocating for any sort of social message, as if spending hours fishing for more reactionary or critical sound from people who weren’t even on the scene or involved in the events because it plays better isn’t itself a social message.
In the sense of creativity encouraged in the work, there’s some of that, at least verbally, but so often there is little actual time to put creativity into the work as you try to beat the submission deadline for the 10th fear of crime story you’ve put together this week. I can count on one hand the number of shifts where I was given the time and the story that let me feel really satisfied with and proud of the work I’d done that day.
On a positive note, I did enjoy the days when I was assigned solo breaking news photog. The desk staff were usually pretty good about letting me alone if they didn’t need anything, so long as I answered quick when they did and got them all the coverage they asked for. Although I’m pretty sure management was always trying to crack down on them for it. God bless chill assignment desk staffers.
Overall I’d say that what KOKI FOX23 does best is normalize and incentivize “voluntary” behavior that would broadly be seen as exploitative/abusive if it came in the form of ORDERS from the top management, while passive aggressively (and when it comes from bosses it can’t actually be passive) shaming staff who don’t meet those same “totally not requirements”.
I suppose in the relative sense that’s not as big of a deal as being aggressively, openly toxic or abusive, but really only aesthetically. I guess it’s all pretty standard corporate America.
Also, I didn’t experience it personally so didn’t check the boxes in the above questions, but there were definitely staff who were treated hostilely if they didn’t meet the unspoken expectations of management.
PS – I don’t know how MMJs managed to do their job at all. It was usually a close enough call for to get both packages in and be up for “active” Lives when reporters were assigned efficient photogs, so I always marveled at how MMJs got the same amount of work done and STILL regularly caught shit for not providing good enough content.”
News Director: Dionne Young
Experience described as: “Toxic, unappreciative, kiss-ass”
While working for KBAK/KBFX this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news staff at KBAK have created a perpetually toxic work environment where harassment will be overlooked, unprofessional behavior is justified, and hatred bubbles in its self-contained cauldron of toxicity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Save yourself the time and energy. Apply elsewhere, somewhere that will appreciate you.”
News Director: Ron Kriselevic
Experience described as: “Decent”
While working for WBOC this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lewd jokes all the time. You management pushing their work onto you when you’re already extremely busy”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Save time and heartache by not working here”
News Director: Jerry Goodman
Experience described as: “TOXIC”
While working for WALB this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are a female news reporter, run far away from this station. Jerry Goodman is not qualified for this position and lacks strong news judgment. Will pit employees against each other and lie about the workplace environment for his own benefit. If you are a new grad looking for your first job please do not come here you will lose your excitement and zest for the industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management was of no help when reporting negative behavior and they will turn on you and say their actions are your fault. There is also a lack of organization and camaraderie in the news room ever since new management started. Candace McHan the Assistant News Director is extremely unqualified for her position and somehow has found time to be on air while she’s supposed to help run the newsroom but offers little to no assistance. She runs through HR meetings more than anything and has a problem with almost every employee of color. They will make a lot of false promises to get you in the job but you will be overworked and gaslit if you ever express concern about it. Very toxic work environment.”
News Director: Kennan Oliphant
Experience described as: “great”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s great if you are in a union.”
News Director: Melissa Hendrix Beach
Experience described as: “Good but some bad days”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“good experience but the management hiring phase is questionable. I lost count how many times I had to fill in for someone because management can’t fill positions on time. No one will get hired if their name is similar to someone else, if they have an accent, but candidates need to be hired on their quality. You will probably work overtime but it’s because they need the stories and someone to shoot them”
News Director: Autumn Jones
“Never communicated with me. Very odd character. Never gave reviews or critics on your work.”
While working for WFTX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was hired in right as two POC (an anchor and an On Air Wx Person ) were being let go. They then let go another Wx person who’d been with the station for many years and an Anchor who was with the station for just shy of 20 years! I was warned , being older they would look for reasons to terminate my employment….and they were right. This station is #4 for a reason…..it’s poor leadership and management. Parent Company Scripps already changed staff once in the last year (New GM and then every management position down to Chief Photogh ….even all the engineering staff left!) and I can see them doing it again .Very Toxic environment. Very politically slanted in the oposite direction for a Fox station (because its owned by Scripps…) ND and AsstND both very liberal and it shows. Reporters all complain about the rewrites by the RT Assignment desk and the ND/AND .(All reporters try to get on of the anchors to do the script reads because they are the only true journalist there) The lack of journalism ethics is unreal for a station this size. Apparently happy to be #4 , no effort to move up.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is a ‘look for someone doing something wrong’ stations. No one will ever complement you or ‘look to catch you doing something right’…About the most unprofessional news room I have ever seen as to everyone trying to point a finger at everyone else….no one wants to take responsibility. If you are thinking of working there….I’d wait a few more months until Scripps cleans house again. This station has a lock on being #4 until it get rid of the toxic management there now. (actually lack of management…just research the ND….they snagged her from a police station job…she was out of News for a reason….) Oh…one other thing if you like meetings this is your station… they are always in meetings. Its the biggest reason there is no communications at this station…you can never get ahold of anyone because everyones in a meeting. This station also hires people with no journalism background and that shows up (go online and see all the misspellings and grammerical errors. and check out how often a live mic is on when it should be off and vice versa……dead air/go to black (unintentionally) all the time. For examples on how not to do a news cast….this is it. They are desperate but cant get good people to stay because of the toxic environment. dont just walk past their job openings….RUN!!!”
News Director: Tim Klutsarits
Experience described as: “Okay overall”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management fosters competition between employees for promotions or consideration, only to end up hiring in someone new to fill a spot. There are a LOT of people leaving because of low pay, double shifts without compensation, and overall burnout.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are good people here, your reel will look amazing by the time you finish your contract here and the station has a history of sending people to other amazing opportunities in news. But they burn people out even more. People are leaving faster than they’re coming in. The station doesn’t pay enough to keep up with the high cost of living. If you get an offer, just be careful.”
News Director: Brandon Long
Experience described as: “Overall nice, not always the easiest to talk to”
While working for WMGT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“At the time that I worked there, the executive producer was very toxic but she has since left. Brandon Long, the news director, seems to really care about the community and that station and he goes a long way to pour in and offer guidance to reporters….even if it’s not in the kindest way. The biggest issue with WMGT/41 NBC is lack of funding and resources. They just don’t have the resources to compete in the market and the constantly struggle to hire people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Not a lot to do in Macon and not a lot going on at that station. A good place to get started and move on.”
News Director: Bob Noonan
“Bob Noonan plays the “nice guy” role but he really doesn’t care about any of his employees….specifically employees that are not young, white, and blonde.”
While working for WPMI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Bob Noonan favors certain employees, is not open for new ideas, and the newsroom is a sinking ship. It’s really no surprise the station is bottom in the market. For younger people who aren’t from the area, keep your head down, build your reel, and get out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Some of the staples at the station (main anchors like Kym, Darwin) and certain meteorologists are wonderful and extremely helpful and Mobile isn’t a bad place to live. I just wouldn’t recommend this station, if you had a choice.”
News Director: Tracy Davis
“Ineffective , Cold”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I recently left after the morning ep and managing editor (who are married) consistently assigned certain stories to white reporters and other stories for black or brown reporters. Same thing with their news coverage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The EP has been fired for his actions but the Managing Editor is still employed, for now. Steer clear of that place they keep bad employees a long time.”
News Director: Kyle Brinckman
“He picks favorites. Those favorites will move up very quickly into better shifts and high salaries. If you aren’t a favorite, he won’t help you grow”
While working for WSPA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The ND and GM pick favorites.
There is a weird sexual divide in the newsroom. Almost all producers are female, all reporters are female (except for one) and all photographers are male (except for one).
There has also been a few instances of racial discrimination. Towards mainly Hispanics and African Americans.
They have claimed to be “the most diverse station in the market” at a meeting, but that is highly inaccurate.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“60 people have left in the 3 years Kyle has been News director.
We’ve lost people who have been here for decades that gave up.
Overall, management are nice people, but it’s very disorganized. Some days you have to become management your self and do the things they are supposed to do.
Managers are prone to take 2-3 hour lunch breaks (are unreachable while at lunch), come in late or leave early.
Overall, your day to day coworkers are great, but it’s an extremely stressful environment.
I would avoid this station until they get a new news director and general manager”
News Director: Leon Hendrix
“He seemed to care and offer constructive criticism from time to time. How every he has been a Photog and assistant news director for 30 years. He has never been a reporter, performed a live shot, or had reporting day turns so the “coaching” was vague. He has been news director less than a year.”
While working for WEEK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Leadership very unprofessional. One was politely demoted to “content manager” she worked 30 years at a college and had no tv broadcast experience so often gives horrible direction. The photogs were asked to go out on stories very last minute due to her negligence.
The producers are huge gossipers and will drag you through the mud about a shot yet most of them do not know how to turn a camera on.
The anchors offer no leadership/mentorship and try to get out of any duties beyond reading through the show, which mean waiting for writing approvals when you’re on a strict deadline.
Very nasty attitudes I was actually made fun of for being so polite.
High stress little pay or growth.
High turn over.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run do not work for 25 News I wish I was warned.
Thankfully I’m at a complexly different station. But, it’s expensive to bounce around so I don’t recommend risking spending your savings to try Peoria-Bloomington market.”
News Director: James Plazter
Experience described as: “Negative.”
While working for WJAC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“James Plazter makes up lies and gives false promises related to pay raises and job opportunities. He did not allow overtime after Sinclair allowed overtime to occur during the pandemic.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone hates Plazter. He makes sexist comments about female staff and yells at people who ask for anything. He gaslights female staff during contract negotiations and will scream at those who turn in their two week notice.”
News Director: Tracy Davis
“Talks a good game but makes no decisions – does’t communicate anything to staff except sugar coating thinfs”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
“The AM EP is racist. One aided stories on black and brown people. When he was called out for not wanting to cover a story about a black person shot but gave team cvg to a shooting in an affluent town he admitted it was a poor decision and told two brown producers to “watch out for this” all the while defending his decisions”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Both the morning EP and Managing editor are married. They both are not qualified for their positions but The ND keeps them
In place as placeholders. They have her ear because she herself has little experience as news director. The whole place is seeing a mass exodus of qualified people because the inexperienced are running the show and it has gotten to be a very sad place to work.”
News Director: Jay Quaintance
“Do. Not. Work. For. This. Man! Working for Jay Quaintance has been, by far, the worst mistake of my professional career. He is exceedingly rude and mean to all staff members, saying they’re sub-par when they’re filling-in and doing the station a favor and/or scolding staff members for asking that he respond to emails, when he consistently ignores all requests for help or opinions. This is an extremely toxic work environment and I would not recommend anyone work with or for Jay Quaintance.”
While working for WJHL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Time and time again Jay Quaintance shows that he thinks he is better than all women in the newsroom. He talks down and thinks that serious offenses are petty drama, telling staff to “handle it among themselves” when they approach him with serious concerns. If you are a woman working for Jay, expect to never be taken seriously & to consistently be ignored.
As for racial discrimination, he makes that extremely obvious by his employee choice to cover certain race-centered topics.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is the most toxic workplace I have ever been involved with. I waited months to post this review after I left because it took so much mental power to escape the toxic mindset that came from working for a man like Jay.
However, he’s not the only one to blame. General Manager Paula Jackson has been well aware of these issues with Jay for YEARS (see previous reviews), however she allows this behavior to continue, causing multiple journalists, including myself, to leave the station and leave the news industry permanently.
If you have any love for news and the news industry, do NOT work for WJHL, Jay Quaintance or Paula Jackson, they will completely crush your love for the industry.”
News Director: Unsure
While working for KOAA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I worked overnights and was frequently told I’d be moving dayside and never did. I was also told I’d be moving to the Springs station from Pueblo and that never happened.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Reading these reviews of my old station made me kind of sad. I really can’t believe that Elaine is still there. She brings the most toxicity to the newsroom. She is so rude especially to newcomers. I think she expects them to have the same knowledge of the area that she does even though she’s been there her whole life. She craps all over their ideas even if they are good and on brand. It’s horrible for journalists who take their jobs seriously. It’s not New York. Let people learn, they are still young and eager. Just bc she is so miserable and not going anywhere doesn’t mean she has to make others feel the same way.
On the other hand, this station has usually hired great talent. Main anchor Rob has been there awhile and is great. He has a certain dry sense of humor but that’s appreciated in most newsrooms. He’s very knowledgeable about the area and what’s important. From my time there he was patient with younger reporters and producers especially if he could tell they were serious about news and doing it right.”
News Director: Jon Levy
“Never had a direct issue with Jon but solving conflicts were a bit awkward at times. He genuinely listened and wanted to come to a solution when there were issues.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“There’s a few anchors/reporters that were really snooty and acted like they were above others or a certain level of work. A not-so-secret relationship really tampered with the workplace and made many people uncomfortable for several months, but it took awhile for management to notice/do something. To my knowledge that has since ended, but there are a few long-term employees that are VERY two-faced and will talk badly about others behind their back before showing a bright, unassuming smile to the GM/ND. However, most of the staff is helpful, kind, and accepting. I learned a lot at about the industry at TV20, but it unfortunately came with a few toxic personalities that hinder a truly cohesive environment. Besides that, the pay is AWFUL when you compare it to the cost of living in Gainesville. Most of the employees relied on their roommates, partners or parents to eat/live comfortably. Overall, not a bad place to start if you have another form of income or financial help from others.”
News Director: Mike Truett
“Lashes out with unnecessary power trips and sloppy management.Can’t control his temper and leaves other managers who are spiteful to lead.”
While working for WICS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Don’t come here.Almost everyone is battling mentally and they use it as an excuse to be passive aggressive.The current management is being watched by Sinclair because so many people have quit.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Save yourself the misery.”
News Director:
“It was Kelly Frank until recently. She was awful. Had favorites in the newsroom. She would give them all the opportunities and they could do no wrong. Everyone else would get called out for making mistakes. Didn’t hold people to the same accountability”
While working for WTSP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was everything I put above. She loved running the newsroom with fear. The other managers wouldn’t speak up or blamed everything on the producers bc they were afraid of her. Now without her there they don’t make any decisions bc they don’t know how to. They have no clue what’s going on.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Constant changes in on-air talent. Constant changes in brand. Viewers are always wondering where people went. They have people straight out of college producing coveted shows like the 6pm! No joke.”
News Director: Robin Whitmeyer
“Lacks leadership qualities.”
While working for KDFW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Severely understaffed and underpaid. Producers and on-air talent leaving in droves, even for smaller markets. Egos run rampant, especially in the weather department.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Multiple sources have mentioned the chief met cheating on his wife for years and management helping with the cover up.”
News Director: Bruce Moore
Experience described as: “Positive, encouraging, approachable”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“I came from a long contract in TX, where the station was (and continues) to go downhill. Coming to WREG has been a breath of fresh air! I have been challenged by other producers, management, and anchors/reporters to become a better producer. I’m so happy I have been able to work for WREG!”
News Director: Melissa Beach
Experience described as: “Wasn’t the best”
While working for KWES this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Leave if you can. Management is never there for you. GM is never there. AND and EP are non existent. You will not get positive feedback when you put blood, sweat and tears into a product. If you spent days and weeks on it, you’ll get negative feedback guaranteed. The employees who make the transfers to leave are frowned upon even when they are told they are not good. The station has money. Management doesn’t want to pay you well. Only the well-liked get paid well.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Not an ideal starting market if you’re trying to get started. Expectations are high so you will receive “training” but you’re not getting trained.”
News Director: ?
“Management terrible”
While working for WEAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Terry Hughes is the GM and has chased off great talent. Why is he still there? I understand this is a small market…and people move on, but I’ve never seen a micromanager at GM like him. Our morning team won an Emmy back in late 2019 during a winter storm. The one and only Emmy by the station ever. Not one is still there today. I went through 2 News Directors in less than 2 years. Eau Claire’s a great starter market and really a great city, but just be prepared.”
News Director: Scott Nichols
“I worked for Bill Foy, who was a great guy and terrific news director. After he left, it all went downhill. I worked for interim ND Len Steven’s for a while but he was kind of a bully along with the rest of the two main producers in the newsroom.”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Late 2012 to July 2014. After Bill Foy left, Randy Smith also left. They both were fine people to work for. More than that, really. Sinclair was coming in and I think they wanted out. I was hired as a web producer but with the understanding that I was a meteorologist at heart and was just wanting to get my foot back in the door until it came time for an opening in weather. Some of this was my fault, mind you. But not long after starting work there, I was asked to fill in on weather some already which I loved. The other 90% of the time I was hired to publish and edit news stories, converting them to newspaper type writing and getting the stories published to the web site. I was trained a specific way, they had a very very specific way of what to publish and how to do it. After a year the digital.manager left and a new one was hired. During the 4 months it took to.hire a new digital manager I alone kept the site up and running the way I was trained. But when the new digital content manager was finally hired, she completely changed the way things were done. But without any communication. So I witnessed someone coming in and suddenly experimenting with their own ideas of what our jobs entailed. I would get berated in the past for not publishing a VOSOT as a web story or publishing a packaged story in time. When I asked the new digital manager what was going on, she bit my head odd, yelling “IM MAKING AN EXECUTIVE DECISION!” Fair enough, but with the old ND gone no one really understood that she was throwing out the entire playbook and I was… well confused. I got in trouble when I didn’t do things the way they originally trained me but I was also being yelled at for doing things the old correct way. There was no communication of the new ways or ideas we were bringing to the web. But I was the scapegoat. I had made weather a huge part of our website and helped bridge the gap between the newsroom and the weather center. During severe weather events we got record high views and clicks. That didn’t stop the anti-weather crew the EP and assistant EP from going to the ND behind my back and complaining that I wasn’t doing my job. The old news director told me about it the first time it happened and told me he showed them the record traffic live on our site and all of it weather related. He was so happy with it. But as soon as he left there was an effort to punish any attempt of doing any sort of weather without stepping on the other meteorologists’ toes… to the point that any post I made on my own social media had to be pre approved by the chief met which was humiliating. For the record there were several storms and events that ended up warranting the attention I tried to give them but were instead shot down bc my style was too dramatic. (The thing is, the weather is somewhat dramatic at times. ) Was told to publish a graphic titled “Derecho Not Likely” days before a derecho hit, causing one of our production members to come in crying from dodging downed trees and debris from the “no big deal ” derecho. Even the amateur weather folks on my page called me out and knew what it was before it hit. The chief had some fear and would have fits of anger when bad weather actually verified and hit the area. The newsroom reminded me of high school. We had the two popular kids… and they were kids, 10 years younger than me, constantly talking bad about every employee who wasn’t around to hear them and laughing at each other’s quips. No one else could speak up and if you did you knew they were probably talking about you as well when you weren’t around. The chief met did try to help me by giving me air time and sending a weather center schedule out to the newsroom weeks ahead of time. This served to let the newsroom know that on weekends I would not be able to work the web days ideas bc I would be coming in to do the nightside shift weather for the 6 and 11. One Saturday I was getting myself ready to come in at 2:30 p.m. for my weather anchoring duties per the schedule sent out and approved weeks earlier like always. I got a VERY hostile phone call from the new interim ND asking where I was and why I wasn’t on the web. I remained calm and politely explained I had been scheduled for weather over a month ago. “WELL I DIDNT SEE THE SCHEDULE” his tone never changed and he never apologized for him not checking the schedule. There was another night I was put in the 11 to talk about a minor tropical system near the Carolina coast with minimal impacts. It already seemed odd bc the station obviously took a “play it safe, no hype” approach to weather. But I said okay I’ll front the fact that the system is out there and answer any questions in a chat on our site during a 30 second hit in the 11. It was already out of place and I thought, “well maybe they’ve decided to help me out now.” Then something weird happened. When production came back after their dinner break I felt this extreme burning in my eyes. It honestly was unlike anything I had experienced before. 30 minutes before shoe time and my eyes were red and watery and felt like fire. It was as if someone pepper sprayed my keyboard or something. I’m a recovering addict with a large following in the market. I had been into opiates and admitted it sought help and returned to air across the street 7 years prior. My return to the market st WSET was part of a comeback story to me, my family and the viewers. Never once did I smoke anything, it simply wasn’t what I did even when I was using 7 years prior. But sure enough after my forced live hit in the newsroom to talk about this weak little storm I was reprimanded for having red watery eyes on air. They wanted me gone. And I didn’t want to be there either. Finally I had the courage to quit in July of 2014.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I sought out HR several times to make sure the bullying in the newsroom and the unfair treatment from being scolded for not doing things the old way but also being in trouble for listening to my new boss was recorded. There was also a reporter/producer who berated me after my show, on a day I was assigned to do weather who frequently was cold passive aggressive and that night more aggressive-aggressive, yelling at me for having an “agenda” in front of everyone. I went to HR about her too. I knew with my past I could easily be seen as a problem due to prejudice. The HR head slammed her pen and paper down as I asked her for help saying WHAT NOW??? THAT’S NOT HOSTILE, huffing and puffing just making things even worse. It was a great place to start worming for in late 2012 but turned very toxic once the good leaders left and Sinclair came in. My latest run in came from a viewer/followers of my social media after I had left who was asking the station on their Facebook page why their forecast didn’t match mine. She sent me their response “he’s not even a degreed meteorologist, goodbye”. Only I was and am. I wrote the station on Facebook correcting their libelous mistake with the screenshot attached. Pretty bad when your own former employer doesn’t even know your credentials. I knew who had responded, it was yet another bully who got the web part of my job after I quit. I let it go. But not after letting her know that I was considering pressing charges for libel. A false statement meant to discredit me out of relatiation from our run-ins at work. Lots of folks there I still love and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to TV after my past but the TV biz had changed since 2006. Even in 2014 I knew something wasn’t right and I needed to GET OUT FAST.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The end seems to be near. The attitudes in the newsroom are just out of control everyday, in all positions. And management/corporate doesn’t seem to be able to control it. Plus they’ve made it clear that spending money to get proper working equipment purchased or repaired is just not a priority. There have been quiet conversations about just shutting down the news department (again) to save money. Don’t come here, there are better choices out there for you.”
News Director: Wes Armstead
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for WVVA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do I begin? This entire station is a chaotic mess at all times. There is an overall feeling of misery the second you walk in the building everyday. Management is completely clueless and incompetent. I’ve seen multiple people walk out of meetings with management in tears, including anchors. Yet they’re baffled that nobody wants to work here. Very few people actually have a decent understanding of what their job is in the newsroom and people talk about quitting all the time. People from other departments are outright rude and condescending, yet nothing is ever done. We rarely cover any interesting news. All the technology is outdated.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unless gray takes a serious look into this place, I feel there’s zero hope for any improvement. I would avoid this place like the plague. There are some in the newsroom that are wonderful people, but it seems even their patience has run out.”
News Director: CJ Hoyt
Experience described as: “Cold and bitter. Has no time for his employees.”
While working for WTTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not allowed to be sick.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Such a disappointment after working so hard to get to this market. Everyone in this building is miserable. The anchors on both sides can be so toxic. Not a place you’ll find any growth. So many people leaving the business after working here. Be warned.”
News Director: Tiaira Schultz
Experience described as: “Awful. Plays favorites. Screams at employees until they cry…or quit. Nasty personality.”
While working for WVEC this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Toxic, toxic, toxic. Its all managers. Most employees cry, if not at work, after work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’m not sure how i even survived 2.5 years. Most people quit fast, or if they’re contracted they transfer to another tegna station for “a promotion” or “to be closer to family” which is a lie. They all just want to get out of this station. Managers are all toxic & manipulative and treat their employees bad. They’ve had to go with people just graduating college or people still in college because they can’t keep people with experience. This is a top 50 market.
On anvhors, sales, and managers love their jobs.
On the flip side, technical staff, producers and reporters are miserable.
ALWAYS UNDERSTAFFED.
If yoy question anything the typical manager response is “thats just the way it is.”
Production manager wants staff to be available 24/7 and tells them they need to request their normal days off if they actually “need” it off.
They choose the greenest producers to screw making them work all 3 different shifts in 1 week.
I’ve had employees cry to me because they were scheduled late night and then early morning back to back…which I’m pretty sure is illegal if its less than 8 hours between.
The news director trapped me during cut ins one day in the control room (my last 1.5 week working there before I moved on) and she screamed at me so hard she was shaking. It made me uncomfortable and bawl my eyes out…but I had to stay because we had cut ins. She did this on and off for an entire hour, I had to leave in the middle of my shift with how uncomfortable I was. No manager should act like that. Its truthfully disgusting.
It definitely trickles from corporate– they literally just want to maximize money, and minimize pay to employees.
This station handled coronavirus AWFULLY. They had people who tested positive come to work, they would question you if you said you were waiting on results or needed to quarantine.
Many many employees who have worked here or still work there have had to get on depression/anxiety medication SOLELY from working at this station
Words id use to describe this station: Awful. Toxic. Trauma. Verbal abuse. Bullies. Inappropriate. Unprofessional.
Please don’t take my warning lightly. I have worked at 7 tv stations and this is by far the worst & most toxic.
I suffered a great deal of trauma here and I am a strong person and q hard worker no matter what. Always gave 110% even when I was CRYING while directing. I’ve had so much mental clarity since I left. Do yourself a favor and pass this place up. Tegna being bought out will not change the awful management this place has.”
News Director: Natalie Hughes
“She is a master gaslighter”
While working for KFOR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“First the good. You’re paired with a photog everyday. They’re some of the best in the business and they do excellent work. The other reporters are excellent, they work hard and this is oftentimes their second or third market. The two main weekday evening anchors are excellent and they’re kind. There are just a few on the talent side who are gossipy. If you are a hard news reporter, this is the station for you. If you’re not on the mornings, it’s all hard news all the time. Politics and crime, baby. For some, that’s great. For others, it gets tiresome. Now the not so good. You have to learn how to work with the producers, who reign supreme here. They often have unrealistic expectations of reporters and are sometimes inconsistent on what they consider newsworthy. I never worked on the weekends, but they make the weekend reporter (there’s only one main reporter for the weekends) do two stories per day, and they have to be hard news. TWO! That’s almost impossible when there’s nothing going on and no one is available to talk to you. And God forbid they do a feature story, they get reprimanded. The weekend reporter in my experience gets burned out very quickly and leaves at the first possible chance. And then gets badmouthed for “not being resilient” or whatever. I remember when one reporter left and a lot of people were badmouthing them for leaving. Like how dare they do something in their best interest! The producers will occasionally let their political biases slip when deciding what’s a story and what’s not. They are also a slightly gossipy group. But if you know what each individual producer likes and what their style is and how to “sell” your story to them you should be fine. Now the bad. The news director — watch out for that one. A former coworker called her an ultimate gaslighter and I would say that’s very accurate. Some of the things that she has said to some of the reporters/producers is horrid and heartless, and it does no good to repeat. But to others she is fairly pleasant. She is also ultimately the stooge of the company. Sorry I can’t give you a raise, it’s the company. Sorry I can’t do this or that, it’s the company. Don’t blame me! Some of that is understandable, but after a while you get the impression that she’s playing dumb.That’s another thing. This station is so deathly afraid of any blowback from Nexstar corporate that they will do anything, throw anyone under the bus, anything, to make sure they’re in good standing with the big boys at HQ. Some of the issues at this station are caused by Nexstar being run by idiots. Some of it is because of station-specific problems. I’ve heard it’s just as toxic on the sales side. The final thing I will say is in about a year timeframe, 12 people left on the news side. More than half of those were reporters. They all had their reasons, some of them left just for a better opportunity. The point is, it’s a revolving door. Read between the lines. A good handful of people there are still trying to get out. They just can’t buy out their contract. They also have the “re-sign with us or get out” mentality. Not very compassionate. Strictly business. Sorry — it’s not us, it’s corporate!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s ok if you’re trying to add another top 50 market to your resume. Get your year in and get out. Nothing more. You’ll learn a lot, get plenty of quality live reps and get good hard news for your demo reel. But will your mental health suffer because of it?”
News Director: Jessie Williams
“SHE IS THE WORST”
While working for WSYM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The most toxic and unorganized newsroom I’ve ever worked in. Jessie Williams should never have been allowed control. She favors certain reporters and producers and only cares about their success. She actively sabotages employees she doesn’t like.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay away, there are plenty of mid-markets better than this one.”
News Director: Crysty Vaughan
“This person also anchors newscast and wants to be an anchor so badly. She doesn’t give all reporters chances to anchor, she rather step in. She doesn’t really know what’s she’s doing. Very laid back”
While working for WOLO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Let’s start with the good, you’re always paired with a photographer. And you can cover basically any story you want because no one cares.
That’s about it. This station is usually number 3 or 4 in the market. Very understaffed. You have to be self motivated if you want to get out of there. Most of the people who work there are depressed and complain all the time. They barely have the ability to put on a newscast. Sometimes they watch other stations to get inspiration. Being in the building could drain your energy and your knowledge. Also if you have to work with the morning “weatherman” be careful. He says the most sexiest things and make women uncomfortable. I would never recommend working here.”
News Director: Robert Cartwright
Experience described as: “The worst”
While working for KEYE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Worse place I ever worked, extremely toxic and don’t even say about the poor employees from Telemundo they’re treated like a second class workers and that’s why most people leave the station otherwise just check the lawsuit they had in Federal Court for wrongful termination and discrimination and also the several complaints with the EEOC. The apples doesn’t fall far from the tree, the GM Amy Villarreal accused a former producer of terrorist and sent the Special Intelligence Unit to his house (more an attempt of murder after making a false police report) the ND is the maid and a puppet, also Lisa Hagle the HR always covered the crap from the company to use against employees who complaint of the toxicity and rotten environment, and the list continue That’s why they transfer the former producer Ana María Llamas Brouhard to KOMO in Seattle after all the complaints against her and also using her laser to benefit her BFF the anchor from Telemundo Pedro Daniel Morales, this both are who sent the former producer Franklin Leal to the hospital 🏥 and the guy was fired … all that has been exposed in a federal lawsuit in Austin and was publicly in some media. They have a lot of dirt of them if you want to experience hell this is the place”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“People is abused and fired after they complaint, management and supervisors Plot against people to have bad reviews and put the other employees against the person complaining so they can have “reasons” to not renew your contract or simply fired you but if you leave the station os the best thing that can happen to anybody. I mean is own but Sinclair Broadcast Group known for mistreated employees and for being a propaganda right wing machine”
News Director: Dan Firnbach
Experience described as: “Terrible. Extremely unprofessional and immature.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do I even start? If you value your mental and physical health, don’t work here. This is the most unorganized, toxic work environment I’ve ever been in. First, let me start off by saying that there are a lot of wonderful people that work here. Most of them hate it just as much, and are solely there just for the grind (to get their experience and dip). When it comes to upper management and the anchors that have been there the longest, prepare to feel like you’re back in high school. They are *mostly* all bullies. All they do is put down the new people and talk badly about them behind their backs. They seem to forget that it’s market 120. I guess that’s why none of them have ever left. When it comes to Dan Firnbach, the ND, he has no idea what he’s doing. He’s extremely socially-awkward and is the total opposite of a leader. I’ve never had a more immature boss. He will constantly talk about newsroom employees in front of the entire newsroom to Bill Froehlich (Assistant ND) and the EP. Dan has even admitted to his newsroom employees that he doesn’t have any guts. He’s a puppet to upper management. He micro-manages and harps about communication, but doesn’t know how to communicate himself. Oh, and he’s also sexist. If you’re a man, you’re set. But if you’re a female, steer clear. If you plan on working there, don’t ever tell him your personal business, either. He’ll spread it around to other co-workers, so everyone knows. When it comes to Bill, I’ve never met anyone more incompetent. Honestly, I don’t understand how he hasn’t been fired. He has no idea what he’s doing. He gets schedules messed up weekly, can’t keep track of what stories are being published, and he’s extremely creepy towards woman. Oh, and HR. It’s one woman, Leslie Nowlin. Have you ever worked for a company that has ONE HR person? Not to mention she’s been heard saying the “N” and “R” word. I also have recordings of her and Dan talking extremely badly about co-workers. There’s also word that she’s having an affair with the COO, Josh Trust. They also have plans on adding an event venue and farm to the news station property…what a joke. Not to mention, the farmer makes $75K a year. Newsroom employees make peanuts. There’s also a big discrepancy in starting wages. Some get paid $27,000, others get paid $35,000. For the same job. Overall, if you want to learn the job of news, it’s a great stepping stone. However, you will be miserable for your duration of your time here, so be prepared. Lastly, don’t believe any of these positive reviews. They’ve all been written by Dan himself. Pathetic right?”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Nope.”
News Director: Jon Janes
“It’s his way of the highway. Jon Janes creates a negative work environment for everyone around him. His inability to u derstand basic concepts, his old-fashioned views, and his temper make WIBW one of the worst places I have ever worked at.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“WIBW offers a lot of great opportunities for a starter market. You get to work with politicians in the state capital and work along some veterans of the industry who have been at the station for years. Unfortunately, WIBW has a massive communication problem. The news director creates a work environment that can be compared to a dictatorship. He never listens to your ideas and if you don’t do exactly what he wants he will ridicule you in front of everyone. He is one of the most negative people I have ever had the displeasure to meet.”
News Director: Melissa Hendrix beach
“DONT PISS HER OFF OR SHE WILL RETALIATE!!!!!!! DONT TALK TO GM BECAUSE HE WILL TELL HER EVERYTHING YOU TOLD HIM!!!!!”
While working for KWES this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WHERE DO I START……STATION LOVED TO BE AGAINST ALL FUNDAMENTALS OF JOURNALISM…..EVEN BY THE COMPANY THAT LITERALLY OWNS THEM……PRODUCERS….REPORTERS….ANCHORS……DONT EXPECT TO TELL BOTH SIDES OF A STORY…..INSTEAD……TELL A STORY TO WHAT THE AUDIENCE ONLY WANTS TO HEAR….. ITS AN OIL AND GAS TOWN AND THAT STATION WONT COVER ANYTHING RELATED TO IT IF IT WILL “ANNOY” THE VIEWERS….. ALSO….DONT COME IN WITH CREATIVE IDEAS…….ALL MANAGEMENT WANTS IS THE SAME COOKIE CUTTER THING…… FAVORITISM IS ALSO A BIG THING THERE. EVEN IF YOU WERE HIRED BEFORE A NEW PERSON……TOO BAD…….. THE NEW FAVORITE HIRE GETS ALL THE TIME OFF THEY CHOOSE AND YOURE LEFT IN THE DUST…….IF THERES A TOXIC PERSON WHO HAS BEEN REPORTED TO HR…….,THEY WONT BE FIRED……..PEOPLE FROM EVERY DEPARTMENT WILL BREAK THEIR CONTRACTS BECAUSE OF THE UNPROFESSIONALISM…..YOUR SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE…….. SO I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO APPLY SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“THEY WILL TRICK YOU ONCE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT…… THEY WILL GIVE YOU PROMISES AND NOT KEEP THEM……. YOU WILL WORK YOUR ENTIRE CONTRACT WITH HOPES OF DOING WHAT YOU WANT…..WELL ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!”
News Director: Melissa Hendrix beach
“You have to be fake if you don’t like agree with her. If you disagree with her, she will find a way to retaliate against you”
While working for KWES this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“One time I disagreed with melissa Hendrix beach and she made me do 2 somtimes 3 packages a day so I have to rush alot. Made me do live shots no photog, at lots of locations ten minutes a part when the locations were 20 mins away from each other. No photographer At all. She gives no feedback unless she wants to tell you everything your doing wrong. She is Republican married to oil husband so anything that is aired needs to cater to republicans. She does not believe in reporting truth and facts if it does not cater to Republican party. She will yell at you if you do anything that tells the community what an oil company is doing wrong even if the community needs to know. Good Luck because this is oil central of US so most stories is Oil. She is good at story pitch shaming so she will always give you negative feedback if you pitch a story that doesn’t “cater to viewers.” Hires very unprofessional management who are inexperienced and Not Aggressive. Avoid this station at all cost.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will question every thing about News life. I thought this was Somthing I wanted to do but She made me hate every thing about it that I broke my contract. She bad mouthed me because I was not happy there”
News Director: Greg Deffenbaugh
Experience described as: “Unorganized and unprofessional.”
While working for WREX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone is over worked and told to do more with less”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It is a challenging work environment but you will learn a lot”
News Director: Jeff Schlesser
Experience described as: “Certainly approachable. The most understanding ND!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This station is in the process of organization and staffing. I want to use this platform to try and make some good out of previous negative posts about it, and negative experiences. I can only speak for myself, but I honestly do feel like Jeff isn’t as bad as some claim. Just be yourself, and be honest. Honesty feedback is everything in this business. If something upsets you, YOU have the power to make change. This is a station where you manifest your own destiny. I have grown as a journalist here. Because the station lacks resources, it encourages creativity and forces you to think outside the box. Sarasota is great place to start or continue your TV news career. Yes, it is a little disorganized but, YOU WILL GROW here. Besides, the best journalists do not need a manager or producer or news director to create their career paths for them. As Kim Kardashian once said, “Get your (blank) a** up and work!” You got this!”
News Director: Jon Janes
“Working for Jon can be compared to a dictatorship. It truly is his way or the highway. He does not let reporters pitch stories or get creative. His communication skills are lackluster. He is abrasive in his comments and he is rude to everyone who crosses his path.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“On the surface, WIBW may look like a nice place to work. It has longtime veterans of the industry, it’s in the state capital, but I can’t warn against this station enough. The MMJ equipment is literally falling apart, It’s being held together by zip-ties and scotch tape. The communication is awful. Often you are thrown into stories/interviews with little time to prepare.”
News Director: Bill Shull
“Very disappointing. At first you think he is really supportive and kind but you learn that is kind of a façade. Later I learned he freaked out for any reason. Very chicken little at times and he is a first time ND.”
While working for WRDE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s toxic because of the people. Bill pretends to offer you so much but Draper has overly high standards and even he admitted they are high to obtain. Doesn’t help WBOC is the favorite and it shows in most ways. Bill is afraid of them and never wants to mess with a toxic leader.
Most staff on air and off is very fake, too many pretend to be your friend but will stab you in the back at the first sign of trouble.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There’s so much to tell you. I produced mornings and dayside at WRDE. There are only two producers total for the 5am to 7am morning newscast and the 5:30pm to 6:30pm newscasts. Anchors produce weekend evenings, 11 am and 11 pm. Producers work out of WBOC in Salisbury, MD. Why you may ask? Because Draper never built a control room or edit bays in Milton DE. It was also to save money and share directors with WBOC. Anchors, reporters, photographers, managers, and meteorologists for WRDE are in Milton, but producers, editors, along with sports talent and directors (which are shared) are in Salisbury.
As a producer get ready to have anchors an hour away with a two second delay and reporters with up to a four second delay. On top of that deal with prompting a show daily, no exceptions besides breaking news and going to the bathroom. There is a foot pedal but it doesn’t work properly and they won’t fix it. So you are prompting a show after you did one, that’s it right? Wrong! You also need to time the newscast, write, start and stop the live feed, hit the space bar, cue the reporter(s), check the TVU(s) and communicate with your anchors! It’s a lot.
If you are working the morning show, two anchors, one met, a producer (maybe you), an editor, a reporter, a photog and a director. Dayside is the same but add on about five reporters. Along with up to three photogs.
Anchor wise it really varies. Matt is fine at night, a bit stiff but works hard and will write new content (co-anchors 5:30pm and produce and anchor the 11pm), though you need to shorten his copy for reuse. A great reporter. Maddie is disappointing. she’s a decent anchor and a great reporter. But she can be temperamental. She’s supportive and like a best friend but then turns and acts too boss like at a drop of a coin. She’s a really good producer and a decent Assistant ND.
The reporters and the photogs are all talented but not very kind or genuine if they stop liking you. The mets are all easy to deal with.
As for morning anchors, Mal is a great reporter and a decent anchor. She will do extra work, a pkg and or VOSOT regularly, but don’t ask her to write anymore than that or she will get annoyed. The expectation for all producers is to get all the show done yourself, don’t ask for much help or you will look foolish, all the anchors produce close to daily but still get annoyed by that at times. Charlie will take all the credit for the morning show, but he doesn’t do much besides complain, rewrite a CNBC business report as his own and remind you he can do sports. He used to be a sports anchor but it is helpful when you aren’t given one in the morning from the Delmarva Sports Network.
But the biggest problem is WBOC and Draper. They try to make it two completely separate stations but that doesn’t fully work, master control, IT, HR, sports, newscast directors and the helicopter are still shared.
Craig the president of the company made me feel uncomfortable on my first day. He has a lot of power and said “if you ever lie to me, I’ll fire you on the spot.” Nice guy right.
John Dearing is the WBOC ND, he is very cold, very aloof and tries to pretend you work for him. You have to do their four week training perfectly and they will teach you their way even if it doesn’t apply to you. When you mess up in the training there is hell to pay for later.
Ron the Assistant ND at WBOC is nice though, the EP Bill, not so much be careful.
If you work overnight you will have no help or support from 11pm to 3am so be ready to change parts of a fully ready show, trust me it’s hell, but at least it’s not distracting. Dayside is the most support but very tiring to work in. Plus you may get flipped between overnights and dayside, it’s as tiring as it sounds.
Milton is a great place to visit, love that town. But the drive from Salisbury is long and unless you take a company vehicle they won’t reimburse you for the gas and you may be there up to two weeks going back and forth daily.
As for reporters, mornings a vosot live and a vosot or pkg later. Dayside a PKG and sometimes a vosot too. There is no nightside reporter, and when there is a weekend reporter, a pkg and sometimes a vosot. The station is also a Telemundo affiliate and many staffers are bilingual.
Overall in my experience, don’t go there. They pay well but the expectations are sky high and you work with little in house support or guidance. They will make you cry, take advantage of you mentally and unless you are really good at kissing butt they won’t really like you.
Salisbury is a great little city but the stations aren’t great. Really only come here if you have few other options and if you have any extra experience get ready to be worked to the bone. So happy I don’t work there anymore and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.”
News Director: Aaron Vogel
“Awful. Micromanager. He’ll overwork you. Its encouraged to work overtime and go without a lunch break. Impossible to compromise. Take everything the ND says as if its from the mouth of God. If you disagree he will scream and yell. It was 2 years of hell and I am glad its behind me. Literally every single person at the station shit talks about the news director when he is not around. Several tild me they would have renewed contracts and stayed if it weren’t for him.”
While working for KHSL this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The job position I listed is incorrect. I wish to stay anonymous. I was on-air talent.”
News Director: Andy Miller
“He’s very cold and intense. One minute he’s a fun guy but the next cold as ice. Strong news judgment but not as supportive to producers as he needed to be”
While working for WCIA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was toxic because of the managers and some senior on air talent. They were really hard on producers but gave them very little help. It didn’t help the revolving door had been bad because the previous ND and GM were fired over this: https://www.lawofficer.com/cbs-affiliate-angel/
Part of that was the crazy understaffing the newsroom had at times, which got so bad this happened: https://twitter.com/i/status/1518991043076796416
They’ve lost so many people they have to make hiring videos, such a laugh.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“During my time at WCIA I produced at one point or another every weekday show, but was early evenings for the most part (no weekend producers). The station is number one but sort of rests on legacy not because they try the hardest. Instead the market includes Decatur (WAND), 40 miles away, and Springfield (WICS) 70 miles away it’s a really fragmented market for ratings.
Almost everybody on air besides Jen and Jess (evening anchors) are new to the market or the business and are under 30. Why they can’t keep talent is management and cheap ass Nexstar. I was offered a raise while there for 52 cents which was taken away by a 14 percent rise in company health insurance but it was still better than the 25 cent raise others were given.
The GM is new and he is unreliable so be very careful, shockingly HR is great, I loved Christina, she is kind and helpful and because some people aren’t nice to her she goes out of her to way to be nice if you are kind back and take the time to respect her.
Now for the good stuff. Andy is a great ND in news judgment and producing, but pretends that WCIA is a great place to work and a kind and supportive one, which is a joke. He really could be nicer and more understanding.
Maggie the Assistant ND can be best described by this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2q1AlByuNc
But otherwise mean and whiny. If she had to produce, you never stopped hearing her complain about it. Great at running the assignment desk when she wasn’t off or actually answered the phones. Also was really good at insulting me and making me feel bad.
Scott the EP (who produced the 6pm) is a great producer but wasn’t the most understanding person to work with. He was the longest tenured manager but just was disappointing.
Most of the sports people are good, and so are two of the mets, the other two are total nightmares.
Karina is a stand out anchor, she is really good and does try to help when you ask. Matt is a good reporter not a great anchor but does try. The morning show despite being four hours is an afterthought. No reporter for over a year and had one anchor (Karina) for mornings and noon for a few months. Also they once asked one person to produce all four hours of the morning show solo! Even weekends had more reporters, and the weekend morning show, have fun anchoring, producing, editing and doing digital for it, that’s why nobody wants it and a met had to anchor it.
Weekday evenings are the main shows, 5, 6, 9 and 10. The strongest anchors and the few reporters left. Renee is the best reporter there, she can anchor, report, edit, produce, MMJ and be a one woman investigative department, she’s the best. The reporters do work hard but have a lot on their plates. They do get a photog on weekdays (most of the time) but rarely on weekends. So a lot more MMJ there at times. Expect as a reporter to turn a PKG and a separate VOSOT but sometimes the same story on the same day.
Now back to producing there, have fun reading your whole rundown in the afternoon meeting, so stressful and if you don’t know it perfectly they will get angry.
Be careful of the Regina George in sheep’s clothing, Cassandra, the digital EP. She smiles to your face but tells you how to do your job and if you challenge her she will go to management. She’s a former producer who fills in. She is a good producer but she interferes so much and is really mean.
WCIA has pretty much given up on producers with experience along with reporters, now they resort to hiring local university of Illinois recent graduates. That’s all they can get.
Now for the evening anchors, Jess is really talented, she can anchor multiple shows and produce one in the same day without breaking a sweat, not a big fan of her personally but I respect her. Mac (Macleod), just as talented as Jess but used to make me feel guilty if I asked for help and tried to take credit for my shows. Jennifer is the market legend, I learned a lot from her, she is really talented but could be a diva and sometimes so harsh, but I still respect her.
Now for the worse part, if they don’t like you at WCIA don’t get your hopes for moving up. The 9 and 10pm shows opened up twice and I was passed over both times (despite a year of experience). They want a kiss ass for those shows, especially when I was passed over for a brand new producer. It was my dream shows and despite regularly filling in meant nothing to them. They want producers who aren’t willing to try something new besides a different camera shot.
Champaign is a great place when concerts happen, you must go to the Canopy Club in Urbana. You make poor money there so hit up Salt and Light in Champaign and Urbana, great clothes super cheap. The library book sale in Champaign at the main library literally across from the station is amazing and affordable. But the winters suck and you will hate your life, I had to get my car towed out twice from my parking spot due to ice. Also renting sucks, they either charge too much for a place without a private bathroom or too little for almost nothing, search carefully and look where the U of I students look at on Facebook. Also 99 percent of places require a year long lease. Don’t try to live in Decatur or Springfield (unless you are in the bureau), the commute is very long.
WCIA is far from the worse station I have worked for (two are far worse), but I personally won’t say to work there. They don’t pay well and they burn out producers and they’ve lost almost all of the experienced ones, only two major pluses, no contract for producers and if you get sick they won’t give you a hard time for needing to take time off.
There are just better places you can go to even within the market at this point, better off trying WAND since they got a new ND.”
News Director: Kyle Fobe
“Starting out, things looked good and seemed promising. But once Kyle took over, it was a string of broken promises and putting focus on other things, rather than caring for employees. There were times when schedules were changed without consulting with reporters/producers/etc and concerns for overall health and burnout were not taken seriously.”
While working for WBND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is very toxic and non-transparent. Employees were lied to multiple times about scheduling or not consulted with before schedule changes at all, communication is non-existent, and people are only looking out for themselves, not for the success of the company.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“South Bend as a whole is a great starter market. But I would avoid WBND at all costs. Save your mental health, and avoid starting/continuing your journalism career in a place that seems to have given up.”
News Director: Dionne Young
“The director can be very passive-aggressive, favors producers and doesn’t know how to handle conflict.”
While working for KBAK/KBFX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not the worst station you could work for, however, the work environment is extremely hostile and having a passive-aggressive director does not help. There’s a reason why people leave and most people here are unhappy. If you have an option for another station, definitely take it. Not worth your time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Marcus Stroud
Experience described as: “Helpful, very nice, understanding, and wants you to do well.”
While working for KTAL this person experienced:
“Marcus is new to the station. He’s really nice and helpful. He was a photographer so he knows how being in the field works and will also go out and get drone footage for us.
He is a good thing that has happened to this station and with him as the leader of this newsroom, things will get so much better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The people at this station mean well, however they’re just all over the place. The editorial meetings last longer than 40 minutes everyday and sometimes reporters are still lost as to what they’re suppose to be gathering. If you’re applying to be an anchor here, they will work you to DEATH. If you have any experience be prepared to be overworked.
There’s a huge gap of folks here that have little to no experience and those that do. The resources are limited. Because there isn’t any money for new equipment, if it’s raining outside. Reporters are not allowed to do live shots in fear the equipment will get damaged. Literally everything here is broken. Again, nice people. It’s just very dysfunctional.
They also make anchors go out and MMJ their stories, edit them, all before preparing to anchor the desk. Meanwhile that day there will be editors, photogs, and MMJ’s just sitting around the office. Again, you’ll love the people if you come here. But if you have experience, prepare to be overworked.”
News Director: Kyle Brinkman
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for WSPA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The management team (GM/ND/Creative Director) here is incredibly toxic as a trio. The station has the potential to be great overall, but until there is legitimate leadership here again, I can’t recommend anyone come here unless the market/area is somewhere you want to be. There is a total lack of communication, vision, direction, and organization here that has left morale the lowest of anywhere I’ve ever worked. The market is incredible and there is a lot of news here that, if better planning were used, we could dominate given our producers and field crews. Overall a great station, just in dire need of leadership changes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Aaron Vogel
“HORRIBLE YOU GET OVERWORKED AND THE ASSIGMENTS ARE 3 LIVE SHOTS A DAY 2 SEPERATE STORIES OR WORSE. EVERYONE LEAVE THIS STATION AND NEVER STAYS LONGER THAN THEIR CONTRACT.”
While working for KHSL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“YOU NEVER GET A LUNCH. THE MANAGMENT IS HORRIBLE. THEY TREAT EMPLOYEES HORRIBLE AND IF YOU TALK TO THEM ABOUT ANY MENTAL ISSUES THEY DON’T CARE. YOU OFTEN GET OVERWORKED AND WHEN YOU BRING IT UP THEY DON’T CARE. I BREAK DOWN EVERYDAY. AVOID THIS STATION…NO ONE LAST HERE AND IF YOU COME HERE YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE. PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH ME HAVE TOLD ME THIS PLACE MAKES THEM SUICIDAL.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“YOU NEVER GET A LUNCH. THE MANAGMENT IS HORRIBLE. THEY TREAT EMPLOYEES HORRIBLE AND IF YOU TALK TO THEM ABOUT ANY MENTAL ISSUES THEY DON’T CARE. YOU OFTEN GET OVERWORKED AND WHEN YOU BRING IT UP THEY DON’T CARE. I BREAK DOWN EVERYDAY. AVOID THIS STATION…NO ONE LAST HERE AND IF YOU COME HERE YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE. PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH ME HAVE TOLD ME THIS PLACE MAKES THEM SUICIDAL.”
News Director: Melanie Standiford
“When Jacque was there, KNOP was awesome. Once she left, they put an anchor (Melanie) in her place because no one wanted to move to North Platte for what they were offering and the others there with seniority didn’t want it because they saw how awful it is. Melanie is so not qualified for the position, the community doesn’t respect her, and CONSTANTLY fights with viewers online and in the comments section of articles as the KNOP page and then deletes her comments or any comments that she doesn’t agree with. There are several reasons why there are always openings there and it’s a revolving door of talent- some has to do with it’s in the middle of Satan’s buttcrack and the embarssing pay, but it’s also because of horrendous management. Gray barely acknowledges the station since it’s the 2nd to smallest TV market in America and the funds are bread crumbs.”
While working for KNOP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s not run like a regular newsroom so the things you learn barely transfer, many leave the business altogether after this one experience in news, the city has a ton of drugs and no social life, but the area can be what you make of it, the pay is awful, the viewers are nice, a lot of what they do it the laughing stock and comes in 2nd to the newspaper, which is more of a serious and legitimate publication.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“I get that some people want to gain experience, but it is 100% not worth it because the ‘experience’ you get there does not translate or carry over to another station, even a handful of markets up due to the way they run. 0/10 stars. Just ask any former employees or even some of the viewers how downhill it’s gone after Jacque’s departure. DO NOT DO IT.”
News Director: Shawn Venhaus
“He has been nice to me, but I’ve heard and seen him be mean to other employees.”
While working for KFDA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There is a lot of tension between production staff and reporters. Gray Television underpays their employeess, while Nexstar pays their employees a living wage. Reporters have gotten fired for no reason. The news director name calls and discriminates against LGBTQ employees. If your’re not in the “in crowd” then you are just a pawn in a chess game.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“if you are a current employee, quit and escape . If you have applied to work here, cancel your application. This station is only going to get worse.”
News Director: Jeffrey Schlessler
“Absolutely terrible. Manipulative person and will claim you will be “living in paradise,” but it isn’t paradise if you can’t afford rent.”
While working for WWSB this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“An employee was allowed to say whatever he wanted to his coworkers, including calling them racist, with no repercussions.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid this station at all costs if you want to keep your love for TV news. The ND has no idea how to run a newsroom, the reporters NEVER have photogs and are expected to work long hours, being live in three to four shows a day. Completely unorganized mess and the people that are still stuck there are completely miserable. You get paid nothing when rent is skyrocketing, most people can’t afford to work here. If you’re a good worker, you get punished. If you’re a bad worker, you get rewarded. It is a completely toxic environment and not somewhere you can grow. And don’t listen to any “promises” that are made to you, they will never happen. So many people have left the business completely after working at this station. You’d be better off trying out Tampa or Fort Myers.”
News Director: Tom Yazwinski
“Tom overall is a nice guy. He’s changed his ways after reporters brought up his behavior to HR and to him directly. He cares about safety of employees, he’s flexible and understanding when it comes to taking time off, celebrates employees birthdays, brings treats, etc. I wish he was a better boss. He was a bit of a micro manager, went out to stories/breaking news that reporters should have gone to, doesn’t give feedback and he had favorites. There were moments he would lash out at employees.”
While working for KEPR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There were some unprofessional and toxic behavior that was addressed to management and HR but NOTHING was done to resolve the issue. Management is also EXTREMELY shady and at the end of the day all you really are is just an employee. There was also lots of favoritism and if you aren’t a favorite they don’t care about you. I was incredibly dissapointed with my experience. There’s a reason why so many left the business after working at that station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Adam Carros
Experience described as: “Unhelpful”
While working for KCRG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Aaron Hepker, the nightside executive producer, is easily the most awful person I’ve ever worked with.
He constantly talks smack about the competition but talks even more s*** about other people at the station. He never shuts up and when he’s not insulting others (including many insults I felt should have gotten him fired if they were heard by the wrong person), he’s bragging about other jobs he’s had in the past (which besides KCRG includes the #2 station in Des Moines and the last place station in Sacramento, and neither of those positions for very long before he came back to KCRG).
And he’s b****y and lazy. He pawned off training that I should have had to others, had no patience or interest in mentoring or collaborating or simply following up on where I was in the training process.
And I got zero help from him the entire time I worked there. I can’t think of one time that he offered to help me with anything.
He also had this super disrespectful habit of rewriting things I’d written but made no effort to talk to me about why he did so or have any kind of dialogue so I could see why he’d made those changes and help me work to improve in the future. He was perfectly happy to let you guess why he’d do what he did and had no interest in helping you get any better. There was this awkward vibe that he was uncomfortable having to talk to me about work plans or strategy, but I can’t think of a single I did to make it that way. And even if I did, who cares? I worked there and he was supposedly in management. It was his job regardless.
And he never stopped talking and never did much else. I think the anchors and management were the only people in that newsroom that didn’t ask me point blank “Well what is Hepker doing?” or “So what does he actually do?” But the answer was always “nothing” or IDK.
The only other skills I’d credit him with having besides blabbing and inflating his own ego would be back-stabbing and gas-lighting.
It sucked working with him and I feel bad for everyone who ever had to deal with him in the past and those who deal with him presently.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The anchors, reporters, photographers, and production workers were all pretty nice and professional for the most part.
But management in that newsroom sucks.
The assignment editor almost got fired for posting that stupid, debunked “Plandemic” documentary on Facebook, got in a spat with an anchor at a different station over it and it all go posted to FTV Live. The guy works in news, but apparently doesn’t believe in what they do or have any idea how to decipher accurate from BS.
The news director is a twitchy spazz who plays the part well enough but is horrible at planning and executing strategy. He’s quick to freak out and mistakes speed for quality.
They don’t communicate with each other, so there were many occasions where one manager (or other newsroom employees) was clueless as to what the other had decided the newsroom was doing on any given day for any given story or newscast.
They fired a sports anchor who was there for close to ten years because they told him he did too many sports highlights (seriously) instead of some vaguely communicated strategy to focus more on sports features and profiles.
The HR woman is horrible. If you go to her with an issue or a complaint that places any blame or responsibility on the station or management, she’ll do everything she can to gaslight you into thinking your issue is not a big deal or that it is your fault (not theirs). She will not advocate for you and will do everything to protect management or staff with longer tenure, regardless of who is in the wrong.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the newsroom: the egos.
They are a #1 station with a large audience and web following. And they’ve been #1 for decades. But for what? The reporters and photogs and production folks do a fine job, but nothing outstanding. Certainly nothing you couldn’t see with either of the competition in the market.
Those competitors both won 2021 Edward R. Murrow regional awards for continuing coverage of the 2020 Derecho storm and a documentary on the 2020 Iowa Caucus. And KCRG only picked up one 2021 Upper Midwest Emmys for their ridiculous coverage of the funeral of a state trooper killed in the line of duty. The other two stations in the market were nominated for way more and KGAN 4 or 5 Emmys.
And best yet, KCRG’s coverage of the 2020 Derecho lost out to a former Cedar Rapids reporter and resident that came back to cover the Derecho for WOI in Des Moines.
Again, quite a bit of ego despite such little recent accomplishments other than having the same anchors for a couple of decades (which isn’t a skill, it’s because they’re the only ones getting paid grownup money).
KCRG isn’t the worst station you could ever work for. But you’re walking into a toxic situation with oversized egos and little patience or stomach for grunt work. And they’re going to take advantage of newbies fresh out of college or those trying to work their way up to a bigger market.
They’re going to try leveraging their status and position in the market against your dreams of moving-on-up to make you do all the hard work and take blame when things don’t go exactly to their poorly thought-out plans.
But that plan isn’t to help you grow and execute teamwork.
That plan is to put the squeeze on those with desperate asperations so they’ll either shape up without them having to do anything or so they can fire you and bring in someone else that they can pressure into doing the job to their liking while management continues to do the bare minimum.
But here’s what they don’t tell you: unless you’re an anchor or on the weather team, you’re going to make similar money at either of the other stations in the market (maybe a little less, maybe the exact same, maybe even more).
No station is perfect, but the money will be about the same no matter which station you end up at in the Cedar Rapids/Waterloo/Iowa City/Dubuque market of eastern Iowa.
The only difference is you won’t have to deal with the annoying egos, you’ll probably have significantly more creative freedoms that will pay off down the line, and the # 2 and #3 stations are likely to be managed better. There’s no reason to believe you wouldn’t be able to cover the same stories or the same type of stories at KGAN or KWWL.
My best advice: unless KCRG is your only opinion or you’re 100% sure you’ll be able to achieve your long term goals with them, see if KGAN or KWWL are hiring. You’d be just as likely (if not more likely) to be able to achieve what you’re looking to do in the news biz with way less hassle and for the same money.”
News Director: Aaron Williams
“Nice and approachable, but extremely hands-off. My experience would have been better if I had felt like he truly cared about our content and the employees as human beings.”
While working for WBOY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Several negative experiences with EP, who seems to take pleasure in belittling others. I also feel there was a lot of favoritism shown in the newsroom when it comes to promotions, new opportunities, etc.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Unfortunately, I would not recommend this station to someone starting out. Unless management chooses you as a favorite, opportunities are few and far between. It is also difficult to come across learning opportunities and constructive feedback.”
News Director: Rehan Aslam
“Quite difficult and he has since moved on. Disorganized, singles out favorites and non-favorites. Doesn’t have experience really leading a newsroom.”
While working for KTRK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Toxic work environment from management. Most of the talent is fairly friendly but assignments and EP’s are routinely under high pressure and stress. Creativity is only allowed for a few at the top. Do not make suggestions if you don’t want to get shown the door.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Suh Neubauer
“Is pleasant during the first month, but quickly begins criticizing your work in a non-constructive way. During the pandemic, she did was not seen at the station more than 5 times total in over a year. She neglected to come into the station on Election Night. When she would sometimes volunteer to finish up a script, web or video edit for show, she often would forget to complete the task and other editors, reporters or producers would have to hurry to pick up the slack before show. Was known to go back on her word unless a conversation took place over email or text, since there was evidence. I don’t think she ever even watched the show — sometimes thing would go wrong and nightside staff was seldom contacted for advice, support or news directing. If you did not take care to be friendly with her, she could show her toxic side.”
While working for WICZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Although this is a known starter station, it should not have been completely run by 22-year-olds fresh out of college. There was very little direction or thanks from management. New hires were seldom trained, and would face criticism first without previous guidance. New ideas were often shut down. Overall, there seemed to be an unspoken “us versus them,” since the news staff was often left to their own devices to run the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Most of the equipment is either out-dated or simply not taken advantage of. The studio itself is entirely green screen — even the desk — and the walls and ceilings of the building are probably another cause for concern. One winter, the snow on the seldom-maintained roof melted and started pouring through the ceiling tiles into the control room. Management refused to come in to help, as it was a holiday. News staff had to tarp all of the control panels and equipment despite the electrical hazards, and we only thanked by management for being a source of revenue for the station.
The only positive aspect of working at Fox 40 was my coworkers on the news team, as we were all in the same age group (Early 20’s) and experiencing the same turmoil that was WICZ. Although essentially filling three roles in one, working minimum wage 40 hours a week, will be a résumé booster, it is not something I would wish on anyone fresh out of college and looking forward to getting started in their journalism career. This station killed my spirit for television news, and I hope that something changes with management to prevent the same from happening to future employees.”
News Director: Kyle Fobe
“He’s all over the place but is very smart when it comes to what viewers want. He lets you be creative and he cares.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“They make you work harder than you should. I was once told ABC57 is like a “boot camp” and that’s not too far off. Communication is the biggest challenge. Staff are overworked and underpaid. There are sometimes the extra work doesn’t make sense, and they stick to a tight standard of vosot and pkg with 2 interviews at least, even if that means talking to random people on the street about things that don’t pertain to them. Fobe is newer and brings a lot to the table. Hopefully, this changes. Great first station. Expect to work your butt off for no reward or acknowledgment.”
News Director: Scott Rates
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KION this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you have any semblance of dignity and respect, you should stay far, far away from this station. The newsroom is incredibly unorganized, toxic, full of favoritism, and lacking serious professional and ethical journalism and leadership. If you’re expecting a starter market that will help shape into a competent reporter, this isn’t the place for you. The station is also incredibly cheap with equipment that is constantly falling apart or missing. They also struggle to pay their workers fair wages and raises. Their PTO is abysmal. Any possible gain/experience is quickly overshadowed by its glaring problems. AVOID THIS STATION AT ALL COSTS.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dan Delgado
“Worst possible experience. Delgado’s ego is ruining young journalist and he is a disgrace to the industry.”
While working for KCAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The assistant news director, Andy Bottger, is bitter and biased. He won’t approve stories he thinks “will create conflict” or “ruin relationships.” He constantly belittles newbie journalist and flaunts how smart and experienced he is. He’s burnt out and wants everyone else to feel miserable. Bottger and Delgado are running that place straight into the ground. Ps don’t ever bother going to HR. She will tell everyone your private conversations and is only there to protect management. She also yells at people like they’re her kids. The three of them should be fire. Pss… the GM has a smiling picture with a “TRUMP 2020” hat that plays in rotation in the conference room. A very unbiased newsroom of course!!”
News Director: Craig Smullin
“This is a newsroom run by bias and nepotism. When your news director has no collegiate education in journalism and just so happens to be the owner’s nephew, be wary of what your experience might be. While Craig is a nice guy, he lacks basic communication skills and basic journalism ethics.”
While working for KOBI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Expect to be asked to perform every task in the newsroom while the news director and EP arrive late, leave early and take 3-4 hour lunches.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dale McElrath
“He’s supportive, kind, understanding, values work/life balance and is a great leader and wants to see everyone grow and get better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Best station to work for hands down, I’ve had such an incredible and positive experience. If you’re looking for work/life balance but the opportunity to tell good character driven stories while having the time and creative means to do so this is the station for you.”
News Director: Melissa Medalie
Assistant News Director: James Warner
“The worst station I ever worked for.”
While working for WOFL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This was the most hectic, unorganized and mismanaged newsroom I had ever experienced.
Not only were you thrown at multiple stories each day, the management is constantly panicking and the senior management (news directors) are incredibly degrading with little cause. It’s a place many people are leaving or have already left.
My husband also bent over backwards for this station for four years. He rarely missed a day and was promoted often. When he announced he was leaving three weeks before his contract was up they made him pay a buyout and we believe (but cannot prove) caused a job offer he had taken to fall through the cracks.
I would NEVER recommend anyone work for this dumpster fire.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“FOX O and O does have great benefits but it ends there.”
News Director: Lowell Briggs
Experience described as: “Positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Constant shift in news directors. Very low staffed. Constant required overtime and 6 day weeks.”
News Director: John Kirby
“John Kirby has an outdated style of News Directing that leads young women to feel insecure and unsafe.”
While working for KREX this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unpaid overtime is regular. Your appearance is regularly criticized (beyond small comments normalized with the business). A co-worker of mine was African American, and while all white female staff got salon/hair visits paid for, our co-worker did not because the salon we were provided did not do black women’s hair. There is no security for morning anchors coming in alone at 2 AM.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Amy Beveridge
Experience described as: “Middle of the road”
While working for WMTW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station has positives in the area is lovely to live in, but difficult on the salaries offered.
You are paired with a photog everyday- no solo live shots but producers hold all the power and literally run the ship here. If you come in with years of prior experience expect to be ordered (and I don’t use that word lightly) by someone fresh out of college.
Every shift is live for the sake of live, it is a Union shop so if you are the new hire expect to work every holiday and be “forced” to take shifts despite previous plans or if it falls on your normal days off. There is blatant favoritism among reporters and being difficult is often rewarded with high profile story assignments or best shifts.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jennifer Rigby
“Jennifer is wonderful. She lets journalists be creative and doesn’t hover. She is supportive of her staff and is one of the few ND’s I’ve had in my career who hasn’t scared me.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This newsroom should be what other newsrooms aspire to be. The people are respectful, kind, and hard working. The station also cares about good journalism. It encourages creativity and innovation and provides good feedback to staff. This is a wonderful place to work. I wish it was more competitive with pay, but you can’t beat the environment and culture here.”
News Director: Steve Cohen
“Extremely knowledgeable and congenial news director. Pretty hands off for the most part, and prefers to leave the oversight of the daily newscasts to his Asst. News Director or EPs”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This was a great starter job for an aspiring producer. I was just an AP, and they helped hone my skills. They are very adamant about recruiting from local community colleges in order to give aspiring writers/producers a foot in the door. The pay was not great, and they intentionally choose recently graduated community college students and 4-year students to fill their writing and associate producer positions for the reason they can pay them minimum wage. But the trade off is you get experience and they are more than willing to help you find a job in a different market once you are ready to move up. The staff can sometimes be gossipy. I know that’s the case wherever you go. But since this is an independent station, with no affiliation, and is privately owned, there is very little recourse any employee can take. Moreover, the family that owns the station, the McKinnon’s, are extremely right-wing conservatives. They are huge donors to the Trump
Campaign, and many of their political segments are EXTREMELY biased and one-sided, which is a very rare trait in a local station. An example would be: I helped produce a local weekly 30 min segment which aired on Sundays that discussed topics impacting San Diego. Topics ranged from the Mayoral election to the opioid epidemic. However, in 2016 we were supposed to do a two part episode about the presidential election. Our first episode was about the Republican candidates for statewide office as well as Trump’s campaign. When we were recording the episode the anchor asked me if we were going to be doing the Democrats next week and who were our guests. I asked my assistant News director and she said we aren’t doing another episode. This was our only election episode we were doing. The anchor got really upset and told her that he understood the owner is a Republican but we are a local news station and journalists, we can’t be just blatantly one sided. It will ruin our credibility. So at the end of the segment he decided to tease next weeks episode with the Democrats, much to the ire of the AND. Needless to say we invited the Democratic political analysts to come on the following week, and literally on the day we were going to record the episodes the assistant news director walks into the lobby where tjentieste are waiting and informs that she is canceling this episode, without providing any reason. The political analysts who were there were flabbergasted. That didn’t go over well, especially when the main guest scheduled that day was a local state representative, who ended up getting elected as Mayor of San Diego in 2020. He refused to go on KUSI when they hosted the mayoral debate.”
News Director: Tim Klutsarits
Experience described as: “Horrific.”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I currently work in a top 20 market. I’ve heard lots of horror stories but I’ve yet to hear of a more manipulative and toxic environment than what I worked in under Darrel Lieze-Adams and Tim Klutsarits. Both of them facilitate an environment built on gossip. Coworkers are pitted against each other because “competition breeds excellence.” Anchors have constant meetings with management where they shit on their producers, most of whom are fresh out of school and inadequately trained by management. I’ve seen a few rookie producers unfairly fired…several of whom were actually good, and one of them went on to produce in market 3 right after. Plus, it isn’t a real newsroom. Content decisions are not made based off impact or how it would serve people living in the market. Instead, every decision comes down to one thing: ratings. Even the most minute things, like how often your scripts say the words “today” or “right now.” It’s all manufactured by consultants. The newsroom isn’t run by Tim or Darrel, it’s run by the consultants. To both of them, the word of God may as well be coming from the mouth of a MAGID consultant. And that means what the consultants say, goes, period. And you better not disagree. On top of all of this, the pay is terrible. If WBBH offers you a contract, run far, far away. Don’t be fooled by the beaches and sunshine. Your mental health will deteriorate. Btw, you won’t get paid to work OT or to work a 6th/7th day. And you’ll be forced to do both.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is great learning environment, if you want to discover everything that’s wrong with local TV news. When I got to my new market, I had to unlearn nearly everything that was beaten into to me at WBBH. Trust me when I say you’re better off working somewhere in a less desirable geographic location to get your start. If you looked at their staff page three years ago, all you would find are white faces and blonde hair. There’s a reason why that was forced to change, and why they now have a more diverse group of reporters and anchors. And it’s not because management had some sort of awakening.
This place is toxic as can be. Unless new management comes into control, do not work here.”
News Director: Matt Templeman
“Nice guy, but completely out of touch with what his reporters are seeing in the field. He is also the main anchor and has no time to help reporters learn and grow. But he sits in the studio and criticizes his reporters work but don’t doesn’t address it.”
While working for KEZI this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When it comes to sexual discrimination he would not let me do certain jobs because of my gender. He would use excuses to get around the real reason why. When it comes to a toxic work environment, there is constant emotional abuse and trauma. People would get screamed at for little errors and management plays favorite with reporters. The only thing that got me through my contract was the support from fellow MMJs because we all bonded on the trauma we experienced.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They are number one in the market but stick to the “formula.” They do not want to diverge from it because they think what they’re doing works. There is no creativity. They pay for consultants to come in to tell you why your work is bad, he offers suggestions, but management doesn’t let you actually go through with it. There are also many unethical decisions made in the newsroom like showing people about to commit suicide live on television. This guy was on top of a building and management decided to take the sky cam to show the guy at the edge. Also they do not care about safety. The general manager and news director victim blames reporters if they’re in a dangerous situation. There were times where I felt unsafe and the news director pulled me into his office to tell me what I did wrong. The cost of living is high in the city and the pay doesn’t meet that. You need parental support to live in Eugene with the salary. If you’re a self starter and can push through having no support from management, this station is for you. But for the sake of your mental health, this station should be avoided.”
News Director: Dan Boers (when I was employed a year and a half ago)
“My experience working under Dan Boers felt impersonal. If you wanted Dan to take anything seriously, a male or veteran opinion was required. Although he is no longer the news direnctor there, those same conditions apply to most authority figures whom are still there.”
While working for WOOD this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Although I never personally experienced sexual harrassment or racial discrimination (I am white), I saw it and know others who have. It has taken me almost two years to finally write this review, I was fearful that had I written this after I was fired that it would get in the way of new job prospects. I was fired for attempting to stand up to legitimate racial threats, albeit I’ll admit my method was unconventional, nevertheless there was no reason to completely terminate my position when sexual predators have gotten to keep their’s or have been asked to resign. In short, this station protects sexual predators and racists. After it was brought to Dan’s attention that an employee was actively using racial and homophobic slurs, that employee simply recieved a slap on the wrist. He was a male.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re under the age of 30 (especially if you identify as a woman), do not expect to be taken seriously. The misogyny and ageism runs deep at this station. There are some great vets to learn from and despite my negative review, I did learn a lot. However, it is an overall toxic environment and be sure to keep your gaurd up.”
While working for WDJT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
“It seems the best opportunities here are given to people who complain the most, which goes against everything I’ve aspired to be as an individual. I don’t feel like I can talk to management about anything. Others are constantly stepping over me to do my job despite having no idea what they are doing, then I look bad when the quality of the news product suffers. Working here has made me depressed and angry and made me want to get out of news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Lauren Weppler
“Lauren should not be in a management position. She is a lion in sheep’s clothing. She will make baseless claims about wanting to support and help you. However, when she’s given an opportunity to do so, she will not. Her compliments mean nothing and you should never trust a word that she says. Her treatment towards you will depend on her mood of the day. She is extremely selfish and rewards people based on favoritism instead of merit. Don’t be surprised when you see the laziest workers being praised and promoted. She also condones a toxic work environment full of harassment. It’s easier for her to hide things than be an actual leader.”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is terrible. You will genuinely question how “higher ups” are able to act the way they do. Lauren is a master manipulator. Younger, inexperienced employees will be taken advantage of. All it takes is a few years in the workforce to figure out her game. Trust me, you’re better off working anywhere else.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you have another option, don’t work here.”
News Director: Jerry Giesler
“News director is only there to collect a paycheck.”
While working for WJFW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Inappropriate employee behavior and comments were common here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There’s holes in the walls made from employee fists and a head in multiple employee altercations. Management and supervisors regularly lie with no shame. No COVID policy. Station stopped “caring” about COVID after the election. Not uncommon to short employees on paychecks. Good luck!”
News Director: Sarah Zak, but I worked under Mark Kurtz
“I had a great experience with Mark”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I would say for the most party, WAVY is a great station to work for. Just like any newsroom, it has its problems. I would agree with the person before me when it says negative/toxic people get promotions when they should be fired. Also, WAVY is unfortunately not immune to a lot of problems plaguing the biz. Overall, I had a great experience. It’s very much a “family” environment and sometimes that can feel a little fake sometimes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Dan Firnbach
Experience described as: “Absolutely a pawn of management, no real power.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The entire environment is not toxic, (as in there are many wonderful employees that work here) but management and ownership certainly is. Gross understaffing, no investment in infrastructure (except perhaps the fancy new building), decades-old equipment, underpayment nearly across the board, and a strange, toxic dynamic between all the managers is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also very important to note that although, as mentioned above, every department is understaffed, and nearly every understaffed worker is working 2 or more jobs at once, they still have a pretty penny to output towards the owner and to aquire new businesses.
To further underline the toxicity of 9&10- yes, it does hemorage employees. Constantly. It’s a low wage stepping stone station that hires grads right out of college, treats them poorly, and then ponders angrily as to why they leave. The operations department is the same way, only able to hold onto a few core directors as most the high-schoolers they use to fill the other jobs get wise or tired pretty quickly and move on, or go off to college. It is constant turn around. Do not let the concernly fake reviews fool you. 9&10 is known for its turnaround. Just look at the ever shifting news anchors. Furthermore, producers have been pushed out. Multiple times.
HR is like almost all HR departments and there to protect the company and only the company. The HR has a concerningly lax attitude towards what’s allowed and what isn’t, but for the most part you’ll never interact them so that’s something.
Also, there’s a concerning lack of Covid-19 protocol.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place IS NOT all bad. It has wonderful people working in it and it has it moments of putting out good content (because of the workers). Until management gets its act together, this place will always be a subpar place to work.”
News Director: Mitch Davis
Experience described as: “Sneaky, Stays in office all day, Uses other newsroom managers as pawns for dirty work”
While working for WKBN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Pretty much out of the whole building (ALL departments) there are 4 people of color, One Anchor, One Digital Reporter, a Production team member and a Weekend Met. THAT’S IT. The youngstown DMA is pretty much 50/50 when it comes race, black and white. THE STATION DOESN’T REFLECT THE MARKET. Management doesn’t care and isn’t trying. The Overall environment is chaos in a can thanks to the ND and Managing editor. Reporter and some Producer schedules are all over the place and never consistent. But they get confused about why people leave due to not having any consistency. The ND, is a used car salesman who knows the car is broken but sells it to you anyway, Broken Promises. The Assistant ND only leaves his office to talk to sports. I honestly have no clue what he does and I don’t think he knows either. Again the managing editor who is number 3 in the newsroom…I honestly don’t know what to say about her.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you are looking for mentorship and a place to learn and grow this isn’t it. There is no help or guidance. Management will complain about you, your work and talk bad about you behind your back but ….NOT HELP YOU. Your ONLY chance for survival in that place is Nightside from what I hear because the nightside EP is a genuine person and great to work with. I wish I worked on that shift more. Also with your crazy days off the shift you work is all over the place. The Managing Editor is the one that does the scheduling, lord help her. Also do you see all the jobs I clicked above? I get hired as one thing (MMJ) and become everything. There are so many openings…they won’t fill. They just rather make reporters be Producers and fake Mets, TACKY. If you are foolish enough to come here, don’t get sucked into being on the WYTV side. Gosh I feel bad for the Anchors, Producers, and mets on that side. Management only cares about WKBN and it shows and sadly I’ve heard them say it too. WKBN gets all the resources like producers and money. The WYTV side is literally all hands on deck (Anchors and MMJs producing shows) but management expects WYTV to operate and look like a WKBN side. It’s insanity. Also when I have produced on both stations the sports block is almost 5 min. CRAZY. and to make sure WKBN is doing ok they make sports be in the B block of the 11 on the WYTV side, I’ve seen the rundown. When it comes to the EPs they have have to produce daily newscast too on top of their EP duties. AGAIN CRAZY.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“A manager who chimes in simply to pretend he’s managing. Interactions with him are rare, which could be a blessing in disguise. He mostly sits in his office and plays on his phone.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KRNV is a good station to work for if you want to get therapy; because this newsroom will ensure you need it. Coworkers are great, but management (for the most part) will ensure you lie in bed every morning as long as you can, staring into the abyss asking yourself how you can get through one more day.
Support for employees is minimal (not there at all) so you must be a self-starter to have a remote chance to succeed. In other words, expect to work outside of your shift, but don’t expect any appreciation or payment for doing so.
Reporters have been sent to riots with no safety precautions. Shifts are structured in a way that makes you question your life choices on a daily basis. Stories are shot down or changed on a whim with no explanation just to send crews hours away to nonexistent news. (Happens on many occasions).
Don’t expect a steady schedule because there’s a good chance yours will change on a week-to-week basis due to poor management and high turnover.
This newsroom legitimately could have been one of the best in the west (yes, even compared to SF and Sacramento), but the insanity behind management’s decision making ensured that potential was never realized. Virtually all of the photographers left, all meteorologists quit within a few months of each other (again, terrible foresight by management), and producers and reporters enter and exit like it’s some kind of carnival ride in hell.
Active investigations have been brought forth against the ND with no results. Employees have confided as much and admit they’re on the verge of mental breakdowns.
Reno rests in a lovely area, but the salary compared to the cost of living and affects on your mental health means you should avoid at all costs.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid if you can. Despite a great set of coworkers, the taxing toll on mental health will make you regret your decision almost immediately. Many have broken contracts just to get out. They weren’t the first and won’t be the last.”
News Director: Matt Templeman
Experience described as: “Good guy but overwhelmed boss”
While working for KEZI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They pay u burger king wages and act like you should be greatful. Even Sinclair pays better, has better benefits and has less workload. There is no upside to working here.”
News Director: Keith Connors
“One of the worst experiences of my life”
While working for WFSB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station has no communication, the management has no idea what goes on in the newsroom. They don’t care of journalistic ethics, they don’t care about anything but advertising money. There is no team work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is amazing that they are the number one station in the market. I felt less like a journalist here than I did in high school. It was all about the money, nothing about journalism.”
News Director: Barb Rothler
“Barb was the news director at the time, I feel that she knew the newsroom was filled with toxic behavior from management and she did nothing about it. She was very passive aggressive, but seeing as though she’s gotten out of the industry, I’d like to focus my review on the EP and the Assignment Editor. The two of them together were never on one accord, you’d get an assignment from the editor and then get yelled at by the EP for doing it. They were both manipulative, conniving and it seemed as though they did everything they could to intimidate their staff and back them into a corner. I am very happy to no longer be working in this place, it was more harmful to my career than helpful. My advice is to not make a stop here if you don’t have to, getting the experience is not worth the hell you’re put through.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There was an obvious limit of diversity among staff in this newsroom. There was also a constant deny of pitches that represented the Black community, along with an apparent difference in treatment when it came to work criticism.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“While diversity was an issue at this station, it was just one of many. I had several coworkers outside of the Black and Brown race who also felt that the work environment was extremely toxic, I wouldn’t advise anyone to work here under the current management.”
News Director: Jerry Giesler
Experience described as: “Casual, Light-hearted, Fun”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WJFW feels small town (or in this case Northwoods), even for its market size. But that’s not all bad.
Nearly no breaking news means reporters are free to pitch fun or thoughtful enterprise stories.
The ND is the most laid back and friendly manager you’ll ever have. He will give feedback and help if you seek it out, but he’s fairly hands off (which most NDs are) on hour-by-hour work.
The Chief Met, Geoff, is genuinely the nicest person ever and helps lift the mood of the whole station.
This is a low stress place to learn. But if you’re looking for fast-paced breaking news and bigger city lifestyle, look elsewhere.
They pay MMJs slightly better than market size would indicate (though it’s still a small market), and are willing to splurge for leaders, if they think they’ll make a difference.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
“As a woman of color who works here I think it’s important to note I have NEVER experienced racism or sexism by any employee”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
News Director: Jenna Huff
Experience described as: “Toxic and Uncomfortable”
While working for WANE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve experienced countless moments of racial discrimination encounters with current News DIrector, Jenna Huff. She never takes responbililty for her actions, she just puts it on someone else. She’s not a team player – it’s either her way or no way. She looks at others as beneath her. This is not a safe place for people of color.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No matter how much you complain, nothing gets done”
News Director: Mark Kurtz
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for WAVY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mark had no spine. Rude and toxic employees get promoted when they should be fired. They’ll constantly say “it’s good to be WAVY” and gaslighting you while giving you no raise or 1%. It’s ridiculous.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid Nexstar, weekend shift, and the morning show.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
Experience described as: “Toxic, Negative, Heartbreaking”
While working for WJCL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Got it how’s this…
Since Jenna Huff has been news director at WANE 15 at least 14 passionate journalists have left the station and a majority of them have left the industry and majority of those leaving are people who would normally be consider “lifers.”
Huff requires reporters to have 2 stories set in stone before their shift for the day but if she does not like them had reporters cancel, which has made it difficult for reporters to keep contacts and sources.
Huff belittles reporters, especially if she does not like their story ideas and discourages reporters and photographers from covering events in surrounding counties.
Huff often yells at reporters and threatens to fire employees in front of other employees. When reporters or photographers show an interest in moving to another station within Nexstar Huff makes it difficult to transfer and then tells the newsroom “(reporter name) is dead to us” and “if you don’t want to be here I don’t want you here.”
The pay is poor, the news director leadership is poor and what used to be the 1 station in the market has slipped to 2.
The only positive is that when Huff does belittle an employee the others are there with tissues because the day before they were being told they’d “never be a good reporter””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“WANE was the place to work BEFORE Huff. The fact Nexstar corporate has yet to respond and step up is a slap in the fast of all the hardworking people who made WANE 15 the number one station and those reporter struggling with a toxic boss and mental health.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
“Worst experience of my life”
While working for WANE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News director sets unreasonable work expectations and how strict she is with them entirely depends on how much she likes the person. Makes snap decisions regardless of how many people disagree with her and will change the subject or ignore phone calls when she’s done talking about it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“WANE went from being a station where people genuinely enjoyed working at to a place where people are miserable. Around 14 people have left in the last year (compared to 1 person the year before) after a change in leadership and now new hires are being thrust into their jobs with little training but high expectations. Pay is poor and news director refuses to negotiate. Mental health for many news staff is not great, and it’s now become about getting by and staying out of the line of fire rather than putting out great content.”
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: 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: Dan Firnbach
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“We all know these reviews are written by (four current employees)*** and a few others (maybe don’t text others about it).
I’m tired of people in the newsroom talking about this website and then going to it just flat out lie about Dan and the rest of the people in the newsroom that care about it.
No one has left the newsroom in months. It’s not toxic, filled with racism or sex discrimination. These are so laughable cuz every one knows it’s these 4-5 continually posting these. Meanwhile the rest of us laugh at their texts and secret talks about these posts. Get a life divas.”
***The names were omitted to hide the possible previous reviewer’s identities.
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 possible previous reviewer’s identity.
News Director: Ernesto Romero
“Abhorrent. One of the worst experiences I’ve 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 wasn’t 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 — when it could’ve been sent in an email. Mostly laid back, but a little too laid back where you’ll receive no guidance or leadership. Takes tremendous amounts of time off and delegates tasks to everyone else. Massive egos in this newsroom and reporters’ egos get bigger because he picks favorites. Even if you believe you work harder than others, you’ll miss out on big stories because you’re 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 you’re 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 doesn’t 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: Iain Munro
“There’s a reason people are fleeing this station left and right: management”
While working for KRQE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The management at KRQE is absolutely unacceptable. Talented, motivated journalists (producers included) and meteorologists are dropping like flies at this shop because of how poorly they are treated by superiors. The long-time talent are the only ones treated well — and they are allowed to speak/act in a completely unprofessional manner to/around the younger staff members. It’s a mess. If you’re looking for genuine mentoring and a leader of the people, Mr. Munro is not your guy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The ‘never settle’ attitude of the newsroom is KRQE’s only praise-worthy quality. Reporters/MMJs are pushed incredibly hard to find enterprise news stories the competition won’t have — and they develop a crucial skill set to turn in-depth daily stories that would likely be an investigative piece in any other market. You’ll learn a lot… just learn quickly and take your talents to a place where you won’t be treated like garbage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dan Firnbach
“Seems a bit in over his head”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Totally a boys club.
Women don’t have a say.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Love this site. It gives employees an opportunity to speak their minds and inform other potential employees of what they are getting into. Wish I had known about this before I hired in to 9&10.
Don’t let review #10 fool you. It was obviously written by their current news director Dan Firnbach. I have emails from him screenshot where some of the exact verbage he uses in this review was used.
Clearly trying to do damage control because of the amount of people that are leaving 9&10.
There are people paying to break their contract just to get out of that place. Think about it. To some people, it’s worth the 10k penalty just to leave. That speaks volumes.
Was the last news director your best friend? Did he hold your hand and pat you on the bottom and tell you everything is going to be ok? No. He’s not your mommy. He had expectations, and held you accountable. That’s why 9&10 used to be the best. Now the news department heads are nothing but pushovers in way over their head. Watch their news shows. It’s a disgrace.
I have been here a long time. It’s not better than it used to be. It’s worse than it has been in years. And the reason for that is the firing of the people who were the heart of that station for years. GM, ND, and anchors let go that MADE this station. And the hiring of upper management that have zero experience in news, and are only looking to make money. Case in point, if you look at available job postings at 9&10, you will find one for a farmer. A farmer. Why would a news organization need a farmer you ask? Because they are pouring money into building a farm, to make more money for the bosses. Meanwhile, they are letting good people go because there “isn’t enough money in the budget.” But they have enough for a farm? Maybe it’s from all the 10k penalties people are paying to break contract.
Don’t be fooled by upper management writing positive comments on here.
It’s bad.
And no change seems to be on the horizon.”
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
Experience described as: “I feel victimized”
While working for KOAA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I am refraining from giving away any identifying information about who I am or what my job is at the station, because I know our vindictive managers not only read these reviews, but they also admittedly write fake positive ones and retail items against those they believe are responsible for the very accurate negative ones.
I will also likely be putting in my resignation soon and do not want to be identified just yet. But suffice it to say they’ll be shocked if and when I do.
I have watched as this once shining example of how a newsroom should be run has gone completely downhill.
As other reviews have accurately pointed out, it all started with the former GM Evan Pappas. He cared about the bottom line and the bottom line only. He went through several news directors before he found his yes man in Ryan Hazelwood.
For the past few years, since Ryan Hazelwood took the reigns, it’s been a downward spiral of negativity, toxicity, and straight up bullying.
Since Scripps bought us, he has been doing all he can to kiss the asses of Scripps’ corporate leaders and let them know he’ll do anything they say, even if it comes at the expense of his employees.
As long as Ryan Hazelwood is in charge of this place, I would recommend staying well clear of here.
And others have taken note of this. In just the last six months or we have lost:
-Two producers who didn’t even make it a year
-Two digital reporters who barely made it a year
-Three reporters, one who made it a little over a year, one who made it a little less than a year, one who finished out their contract and left.
-An EP who only made it a little over a year in that role
-A fantastic photog who had only been here a couple years
-Our beloved main anchor who management stabbed in the back and replaced with a washed up former anchor of another station in town who was not anymore well known than our (much better) anchor that they pushed out.
Of all those people, only two are still in the business, and are much better off now than they were here.
The rest, understandably, have been scared off from ever taking a job in TV news again.
That’s what working at KOAA will do for you.
Congratulations Ryan Hazelwood! You’re ruining this industry by scaring off good talent, and I’m the next one to go!
Scripps, if you’re reading this, do yourself a favor and show Ryan and his cronies the door.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay away! Work at KRDO (they’ve gotten much better since all the negative reviews in here, they’ve totally cleaned house) or KKTV or Fox 21!
I only checked the intern box for job description because I do not want to give away what position I work, and we do not have interns in this news room, so it was a good neutral option.”
News Director: Kristen Shill
“If you love receiving constant criticism from a boss that’s never there, then this is the job for you”
While working for WQOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“the immense level of unprofessionalism, misplaced criticism, management laziness and lack of solid journalism ethics amongst higher-ups is astonishing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“employees in both news and production departments have been cut in half within the last few months – and there’s a reason why. do not work for this station.”
News Director: Dan Firnbach
“No problems. Helped when needed and stayed out the of way when not”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“These reviews are laughable! It could be an overall toxic environment before this year when a lot of the toxic people were let go. Probably why they are all so angry at the new management that finally saw through their BS and are resorting to writing these fictional reviews to get even. What’s good about 2021? Bullies aren’t tolerated! The rules apply to everyone! We get told and shown we are appreciated regularly. Most everyone wants to be there and is pleasant to work with. No more walking on egg shells around a few that were ticking time bombs.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Take these reviews with a grain of salt and realize that they are likely posted by people that are disgruntled. Happy people rarely take time to write reviews. If you want to learn, work hard and feel appreciated this is a fun place to work.”
News Director: Dan Firnbach
“Great learning experience with consistent feedback”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This site is total garbage! All it does is give the toxic people that finally got what was coming to them another outlet to complain and make up total lies. Is it perfect? Nope, but it is obvious everyone is trying their best from co-workers to management. When things do go wrong or can be improved most of the time they listen and work with you to reach a solution.
I have worked here for awhile now and I can tell you things are WAY better the last year than they used to be. It’s nice to work for a news director that shows gratitude and genuinely cares about his people.
The hr manager is fair and consistent which is probably why the ones that mess around and do stupid things don’t like her.
The coo is relatively new, so I haven’t interacted with him a whole lot. He seems cool and says hello to everyone by name when he sees them though.
Bottom line: Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.”
News Director: Tom Henderson (now retired)
“I like him. I think he is a genuine, caring person.”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It has come to my attention that a recent review for this station have many people who work there think it has come from me — as I have received numerous messages about it.
While it did not come from me, this gossip (and false assumption) is a good example of the “toxic environment” that a lot of the previous reviews left here reference.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will walk away from this station having learned, but I do agree with the other reviewers that there is lots room for improvement here.”
News Director: Melanie Standiford
“Awful. She was hired with only about of year of TV news experience. She has no clue what she’s doing and has absolutely no idea how to train. She has a really hard time admitting she’s wrong about anything when she’s wrong.”
While working for KNOP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would definitely do some research or contact former employees before committing to this station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dan Firnbach
Experience described as: “Rude, Sneaky, Doesn’t know what he’s doing”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Nobody cares what you do or wants to help you get better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Im glad someone else said something about the human resources lady and the coo Josh Trust.
Here is a hint if you do work there. Don’t open any doors without knocking first. I opened the hr lady’s door and her and the coo were in there together and standing what i thought was a little close. They got awkward and red in the face.
A month later I was fired bc of my “negativity.” Personally I think they were doing stuff they should be at work, and they thought i caught them.
So lesson learned. Knock first.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“Horrendous. I would be surprised to have gone a single day without a complaint about him or his assistant Jason. You could literally hear their conversations occurring from Greg’s office and some of things heard are truly alarming. They look at their staff life useless pawns. It has been truly sad to see young people get hired in my short time here just to lose their interest in journalism in record time. If it wasnt for contracts, this Sinclair station would have zero ability to retain talent. Everyone is unhappy, literally everyone, and if they arent — give it time or the first second they try to speak up and have an idea.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The above mostly covers it, but I know this is a starter station and I cant even imagine how disappointed people must be to come here and think this is how news is. Its a tough job already, but Greg and Jason really team up perfectly to make getting underpaid and under appreciated feel like the least of their dissatisfaction. The goal of Greg seems to be hitting the nail the same way until the hammer breaks, then blame the nail and then finding a new nail for it to happen again all while using the same now broken hammer. Nothing changes there. This station has seen covid outbreaks where Greg has tried to get people to come into work while sick because he cant hire or retain people enough to afford people being sick, the station is currently under a cyberattack but Greg and Jason still expect everything to run as normal, and the station is somehow dead last with the most corporate financial support out of the 3 stations. Whats even more shocking is the TALENT the station has. Its the people who wear many hats, bound by contract, that literally hold the station together. Ive seen people there that literally have Market 10 and lower ability and zero respect to their flexibility during everything. This is the kind of news station that is a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are great people here. Dont get me wrong. I just hope one day a ND can sit with those people and hear them. Theres lots of good ideas, but a horrible couple of listeners. I believe Gregs only goal everyday is to keep his job rather than grow the station.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “Terrible. Eric Walters is atrocious.”
While working for WDBJ this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
“Eric Walters hires people for their looks, so they’ll be forced to pay attention to him. He has no actual management skills, other than looking for physical talent–most of whom would leave him “on read” anyway.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Eric Walters ruined this station. He doesn’t know how to manage, nor does he care. He is incapable of dealing with different personalities, and doesn’t have what it takes to be a leader. He doesn’t care about people–only whatever makes him look “cool” for his Twitter followers.”
News Director: Tim Klutsartis
Experience described as: “Nice guy, approachable, but lacks any power beyond editorial control.”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management creates a chaotically competitive environment that burns people out. Employees have been pinned against each other for promotions and management takes joy in fanning exceedingly petty drama with other stations in the market.
Upper management will go out of its way to highlight the short comings of the competitor in ratings while simultaneously ignoring why the newsroom morale is at an all time low as the station hemorrhages employees. Ratings are king, but bringing in “record books” for the station during sweeps is never reflected in compensation and ratings bonuses are being phased out.
Management touts the station as one that operates at the level of a top 20 market, but regularly advertises itself as “WatermanU” – essentially treating employees like they’re fresh out of college. This station continues to pay its reporters, weekend anchors, and producers unsustainable wages even as the cost of living in the area has doubled in recent years. The staff continues to carry the station to record high numbers while being paid in sunshine.
Finally – the station lives and dies by what Magid consultants say. Upper management is in bed with them and if you don’t serve as a yes man to everything the consultants want, you’ll be out the door at the end of your deal.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t even get me started on middle management.”
While working for KGBT/KVEO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place is an absolute train wreck. By far the most dysfunctional work environment I have ever been a part of. The recent ND just left, so I won’t comment on her impact on the newsroom – outside of the fact favorites were always promoted internally whether they deserved it or not. One MMJ was caught forging soundbites in stories, yet he somehow a few months later was promoted to main anchor. There is not a single person in the newsroom outside of the assistant nd/chief met that is over the age of thirty, and you can tell by the behavior after management is gone for the day. There’s more nerf gun wars than quality news content produced. Literally everything breaks all the time. Whether it’s a camera, or the server crashing for the 5th time that month – your hard work can easily go in the trash because of how haphazardly Nexstar pieced this duopoly together during the buyout. Countless people have broken contract recently to escape from this hell hole. Avoid at all costs.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here. It’s not worth your sanity”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
Experience described as: “Not helpful.”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They’ll overwork you, you’re undervalued and underpaid. There are great stories in this market but you won’t have much guidance.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Renee Nygren
Experience described as: “Incompetent and insecure. She has no business running a newsroom.”
While working for KVLY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The General Manager and News Director are wholly incompetent and at times downright cruel to newsroom employees. There’s a reason why they haven’t hired a producer in well over a year. They also gave an open white supremacist and COVID conspiracy theorist a platform for well over a decade, hurting the reputation of the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Gray Television exists solely to underpay and overwork recent college grads until they get burnt out and leave the industry entirely… and then management wonders why there’s no one left to take on leadership positions in their newsrooms. Benefits are the bare minimum and are being gutted with each passing moment.
Management loves to talk about opportunities within Gray, and how the company wants to keep and build talent, while refusing transfers and LYING to our faces about it. Management expects you to empathize with them about staffing issues and sacrifice more of your time… while firing multiple hardworking people for basically no reason. There are probably some well-run Gray stations, but Valley News Live is an absolute joke.
The bottom line is you will get paid basically nothing to do extremely difficult work, with no guidance from management, all while getting trashed by the community.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
Experience described as: “Maddening”
While working for WANE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Only writing this so anyone thinking about working here will strongly reconsider. Working for Jenna Huff is like trying to hit a moving target. She’s confusing and hard to work for. She’s moody, will play mind games and talk about employees to other employees.
Jenna’s been here for 14 months and since then 14 employees have left. No idea how that fact alone doesn’t raise red flags with upper management. Everyone in the newsroom is beyond miserable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Bryan Queen
Experience described as: “Absolutely awful”
While working for WHP this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is miserable. Our news director openly favors men, regularly berates his staff, and is generally not a good person. If you’re looking at this review because you’re considering coming here, don’t do it. I haven’t been here that long and I’m actively searching for a new job. You’ll be overworked and underpaid and regularly treated like garbage. Don’t do this to yourself.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid this station at all costs. If there is a change in leadership, this station might be manageable. But while Bryan Queen is here, it should be avoided at all costs.”
News Director: Dan Firnbach
Experience described as: “Terrible. Has no idea what he’s doing.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director, Dan Firnbach, and Assistant News Director, Bill Froehlich, have no respect for females in this business. A lot of ‘mansplaining’ and talking down to female subordinates.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Where to begin.
Let’s start at upper management. Nobody has any experience in news. Every single person in charge, is a businessman. The total focus is on lining the pockets of upper management.
If you come to work in the news department, you will have no support. The people that are supposed to support you (news director, HR director) seem to work together against their employees.
The HR Director, Leslie Nowlin, has no respect or care for any of the employees. She does what is best for upper management, not for the employees who need her support. Somehow, she has a great deal of power, that no HR Director should have. Possibly because she is obviously having an affair with the recently hired COO, Josh Trust.
Moving down the line, closer to the newsroom, you get to the newly hired ND Dan Firnbach, and assistant ND Bill Froehlich.
Clearly both in way over their heads. Why were they hired?
Dan spent over a year trying to undermine and backstab his News Director, Sean Mahon, until he was eventually let go. Now he’s been promoted to the ND job because he is a weak puppet that does whatever upper management wants him to do. Bill Froehlich, he was just the only one stupid enough to accept the assistant news director job, because so many others had already passed on it. Partially because, in an effort to cut costs, they combined the positions of Assistant ND and Assignment Editor into one, and then ate the salary of the assignment editor, asking the new assistant ND to do 2 jobs, at about a 40k discount. And partially because nobody in their right mind wanted to work under the conniving Dan Firnbach.
Finally, we’ll get to the employees in the newsroom. Some of them are really decent workers and very friendly. However, there are a few that watch your every move and as soon as you do something they don’t like, will run to the news director or HR Director. They are the little spies for upper management. If you manage to avoid pissing off these sketchy veterans, don’t forget that you’ll be terribly overworked due to the lack of staffing. Reporters you will be told that you will get to be with a photojournalist every day. Don’t believe it. They only have a handful of photojournalists, and even less that are any good. And the good ones will go with the people that have been there longer. You will likely be asked to go out on your own and MMJ, with no support from your ND and Assignment ND, because again, they are in way over their heads and have no idea how to develop talent.
If you are looking for a job in the industry, stay away from 9&10. They are a sinking ship with no one at the wheel.”
News Director: Denisha Thomas
“Wonderful! She and the rest of management have an open-door policy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WATN/WLMT is a very positive newsroom.
I have been working for this station for a few months and I LOVE the creative control I have over my work.
Since this station has rolled out its rebrand, there have been several changes in both the on-air and digital products.
This station has a ton of potential ahead to stand out from the competition and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
News Director: Shane Moreland
Experience described as: “Worst news director ever”
While working for WRIC this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Shane Moreland is the type of news director who will talk down to you, put his hand on you, discuss other employees behind their back and someone who goes back on his promises. Shane often hires from the outside instead of promoting from within, causing those people to leave and find new jobs. He’ll make promises to keep people happy then go back on his word. His judgement of news is laughable and it shows in the ratings. Sports is also a disaster with minimal local coverage and it’s led by a sports director Shane hired who cannot fulfill the job requirements. Shane is also known for hiring or not hiring someone based on their looks or race. He has been heard criticizing employee outfits and hair styles.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Nexstar is running the station into the ground because of bad leadership from VP/GM Larry Cottrill to Shane Moreland. Staff turnover is high and that will continue with both of them in that building. WRIC only promotes select anchors and reporters. This station has gone from respected on-air and behind the scenes employees to a revolving door.”
News Director: Jerry Howard
Experience described as: “Kind, open to hearing ideas”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic work environment in the newsroom. No one is happy and they are SEVERELY understaffed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jessie O’Neill
Experience described as: “Poor, passive aggressive, demeaning”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You will blamed for everything. EP’s do whatever they feel like and the rest take the fall. He will bully you into resigning yet destroy you in your review. The word is out. He complains he can’t hire yet he’s the reason and the other managers . Rest of newsroom a nice group.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Yeah if you want to be in this market , look at 13. They’re on top of it . Good desk while we miss BIG stories. Very little experience here. Everyone looking to get out. The GM ignores heartfelt concerns. Our ND has managed to bully the few good producers we’ve had and fire them or they quit. GM never thinks this is odd?
As for the Asst Nd she
Hasn’t shown up to work for a month for medical reasons, yet showed up last night at our Emmy party to collect hers . Well enough for that . And oh. She takes credit for everything so be prepared for that too .
A young reporter in the newsroom was torn apart by Melissa last month. How about coaching ? Nope. Look elsewhere”
News Director: Shauna Ziegler
Experience described as: “Awful, she chooses her favorites and is uninvolved”
While working for KFOX14/CBS4 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Avoid this station at all costs, it’s toxic and has led several people to have serious mental health issues because of how they treat you. Schedule changes are constant and without notice. You will be asked to work OT without being paid for it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Shauna Ziegler
While working for KFOX14/CBS4 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have never worked in a more toxic enviorment, it was like being back in high school all over again. Some fellow coworkers were nasty and rude and would talk behind your back. Everyday someone would be in tears because of someone else. I was in a constant state of anxiety and treated horribly by a male executive producer.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re looking to work at a TV station please do not work here. They will break you and make you cry and if you don’t fit into the mold they have you, your life will be terrible there.”
News Director: Shauna Ziegler
“not involved in the station at all- the assignment desk runs the show and makes all reporters cry on a regular basis”
While working for KFOX14 & CBS4 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Shauna Ziegler
Experience described as: “Fantastic”
While working for KFOX14/CBS4 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
“Some of the men there would make lewd comments”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
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: Diane Irving
Experience described as: “Caring & compassionate, knows her stuff”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This newsroom has been in operation for three years, yet still operates like it’s a start-up. Reporters don’t have to chase fires & ambulances & murders, so they can work on actual good pieces (both enterprise & day of), but the method & style Spectrum uses can feel convoluted at times. There is next to no proper training for any position, so it’s often on the fellow producers & on-air people to train based off what they know, and not from any official company policy. There are too many managers, stuck in too many meetings every day, so often they have no clue of what’s going on, even if they say otherwise. Staff is friendly, works hard & wants to do well, though too often is stressed due to workflow issues, numerous failures in the newsroom production system. Turnover remains relatively low, though all these issues & more keeps it unclear whether that will stay true.”
News Director: Brad Kessie
“Brad can be tough but is a good teacher. He is very passionate about news and the product that goes on the air.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This is a “starter market” but the pay matches many mid-markets. It’s a good learning environment, and you will learn good journalistic values, ethics, and integrity.”
News Director: Julie Szulczewski
“Julie is the type of manager that will throw any and everyone under a bus if it makes her look better. She has no vision for the newsroom, poor news judgement, and terrible people management skills. She makes disparaging remarks about employees and calls it a joke.”
While working for WAFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Disrespect comes from the top down. Julie does a terrible job leading by example. She doesn’t respect her employees or appreciate the work any of them put in. She berates some of the people who work the hardest, and will sometimes do it in front of everyone and in the middle of meetings.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Where to start? This station would be better run by literally anyone else. If you want to work for a manager who demands respect and acts like a moody teenager, this is the place for you.”
News Director: Steve Hyvonen
“He told me to keep my head down and mouth shut and I’d get ahead in “the business” he also told me digital was not an important job because everything was “trending toward TV and away from digital.” If you aren’t an anchor he doesn’t care about you and frequently pits reporters against one another and participates in station gossip to control the narrative. He also allows his managers to run amuck and turned a blind eye to sexual harassment, bullying, and racism.”
While working for WXIX this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management level employees regularly sexually harassed female employees while upper management turned a blind eye. Managers regularly participate in station gossip to control the narrative floating around the station. They also pit employees against one another. Managers frequently bully lower level employees and allow other employees to bully each other. If you try to go to HR, managers will pull you into their office, deny everything, and threaten your job safety.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you speak up and try to enact change toward a more positive work environment (reporting bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination) upper management will silence you by telling you it’s their word against yours and no one will believe you.”
News Director: Tracy Davis
“Shes green and easily influenced in her decision making”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There are inexperienced people in positions of management that should not be there. Specifically an EP, managing editor as well as a few other people that have “risen to power” in between massive ND and GM upheavles over the years – a lot of uneducated chiefs and not enough i dians ( can we still say that??)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run from this o and o it has been turned i to a training ground for wanna lbe management ( even the current gm is a creative services director turned gm.. what? “
News Director: Chad Mahoney
“Chad Mahoney is a literal dictator and sociopath. He regularly tells his employees seeking to get the heck out from under his rein that they are “not ready” to move on when in fact they are! And most likely, they NEED to get away from working for him for their mental health. It’s like being in a relationship with an abusive partner who repeatedly tells you that you’re not good enough or won’t find anyone better. It’s so sad. I don’t know how this man still has a job after the way he repeatedly treats his employees. He is so controlling and just the worst person.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The absolute worst place I have ever worked. Chad M is demeaning, petty, demoralizing, and overall just a yucky person who quite literally gets pleasure in other people’s pain. He’s twisted.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here unless you want your mental health to suffer (three employees have recently left citing mental health), you want to be controlled and run out of the business. It’s so sad that this many employees can up and leave and leave these reviews and Gray does NOTHING.”
News Director: Rob Taylor
“Rob recently came to WFFF/WVNY a few months ago. The previous news director was a mess and MIA. Rob came in week one of the job making changes for the better. So far I am very happy with the change.”
While working for WVNY/WFFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“At times the newsroom can be a toxic place… we have a variety of individuals working at the station who have worked at the station for over 10 years to people fresh out of college. A lot of the veteran anchors/reporters voice their opinions and at times make you feel like the smallest person in the world. With the previous ND, there were favorites and when you had private conversations about something or someone… they would get word of it from him. It can be VERY gossipy if you allow yourself to fall into the toxic trap. ON A GOOD NOTE…. I have been able to grow. It did NOT COME EASY…. let me tell you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would describe the newsroom as unorganized chaos.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg tells many lies, gaslights in order to get his way, avoids serious issues, and refuses to listen to anything outside what he believes. He is arrogant, manipulative, and a terrible manager.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Greg Schieferstein does not need to be a manager, let alone the news director. He is the most toxic employer I have ever worked for. HR does nothing about him. They are corrupt as well. Do not work here. If you want to work in Reno, work for Channel 2 or KOLO. At least until Greg is gone. Not to mention he makes very inappropriate comments towards women, many of which cried in response to his remarks. Avoid at all costs. This is not a healthy introduction to journalism”
News Director: Jim Campagna
“I didn’t really have an issue with Jim as a person. As a manager I found him completely incompetent and unprofessional. He had no problems getting into screaming matches with his EP or running into the control room to scream about anything ranging from a problem he had with the stacking of a show to a minor technical problem.”
While working for WSYR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom was an absolute mess. The News Director didn’t like making decisions and when he did it seemed more like a rambling stream of consciousness rather than an actual plan. New producers were trained very minimally and it seemed they were just thrown into the fire. Certain reporters were given way too much slack to screw up, others were criticized for every little mistake they made. The only reason this station is still #1 is due to lack of competition and a number of talented people who are somehow keeping the ship afloat.
I worked in production. I’m going to keep my criticisms of it to a minimum as my former boss (the operations manager) is about to leave the station, so the criticisms of him will soon be outdated. I will say that the biggest issue facing production is the amount of dead weight. There are a handful of people who have been there 20+ years, that make constant mistakes (but never admit to them), and have no problems throwing other people under the bus to make themselves look better. Part-timers are usually treated like garbage. They were usually barely making over minimum wage, scheduled horribly and had little to no protections by the union.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Like most Nexstar stations the pay was low and the morale was lower. Important note: it’s a union shop. Union negotiations are particularly nasty. During the last negotiation in 2018 a regional manager reportedly said regarding the low pay: “if they can’t live on this, they should work somewhere else” and “it’s not indentured servitude.” Those quotes certainly helped the already low morale at the station. The negotiation ended with the union threatening to go on strike and Nexstar settling for a “loss” by giving employees a whopping 2 percent raise spread out over 4 years, and a $500 bonus that was already given to non-union stations.
I do want to add that there are a lot of good people to learn from at WSYR. The station has a number of veteran photographers that are great to work with and learn from. The chief editor is amazing as well, and she can teach you a lot about editing. The producers were (for the most part) the usual revolving door recent college graduates, some good… some not so good. As for production, some of the people can be helpful, but the department has its fair share of people who confuse experience with knowledge and competence.
If you do decide to work here, only go there to learn. Take all criticisms from management at face value, lay low and once you reach your ceiling, start looking elsewhere.”
News Director: Janis Harper
Experience described as: “Disappointing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The News Director, Janis Harper, was hired as part of the leadership team to go to Anchorage, Alaska to turn KTVA 11 News around. Ratings did not improve after several years and the station went out of business in July of 2020, shortly after Janis left for her new job in Wisconsin. Under her leadership, I experienced poor communication and a high level of frustration in the newsroom.”
News Director: Greg Phillips
Experience described as: “Absolutely wonderful”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I was part of the March 2021 Sinclair layoffs, which I can honestly say was THE BEST thing to ever happen to me.
I have been working for WMC (Gray) ever since and I have never been happier at a job than I am here.
For the first time, I truly feel APPRECIATED and that my talents and skills do not go unnoticed. And they are actually utilized in ways they should be.
I have received numerous emails/comments from management (ND and GM) saying they are PROUD of me and my work. Such a “small” act goes a long way and can boost employee morale to new levels. It’s really that simple, Managers.
I love the creative control I have over my work. I love my co-workers.
Everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I love it here.”
News Director: Jeff Schlesser
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“First and foremost, I want to say I don’t regret working at WWSB; only because I gained a wealth of knowledge from being there for two years. Overall, the station has a rough and tumble attitude. Not positive, but not negative either. The majority of people there are hard workers and a joy to be around. If I learned anything, it was thanks to all the great producers and reporters. I can’t say the same about management. An employee should not be scolded for not being able to fill in on weekends, when an on call schedule does not exist. Producers were often overworked and given more responsibility than one person can handle. Although I believe it’s important that station employees work together and form strong bonds, I resent the use of the word “family.” During my time at WWSB I was often told to “do it for the family!” or “consider the family.” A news station is not a family. It is a business. As for WWSB’s news director, Jeff Schlesser, he was always very nice until you did something he didn’t like. To Jeff, I have one thing to say: I know you are dealing with a lot of red tape and managing a station can not be easy. But when the going gets tough, don’t take it out on your employees. It’s confusing and it won’t make them stay. To anyone thinking about working at WWSB: don’t stay there too long. You’ll forget why you wanted to work in journalism in the first place.”
News Director: Tom Henderson
Experience described as: “Overall, fine — if you’re a favorite.”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I can’t believe this station is still standing, honestly. This newsroom is so disorganized — especially since those in management are people that really shouldn’t be.
Right off the bat, there’s Tom’s pet: “Managing Editor” Latricia Milburn (or maybe Tom is HER pet? It’s hard to tell most days). She may come off as caring and nice at first, but don’t be fooled. She is a bitter, rude, and miserable human being who will make you hate your job. Numerous reporters have broken their contracts this year (2021), mainly citing Latricia as the reason why — she kills your spirit and love for journalism to the point you never want to do it again. And we’re talking about reporters who (unfortunately) landed at WTVC for their first job out of college. It’s very sad. As far as her job “duties,” she sits at her desk all day long doing… nothing??? She’s a managing editor, which means she has to approve scripts — and those don’t come in until the afternoon, so between 10am (and after the morning meeting) and 3pm, she just browses the internet and gossips about everyone (openly) with Assignment Manager Shannen Sharpe (more in her later). Another thing about Latricia is when she’s “approving” your script, she’s actually rewording things the way SHE writes / speaks, rather than the way you, the reporter does. Sometimes her rewordings make the story incorrect/infactual — because, again, she doesn’t work for a majority of the day until it’s her time to shine on “the Latricia show” for the 5/6pm news. Additionally, I have called out to her in the newsroom numerous times for help. “Hey, Latricia…” and I get no response or acknowledgment of any kind. I sat 10 feet from her, there’s no way she didn’t hear me. Last thing I’ll mention about Latricia is how fake and insincere is becoming on social media. She is now tweeting “great job,” “so glad you’re on our team,” etc tweets to reporters because there’s new ND (named Phil Bueler — yikes, have your read HIS reviews on this site??) and somewhat new GM who are well aware of these reviews and she is possibly afraid of them now that her protector Tom isn’t around, I’m assuming.
Now to Shannen Sharpe, Assignment Manager. She is RUDE and overall an unpleasant person to engage with at all. She got promoted to a management role only because she’s Latricia’s favorite and pretty much anything Latricia says (to Tom, at the time) goes. Shannen does not handle stress well, and honestly, she often makes high pressure situations worse. The station has had numerous power outages of the past year-year and a half that have taken the station off air completely and every time she doesn’t come in for those, there’s a big sigh of relief from the newsroom. She, like Latricia, will also usually ignore you if you call out to her in the newsroom. We are all peasants, after all.
Then there’s this guy… Dan Lehr who runs the social media. He’s like, 50-something but you’d think he’s a 13-year old by reading his replies to viewers. He makes the station look like a joke TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. I can’t tell you how embarrassed I was to even be associated with the station based on his social media posts/interactions. He’s technically a “manager,” and he definitely enjoys having “manager” in his title,” but he doesn’t actually want any of the managerial responsibilities, so if you come to him with a problem, he will give the information to another manager and have them handle it. And based on the other managers I’ve mentioned, is that really what you want? Dan also takes a million smoke breaks a day. And gets paid for them. Which is annoying because reporters rarely (if ever) get breaks to EAT.
Also, this station doesn’t pay proper salaries. This was my 2nd job and employees at Walmart and Hobby Lobby were making more than me.
Also, there HR Rep, Katie Carlson Bandy is a real Witch. She is the very last person who should be in a HR position. She routinely sends out rude emails. Me, personally, I would never take any issues to her because she genuinely doesn’t care about you problems or concerns and again, is very rude.
The GM, Todd Ricke, I do think is a nice and sincere person, overall. I think he makes strange choices though. The big request is to have a fenced parking lot for employees — there have been many threats to the station made where people say there are going to shoot up / blow up the station, etc. Police routinely get involved to “investigate.” But instead of getting a fence/gate, he is more concerned about updating the kitchen and bathrooms. And while that is a nice gesture, yes, it really shouldn’t be at the top of the list. What’s more important? Your employees safety, or a pretty kitchen?
Do. Not. Work. Here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The weather guy Brian Smith is also a piece of work. He’s a gossip who will routinely twist and manipulate situations that benefit him / make him look like a victim, so do not trust him no matter how “nice” he may seem. He just hates when he doesn’t get his way and will infactually talk about you behind your back.”
News Director: Ryan Webb
“Terrible. Ryan can’t even look you in the eye during a regular conversation. The station can’t retain or hire new employees because his reputation for running people away is overwhelming the station.”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Ryan Webb has been in charge during a time of gross turnover and is unwilling to hire new talent. The station needs reporters, photographers, and producers. It’s hard to hire when $25k is the yearly rate. Morale has seen a steep decline with some employees even telling Ryan Webb they are depressed and may even be suicidal because of his lack of compassion. Instead, those employees are pushed aside and encouraged to leave.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for WREX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Managers do not know how to communicate with one another or the staff. There is only room for one main anchor and all other reporters and anchors are giving peanuts when it comes to resources, production, promotion, etc.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“The bar is high here and young reporters will get the opportunity to develop into great journalists. If you want to be a producer, this is the station to be. Its a good place to start, not to stay. Everyone has a click, talks about each other behind their back, pretends to be “family.” Literally its all a lie.”
News Director: Valerie Sullivan
“Val will try to support you but when it comes to issues with other management or co-workers she won’t stand up for you. Everyone is overworked and miserable and when we bring our concerns up to her, she does not do anything but take out those frustrations on us. I feel trapped here.”
While working for WVNS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Extremely toxic work environment. Nothing is done to address bullying & mistreatment in the office. People are afraid to bring up concerns because they will punish the person who speaks up via scheduling or story assignments.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I joined this station because I was told it was a great place to get my start, a great place to learn. The only thing I’ve learned here is why people want to leave the industry. I would look elsewhere.”
News Director: Jerry Howard
“The most incompetent and clueless leader I’ve ever worked for.”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I wish this station would close down. It is the worst newsroom in the country. Until Mark Hatfield leaves, STAY AWAY! he is sexist, racist, and a misogynist. I am so disappointed I ever worked at this station. Please for your sanity, find another job. They complain people break their word by breaking their contract but everything they tell you in the interview is a lie. There is a group of us looking to sue for harassment, bullying, and more.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you are interested in Medford, look at the other two stations. This group doesn’t deserve you. I learned the hard way.”
News Director: Joseph Schlareth
“Terrible manager, even worse human being. Old. Outdated/out of touch. Creepy.”
While working for WFIE this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Any new reporter who was a person of color was held back and it was blatantly obvious. They were never taken seriously when an hour positions opened up (they weren’t given any kind of try out or interview). Several people openly talked about pay and the black reporters were making significantly less than white reporters. Blonde reporters who were skinny made more and had more opportunities than reporters who were not blonde and were not stick figures.
Joe continuously makes inappropriate comments to attractive reporters”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The Digital Content Manager, Jill Lyman, is also a nightmare to work with. She is very loud in the newsroom whenever she talks negatively about other employees when they are not around but acts like their best friend to their face. She straight up told me if she “could fire my ass she would.”
Anchor Jackie Monroe is fake as fuck and will run to news director to snitch on you. Her nose is so far up Joe’s ass it’s unreal. The worst part is she tries to make you think she dislikes him a lot.
There are a bunch of other people who are considered “14 lifers” there who are just the absolute worst types of people to associate yourself with.
There is absolutely zero organization in the newsroom. Too many people think they are in charge.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Aweful pay in an expensive town and state. You won’t be able to support urself.
You’ll be asked to do lots more than a normal reporter for lots less.
Avoid.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
News Director: Jess O’Neill
Experience described as: “Toxic, draining, stressful”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are considering the ABQ TV market, stay far away from KOAT.
That newsroom was nothing but toxic and draining. There is clear favoritism and management does nothing to hide it. People with less experience, less motivation and less drive get the great opportunities to anchor, travel, do cool stories…over the people that work their butts off every single day and ask to be included. I watched great journalists leave the station one by one, one right after the other after their concerns to the news director AND the GM went over looked.
The news judgement in the newsroom is very questionable…example: being pulled off a special project story to do live shots for a “protest” that was 10 people line dancing in the street to the ChaCha slide YES THAT REALLY HAPPENED TO A REPORTER. Not to mention, the ND told that reporter to “stay on it, things COULD get rowdy” but then changed his mind after 2 hours of nothing happening and the “protesters” leaving.
Management and EP’s are never held accountable for the crappy decisions they make and never face any consequences. It always falls on the field crew.
And let’s not gloss over the fact that your hard work will get submitted and claimed by everyone but you when it comes to awards. How would you like to see that your story was submitted and nominated for an Emmy, but the only name on the nomination is the photog…How about the assistant ND winning an Emmy for a newscast that at least a dozen people had a part in… no ones name was on the nomination but hers.
These are just some things to think about, but for choosing KOAT.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“When people leave KOAT for bigger markets, other opportunities, or other stations in the ab1 market, they seem much happier.”
News Director: Kim Wilhelm
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for KWCH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you haven’t worked at the station for 5+ years, you do not get any recognition for your work, and your youthful ambition is taken advantage by doubling your workload. No resources, no appreciation.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sarah Gray
“She acts like she cares about you, tells you what you want to hear, then backstabs everyone she knows”
While working for WISC this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Former News Director Colin Benedict is absolutely disgusting towards women. He belittles them and uses his position of power to degrade people in the ugliest ways. He’s now VP of news for the company, Morgan Murphy Media. The current News Director, Sarah Gray, is the most vile snake I’ve ever met. She pretends like she cares about your feelings and tells you that your mental health is important then talks so poorly about you behind your back and plays victim when she gets caught, only worsening people’s mental health. She only cares about the bottom line, belittles people in the newsroom, only cares about news that destroys others just so she can get ahead. So many people have left under her leadership. The General Manager, Lyle, is more focused on making sure no one can succeed after wanting to leave the station. He puts all his time and energy worrying about others and no commitment to even knowing anyone’s name or position in the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Would absolutely never recommend working for this company. The things they do to people are truly disgusting. They drive people out of the newsroom so fast because they focus on all the wrong things. Rather than wanting people to be happy and succeed, they bring people down and then wonder why people want to leave.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“Greg Schieferstein is a horrible person and a worse news director. Calls his reporters stupid and then sends them to life threatning situations alone. Truly a dangerous person to work for.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Racial Discrimination: Greg makes open comments about race and has even told reporters he only hired them because of their ethnicity.
Sexual Discrimination: Greg only gives certain stories to male reporters. If your a woman get ready to fight just to keep your stories.
An Overall Toxic Work Environment: Creativity is so discouraged that you will do the same thing day in and day out because anything you do out of the norm will get you a special meeting to yell at you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“COVID-19 was treated like a joke at this station Greg Schieferstein never wears his mask right and calls people into his office and takes his mask of to yell at them. They had a COVID-19 outbreak in the station and tried to cover it up. A lot of the staff got sick and Greg never once asked it they where ok.”
News Director: Renee Nygren
“The most insecure, toxic manager I’ve ever had. Projects her own shortcomings onto you. Is just the general manager’s lap dog.”
While working for KVLY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“General manager is a misogynist and news director is a doormat. Coworkers were generally cool and helpful, but morale is consistently low and management sets everyone up to fail. And worse, there’s no sympathy if you stumble, and no positive or even constructive feedback. The morning shows are an afterthought and that shift is just its own toxic pit of death.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The Gray Television business model is to hire young people fresh out of college, pay them next to nothing, and barely train them. And then when they inevitably get burnt out and move on, blame them for their perceived shortcomings and trash talk them for years to come. Turnover is insane and most of the current newsroom is close to quitting, but at least they got a fancy new set! smh”
News Director: David Springer
“David was great to work for until new General Manager Rhonda Lavelle came. She tries to run the newsroom even though David is more qualified than her. She tries to micromanage it all. She is obnoxious and treats people terribly.”
While working for KAAL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“New General Manager tries to micromanage the newsroom. I get it, she came from news but don’t try to micromanage a news director who has more experience and more success than she does.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here until they get a new GM. The ND probably won’t; be here long because of the GM.”
News Director: Jennifer Dale
Experience described as: “Horrible news director, terrible leadership, everyone was afraid of her”
While working for WCSC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Managers spoke badly about other employees openly and there was never any positive feedback. Managers also picked favorites, and never helped the other people become better journalists.
Everything I learned, I learned through trial and error or my co-workers, not managers, especially not the news director.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Think twice before coming to work here”
News Director: Alison Coe
Experience described as: “Decent. Few bumps in the road.”
While working for WATE this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Reporter was banging previous news director. She remained for some time. Same reporter didn’t get along with an anchor so they went to mediation. No one is open to change. Certain people in the newsroom and in the front offices know which employees play which cards. Everyone else falls by the wayside. Vindictive. Not professional by any means u less you’re a handful of evening anchors who are truly genuine while others are just there to be on tv with their best clothes and free gifts from viewers.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Workin 9-to-5. It’s all taking and no giving. Using your mind and they never give you credit. It’s enough to dive you crazy (if you let it).”
News Director: Brit Stack
“This is the worst person I’ve ever worked for in my life!”
While working for KADN/KLAF this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Alison Coe
“Alison is very kind and understanding. Very easy to talk to. Not a yeller and doesn’t demean employees. I will say there is not a lot of feedback. You have to ask for it. She’s not always available when you need her. But overall, very nice news director.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great learning market. We’re technically number 2 in the market but we’re often neck and neck with the number one station. You will have opportunities for breaking news, all sorts of meetings, and light hearted stories. Management is open to letting you try new things i.e. anchoring. If you’re a strong reporter, you’ll be rewarded with a larger work load and more responsibility. Not a lot of feedback from management. If you want constructive criticism, you have to ask for it. Main anchors are incredibly kind and helpful. No egos and are always willing to help you become a stronger reporter. The company is VERY slow to hire when someone leaves. We were often understaffed. That can be a little frustrating. BIG sports town. You will have lots of opportunities for fun college sports stories. Overall, I will say I’ve enjoyed my time here and would recommend this station to someone else.”
News Director: Tracy Davis
Experience described as: “Seems nice, just started, inherited a load of crap”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“RUN! AM EP and Assignment Desk Manager have no idea what they’re doing. Producers are the heart and soul of this business…not here! People are dropping like flies and rethinking their career choices because of how poorly Producers have been treated. Save yourself the time and stress and apply somewhere else! Opportunities for growth don’t exist here. Aggressive newsgathering doesn’t exist here. Good news judgement and neutrality do not exist here. RUN!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Leisha Beard
“She can be understanding when she wants to, if you want to avoid conflict, stay in her good graces.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“The station is #2 in the market. Though it can be unorganized, toxic and negative, if you work hard there you can make a good jump to another market. Live shots are rare, if you want them for your reel you’re going to have to work out all the logistics. Come in knowing what you want from there and don’t get involved in any drama. There are many opportunities to fill in on the anchor desk as well.”
News Director: Lauren Weppler
“Horrible doesn’t begin to describe Lauren Weppler. She plays favorites, doesn’t address serious issues, and is very disorganized. Your PTO requests will sit for months, emails unanswered, and concerns brushed aside.”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Our sports director called a coworker a homophobic slur on a hot mic. The recording will eventually surface as most employees have it or have heard it. He was suspended for awhile. Others had to work to pick up his slack. He posted on social media that he was on vacation during this time to save face. Management hid all of this. Can’t wait for the recording to come out. It wasn’t a slip up. This is his consistent pattern of behavior that he gets away with.
The work environment is really bad. Raises, promotions, treatment based off how much you are liked not how good you are at your job. Turnover is crazy. People leave left and right. Until new management comes in or current management take a good hard look in the mirror, this place will always be terrible. Wish I would have known before coming here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jaime Copley
“Jaime was very good at gaslighting, turning people against one another and manipulating people into believing things were their fault. Micromanaged everything but didn’t pay attention at the same time. Impossible to get ahold of her.”
While working for KIMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There’s a reason why many people have broken their contracts (with years left) in the past two years. KIMT has tried to transition into a fully Minnesota station after being the legacy station in North Iowa the past 50+ years. The only problem is that have failed to adapt to that transition.
News Director, Assistant News Director, General Manager, master control and half of sales are still in North Iowa. It took years after opening the Rochester studio for management to finally start using their offices there consistently. Still, the ND and AND are in Iowa the majority of the week, meaning if you need help with your story, you have to call them. Not a huge deal, but neither live in the primary coverage area, so they don’t know what’s going on in Minnesota half the time.
Reporters aren’t treated well, the workload is much higher than any other station. Multiple stories per day, multiple live hits on different stories throughout the day. Going live is fine, but this station goes live for the sake of going live, most times it adds nothing to the story. Safety is not much of a factor, they send reporters into dangerous protests and severe weather without a check to see if they’re fine.
Anchors/meteorologists are treated well. If you can get a job doing either, things will go well.
Sports are an after thought. The current Weekend Sports Anchor is operating as a one-man band in the middle of high school football season. They’re working her to death and expect producers to fill the time when she’s off. They ask to cover two states without the man power to get it done. ND doesn’t like sports so doesn’t understand why they’re important to the coverage area. They emphasize on storytelling and not highlights, even though a lack of presence at games is what is hurting the station’s branding. Also, they don’t promo sports, at all.
Most managerial decisions are made through corporate consultants. Consultants are helpful, but after the second and third visits with them, it’s the same old, same old.
With that said, there are also plenty of good within the station. Reporters are live every day, and get plenty of opportunities to get better on camera.
The anchors (currently) there are a wealth of knowledge and give great feedback editing scripts and storytelling.
Rochester is a great city (but expensive) to live in with great restaurants, although the bar scene died out due to Covid. Still, it’s an hour from the Twin Cities and five from Chicago.
It’s your typical starter market, there are going to be good and bad parts about it. There can be real growth in the station if management didn’t continually get in their own way.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I checked both toxic and fun because overall, reporters, anchors and producers get along with one another. Management tends to create a negative environment with their work delegated to the staff.”
News Director: Nicole Hogensen
While working for WPTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you like covering city council and school board meetings look no further! This station has actually made me a worse photographer. My last couple weeks there I didn’t hit record one time. I came here thinking it would be a great place to work but, I was wrong.”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
Experience described as: “Miserable”
While working for WITN this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Jessica will rapidly erode your quality of life. She is straight up nasty to new reporters – not even giving them a chance to get their feet under them. She will waste an hour and a half of your day talking about nothing and then send you on your way feeling like you’ll never be good enough. Great talent has been running out of this newsroom to get away from her. She lashes out at young talent because she can’t handle herself. She pushes her own narrative into the news stories and acts like she’s better than everyone else. Incredibly disheartening.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This newsroom will make you hate news. So sad to see such talent treated how they have been since this news director took over.”
News Director: Kathryn Bonfield
“Terrible experience”
While working for WJXT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“EXTREMELY negative environment. Virtually all feedback is negative. Angry, vindictive anchors make the environment even more hellish. I LITERALLY hate coming into work every day. Absolutely zero respect given to anyone’s private life. No thought is given to employees’ family lives or personal time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re thinking about coming here, don’t. Both the news director and assistant news director are EXTREMELY negative. People are routinely treated like crap, yet expected to sacrifice personal time routinely, many times, with virtually no notice. Learn to mirror before coming here as well, because if you have a different opinion, you’ll be quickly put in the doghouse. When you hear a statement end with, “don’t you think?” You’d BETTER have an answer that affirms the news director’s opinion, or else.”
News Director: Jessie O’neill
“Not my department but producers are miserable”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Finally decided to leave. Department managers treat people poorly. Producers get no real help from the exec producers and producers get blamed for everything instead of managers stepping up. That’s why producers leave constantly . EP incompetence
In production we’re all working crazy hours yet the woman married to the engineer gets to stay home for a year and a half and finally returns to the station and no longer has to do anything, She used to be a director. Now she just sends out an email maybe once a week and still gets her salary, Can someone say NEPOTISM?!
A tough place to survive. Do your research. Most staff has been there for 1 year or less. They can’t keep people. @koat7news @Hearst”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If interested in the market look at the CBS station KRQE. Solid management and an actual web department that doesn’t throw reporters under the bus. KOAT web manager makes her own hours then makes other people do her job, which is probably better anyway since the running joke is she can’t post a thing without bad spelling or bad info then emails staff to delete posts because she screwed up. again. NOONE cares.”
News Director: Morgan Shaab
Experience described as: “Caring, supportive, hard working and passionate”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is the place to be, environment is positive. People are caring.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“Jeff is just a terrible person overall. He takes joy in creating drama and friction between staff members and then declares how he hates all the drama. He is manipulative and also a liar. He will promise you a raise, shift change, anything to make you go away but then never deliver.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“As I said previously, Jeff enjoys creating drama between the staff. He likes to pit everyone against each other, but no one ever wins. If you like drama this is the place to be. His new thing just before I left, was to start hiding little blue plastic ninjas all over the station for people to find. There was no explanation of why he was doing this. He would waste probably an hour or two every single day hiding and then re hiding these ninjas. Meanwhile he would forget to schedule a producer for this shift and forget to schedule a director for that shift. Always short staffed and undervalued here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Jeff has managed to drive off some really great people. Only a handful of “old timers” are still around. Even most of them want out but can’t because they don’t want to relocate or can’t retire yet. If you go to HR and/or the GM for anything, even if you are in the right, they will immediately turn it back around on you. Low morale and lack of support from management. So glad I have moved on.”
News Director: Marc Sternfield
Experience described as: “Fun ND, team player”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Scripps is a good company and coworkers are nice. Lots to do in Utah if you like the outdoors”
News Director: Christi Reynard
“She has lots of frivolous ideas, but absolutely no follow through. Current work environment climate has significantly gone downhill since our former News Director left. Many seasoned anchors departed before or after the former News Director left because they could see this sinking ship coming from a mile away.”
While working for WKBT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The GM is ultra conservative, and has an unusual stronghold over the newsroom. He has pushed many seasoned anchors out of their positions, and has shaken up this station- not in a positive way. It’s unfortunate how downhill this station is going. Even viewers make comments on Facebook saying things like, “where is ___?” Because a significant amount of people have left. The GM drove out the former News Director of 20+ years, and she has been replaced with a news director that has never had experience managing people. She micromanages every department. This used to be a place many people enjoyed working at, and now it’s not.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Renata Stiehl
“Can do whatever you want/ Lack of organization/ Need to be a go getter”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“After gaining trust you will be free to do stories you want but the station runs a lot of sponsored content mainly in the morning shows but also in the day time shows; this content runs on weekly and monthly bases. Advice, direction and overall communication are essentially nonesistant.”
News Director: Stephen Gallien
“Experienced, kind, fair and passionate. The newsroom is on the rise and quickly coming back from a long, hard road of past management running things into the ground. New energy, actual storytelling and something to be very proud of! If you read through the past reviews, keep in mind the entire upper Management team has changed. It’s a great culture and only getting better!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Victoria Spechko
“Victoria is one of the best news directors to work for. She will offer fair, yet tough feedback to make you stronger as a journalist. If you have the opportunity to work for her in Savannah or Conway, you will learn a ton.”
While working for WTGS this person experienced:
“The Savannah newsroom is very cut and dry. WTGS is a good starter station, but is an entry-level newsroom. Most go there and leave after a year or two years max.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“As the digital producer, you will have several additional tasks including assignment desk editing, making and taking phone calls for the newsroom, and other duties outside of your job title.”
News Director: Sean Mahon
Experience described as: “Good”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I worked there awhile ago but only recently found out about this site. The assistant news director, assignment editor and a couple producers and reporters (you’ll know who they are because they’ve worked there forever and don’t seem to have any motivation to grow beyond there) are the ones creating a toxic environment for literally everyone else. I know that at least the same assistant news director is still there. Anyway, a lot of manipulation and gaslighting from them. If they can’t get you to fail for real, they will literally make something up. If you’re going to work there, be very vocal when standing up to yourself because they rely on passivity and talking behind peoples backs to spread these kinds of lies to get people fired. Either that or become like them and complain a lot and make up lies, especially about the news director. (Who couldn’t be nicer by the way) The more racist and sexist, the better. You’ll be promoted in no time. I learned a lot there for my first news job, so I appreciated that. But I was constantly paranoid too.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chad Mahoney
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Over the course of my time at WGEM there have been many highs in this position, but just as many lows. While working here my mental health has been compromised – I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I received no support from Chad Mahoney or the General Manager – both lack any sort of empathy for their “team.” My diagnoses was only worsened during the Pandemic. I felt extremely pressured to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I realize as a reporter, we are interviewing people/at events/etc. – but to feel pressured, excluded and isolated…did not lend itself well to my already deteriorating mental health.
I just feel like the leadership at this station lacks compassion for its employees. Many leaders seem to forget that leading others more than anything else should be held in reverence. Being the leader means that you have been placed in a position to serve others. Too often, the ND throws his positional weight around, and instead of leading from a place of service, leads from a place of ego when things get rough – that is not a leader and certainly not one that I want to work under.”
News Director: Josh Good
“He is petty, manipulative, and will throw anyone under the bus to save himself”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He constantly picked on certain people, retaliated when they reported him to human resources. The HR department is an absolute joke. Since he started, every reporter has left, broken a contract, or chosen not to renew. Management is absolutely awful. He only hires Black reporters and then treats them horribly. Management does not reflect their all minority reporting staff who are constantly being overworked and put in dangerous work situations. He gossips and brags about pushing reporters over the edge, and constantly talks down to people. Assistant News Director Thom Brewer is way worse. He’s worked at every station in the market over the past few decades and still doesn’t know how to do his job. He yells at people, and snaps at reporters, but loves cats.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Only one reporter since new management took over has stayed at the station.”
News Director: Scott Nichols
“Terrible. Talks down on anyone new to the business, never open to new ideas, will keep tabs on any petty mistakes you make and talk to you about them 6 months later.”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“With the leadership being poor, it just trickled down to the work environment. Because it’s a small market, anchors were also managers, and therefore had a terrible attitude towards a majority of MMJs. They set ridiculously high expectations and workloads and would put MMJs in sketchy situations alone while out in the field. You can’t walk around the newsroom without walking on egg shells and the pitch meetings forced MMJs to be in competition with eachother instead of collaborating together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you have other options, go elsewhere. This station is deceiving due to its #69 market number, but it’s only that high because it’s partnered with the highly populated city of Roanoke. You’re better off at a lower market that ACTUALLY gives you room to grow, that has equipment that works, a positive work environment, and a set that’s not from 1970.”
News Director: Lisa Burger
Experience described as: “Aggressive; unapproachable”
While working for KSEE/KGPE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND has favorites and doesnt hide it. If your a conservative pretty white girls you can get away with murder. Better off working at the other stations in town..they pay more too”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Station has been been losing credibility and staff since lisa arrived”
News Director: Joe Sullivan
“Overall seems nice, but can be extremely passive aggressive. My first week training, I was threatened to be fired and terminated after I failed to put in OTS GFX 15 min before the show, because I didn’t know how.”
While working for WXXV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
Experience described as: “Very confusing and difficult.”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not a diverse newsroom at all. Your feelings are not valid. No matter what you do you will feel beaten down and worthless. There is no communication or organization. They will change your schedule and your position without warning or reasoning. Very draining and toxic work environment with a very high turnover rate.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A lot of gossip and toxic working environment. Equipment and news cars
are not organized.”
News Director: Dan Firnbach
Experience described as: “Gutless. Puppet for upper management.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place does not treat women or minorities with any respect.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is a train wreck!
Stay away at all costs.
So many people fired in the past 8 months.
The new news director is an absolute puppet with upper management pulling his strings, including a vindictive HR manager who has entirely too much power, and does not have the employees interests in mind.
The recent firings look like a complete salary dump in order to clear the books so the station can be sold.
Avoid this place!”
News Director: Mike Canan
Experience described as: “Frustrating. Has no television experience. Poor leadership skills.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Content strategy is very confusing. Very choosy when it comes to covering crime or breaking news. Executive producers are not helpful. Schedules never released on time. Communication is minimal. Work flow is disjointed. Training and on-boarding is self-guided. Management will not help you and want you to come up with your own work flow. It’s left up to the staff to train new additions to the team.”
News Director: Ed Reams
Experience described as: “Frustrating”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“This is the only station that I worked at in my career. I found the newsroom to be very disorganized, with a revolving door of Senior Executive Producers (we went through three in the time I worked there). The producers rarely seemed to understand the work that was put into reporting in the field. Photojournalists there are also the show editors, and are often expected to perform miracles in record times, without being paid appropriately.
The team of photogs that I worked with were an excellent team who are vastly underappreciated by most of the rest of the staff (the exception being several of the reporters), are underpaid, and are treated like the grunts of the station. Example: When the newsroom received a massive overhaul and redesign, the photogs were put in a space away from the rest of the newsroom, using old desks and not given enough space to work if we were all there (there was always one space less than photogs). It wasn’t until shortly before I left that we received our own desks and workspaces, and even then they shorted us by one.
The staff of reporters, photographers and anchors were all excellent to work with. My primary issues there were with management overall (there were some bright spots with the Assistant News Director, and the Social Media Manager).
I cannot recommend anyone working there though, as your work is likely not going to receive the recognition you deserve.”
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
Experience described as: “Clueless, inefficient, corporate ass-kisser”
While working for KOAA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management doesn’t know how to treat people as humans.
Editorial meetings are like a demolition derby.
The Assignment Editor is large and in charge and doesn’t take dissenting opinions lightly, unless they come from someone who has worked there longer than her (which are few and far between).
Reporters are routinely told their ideas are crap… often being told to leave the meeting and come back with a “real” story idea… unless their name is Bill Folsom… he gets to do whatever he wants for some reason.
Producers have no power. If managers want a reporter to do a 2:30 package on a lemonade stand in Fountain, they make you squeeze it into your show.
Also all the stories are fluff. If you want to do serious news this is absolutely not your place. At one point, the ND banned PIOs from being interviewed. Needless to say that didn’t last.
They don’t recognize talent. The two most recent producers hired lasted less than a year. Both got jobs outside of news after they left.
They drove out one of the most talented reporters I’ve ever met after he was only here a year, and currently treat our other most talented reporter like garbage.
They don’t give two shits if you’re good at your job. If you don’t fall in line with their BS, you’re on their shit list.
There is no way that 7/20 “review” was submitted by a current KOAA reporter or producer.
We all talk and none of us feel that giddy about this place.
That “review” could not be more inaccurate and I want people to understand that it was probably written by management.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I think the toxicity all started from the top with the old GM who just got promoted within Scripps. Time will tell if things can get better under the new one, but I think as long as the ND and Assignment Editor are who they are things will only get worse. Especially since the new GM has already worked at the station for years (he used to be head of sales).
The AND is new and to be honest I don’t really have much to say about her either way. She seems like she’s still trying to find her place and just defers to the ND.
There are some bright spots. The recently-promoted EP is a nice guy who is open to giving you constructive feedback and actually has producing experience to know what he’s talking about. He pretty much sticks to working with the producers. He knows his place and doesn’t bother trying to manage people he doesn’t have the expertise to manage.
Digital director is an all around great guy who tries to stay out of the toxicity too.
The producers and MMJs are all awesome people and so are the anchors, but they’re dropping like flies.”
News Director: Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo
“Gives feedback when asked, if you’re doing a good job you won’t hear much from him.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
News Director: Keith Blivin
Experience described as: “Absolutely awful”
While working for KTIV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Sexual harassment was from an employee in a different department. Once *several* women shared their stories the individual was let go immediately. Five years too late but… better than never.
Overall toxic work environment is felt by everyone in the news department. Morale is SO LOW. The leadership is just straight mean.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The team is awesome. People are kind, helpful, and genuinely good. Leadership is a different story. The ND and GM are absolutely terrible a their jobs, but also just make people feel like trash. No one feels valued. You’ll give 110% and it still won’t be enough. They will not give anyone benefit of the doubt and just assume the worst in you. If you want feel like you’re a worthless piece of garbage, start here. If you want a work environment to grow you and invest in your potential… go literally anywhere else. Hope the station gets better once Gray takes over.”
News Director: Allison Smith
Experience described as: “Not good, awkward and confusing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I hate my life at this station. The EP is rude and disrespectful. The news director changed her demeanor about me when I started. She has favorites and so does the EP. Be careful before you apply here. The AND told me I had to be pretty in order to be an anchor. It is not a welcoming environment. My life as a reporter/MMJ is miserable and can’t wait until my contract is over.”
News Director: Stephen Gallien
“Stephen was just hired about 8 months and has proven to be a strong leader and fair manager. He knows good talent and how to foster it. He does have high standards and wants us to “win”. I would not have stayed at this station unless it was for Stephen.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There are still flaws in the newsroom but things have improved. If you are a hard worker and want to get better at your craft, you will have the opportunity to do that here. There are a lot of talented people who want to be better and right now the station is very much in a ‘transitional’ phase. I think in a few years, it will really start to climb back up in ratings. Side note – the building is disgusting but we have been told we actually will be getting a new building. However, that could take years.”
News Director: Mr. Joseph Inderhees
Experience described as: “Truthfully speaking, a pain in the…”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Overall the experience I had in my short term of working with FCN was atrocious from the constant telephone calls on days off. He as well as other managers do not respect personal time off as though your entire life revolves around news in relation to be a 24/7 on call doctor for child birth or surgery. FAIR WARNING: STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run for the hills and I mean FAST! The reviews don’t lie, no one has your back at this place besides you. There were a couple to fair amount of good people in the newsroom to uplift you when things get rough but they are just as toxic as managers with their cattiness and gossip girl ways. Once I found my new company and a real news family that understands we have real things going on in our personal lives that we can’t be consumed with news ALL DAY especially when it doesn’t affect your culture or household… ponder on that!”
News Director: Kyle Brinkman
“He does choose favorites. The newsroom isn’t the greatest when it comes to morale. His choices are at times sexist, always knee-jerk”
While working for WSPA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Over the last two years of working here, Kyle is a new News Director that has let this station fail. Hiring inexperienced reporters and producers for this level market forces those with experience to work harder and pick up the ever building slack. Professionally this man is terrible at his job, but he’s generally a nice person.
My advice, if you do end up working here, get what you need from this station and get out. Be on your p’s and q’s about your work and you’ll be appreciated/respected by your colleagues and more senior producers who appreciate good work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Once a change in management happens, things should improve. Ratings across the board show these teams have potential, it’s just management fails to have focus.”
News Director: Sean Vanhaus
“He was abusive and on many occasions blatantly disregarded his reports and staff.”
While working for KFDA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When making a report about situations happening in the news room, our HR would then go to my news director that I was having issues with. Then I would be called into his office to be “spoken with” which was him shaming me as an employee.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The GM, News Director and HR person grew up together and have a close personal relationship. You will always be wrong if something comes up.”
News Director: Lauren Weppler
“Lauren is unorganized, sneaky and an instigator. If you speak up for yourself she will begin keeping tabs on you and start putting things into writing to build a paper trail against you to get you fired.”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very unhappy and unpleasant place to work unless management favorites you. Lauren likes to change employee’s schedules without any thought or concern to their lives. Reporters are overworked and the newsroom is filled with mean and crass producers. One producer in particular loved to send nasty emails to the news director to complain about absolute nothing because she simply doesn’t like you. Andrew Asks (assistant news director) doesn’t help. He appears to be nice but like Lauren is sneaky and can’t be trusted. Turnover is very high here for a reason. Find a better place to work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here if you have other options. If you speak up for yourself in any way you will be punished. Professionals who have a high standard and care about their work will be disappointed. Few opportunities to grow.”
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
Experience described as: “Encouraging, helpful, and challenging (in a good way)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Wow. I have worked at KOAA and other stations and I have been very fortunate. KOAA is outstanding. The culture is supportive. People including coworkers and management care about me as a person. There are a lot of charges issued in the last post that are unfair, malicious, and simply untrue. There is a phrase, “there are two sides to every story.” In this case the two sides are truth and fiction.”
News Director: Jess Laszewski
Experience described as: “Chaotic, disorganized, micro-managing — but cares a lot and has good intentions.”
While working for WMTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The assignment editor has a very short fuse and can be combative and dismissive. Frequently talks down to women in the newsroom, particularly young women. Outright mean to reporters and is casually racist. He sets a sour tone, coupled with micro-managing news director with respect for other peoples’ time.. can be very tense/chaotic/toxic on the dayside and nightside shift. But it’s not all bad all the time.. morning shift especially has lots of fun and a very positive vibe, since they don’t work directly with problematic managers.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“At this station, you will get out what you put in. It is not for the faint of heart — the training is very bad, planning is very last-minute, and many of the managers are miserable to work with. BUT if you are passionate about news and determined to “make it work,” this station provides ample opportunity for really strong, advanced experiences that in larger markets are typically reserved for more senior staff. Lots of opportunity for growth within the station. ND puts a high priority on helping you advance your career. We also do a lot of great work fundraising for our community, which is really fun to be a part of. The staff is a good mix of young and fun/older and experienced. ND is open to trying new ideas and wants to be an industry innovator. That energy is fun to be around, when she’s not nit-picking you to death or re-stacking your rundown 15 minutes to show…”
News Director: Amy Sullivan
“She plays favorites, is an incompetent ND, is rude and crass, and will throw you under the bus if she needs to”
While working for KGBT/KVEO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do you even start with this place? The turnover is ridiculous and it’s for a reason. They once had 15 people leave in a single year. If you notice, they’re always posting new job listings because they can’t keep anyone.
The ND and the AND are thick as thieves and will have 0 problem throwing you under the bus if it means saving themselves. When the merger with KVEO was first announced, the ND would walk out of the building mid-show and tell everyone to deal with whatever mishap of the day was going on on their own because she initially thought management was getting the boot. When that didn’t happen, her attitude changed and she was suddenly the “fearless leader” again. Let’s make one thing clear, she’s not a leader, she’s just someone who sits at the big desk and gets cut the check every two weeks.
If management does not like you, you have no shot at moving up – no matter what your work, prescence, personality, is like. They have and continue to give every available opportunity to reporters that also played a role in bullying in the newsroom and no one else. Management (though they hire newly graduated journalism students) refuses to teach reporters/photographers/anchors the tricks of the trade – you’ll either sink or swim of your own doing – and if they don’t want to deal with you, say hello to the morning show: the home of the KVEO rejects.
Management (including the EP and the Assignment’s Desk Editor) would have meetings in the ND’s office and discuss personal grievances, issues, and NSFW things regarding their employees with the DOOR OPEN. Morale was low when I left and it’s only gotten worse with the duoply.
Reporters who no longer work at this station were blamed for the toxic work environment because the ND and AND refuse to take responsibility for the newsroom they’ve created. Their main anchor has probably been there around 4-5 years now and he’s a senior compared to the rest. The only one who’s seemingly lasted is their meterologist – the rest are newbies that the community will never really get to know because of the revolving door that leads in and out of KVEO (formerly KGBT-TV).
Run as fast as you can from this station. It’s not worth your mental health. If you needed one more thing to convince you not to sign that contract, know that the Assistant News Director has a history of gossiping with colleagues about other employees, once asked who was sleeping with whom, and has raging tantrums in the newsroom with consistent outbursts about how “stupid” everyone is. DO NOT WORK HERE.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Ryan Hazelwood
Experience described as: “Toxic, abusive, manipulative, liar, empty promises, inept”
While working for KOAA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself considering working for KOAA… RUN, do not walk, to your nearest emergency exit.
Basically back in February or March the ND, AND and Assigment Editor managers were like “pandemic’s over no more zoom interviews. All interviews have to be done in person.”
They said this, despite the fact none of us had been vaccinated yet, and we still weren’t allowed to work in our building. (Fun fact: I never worked a day in our building)
I told them unless they could make it as easy as possible for us to get the vaccine (give us PTO to go get it), I would still be doing zoom interviews when I felt it would be safest to do so.
They told me basically to suck it up, and do in-person interviews, and if I wanted a vaccine, I’d have to get it during one of my shifts or an off day. Well the second dose fell to where I’d have to get it on a day I worked, and I flat out told them I’m not going to turn a full story today and still take two hours to go get my vaccine that will in turn make me feel like shit all day.
Ever since then, they’ve been playing little petty games with me.
My news director, assistant news director, and assignment editor would straight up bully me during our pitch meetings, in front of everyone on zoom. (Yes, we still did our pitch meetings on zoom, but couldn’t do interviews on zoom.)
They told us we were no longer allowed to interview PIOs in any story, and every story had to have a “real person”/“character” angle, which is great. I like that too.
Except they’d even turn those down.
One time I pitched a local fire department going for a Mill levy election to expand service to their growing community.
To that, my assignment editor said verbatim: “well unless you can find a real person who almost died because of long response times I’m not interested.”
It was like that for everything I pitched.
Meanwhile, the MMJ who has been there for 25 years would literally pitch story after story with just one source, usually a PIO, and they’d treat him like he was God’s gift to news.
One time he literally pitched “this park is getting a new gate out by the parking lot,” and they literally didn’t bat an eye.
Meanwhile nothing, and I mean nothing I pitched would be good enough for them.
And if your story idea doesn’t fall under one of the 5 pillars of the Scripps content strategy, you can forget it. So many good stories don’t get covered because “it just doesn’t meet any of our pillars.” WHO CARES? IT’S NEWSWORTHY OK?!?!?
Also, when I was hired, I was promised a work day once a week.
When I never hit one, but another reporter was given one weekly, Ryan Hazelwood (the ND) shouted me down while Olivia Dickinson (the AND) just played dumb.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The three people to look out for are the News Director, Ryan a Hazelwood, the AND, Olivia Dickinson, and the Assignment Ediotr, Elaine Sheridan.
Ryan Hazelwood is a corporate shill who cares more about kissing Scripps’ corporate higher ups’ asses than treating people as humans.
Any concerns I would ever bring up to him or Olivia were never received with understanding or listening. He would immediately start arguing, trying to intimidate me.
Meanwhile, his minion Olivia Dickinson is good for nothing else but doing his dirty work.
I don’t think I ever heard her say one thing of substance that was not just the management party line. It’s a shame, because the AND before her really cared about people.
Elaine Sheridan the assignment Editor has been here forever is set in her ways and hates new, young people with a passion.
She will talk to you like you’re a child who knows nothing about anything, and send you demeaning and belittling angry all caps texts and emails if you dare question her.
She has no time to try to make friends with new people and goes out of their way to make their lives a living hell.
At one point, these three managers decided, for weekend reporters, they would need to pitch SIX DIFFERENT (basically Emmy-worthy) stories for the weekend by 2:30 PM ON THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE. Do you know how unreasonable that is?
The saving Grace about this place is all the other employees, specially Ben Lloyd the Digital Director, and Rob and Elizabeth, the main anchors. They get it. And they realize we are human.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
“He has a severe Napoleon Complex. The GM and HR/Business person continually let him get away with mistreatment, verbal abuse, sexual harassment/misconduct, blaming part time people for his mistakes and ever changing mood on what’s considered, “news.” If’s he’s angry, he will yell without hearing or considering the circumstances of whatever mistake he perceives you to have made. He puts a select few on a pedestal based on their level of attractiveness and refuses to hear any criticism against them. He fights with other voices of reason and experience. He put forth a training schedule for all shifts to train the crew to produce and run shows the way he wanted and never left the evening in over a year. If you’re good at your job, he will make you do the job of others who aren’t keeping up and you will not be compensated. He tried to gut the sports department during a time when the station had an excellent sports director. He has fired many people who are excellent at their jobs for minor offences or none at all. He is the reason many others left.”
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“For the most part, the news crew are decent and enjoyable people. A handful of the full time people are allowed to gossip and create toxic work conditions.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The GM has admitted he knows nothing about news. The station held onto a reporter after she verbally assaulted several employees, was caught leaving for hours during her anchor shift on a regular basis, and after physically assaulted a producer. The station held onto a weather man for months after it was found out he was sexually harassing women for feet pictures and foot fetish activities. Other’s have been fired for minor offences or for situations they were forced into. The pay is low. You will not get a reasonable raise. If you show you are able to work multiple full time jobs (producer, director, photographer, editor, web producer) you will be expected to complete multiple positions in the same shift for the pay of one. The equipment is often mishandled by inexperienced workers, which causes them to break. This is not the station to work if you enjoy working in news, because it will beat it out of you and you will not have benefitted in any way aside from experience.”
News Director: Rob Cartwright
“I think Rob attempts to help people when issues happen, but it’s not a healthy work environment and he’s either unaware or not doing enough to address the issues.”
While working for KEYE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you’re a POC be prepared to feel uncomfortable. A lot of the people at the station make racially insensitive comments. No one is ever checked or held accountable for their actions.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re reading this don’t work here. Your mental health will be in jeopardy. This is the warning I wish I received.”
News Director: Bob Noonan
“I completely disagree with the negative review that was posted about Bob. I have had a VERY different experience. Bob is caring, helpful, and honest. He was very transparent with me when I visited the station and made me feel welcome. This station is not number one but they constantly break stories and have different content from other stations. He gave me critique and many opportunities on the anchor desk. He walks into the news room and greets everyone by name and with a smile. He is like a dad and news director in one person but in a good way. You can tell he’s a family man by how he treats people. He gives people the recognition they deserve and I believe he has created a great news environment where people can grow and work as a team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The people at this station are some of the most hard working people I have ever met in my entire life. They hustle and are humble! I have learned SO much from them and I am so blessed to work in a place where everyone gets along and is treated like family. This market is unpredictable and you’ll have the opportunity to cover amazing stories. WPMI is innovated and they enterprise amazing stories that constantly break news. They’re investigative heavy and hold officials accountable.”
News Director: Kristen Shill
“She knows what she wants, but isn’t always the greatest at taking input from others. She also is not as involved as a news director should be especially during breaking news or big shows.”
While working for WQOW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A decent learning station with a handful of really great people. There is some issues with passive aggressiveness especially between the evening vs morning crew and in news vs production. My biggest advice is to ask questions, ask questions, and then ask some more questions. Someone will teach you and you’ll get good experience here. Stay out of the toxicity and you’ll be fine. Learn what you can and then get out of there.”
News Director: Shane Moreland
“It was terrible. He lied and didn’t care about our well being. We weren’t paid enough and then he got mad because people started getting other jobs to supplement their income. He tells everyone’s business and also will tell you something then when you bring it up he tells you he didn’t say that and wouldn’t let you document or record anything or put stuff in writing. He would single out certain producers and give them special treatment and the cushion schedules. All the producers of color were on the terrible shifts and had to threaten to quit to get moved.”
While working for WRIC this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“People of Color are literally treated like they’re stupid or invisible; staff would have ignorant conversations regarding race and when told it was offensive they didn’t care. Some staff would use racial slurs and complaints were ignored. The male evening anchor would yell at producers, and curse them out to the point of bullying them and managers did nothing. The White producers and some staff would try and get people fired or bully them into leaving and when a producer would push back they’d complain about them being difficult to get them written up. If you called out sick Shane would require you to tell him what’s wrong so most people avoided calling out sick. No creative control if you tried something without telling a manager first you were called into the office. Most of the producers have no real newsroom experience so they’re just trying to learn and grow and the older producers would make sure to tell them wrong information.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here. It’s probably the most toxic station under the company. No one is happy there or have already left and the people stuck there are probably planning exit strategies. It’s not a team environment, leadership has no clue what they’re doing and it shows. When staff wises up to HR rights and policies, Shane will file a HR complaint against that staffer to build a negative HR file. He’s also called other stations to trash talk employees to prevent them from leaving. Turnover rate is excessive and the pay is terrible.”
News Director: Tina Commodore
“No relationship”
While working for WFTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Tina seemed nice, but was almost entirely absent from decision making from day one. She came during the pandemic, leaving the assistant dope in charge Jason to single handedly destroy the legacy newsroom.
He belittled senior reporters on the morning meeting, got into screaming matches with them, harassed the younger reporters so much they often they couldn’t do their jobs and retaliated when anyone fought back or voiced an opinion. His signature move was acting completely shocked when he put a coverage plan in place and nobody understood it.
He loved to threaten employees who didn’t agree with him, by dangling horrible work environment situations in their faces, then demanding they accept the bad or it would just be worse.
Noteworthy: This is his second round at WFTV. He was kicked out one time before after so many people complained.
Run.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jeff Weinrich
Experience described as: “Dedicated, knowledgeable with a caring attitude”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Everyone has been through lot from going from a family owned business to various corporate sales. They have a newly renovated newsroom and studio. Through it all we depend on each other and try to do good work daily – unfortunately we are not rewarded in the ratings. Many who work there are local graduates or long term employees. Not a bad place to work but it is a very slow news market.”
News Director: Shane Moreland
“An overall awful experience”
While working for WRIC this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Just don’t work here. The news director will spread your business to everyone so he’s can’t be trusted and the chief meteorologist and morning meteorologist (and these are grown men) gossips about everyone like women! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve over heard the news director talk bad about everyone to others and telling people’s business to others that has no business knowing. The chief meteorologist would stop me in the hallways to talk about how stupid he would think the sports director was (she’s a woman) and how stupid he thought the newer meteorologists were. I would try to leave those toxic conversations but he doesn’t pick up social cues when someone doesn’t want to be part of a conversation. No help or support from anyone. The news directors news judgement is awful. A lot of my stories would get shot down if they were community based. This station is not about community and the news director does not want us hanging or liking our competitions pictures on social media even if they’re your friend. Talk about control freak. The male evening anchor is literally insane. I’ve seen him curse out people and throw things at people (papers, pens) out of frustration.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Whatever you do? DO NOT WORK FOR THIS STATION! From the news director to the chief meteorologist. Just awful people. Not professional and people of color are definitely treated differently. Not in a good way! No one renews their contract there and the turnover rate is extremely high. In this business, people come and go, but no one stays there. From the producers to the talent. The employees that have been there for a long time stay because they can’t go anywhere else and those employees bully the younger and newer employees. If you’re looking to get help and grow here just know that no one will help you, in fact if the people that have been there for a while do not like you, they will try to get you fired. And they have been successful a few times. Extremely toxic environment and the news director is literally the worst ever. He talks down to you and don’t even get me started on how he micromanages everything. He’s a liar. If you end up working there.. don’t trust anyone. Everyone is miserable there.”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“Jon is a good boss for the production department. Our schedules are flexible, and overall we have a positive environment in the control room; even when working with remote anchors (which tends to be stressful and overwhelming) and having multiple prompter issues, the production team always achieves successful news shows. It would be great if a few technical things would get fixed such as prompter system.”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
“Great. Every interaction is pleasant and positive. She has a full understanding of what needs to be accomplished and communicates said goals affectively.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WITN is a great environment to learn and grow. The people are kind and always willing to help. This past year (2020) has brought many challenges and the leadership has done a great job maintaining inclusiveness at a time when we had to be a part.”
News Director: Jess Bobula
“We work well together. She appreciates my feed back and story ideas. She supports my work and decisions”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Like most stations, this one is both organized and unorganized at the same time. In certain situations we are prepared and others not so much. Since it is a smaller market, there are limitations but we are working to break through that. I think we are doing a lot to help teach the younger/newer employees. We have some experienced employees which help elevate the quality work.”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
Experience described as: “Nice experience”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It is a good station and all the employees are great at their jobs.”
News Director: Tom Doerr
“Hardly saw him. Rarely available to talk to.”
While working for WINK this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Most of the issues are with the Assistant News director, Rich Garcia. He makes some female reporters his ‘girls’. If you’re not one of his chosen you get overlooked for promotion no matter how hard you work. Only hired one male reporter in the time I was there. He’s hard to talk to because he is argumentative and loud. Between him and Doerr there is no direction at WINK.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s a family owned station and makes up rules as it goes. Newsroom is cliche groups…you fit in or you don’t.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “Bad, unsupported”
While working for WDBJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management blames the producers and reporters for the fact that it is not the number one station anymore. However, this can be blamed on the managers and not having an assignment manager. The managers are checked out and do not care about their employees or the quality of the newscast. Producers and reporters are stretched thin and continue to have more added to their plates.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“When I first started, the station was number one and I had a good experience. However, that ended when the current news director started. He is incompetent and does little to no actual management. The station and general manager’s main focus is money, and that’s it. The focus on quality journalism and helping employees is nonexistent. There is currently a mass exodus of people leaving the station because they are fed up with management. It’s sad because there are a lot of good people that work there who have been there for a long time.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“A pathetic excuse for a News Director in any way, shape and form. I wanted him to do much more, but also did not trust him to do anything good if he did. He was just a corporate paper weight at that job.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg has created a toxic newsroom. Since March of 2019, when he was hired, we have lost the institutional knowledge of more than half a dozen producers, reporters, anchors and mets. Some of which broke contract to get away. Greg played stupid, told lies and did nothing to keep these people on. Now he has a newsroom where no one has standing bridge of respect or communication with him. He can literally not speak to women properly and has has sexual harassment claims brought against him. There was not a single employee during my time there that would not complain about Greg’s lack of news judgement or him just being clueless. In blows my mind that Sinclair or even the GM dont see the trend considering most of them left horrible reviews of Greg with them. That station will not grow until he is gone. I am glad I got out, but my fellow on air staff and producers were great people. Also, the review from July of last year ok this site is not only inaccurate, but ingenuine. We have had ZERO reporters come from other markets and then leave around that time, so it must be someone trying to paint a different picture.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Ask any of the reporters or producers there about this station prior to accepting any offer. They will give you the best indication of how things are, but I just left and I am saying until Greg is gone this place is without a paddle.”
News Director: Kerwin Speight
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for Spectrum (Central NC) this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Kerwin is by far the worst manager I’ve ever worked for. Spectrum is a decent enough company and Charlotte is a great city, but I’ve never seen so many MMJs and producers leave in such a short amount of time after a News Director started. I’ve never seen a ND actively avoid their staff. I was never considering leaving until he took over. It was an overall negative experience working with Kerwin.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you just want to get a paycheck and live in Charlotte, it could be a fine job. If you want to be a journalist, it’s probably not the best place to be at the moment. Be sure to talk to a current MMJ at the station before applying or accepting any offers. Anchors have a pretty cushy job though, so not a bad place to work the desk.”
News Director: Joe Spadea
“Awful. He is disorganized and moody. Unfair, plays favorites. Not the biggest problem, the biggest problem is the general manager Eric Thomas. Unfortunately Joe does everything Eric says.”
While working for WVLA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Opportunities are given to the same undeserving people over and over. Very unprofessional, toxic environment. Favoritism… some people are disciplined for minor errors and others seem to do whatever they want. Women are passed up for raises, and opportunities despite experience and qualification. If you’re a Black woman your pay will be significantly less with no explanation. Eric is a bully who sees his employees as numbers instead of treating them like actual people. Employees say the station has been under investigation by nexstar multiple times for harassment and discrimination and yet nothing has been done. It’s clear Eric makes all decisions based on money. The building is disgusting and deplorable. The turnover rate is extremely high and many talented people leave the business after working here because of the stress and toll on mental health. More than 30 employees have left in less than 2 years. The General Manager sees this as a positive to hire younger more inexperienced people who he doesn’t have to pay as much. You are expected to turn your stories on laptops that are not compatible with adobe. During the pandemic employees were told it was not possible to work from home. We were still forced to come into the building daily and take equipment that would crash within a few minutes of using. A mask mandate in the building was not put in place until an anchor brought the negligence to corporate and suddenly they began to take covid precautions “seriously.” HR department is useless and cannot be trusted with serious issues. This station is full of empty promises and no support for your ambition and drive. Management fails on all accounts. Anchors are inexperienced and unprofessional.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. Go to channel 9 or channel 2 if you want to be taken seriously as a journalist. You will have more opportunities to fail than grow. Management does not set you up for success.”
News Director: John Dearing
Experience described as: “Chaotic”
While working for WBOC this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“John and Ron are the opposite of leaders. Both hide in their offices and have absolutely no idea what is actually going on beside their glass walls. They expect the reporters know everything when in reality they are struggling each and every day with little to no help. They are liars. They promise you one thing and do not ever, ever go forward with it. You are expected to work way past your shift and provide more content than you actually have. Overall, it is a chaotic situation. Miscommunication is what kills the station. The news director and assistant news director have ideas in their head but do not share it with the actual new staff. When there are breaking those are big coverage events they are often times left out of the communication process and have no idea what is going on until about five minutes before hand. The money and benefits here are luring but do not fall to the trap.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The management will push agendas on you as a reporter. Do not fall prey to this. Especially when Covid struck, they made things appear they were much worse then they were because the news director, who suffers from diabetes, was more afraid of Covid than the average citizen.”
News Director: Steven Shaw
“Extremely unprofessional. One of the worst Nexstar news directors out there. Will ghost you if you apply for a job and have an interview, tried to make a main anchor/reporter the main editor on the weekends and does not care about the safety or personal lives of his employees whatsoever. Do not work for this guy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Assistant news director Jody Gill is a horrible human. Will throw you under a moving bus. Has been there for more than 15 years and still cannot manage employees. Everything is your fault not his. He will not help you get better. This station has gone down hill so fast which is incredibly sad because it’s a great place besides the awful management. Again, don’t work here. You will not improve you will get burnt out.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Hardworking, organized, always thinking of employees and the community”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I love WAND. Absolutely a great place to work and learn. The community is very welcoming and the news staff is friendly.”
News Director: Greg Schieferstein
“Greg is truly horrific. To put it simply first, news is tough and you dont get paid enough for the job as is, so if you are looking for a way to somehow make the job more difficult then come to work for Greg — where it is unbearable. There is not a single employee in my day to day at KRNV that Greg had not burned a bridge with or lost their respect. His news judgement is not only prehistoric, but at times so off-tune that you cant fathom how he has been able to fly under the radar this long at multiple stations in the role. The culture he has created is not one of open dialogue and conversation, but a Greg way or the highway — or an accusatory and uncomfortable phone call where you are reminded that there is nothing you can do other than shut up and play the game. I know that he has received a handful of complaints to HR for various reasons but he still remains. In my time there I experienced him get hired in March of 2019 and in that time institutional knowledge at the station has fled like a mass exodus with Greg being a major factor. Two long time morning anchors gone, a handful of established producers and reporters burned out. I know this is a starting market, but I am talking people literally leaving mid contract to get away. One producer came in and left after two weeks. All of that aside, my biggest gripe was the unacknowledgement of work and inability to provide thoughtful feedback. Me, among those who are still there and those who have left, have all spoke about how its perplexing that no one is seeing the trend of bad turnover since March of 2019. The entire managerial staff needs an overhaul, other than the staff is great and found the other reporters talented and kind, but very undervalued.”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg does not know how to speak to women — flat out. His work environment is awful and the only relationships that work are between the staff in similar roles.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run the other way.”
News Director: M. DAVID LEE
Experience described as: “ADVERSARIAL AND HORRENDOUS”
While working for WFRV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“In the year M. David Lee has taken over, more than 13 employees have quit.. to include our Chief Photographer with 25 years of experience”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT TAKE THIS JOB BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE A JOB!!! WAIT IT OUT,YOU’LL GET SOMETHING BETER. ALL MMJ’S HAVE TO PRODUCE.. YOU CAN’T PUT TOGETHER A REEL IF YOU HAVE TO PRODUCE THE SAME DAY YOU REPORT!!!! GOT TO WBAY, FOX11, WKOW OR ANY STATION IN MADISON.. PICKING UP DECAYING DEAD DEER IN THE SUMMER ALONG THE INTERSTATE IS BETTER THAN WORKING AT WFRV.”
News Director: Tom Henderson
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Tom comes off as genuinely kind and I believe that he is but he is also foolish and shows lack of compassion for his reporters.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station really kills many people’s joy and happiness. Over half the people that left while I was employed bought themselves out because of treatment from management. Many people came to this station with a love of news and within a month hated the field and never want to work again. Tom and managing editor Latrica pick candidates straight out of college and completely kill their spirits. Six former employees left news completely because Tom and Latrica made stop loving their job. Even mentioning this place to some former employees makes them cry. Tom also tries to pit coworkers against each other if you aren’t a favorite you won’t get a thing. DO NOT WORK HERE.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Chuck is a good news director overall. Strong ethics. Unfortunately, he’s 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 “evil” and the “worst boss I’ve ever worked for” by people who have been in news for decades. The damage done during that ND’s 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 “friends” 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 VP’s thumb. In the past year, all reporters have been forced to turn into MMJs, plus an extra show has been added and doubled everyone’s workload. It seems like no one cares about quality anymore. It’s sad to see what was once an amazing station, fall into ruin because of poor leadership.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Tulsa is an amazing city with a lot of news to cover, and your coworkers at this station will be amazing! Unfortunately, that’s not enough. The newsroom has lost several great journalists in the last couple years because of the miserable environment KOTV is cultivating.”
News Director: Olivia Dangler
Experience described as: “Painful”
While working for WHTM this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Worst place to work. Toxic, gossiping people in charge. Hardworking people are manipulated as they are bashed to the ground. Those who should be fired are instead celebrated. Many employees hate daily life and are seeking a way out. The number of people who leave without other jobs lined up speaks volumes to how horrific employees are treated.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Tracy Davis
“She just started”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The managing editor and am
Ep are incompetent fools and need to be removed from the newsroom”
News Director: Steve Koles
Experience described as: “Positive. Great leader.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great station to work for. The management is solid, both ND and AND. They’re constantly trying to make the best hiring choices, and invest in those they do hire. They’re 2nd in the market but they do not directly compete with the other stations because they’re in Grand Rapids, while WWMT is in Kalamazoo. The news stories they cover are not newsworthy, however. Follow up to how someone died horrifically, generally. Maybe once a month one might cover something interesting. But if you like breaking news, this is the station for you, because that’s pretty much what they do, making it hard to grow and get better, but the station management, especially the GM, believes that’s where the ratings come from. The gear is new though, and that’s nice.”
News Director: Jess Laszewski
Experience described as: “Uninspiring”
While working for WMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Male managers often make jokes to young female MMJ’s that are inappropriate. Masochistic attitudes from the stiff male managers bring down the female empowerment vibe given by the news director. It’s a newsroom filled with ONLY female MMJ’s. There are two male anchors on the whole news team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A beautiful state of the art station filled with toxic managers that are petty, unprofessional, and discouraging to new reporters. An overall blatant lack of organization from management. Any outsider can see that they do not know how to make decisions quickly, or decisions that best benefit the newsroom and individual staff. Often times flying by the seat of their pants and have no plan. This alone leaves the newsroom constantly trying to catch up to competition.
Only anchors with experience get to work with photographers. They are the only ones that get to do hold pieces. There are only 4 photographers. 1 for mornings, 2 during the day 4 days a week, and one for nights but he often shoots sports. Thankfully, the ND doesn’t support solo liveshots. But you saw the numbers, you will hardly get a live shot.
ND is nice and has a vision. Not a bad ND, but has managers that are disrespectful to a lot of the young MMJ’s and producers. It is really frustrating to see sometimes, and have happen to you. I just wonder how the ND doesn’t notice or take action. If you speak up about something, you run the risk of managers treating you worse like they have to people in the past. Those people went on to better jobs in the long run.
A lot of new staff hired on fresh out of college. Would recommend this as a second job unless you genuinely care about news, urgency, and taking criticism to get better. Otherwise, you will flop like some have.
The station and set are pretty, but be ready to deal with a lot of ugliness from managers. They kill the aura in the newsroom. Too bad because there is a lot of hard working talented journalist at WMTV.”
News Director: Barb Roethler
Experience described as: “Horrible. Unpleasant. Moody. Unprofessional. Conniving. Just a bad/miserable human being.”
While working for WILX 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: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “Toxic. Negative. Neglectful. Disrespectful. Miserable.”
While working for WBTW 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 “positive” review. WBTW is DESPERATE and pathetic. This is how low they’ve 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 Walters’s leadership, unlike the person who wrote that “positive” 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: Bill Cummings, Curtis Jackson, & Asst News Dir Matt Rosenberg
“All 3 are horrible leaders with bad communication skills”
While working for KIFI/KIDK this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women are treated worse and talked down to. One female employee had a seizure and passed out while working over the weekend. She called the asst news director after she woke up and told him what happened. He told her she couldn’t go home and to get back to work. She was fired soon after because she was a “problem””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No matter how desperate you may be for a job, do NOT under ANY circumstances work at KIFI. Managers don’t address or care about things you bring to their attention (they promoted a producer who slept on the job for 1/2 of their shift. Plus the long-time audio/graphics guy screws up multiple times each show and nothing happens to him because he’s part of the church). They do nothing to help or mentor new employees. Pay sucks. GM is a bully who makes Scrooge look like a big spender. If you are part of the LDS church, they will kiss your feet. If not, you are treated much worse. I wish I knew about this website before I worked there. The other posts I read are accurate. Please…protect your mental health and stay away.”
News Director: Joe Radske
“No news judgement”
While working for KVRR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The News Director always shutsdown story ideas and instead makes mmjs go to events to promote a company or organization. KVRR is a news station, not a PR company.
He’s also very obssesive over going overtime. He will remind you as much as he can to make sure not to exceed hours and if you do, it will most likely not reflect on your paycheck.
The main anchors are mediocre at best. They love to talk about mmjs behind their back instead of helping them grow. Maybe it’s because they lack experience themselves.
Equipment is very outdated. Nothing ever works. There’s also not enough editing computers for all the mmjs. The station is also extremely understaffed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Warren Stewart
“The absolute worst boss I’ve ever had in my 13 year history of being in the tv industry.”
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The organization is ran by three people who have no idea what they are doing. The lack of leadership is among the managers is actually quite funny when you look at it.
Warren sexually harasses and discriminates against employees daily, and is so involved in station drama and gossip, it’s no wonder that the station has such terrible ratings.
The assignment editor/ “Assistant News Director” send reporters to the wrong stories on the wrong day daily, the GM has no idea what is going on, and that is because he (the GM) believes the ND knows what he is doing. I’ve never been a part of such a drama infested environment, that is all led by the ND. The station has had multiple talks about how gossip must stop, including emails sent by the GM to stop the drama, however it continues because the ND constantly spews it. If you are called into Warren’s office, he is going to ask you what everyone is talking about and for the latest details of drama in the station. It all stems from him, but he is untouchable. He never gets in trouble for his inappropriate actions because the GM writes it off as “fake”. It’s sad, but it’s true.
The normal employees are great people, but seeing the life sucked out of employees is so sad. Over 50 people have left in under 2 years, which J’s a crazy amount of turnover when you compare it to the other two stations. In those 50+ people, some of them have even left to go to a competitor for LOWER PAY. If that doesn’t describe how much of a mess that place is, I don’t know what else to tell you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT WORK HERE.
I cannot say this enough. If you are fresh out of college and think you are successful because you landed a market 102 job, think again. Go to market 160 instead. This place is the absolute worst place to start, because you may never want to continue your career after this toxic wasteland. Bottom line, if Warren Stewart is the news director, DO NOT take the job.”
News Director: Janis Harper
Experience described as: “backstabbing and two faced”
While working for WEAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lot of holdovers from the previous news director thought things would get better under new leadership…They were wrong! This woman is straight up clueless, no wonder the last station she worked at closed! She will pretend to like you and then go behind your back when you begin to call out her decision making.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The only two god things about this station are the rank and file staff, and the learning you will get to do in what will probably be your first job. Aside from that, you will be miserable due to management which probably won’t change.”
News Director: Kelly Groft
Experience described as: “Positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“WMAR is, generally speaking, a positive place to work. Newsroom staff is treated with respect by management, in contrast to many stations that treat their employees like indentured servants. Does everybody love it? No. Of course not, and I’m sure they could fill this form with complaints. But perspective is everything. The numbers don’t reflect it, but there are some great people working here. As far as parent companies go, Scripps is a decent company to work for.
Photogs and reporters are both union positions; IBEW for photogs, SAG-AFTRA for reporters and anchors.”
News Director: Sean Mahon
Experience described as: “Great. Respectful. Knowledgeable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I checked every single box for the overall newsroom environment. This is because it all depends on who you surround yourself with at this station.
There is a small group of employees, including the Assistant News Director, Assignment Editor, and a couple of Anchors and Producers that are the direct reason for the toxicity of that newsroom. They seem to look for ways to complain about their job and try to find excuses to be unhappy. They also undermine and undercut the News Director, Sean Mahon, every single chance they get. Case in point, the other reviews on this site were certainly written by these people in an attempt to smear the name and reputation of a good man, and great leader, in Sean. At no point in my time here has Sean ever been anything but respectful and professional with me, or any other female employee. Accusations of sexual harassment and racial tensions are simply false. This is what this group of people do!
This station can be a super fun place to work. It has incredible employees who have a real passion for storytelling. It is a great place to learn and grow as a journalist. You just have to identify and stay away from that small group of toxic people. Which isn’t that difficult because the majority of people there feel the same way as I do, and will quickly point out the group to stay away from.
It’s also fairly easy to see as they constantly yell in the newsroom when they are upset, and have frequent meetings with one another as soon as the News Director leaves for the day. For some reason they feel the need to anonymously talk bad about their boss. And since this is anonymous… Just know their real problem lies with their own unhappiness. Does it stem from the unhappy relationships a few of them are in with each other? Or the past DUI convictions (yes that’s plural)? Or their loyalty to the disgruntled former GM? It really doesn’t matter as they just a very small group who believe their words and actions cause real damage, when anyone with half a brain can see, they are the problem. And one day they’ll get knocked off that entitled high horse and have to walk around down here with the rest of us. And I would imagine when that day comes, they won’t like what they see at all.”
News Director: Bob Walters
Experience described as: “Like getting K-9 teeth extracted”
While working for KWTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The only good thing that has happen to this station is that, the the little micro managing Qtip Napoleonanic G.M. Mike Wright quit the station without notice. Otherwise, still a under staff working at slave wages cannot do more with less with crap equipment with enormous responsibilities setting yourself to fail being overworked.
If you come to work here, don’t sign a contract. Don’t sign a lease. Take it as a paycheck having a job looking for another.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The station is extremely understaffed. I’m a one-man sports department with a so-called “interim sports director” that is also a news anchor and executive producer…this alone explains how understaffed this place is. There hasn’t been a sports department with at least two people for over two years now. That’s being said, I’ll probably be solo the entire time I’m here. I’m only one month in this job and I’m already worn out. I spent the past year and a half at an EXTREMELY toxic station in the same market as a weekend news anchor/reporter with the aspirations of becoming a sports reporter. It took me over a year and 100+ applications later to finally secure a job as a sports reporter. I felt like I went through all that trouble to get in a worse situation. I have no issues with my current co-workers or bosses, it’s just the workload that’s killing me. I’m expected to do a sports package and vosot, shoot game highlights, write articles and anchor the sports blocks during the evening shows every day with no help. I can only stay at games/practices for a short amount of time since I have to hustle back to the station, build the sports blocks and anchor the sports blocks. I can’t handle this. I already had enough stress trying to exit the previous station I was at and now I’m getting my ass kicked at this new one. Hell, I had a personal sports talk podcast I hosted for two years as a hobby and I was told I’m no longer allowed to do it anymore and should focus on my job…I’ve only been in this industry for nearly 2 years and I already hate it. I’m completely out of luck and I feel like I wasted 5 years of college trying to achieve something that doesn’t look like it’s meant for me.”
News Director: Adam Pursch
“Like many news directors, who Adam Pursch portrays himself to be during the interview process is not who he will be once you’re hired. It’s nice that he doesn’t micro-manage, but he’s also practically non-existent. Adam does not give feedback, direction, or respect to his employees. Consequently, the newsroom is a bit of a disaster. This station is last in the market and will stay that way unless drastic changes are made to current management.”
While working for KOKH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I can’t imagine anyone being happy working here. It is truly that dysfunctional. Things I was promised when I was hired were immediately ripped out from under me once I arrived. If you are a reporter and they guarantee you a Photog daily, don’t trust them. So many reporters have been forced back into MMJ positions in the recent months. They also limit what content is covered into what they call “buckets”. It’s essentially 4 categories of their choosing and you can’t do any topics outside of those 4 things. This often causes FOX 25 to miss the major stories of the day. No one watches or gives any tips to the station and the assignment editor does not pitch story ideas and NEVER helps make calls. In fact, the assignment editor often lies about making calls, gets caught in his own web of lies, and management still refuses to do anything about it.
The photogs carelessly slap stories together and have terrible attitudes. They will make you look like a bad reporter and say to your face they don’t care what the story looks like because they’re just there to collect a paycheck and go home. Adam Pursch shrugs the disrespect and laziness off as an “industry standard”. He truly has no concept of what it takes to hold people accountable or to put out a decent product. It’s almost easier to be an MMJ.
However, even then the gear is border line antiquated. It’s worse than what I trained on in college. Sinclair has supposedly been promising the station new cameras for years, but they can’t even afford to give MMJs wireless stick mics. Practically everything FOX 25 puts on air looks blurry. You’ll be hard pressed to find something you’re not embarrassed of for your reel.
And if you think you don’t mind being last in the market, you will once you come here. This station is a joke and the competition will treat you as such out in the field. I used to love being a journalist and this station broke me. If you have other options I’d highly recommend you pursue them.
FOX 25 is a sinking ship. My advice is to run for the hills while you still can.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Terry Wood
Experience described as: “Educational, motivating, encouraging”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A wonderful starter station- amazing people work here & it is run by very knowledgeable management. It is a station I will forever look back on with a smile. KMID is the best run station in Midland/Odessa & there is huge potential there.”
News Director: Russ Poteet
“Comes off as a caring employer but really just a gossip.”
While working for KAMC/KLBK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Overall there were good, talented people who came though but management didn’t care about retaining talent or the culture of the office. They cared if they were making more money. They would gaslight their employees and get them to turn on each other by spreading rumors.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you value your time and energy don’t start your career at this station.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
“He’s very picky. There is no wiggle room for learning or making mistakes as you learn. In life there will be hiccups. Some people learn slower than others, some need visuals, some need numbers. He’s not very patient to those with disabilities, and he cannot admit when he is wrong. He brushes his own mistakes under the rug just to give 44 a good face. It’s hypocritical when he’s not allowed to make mistakes. When he does it, it’s swept under the rug. He also mistreats his employees of color. So if you’re not white, RUN!”
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m not from Evansville and I’m from a bigger more robust city. I thought midwesterners were more polite and conservative but it turns out they are no worse than the catcallers in Miami. I’ve been asked inappropriate questions by one of the male reporters. When I made mistakes, I was heavily called out, but when someone else made a mistake it was swept under the rug, especially Warren’s own mistakes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There is no wiggle room for your own creativity. If Warren doesn’t like it, it’s not going to be used. No matter how good or creative you may think, your own ideas will never matter. There is too much drama here. Mind you, there are adults in the 30s-60s here and instead of being an adult and focusing on the news, they are more concerned about gossip and slander against each other. The theme is “Focused on Family & the Community.” WHAT A BIG FAT LIE! The people inside can’t get along and they aint practicing what they preach! And if you’re not white, you’re not welcomed. You don’t need a common white person’s name, but if it don’t sound white, you’re never going to be in anyone’s favor here. You can’t be walking in here being a “Mrs.Katsuki Bakugou” or a Ms. Lakeesha Braxton.”
News Director: Pat Brink
“Like any new director, he has his moments but I can say he wants to see all of his reporters succeed and move on to bigger and better things after you do you two years at the station. He has worked in larger markers before but isn’t as familiar with new tech as he could be. He had done a good job being the news director for a station that is fairly new to the market. He will tell you like it is but will make sure you grow from it. Pat is also good about giving construtive critisim when you ask. He lets the reporters have alot of creative freedom when it comes to storytelling and producing. Pat can have his bad days, but if you write your thoughts down and talk to him, he can be very responsive. In all, he isn’t a bad guy.”
While working for KYOU this person experienced:
“The station has not had many minorities work for them. I only know of one, and she handled herself well. If the news director hires more minorities (and more reporters) the station will grow and eventually become number one in the market. Their reporters have a larger work load than the competition, but their quality of storytelling is A LOT better. With growth, this station will become better with time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is in the Ottumwa, IA/Kirksville, MO market — DMA 200. It is a small newsroom of typically 3-5 reporters. Anchors produce their newscast (either FOX 9pm or NBC 10pm) and go out and do a story (a short package) Monday-Friday. There is a bureau in Kirksville where one reporter works out of. The bureau reporter has the most freedom when it comes to storytelling, they sometimes even have the chance to travel (drive and come back the same day) to big stories in Missouri, which are great learning opportunities. The bureau reporter also does a package and a VOSOT a day— sometimes more depending on the amount of news that day. All of the reporters/anchors are on their own, unless they plan ahead and ask for help. You HAVE to know how to shoot steady video though, it will pay off in the long run.
There are times where it can be unorganized in the news room because the ND does not always clearly communicate (especially to the bureau reporter). Past reporters say, email the ND, document everything, and over communicate to him if need be.
The only time you will be live is if you anchor. Hopefully, in the next few months the Live-U systems will be up and running. Like stated before, this station is fairly new but there is a lot of room to grow. It may seem like the competition is the best out here but they have the same problems (short of staff, lack of seasoned reporters).
If you’re into sports, you can report on sports but you will have to balance that out with news.
In all, this is a place for reporters who like independence and need a place to grow fresh out of school. KYOU is a station where you have to make the most out of your experience. What you do at KYOU will set the trend for where you’ll end up next. For instance, past reporters are producers/ reporters in top 100 markets because they have a lot to show for what they did in Iowa or Missouri.”
News Director: Roger Gray
“Extremely difficult to work with because of his disorganization and unprofessional tone. Not highly experience local, modern TV news.”
While working for KVII this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Completely unorganized newsroom with no real communication on anything. News director has no basic understanding of what everyone’s role is in the newsroom. This comes from his lack of time spent in local TV news. Schedules are either nonexistent, or completely inaccurate. Shifts are left uncovered if it is left up to the news director. We have had instances where producers and anchors were given the day off and their shifts were left uncovered until the last minute. News director is extremely forgetful and will forget stories he has assigned to you. He will also forget entire conversations, so you have to send him an email every time you talk to him or he will accuse you Of not communicating with him. He also sends inappropriate, harassing emails when he is called out on mistakes. If you are lucky, he might read your emails and respond.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall, the newsroom pulls together to put shows on the air each day. Coworkers in the newsroom all work well together, despite constantly being understaffed on top of a lack of direction from the news director/management. If you are looking to grow as a reporter in this starter market, keep looking. It is also a Sinclair station, however, for this size market, the pay and benefits are decent. I wouldn’t recommend this newsroom to anyone. The overall dysfunction and incompetence of the leadership in the News Director makes working here extremely tough. Multiple longtime news employees have left under his reign, with many more looking to get out as soon as possible. There are much better places to learn and grow as a reporter without being subjected to the unprofessional, unorganized mess in this newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station needs to close down period. Always one sided, makes post on FB and takes down later cuz public comments may have been harsh but, something racial they keep feeding into BS or even President Trump. Also if you watch one time a week it’s the same thing all week long over and over… Too much Democratic BS!!
NEED TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE News CREW OUT, keep weather ppl but the rest can go!
Overall Toxic News and PEOPLE”
News Director: Joe Inderhees
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place is a burning sinking shop and I’m trying to survive the trip down.
Joe “the snake” Inderhees, the news director, is a pompous turd who will throw you under the bus, drive it over you, then help dress your wounds. Beware!!
There’s a “mean girls club” here that really are some of the most miserable, fake, b****** I’ve ever witnessed. They also all talk about each other.
Photogs are jealous of the reporters and want to be on-air but would like they just stepped out of the swamp.
Management is a joke. The GM is a liar and reminds me of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. He’s a true weasel. He talks about employees to other employees. And I’ve heard he’ll even discuss a person’s salary with others. Disgusting.
This station is the joke of the town.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“RUN!”
News Director: Jessica Bobula
Experience described as: “She’s awful”
While working for WITN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is known for hiring a “token” Black person for on-air positions (reporters, anchors). Just one and only one, usually, at a time. The Black employees’ issues are always minimized. White employees get away with actions Black employees don’t get away with. Veteran employees are allowed to misbehave while new employees are punished. The station was already toxic enough with Bill as an assistant ND: he’s rude, he has a nasty attitude, he doesn’t care about your safety or well-being, he makes absurd requests for reporters, he comes in angry every day, and the station lets him get away with everything. Then, when Jessica was hired as ND, it got worse. She turned the station on its head in a bad way. She’s a cancer (and no, I’m not taking about the horoscope.) She is literally the worst human being I’ve ever worked for. If I ever ran into her again if she’s hired at another station I work for down the line, I’d quit. That’s how bad it is and how serious I am. And I’m not exaggerating. She’s mean, unreasonable, she has unrealistic expectations, she will call you out in front of the entire station for minor mistakes, she messages you constantly to nitpick everything you do, she will argue with you for extended periods of time when you address her about anything, she will NOT hear your concerns, she runs the station like a dictator, she gaslights, and she pretends to be progressive when she’s actually not. She handled a racist incident that happened on-air at the station poorly. Lied about diversity training. Yet, when Black employees come to her about being mistreated, she gaslights you into thinking you’re the problem. She will not encourage you in any way and only has time to tear you down unless you’re one of her favorites… and she has them. She only gets along with people who put their head down and don’t question her about anything. And she allows Bill to continue with his poor behavior unchecked as long as he co-signs her. So many employees have quit or plan to leave the station early or as soon as they can because of her. Almost every non-leadership, news employee currently there can vouch for her terrible leadership. Oh, and did I mention the gaslighting? The general manager is well aware of the issues with Bill and Jess but has not done anything to create a better environment for employees. HR will not help you either. This fish is stinking from the head down. Even with the previous ND, when a coworker made sexist comments toward me, because of favoritism, no punishment was given and they bombarded me with a surprise meeting with said coworker. No one followed up. Toxic, Toxic, Toxic. I went into a depression working here. Thank God most of my coworkers were ok to work with and the other assistant ND Clayton was a genuine man, because I wouldn’t have lasted as long as I did without them.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“RUN! As long as Jessica and Bill are working at this station, prepare to deal with torture on a daily basis. You’ll deal with favoritism and God-forbid you’re a Black employee, your experience will be much worse because only the white employees and employees that don’t stand up for themselves get recognized. The only positive thing: I learned a lot as a reporter, they’re very organized, and I can now deal with toxic people in other newsrooms. This station needs a huge shift in leadership. I was literally miserable there. When I left, they were basically like “There’s the door.””
News Director: Robert Davidson
“Robert is one of a kind and truly an amazing news director. He truly cares about his employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Overall, it’s a great place to start. Awesome Chief, awesome EP & GM. They’re a tight-knit family. Don’t be afraid of the smaller markets. You’ll meet your forever friends. There were a few bad eggs in the newsroom, but that’s everywhere you go.”
News Director: Brenda DeAnda-Swann
“She’s better suited for a newspaper. Her major past errors cause her to be overly cautious. Rude, demeaning , disingenuous utter nightmare to work for.”
While working for KVIA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Kevin Lovell, the sports-obsessed general manager, is constantly harassing everyone. He underpays all the staff with the exceptions of those who do the nothing e.g. the executive producer who cannot produce, and allegedly has several criminal violations. The ceiling and set look horrendous, yet the month-long sports show has special shirts. Reporters have to pay for a station shirt. Favoritism runs rampant, and has to do with ‘attitude:’ Those who don’t challenge management or unethical news practices are rewarded despite being totally inept.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is truly the most toxic news and work environment I have ever been in, and would strongly suggest avoiding KVIA at all costs.”
News Director: Bernie Ritter
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
News Director: Valerie Sullivan
“Worst station to work at if you have a true passion for news. Phil is the worst assignment editor ever he constantly puts reporters down and loves to talk about you behind your back. When you complain to Val she does not do anything and essentially puts the blame back on you when it’s not your fault. They play favorites a lot so if you’re not one of their favorites then frankly they don’t care about you at all.”
While working for WVNS this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This entire environment will suck your passion for news right out of you. I would not suggest working her!!! RUN AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I suggest looking else where.”
News Director: Kristi Spencer
“She’s pretty cut and dry. She expects you to have a profile/character and get both sides of the issue. It also has to be something that affects more than one person. All great standards to have. I was nightside, so she stayed out of day-to-day involvement in pkgs unless it’s a sweeps piece.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s a starter market and a starter station. But it’s a great place to build a reel, get some experience, and pick the brain of Dowe Quick, who’s a treasure.”
News Director: Shaun Newell
While working for WMBD this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A few of the photographers are extremely challenging to work with. I dreaded going to work, in part, because of them. Multiple reporters, at least a half-dozen I’ve spoke with, expressed similar thoughts. Not a recommendable starting market for a reporter. Look for WEEK openings or elsewhere.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A lot of turnover over the past five or six years.”
News Director: Jeff Barnd
Experience described as: “Chaotic, lack luster, I taught him more than he taught me”
While working for WABG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“General manager Jean Turnbough is the WORST. She’s a horrible person who
has created a toxic, unpleasant work environment. She always claims she knows nothing about news, but always buts in in the news department. She uses personal vendettas against staff that hinders the entire news station. For a starter market, you don’t learn anything because you never get any guidance. The morale is horrible, except for a few lovely people who are so nice they don’t deserve to have to work there. As an MMJ you never get any feedback on your work. I watched 8 people quit before me, and I left early as well.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you want Mississippi try any other market but Greenville. The delta is a wonderful place but the tv station is aweful. Beware of Jean Turnbough she’s run so many talented people away. Do your journalistic duty and research her before accepting a job with her. Never take anything she tells/offers you as truth.”
News Director: Holly Gauntt
Experience described as: “Amazing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s pretty clear the previous two reviews were written by disgruntled employees who were let go for some of their behaviors. This is the best station to work for in the Denver market.
Everyone is positive and managers consistently give praise for hard work. Holly Gauntt is an amazing and affirming news director – and some of the best photographers in the market also work here. Photography staff is amazing”
News Director: Beth Jensen
Experience described as: “Neutral. Helpful when I was new, then very little interaction.”
While working for KELO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“While the weather department was very much separated from the newsroom, I hardly heard anything real positive about the newsroom culture. I was very glad to work separate and pretty much left alone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It was a great starter job but don’t stay longer than 4 years. The pay doesn’t goes up more than 1% per year so after 4 years, you are worth more elsewhere. The station is owned by Nexstar and their nickname is Deathstar for many reasons so stay away! But KELO weather was alright. The other mets are amazing. You’ll learn a lot from them.”
News Director: Lisa Burger
Experience described as: “One of the hardest people to work with”
While working for KSEE/KGPE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Merit is more so based off of favoritism than actual ability/work put out, especially when Lisa became ND. Favoritism, though, was strong before she became ND. Things are unorganized beyond belief, even if other managers tried to clean things up it’d just be too big a mess to do so. She also had a weird tendency to tear people down in front of others.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized,Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Reporters, photogs, production staff all got together great for the most part — mostly bonding through misery.”
News Director: Lissa Hamblen
“She is disconnected and targets people she doesn’t like”
While working for KOLR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station got a lot of positive reviews when Chuck was the news director. Now, its Lissa, a woman who doesn’t allow anyone to progress in the station. Once you get a job, you’re stuck there for eternity. She is pals with Collin Lingo, the head of the digital department. He is only supportive and kind to those who are his “best friend” in the department, if he decides he doesn’t like you, you will be targeted and everything will be used against you until you are out of there. Lissa decides what you will be best at and there is no changing that in her mind when she has decided. Moral is extremely low in the newsroom because nobody feels like they can progress. Everyone is leaving and I wouldn’t suggest putting in an application right now until Lissa is gone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Janis Harper
Experience described as: “Toxic, Passive Aggressive”
While working for WEAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“She doesn’t care about her employees, she acts like she cares and if they don’t follow her to a T she will be passive aggressive. She has favorites, and it shows. Under her leadership, you will work 6 days a week, and 12 hour shifts due to “scheduling errors” meanwhile, it’s her messing up and not owning up to it. She is also very hypocritical.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will meet some great coworkers, but overall the environment is very toxic. They will backstab you more times than you can count.”
News Director: Susan Dinkel
Experience described as: “Pretty shitty”
While working for WTHI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The GM is a cheap asshole who treats his employees like shit. There is 0 communication in this station. Management is childish, petty, immature, and illogical.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here”
News Director: Susan Dinkel
“Susan is good. She is personable. She started out working as a reporter, so she understands that aspects, but she has a terrible time differing between anchor, producer and news director. Which, whether she knows it or not, cuts into her anchoring and news directing”
While working for WTHI this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There have been too many experiences in each category selected for the 3+ years I have worked here. Off the top of my head, personal and vacation day requests have been rejected (which is illegal). Employees will be yelled at and publicly humiliated for using the word “guys” on air and this is just by middle management. I have been talked down to and berated by upper management for doing or not doing something my male counter parts have or have not done. Starting off, honestly it was a great place that I would have recommended to anyone. Now, I don’t think I would recommend this station to anyone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are certain prowl and certain groups of people who make it “positive and fun” but it has been going downhill the years I have been there. It is unorganized. No one communicates with the next person and it is a headache to even go to work for the day. It used to be a great place for young, inexperienced reporters to make their start. But, recently, I wouldn’t recommend anyone come here just because of the way they will be treated, abused and used.”
News Director: Janis Harper
“She is shady, non-collaborative, and non-communicative.”
While working for WEAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WEAU is a great starter station but typically no one stays after their first contract. In the time that I’ve worked there moral has significantly decreased, people are fed up and want to walk out, and on top of it we don’t make a livable wage.
The creative service manager and the production manager and wonderful and collaborative and listen and communicate. The news director and the general manager or two of the most toxic individuals I’ve ever had to work with.
We thought that when our previous news director left things would be better, but it has only gotten worse and I’ve been told to pick my battles because there will be retaliation and that nothing will change until there are different people in those positions.
However, the anchors and reporters and other personnel of the station are wonderful. The station is a good place to learn for a first job and then move on once you have experience under your belt.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Many full-time employees have second jobs to make ends meet, the handling of the pandemic was great in the first few months and then significantly changed course, they only care about the reputation and not their employees.”
News Director: Rick McLaughlin
Experience described as: “Traumatizing”
While working for WAPT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was sexually harassed and emotional drained by the end of my employment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you would like to be made a human punching bag by management and anchors, work here. You will learn a lot but not without needing therapy in the long run.”
News Director: Greg DeBrosse
Experience described as: “Positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Greg DeBrosse and other managers are working hard to help those starting out mold their future careers. Some people are ill-equip to handle change, or choose not to change for the better. Managers are instituting new rules and techniques to make reporters and other newsroom staff better at their jobs and to get a career in a mid or top market following employment.”
News Director: Matt Templeman, who is also the main anchor of the station
“I had a great experience with Matt, but a number of my colleagues did not.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“My experience is apparently a rare one, but I have very positive memories at KEZI. The best way I could describe KEZI is that it is a big market station operating in a small town market. Their anchor set is beautiful and huge. They invest in a consulting firm that really polished and prepped me for getting my next job in a Top 30 market. I definitely wouldn’t have thrived and excelled in my next gig if it wasn’t for all the valuable skills I learned while I was here. One thing to note is that I work well on my own, meaning I don’t need much feedback or to be micromanaged. Management trusted me to get things done, and I did. So the work flow I had here worked well.”
News Director: Jeff Schlesser
Experience described as: “Toxic, unorganized, work oriented”
While working for WWSB this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station will run you dry and squeeze everything out of you they can, and still tell you it’s not enough. They’ll gas light you, blame you, and act like you’re bottom of the barrel if you’re not part of the management team. AND is the worst of the bunch, and very aggressive. ND doesn’t care to help or address any problems, only to add more to your plate and blame you when you push back. Will talk about you behind your back to coworkers. No one is happy at this station. More than a dozen have left in 6 months. There are no photogs, the pay is horrible for the area, and everyone is miserable there. RUN!!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Staci-Lyn
Experience described as: “Terrible, toxic, inconsiderate”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station has had so many changes in leadership and it’s gone from bad to worse. They have an EP who didn’t even know how to use the programs (still doesn’t know, but has been trained). EP hasn’t worked in news in a while and has more experience in entertainment. She is terrible at writing and has ZERO creativity. She is rude, condescending and unprofessional. The ND doesn’t seem to have a voice. This is her first station working as an ND and boy does it show. If people complain to her about the EP, nothing changes. Probably because they were both hired by the GM. Both ND and EP are terrible at writing. They’d rather heard the reporter talk than have an actual storyteller. She favors people she hires, despite how hard others work. She overlooks what people do well and picks at what she doesn’t like. She has told several people they aren’t good enough and those people have since left and gone in to do better things at bigger stations. As a mom, you’d think she’d be a better person and treat people with dignity, but no. She is the worst thing to happen to that station besides the EP. They are equally as terrible. The GM seems to hire people he knows from other stations, but so far he hasn’t made any good decisions. He can also be creepy. This is a terrible work environment, but the best part about the station is truly the people who work there who are all struggling and only have each other to lean on. Do yourself a favor and avoid working here. Many people have quit the station and someone even complained about harassment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Terry Wood
“Educational, amazing, fun and enriching”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KMID/KPEJ has a lot to offer new MMJs, Anchors, and Producers, and working with Terry and Mark would be a wise career decision. Not only do they know many people in the business, but their jobs complement the news station. They have a wealth of knowledge to pull from and are a joy to work with.
All I want to mention before Terry and Mark arrived was that the newsroom was dysfunctional. The previous leaders were not leaders, and a select few in the newsroom stepped up and helped the skeleton crew survive, especially during the pandemic. There are individuals in the newsroom that I will be forever grateful for in helping us get through one of the most challenging news years. I highly respect our digital producer for helping our newsroom stay afloat. He always put the team first and would help anytime, anywhere. I am honored to have worked with him.
—-
Mark Garcia arrived first, and I was highly impressed by his knowledge. I am confused at the comments made regarding both Mark and Terry. When new management comes onboard, change is bound to happen. Sometimes it’s business, and you can’t take it personally. Mark saved our station from drowning. When you ask him for help, he does everything he can to assist the team.
Mark is one of the most intelligent people I know, and if you sit down with him and make an effort to learn, you would be amazed. He is very savvy when it comes to marketing, sales, viewership, the list goes on. Mark Garcia has been nothing but supportive and respects those who work hard.
I know the changes were a bit rocky with schedules initially, but when Terry was hired, his news experience made everything come together. There is a solid management team in place at the station who can be stern but highly supportive in the way they do business.
Terry is incredible! He has been in the news industry his whole life and worked in so many markets that he has combined what he learned in some of the top markets like LA to help Midland/Odessa ‘play like the big boys.’ He continues to impress me with his knowledge and has been in several news situations. It gave the team security in knowing we have someone so skilled that we can rely on and trust, who is fair and honest.
Having worked with some incredible news directors in the past, I can tell that Terry has the chops and determination to continue to grow KMID/KPEJ and make it a great station. The station has already improved significantly. I learned a tremendous amount from Terry in a very short amount of time, and I am a better journalist because of it.
For the first time working at KMID/KPEJ, I felt like I had managers I could rely on. Terry is open to working through any concerns or news questions; he works with you to create the best product. He never yells and has a very straight-forward but nurturing approach to his management style. Terry is also very detailed oriented, which is what you want in a News Director. Since he started, he focused his full attention on the newsroom watching all the shows, and he wants nothing but the best for the team and newscast.
I have been fortunate to work with Mark and Terry, who have been available at any time of the day for help. They both saved our station, and I stand by that statement, having witnessed management in the beginning. This station would be an excellent opportunity. Both Terry and Mark bring the best out of you; if you are willing to work and learn, you can be ready for anything after this experience.”
News Director: Janis Harper
Experience described as: “the worst person I have ever had the displeasure of encountering”
While working for WEAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It honestly depends on the day whether it’s positive and fun or negative and toxic, and that directly correlates to who the news director is and if she is in the building”
News Director: Susan Dinkel
“Poor. She is dismissive of people that don’t directly benefit her in some way. She is a part of the “boy’s club” and makes it hard to be successful.”
While working for WTHI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Producers were openly racist/sexist and weren’t reprimanded.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jim Campagna
“Horrible. Word of warning: Jim seems like he’s a nice guy, but he’s a terrible manager. He lets people walk all over him, but also talks to people (normally only the girls) like they are dogs. He makes the newsroom so toxic. Between him and other managers arguing and him running around the newsroom acting like everything is stressful, it makes for a terrible environment.”
While working for WSYR this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would see big stories only be given to specific, male reporters. The women are talked down to and made to feel like they can’t do their jobs correctly. The newsroom itself is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I had put my two weeks in and only lasted another week. The last straw was my boss telling me to “keep my mouth shut.” I left that same night, right in the middle of a shift. They will continue to speak to you as if you are a dog if you allow it to happen. And I did for a year.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I don’t think there is one good thing to say about how this station is run. Between the constant yelling and finger pointing, no issues were actually addressed, so no one ever learned from their mistakes. This is NOT a station you want to work at. Not only do they talk down to women, but I have heard that they recently wanted one of their employees to fudge a timesheet so they wouldn’t have any overtime on it. But they still made them work the overtime. Fortunately, that employee still filled in the overtime on their sheet. And that’s just the bare minimum. As soon as I turned in my two weeks, they started acting like I didn’t exist. They treated me like a straight dog. They didn’t care that I was leaving, despite me making their website the best it had been in years. I gave a year of my life, during a pandemic, to a station that couldn’t give a rat’s ass about me. DO NOT WORK HERE IF OFFERED. I promise, other, better opportunities will come.”
News Director: Jeffrey Schlesser
“Absolutely fantastic! I have worked at four news stations now and he is the best news director I’ve ever worked for. He is kind, helpful, and doesn’t yell or get frustrated. When something goes wrong, he brings it up in our meetings and he talks about it calmly and doesn’t point the blame. He asks us how we think we can do better the next day. We talk about the positives and we talk about what goes wrong, but in a positive way. It is such a healthy environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is the best station I think I’ve ever worked at. People here have said that it didn’t used to be this great until the new news director came in. It is all about making ourselves be the best workers we can be. Now note, despite being grouped in with Tampa, we are more of like a 84-85 market size. We are SUPER local, as in we only go to Tampa when necessary and solely report in two counties. It makes for a really unique feel to the newsroom. If you ever want to work in Florida, this is the place to be!”
News Director: Jodie Heisner
“Jodie is excellent”
While working for WEWS this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“While Jodie is doing her best, she inherited a mess left by Sean McGarvy. Our assistant News Director Karen VanVleck bullies and belittles any young woman she is threatened of- especially if you are single and don’t have a family. Even thought she also does not have a family and while she will say she is married is technically not.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Some days everything is great, but when our planning editor is not there, and the full duties of the day fall on lower management… WOOF. Or if it’s something that is all the brain child of Karen, watch out. You know people aren’t going to be told what their assignment is, when a story is ready to edit, who is supposed to be editing it and when, but it MUST air the date she assigned it to no matter what.”
News Director: John Kirby
Experience described as: “Toxic. He is demeaning and abusive with his words. Favors people. Makes you work for no pay.”
While working for KREX this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Men could wear things women could not. The news director talked poorly to people in front of everyone. Called people out for very personal things in front of everyone. The picked on people for their age, a huge age discrimination problem. It was a terrible experience, I could go on.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. The management is messed up from the news director up.”
News Director: Sean Mahon
“Sean is very disconnected from his staff. Has no idea how to run a newsroom by himself and treats his staff like absolute crap. Sits in his office most of the day, if he even bothers to show up at all. He doesn’t even know the most basic stuff about stacking or producing a show and only knows how to micromanage.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Sean makes sexual comments about certain employees to his “friends”.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: David Ciliberti
Experience described as: “A horrendous news director and downright vicious human being.”
While working for WFLA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The WFLA-TV newsroom is vitriolic and incredibly toxic. Overall, it’s a terrible place.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Those wishing to work at WFLA-TV should consult with former or current staffers before joining. The station’s current news director, David Ciliberti, is a horrible person and lousy manager. He cannot and should never be trusted. Many people have left under his atrocious leadership.”
News Director: Pam Chen
Experience described as: “Wonderful”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“One of the best places you could ever work. Very relaxed environment. Everyone is the best at what they do. Management is great. No complaints.”
News Director: Bob Noonan
Experience described as: “Emotional terrorism”
While working for WPMI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you want to work for someone with a dad complex who manipulates your emotions for his personal gain, this is the station for you. You will never be good enough in his eyes and he talks about everyone behind their back. You will do great work. You will make a great reel. And he will make you feel like you are worthless, because of his own issues. It’s a GREAT market, and there are wonderful people there. However, the leadership is toxic, and it ruins the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you do work there, just keep your head down and never question anything and you’ll be fine.”
News Director: Sarah Truitt
“I personally never really had an issue with her, she gave me the opportunity to move up in the company. Although she does favor certain people and the people that are not favored do not get much help.”
While working for WMDT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Its a good station to start out at and gain knowledge. I noticed after a few years at this station your moral will definitely be beat down, try to get in and move up and then leave as quickly as possible. If you stay too long you wont even want to stay in the industry. Also be prepared to do multiple jobs and be paid for only one, the station is severely understaffed and it shows. The owners are more interested in building their broadcasting company that they do not pay attention to the understaffed stations with awful outdated equipment.”
News Director: Joe Inderhees (It was Megan)
“Toxic environment. Staff is overworked and underpaid. Definitely a highschool popularity club environment. You were either part of the cool kids or you were not. Nevermind being the best on breaking news, this station is always last place. And the managers would talk about employees out in the open in front of everyone. Unprofessional environment. Anchors would yell at producers. Reporters always missed slot and there were no consequences for it. Just a bad shop to work for but some really nice people who work there.”
While working for WTLV/WJXX this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Racial discrimination is a problem there. There’s no representation in management. The GM used to run the company but I guess retired. He gives you a vibe of a used car sales man. They make just enough money to pay the bills. Dont get me wrong there are some great storytellers behind the scenes and they’ve got some Emmys here or there for stories. But on a daily basis this was not a place you’d ever want to work. It was the lowest point of my career.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rachel Sommerfeld
“Great working relationship. Very laid back and is open to trying new things.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“You have to be self-motivated to work here. No one is going to push you to do great work. If you’ve worked here for 20+ years and you’re friends with the boss, the rules don’t apply to you. In fact, certain people who are high up in the newsroom hierarchy are all friends and cover and lie for one another.
If you’re one of the favorites, the rules also don’t apply to you. It can be frustrating, because too many think the station is #1 when in reality they are nowhere close. People can get sucked into the do whatever you want culture because too many are not held accountable for their actions like not showing up to work, lying, getting arrested, sleeping on the job and sexually harassing interns and young reporters.
If this station lost about five people, it would be addition by subtraction. The culture would improve and the station would be on its way to being serious about being a contender for the top station in town.
The equipment breaks, and the engineering staff seems indifferent about this. When you try to push some people to try new things, it’s immediately dismissed as “it’s the way we’ve always done things.” The basement looks like a disaster, the newsroom is messy and there’s garbage and food everywhere.
It pays very well considering the market size. It is very laid back so if you’re coming from a micro-managing station, this is the very opposite. The cost of living is very cheap here so your money will go far. You can do great work here, but it’s exhausting getting something on the air that’s presentable. The staff is more concerned about station potlucks and chili cook-offs than the product they put on air.
Until they get rid of about five people, nothing will change. If none of this bothers you, this is the place for you.”
News Director: Chad Hypes
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for KTVL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic work environment. News Director gossips daily and portrays himself as your friend as opposed to an actual boss. Does not know how to manage a newsroom and should just have the evening anchor have his job. He’s a joke. Is also very passive aggressive. He asks for her advice before making every decision anyway. She actually has managerial characteristics. Go to her if you actually want something done.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Steer clear, extremely toxic work environment and management is lacking tremendously”
News Director: Dan Clouse
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for KQDS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He is hands off in the worst way. Doesn’t engage with employees. Unbelievably passive aggressive. Terrible at giving instructions and wants you to read his mind. Will call you out and embarrass you in newsroom meetings in front of everyone, but if you approach him in his office for feedback or to resolve he can’t say it to your face and will stumble over himself to walk it back. Blames everyone but himself (corporate… another employee etc etc) for treating people badly. Terrible news judgement. Covering 6 vosots a day and just fronting one of them is the norm. Very limited live experience.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The culture got better but when I first arrived, coworkers were also mean and catty. That was better by the end when the mean people had left. It was an incredibly toxic environment. Things may be different now but the ND is still the same person and he is awful.”
News Director: Nia Towne
Experience described as: “0”
While working for KIII this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Completely disorganized. Leadership lacks any fluid communication skills including and most importantly the ND. She only cares about looking good to higher up, not genuinely trying to make the newsroom better. The A-ND is even worse. Belittling and uninformed. This is a starter marker and you will feel that every single day.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sean Mahon
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are black, do not work here. Blatantly racist employees. The HR director runs around saying the word retarded. Sean Mahon doesn’t have a clue to what he’s doing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Sean takes several employees to the golf course and tells them “what happens at the golf course stays at the golf course.” He makes sexual comments about the female workers to other employees constantly. He said “do you think anchor x and anchor y go home and sc*ssor each other every night?” To other employees. Management will not do anything about this. It’s embarrassing, humiliating and harassment.”
News Director: Sarah Truitt
“Incredibly demanding and ruthless. Thinks she’s running a top 25 market, rarely offers praise, requires enterprising stories, none can be from other local press unless there’s a new angle, I would describe the newsroom as walking on eggshells when you’re in her presence.”
While working for WMDT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Considering how little money you make, they sure demand a lot out of you and have high expectations. I would advise staying away unless you’re a tough love kind of person (I am a pat my back type). Granted, they do give you lots of opportunities to train across different positions and Salisbury is a beautiful city.
But if you’re looking for positive reinforcement don’t expect it, fresh out of college? Look elsewhere.
For me, the coworkers I had were awesome and they helped me through a lot.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Equipment is weak, the station doesn’t have ton of money (explains the meager salaries)”
News Director: Jake Taylor
This person is described to be: “Extremely positive. Very patient with development and consistently adds constructive criticism”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“If you want a photog this is not the market for you.
If you want lots of breaking news, many opportunities to go live and quick training across multiple positions this is where you want to be especially if you’re fresh out of college.”
News Director: Leeza Glazier Starks
Experience described as: “No leadership”
While working for KGUN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lots of backstabbing and gossiping behind peoples back.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Alison Coe
“She is an exceptional listener and takes what her employees have to say seriously. She encourages employee growth and career advancement. She’s level-headed and hard working. Alison is open to feedback and fosters great ideas. She values her employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There have been many changes over the last year at WATE. Previous negative comments may have been valid at one time, but not anymore. It is a supportive, encouraging, and overall enjoyable newsroom. The news director encourages a positive work environment and it shows. This is a great newsroom and most employees seem really happy and grateful to be here! The station is building storytelling skills within the photography, producing, and reporting staff. You will get feedback here and are encouraged to grow and learn. It feels like a very exciting time to be at WATE because the team is really trying to build both digital presence and quality storytelling. If you want to work hard and bring new ideas, you’ll do well here. There is also respect for your well being. Several employees have had health issues and have been supported in accommodations and taking necessary time off for appointments. Alison respects and expects hard work while acknowledging the importance of personal time. The long-time evening anchors are awesome. They are total class acts and very hard working. The set is brand new and upgrades are continuous on the historic building. The station is also in a castle, which is really cool.”
News Director: Jon Levy
“Jon was a great boss. I felt he was fair and encouraging. He was easy to approach and accommodating. He expected you to do your best every shift and would let you know if there was anything that could be improved or done differently. ”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Working at WCJB was a great experience for me. It was an atmosphere where I could grow into my producer skills. While working at WCJB, there were technical difficulties in most newscasts, and sometimes it felt as if mistakes would happen and nothing would be done to try and fix them. But aside from the technical issues, everyone at the station I worked with was willing to help when needed. Everyone’s goal was to create an informative and successful newscast. “
News Director: Stan Sanders
“It was an okay experience, and definitely not the easiest to work for occasionally. We butted heads at times, but that’s fairly normal. However, I feel as if I wasn’t the favorite, and that favoritism runs pretty rampant in that newsroom. I did not get to try anchoring and producing, despite asking numerous times and going out of my way to try things relevant to those positions. I’m not sure what advice to give on being a “favorite” in order to get the experience you’re looking for. Also, one piece of constructive criticism I’d offer him would be improving communication. Sometimes you have to ask direct questions because of confusing instructions. It can be unclear at times on what he wants. You also have to ask for feedback, as he’s not super quick to provide it. When you do get it, it can be helpful.”
While working for WBBJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I honestly don’t really like to use the words “overall toxic,” because I am sure there are worse environments, but there was definitely some toxicity to an extent. As I mentioned, the favoritism. For example, the person who came a week AFTER me was trained how to anchor and produce. The person before me wasn’t trained on such skills, either. Also, for a while, I felt as if the other reporter on shift with me often got the stories handed to them/set up for them, as opposed to me having to come in with stuff. That happens at times understandably, but it happened a little too often in my case. While I definitely wasn’t the favorite, I did eventually become respected as a journalist, after fighting my way to it. Speaking of, I’ve definitely felt as if I had to fight for things while here, whether it be better stories or to just be heard in general. Also, sometimes you get blamed for things out of your control. For example, tech issues during a live shot. You generally (or at least, I did), have to MMJ live shots. Sometimes, things happen. It doesn’t matter if the last person bent a cable or if the wind knocks your stuff over, you pretty much got blamed for it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“I rank it as unorganized, yet educational. It is unorganized due to the crappy communication in the newsroom, and just kind of the structure on who calls the shots. I would also throw in the shared work spaces, equipment, and cars. While that was at least kept track of, the wrong people has been blamed for, say, leaving trash in the news car. It WAS, however, educational. The good thing is when, you MMJ for two years straight, you do get pretty great at it. So, I felt confident walking out with those skills and knowledge. However, smaller markets as such are usually where you learn all of the skills (anchor, produce, report, etc.). I definitely didn’t get that experience. If you do come here, I advise you to focus your experience on the people outside of the building. The community really is great, and the officials and agencies are decent to work with. This community is, for the most part of course, a kind one. Once you really build your connections, you get some loyal sources for sure.”
News Director: Jon Levy
“I very much enjoyed working for Jon Levy. Jon allowed me to work multiple roles in the newsroom, which helped me as I progressed in my career. During my time at WCJB I had family issues and Jon was very generous to let me take time away to take care of the things that I needed to. Jon was new to the manager role when I was there, and I think he did a great job of handling stressful situations that came about in the newsroom, during a time when the station was undergoing major changes. I would recommend working under Jon’s leadership to any person I know wanting to get good experience at a young age in the industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“If you are a young person looking to find your way in the news industry, WCJB is a great place to work. I went from an Associate Producer, to a Weekend Director, to heading the digital department within two years. The pay may not be the best, but the experience you gain being able to work multiple roles is priceless. You will have the opportunity to build a great video reel, whether you are a reporter or producer, or a camera operator, as WCJB has access to many great events around Gainesville, especially if you are into sports. It’s a small station but every body contributes and is willing to help you out. 10/10 recommend”
News Director: Sean Mahon
“Poor. It is very clear he hates women. He makes derogatory comments about them. He thinks “what happens at the golf course stays at the golf course.” The coworkers he takes ends up telling everyone what he says behind their back.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“He comments on women’s appearances to other coworkers and he hates confident women who stick up for themselves.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Very toxic full of bully’s”
News Director: Terry Wood
Experience described as: “Tolerable”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lot of racist people in positions of power. That in turn created the most toxic environment I have ever worked in, including when I worked retail. Anchors do not carry their weight. Producers are ignorant and under educated.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Producers are mediocre at best. Most have no formal education. Anchors are down right incompetent. The General manager micromanages every aspect of the news room and talks down to you while it happens. Mark Garcia, the GM, is one of the worst men I have ever worked for. No understanding of the business. Rewards those who don’t deserve it while punishing anyone who has ever worked hard. Just the absolute worst place to work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
News Director: David Lowell/Terry Wood
Experience described as: “toxic”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“As I nightside MMJ I was harassed and even grabbed once while live out alone. I brought my concerns to management GM, ND and my GM said there was no excuse and I had to be live everyday.
On another occasion I went live for 5,6 newscast for an event that ended around 8. I went to he station to edit my pkg and my producer said I could go live in studio. around 9 I got a call from my GM that I was a “disappointment” and there was no excuse for not being live. I ended up being demoted from primetime to dayside.
My GM had no news experience and my ND was a pushover. They talk to MMJ’s like we are dumb when in my case I had more schooling/experience than the producers.
Anchors talked down to MMJ’s and producers talked down to MMJ’s when neither of them had good news judgement. A lot of big personalities with no skill to back them up created a toxic work environment. I made it out to a much better, functional newsroom all on my own. The photographer and the Digital manager were the only helpful people.
Management often changed peoples roles like it was nothing. There was no respect in that newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management has no regard for the wellbeing of MMJ’s and little news judgement. As a “digital first newsroom” we often put that on the back burner and didn’t put resources where they should be.
They catered to bad anchors who didn’t pull their weight and overworked MMJ’s & Digital who were the smartest ones in the room. They were disrespectful and honestly verbally abusive. Do not work at KMID in West Texas.”
News Director: David Lowell/Terry Wood
Experience described as: “toxic”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Over all toxic work environment run by people who have no news judgement. If you work hard you will get taken advantage of and they will work you to the bone. If you are an anchor you won’t lift a finger.
Management cares more about verbally abusing good workers and working them to the bone than distributing the work load evenly. It’s one of the worst newsrooms I’ve ever been in and the community is racist and unwelcoming.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not come to this place if you want to learn and grow in a positive environment. I was able to make it out of this station with no help from management other than my digital director, Jared Wilson. As an MMJ I was put in dangerous situations all the time, got harassed, worked overtime to get my tasks done and then got reprimanded for overtime and not going live while getting harassed. When I came to management about my concerns I was demoted to dayside shift after being primetime for over a year. Many people don’t have a degree in the field and don’t have the knowledge to make the right calls.”
News Director: Mitch Jacob
Experience described as: “Unfriendly”
While working for WSMV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Worked for two managements during my two years there, the station is complete garbage. Low morale, high turnover, bad publicity, constant changes in on-air style, staff schedules, and editorial judgment. Constantly short staffed or working against itself in some way. Constantly late to breaking news. Negative attitudes across the newsroom, high brow talent who carry themselves as such. Just overall bad, and not getting better, only getting worse. News director is extremely passive aggressive and singles out people he doesn’t like. Station is hungry for ratings and can’t seem to pull itself out of third place so it constantly reinvents itself and alienates what viewers it has left.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid this and any other Meredith Television station like the plague, you have better options. You won’t be appreciated and you will be sorry to work here if you do.”
News Director: Letitia Walker
Experience described as: “Scattered brain and unorganized”
While working for KATC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“It’s a starter market, so just take it for what it is. Build a great reel and leave when you’re able to.
The pros- it’s located in a great, fun town. While it’s a small market, there’s plenty of breaking news that happens, some stories have even gone national. You’ll get some great experience.
The cons-
Such a negative work environment. My time working there was hell from the day I walked in, to the day I left. There’s a bully like culture from management. So many have been straight up disrespectful to the MMJ’s and nothing was done about it.
Many times management will belittle you and not care about your well-being. You’re overworked and underpaid.
Also, there’s no room for growth. Never received any feedback on my work or mentorship from anyone at the station. If anything, they only told me and complained about what I did wrong, offering no suggestions On how to improve. Some even laugh behind your back and complain about you, if you mess up. I had to seek help from people in different markets. If it wasn’t for that , I probably would’ve left the industry after working there. The anchors basically run the newsroom and do a pretty good job at it.
However, Most of the people there are incompetent at their jobs, but will act as if they know everything. If you decide to work there, don’t let that place break you. Again build a great reel and get the HELL out”
News Director: Liz Zamora
Experience described as: “Horrible, she has no clue what she is doing. She doesn’t help you get better and not understanding.”
While working for WTVA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are black I would not advise working here. The racism is not noticeable but it’s there. If you are black it will be extremely hard to get the right help you need. That comes from both News Director and Assistant Director. The AD is VERY passive aggressive, he make comments that will have you looking at him and ready to lose your job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will not get OT. Let’s say you work 2-10 if breaking news happens you could stay until 1am maybe 2. Then when they notice you are about to get OT they will randomly call you and say come in a few hours later which I think is insane. If you want to start your career off in Mississippi I would suggest you go to the other station in Columbus (WCBI) you will get a much better experience.”
News Director: Ed Reams
Experience described as: “Critical, encouraging”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There were some bad eggs, as with all newsrooms, but overall great directors and good producers. Lots of friends in the newsroom. You can definitely find friends and guidance there if you want to. Ed can seem really tough but if you take a serious concern to him he will handle it well. Quincy wasn’t great so hopefully new group will be better. Honestly if they could pay more of the people better salaries they could sweep the market no problem.”
News Director: C.J. Hoyt
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for WTTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Absolute nightmare. Not worth moving up in market size. Nexstar came in and made this place run like it’s Market #210. Miserable place to work. Can’t name one manager that I’ve had a positive experience with. No exaggeration… don’t work here.”
News Director: Greg Restinas
“At first he was very welcoming but became toxic and dismissive over time.”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“As the one of the few POC in the newsroom I was treated as the token person for my designated culture. I was constantly micromanaged and given additional requirements and expectations that was not expected from my counterparts. I was constantly spoken down to and make feel less than because of my heritage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There was a lack of communications, very disorganized, no room for advancement, no training opportunities and just overall toxic.”
News Director: Bridget Foster
Experience described as: “aloof, clueless and beyond non-transparent”
While working for Spectrum this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Bill Denicola, nightside EP, would scream and berate any/all workers at this station as soon as the ND would leave for the day. Be thankful every day you do not have to work with this miserable excuse for a boss. If you did work for him, I’m so sorry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid entirely. They are constantly losing money, they don’t understand how to correctly respond to breaking news, or what news is worthy of appropriate coverage. The allure of being in a top 25 market will go away after 1 month and you’ll be left with improper management, inappropriate salary differences, and overworked hours, all to basically never be seen by your DMA because your station will never be advertised”
News Director: Bryan McGruder
“Agree with Other Posters – Pleasant, then soured.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Extremely high turnover while I was there – especially for producers and photographers. It made it really challenging to get into a rhythm. Not a lot of support or infrastructure for enterprising stories. I was told some stories are off limits. Lots of branded content that doesn’t always seem to play well in the market. Judgmental management.”
News Director: Greg DeBrosse
“A nightmare. Greg is unprofessional, toxic, disorganized and incapable of making decisions for a newsroom staff.”
While working for KPLC this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KPLC was once an incredible place to work, you could truly walk into the building and be happy in the workplace. Sure there was a struggle or two but nothing that doesn’t come with working in the professional world. However, the entire atmosphere changed when Greg was hired as ND. Greg was so busy trying to “fix” a station that wasn’t broken that he failed to see the talented, hardworking staff he was supposed to be leading. He failed to see the potential in his employees and chastised them for everything they weren’t. He walked in the newsroom looking like a fish out of water, not knowing the first thing about leading a team. This proved true in Aug when a Cat 4 hurricane began barreling down the coast. In the days before Hurricane Laura, managers including Greg, Jillian Corder, Rhonda Kitchens, Agnes DuRouen, and General Manager John Ware failed to inform their staff on safety protocols and backup plans. The day of landfall, when SWLA was already seeing impacts from the storm, I personally heard a VISITING executive producer say to Greg, “You have less than an hour to get all these people out of here, it is not safe here.” ONLY THEN, did Greg and the other managers decide to implements a last ditch effort to evacuate, and failed to even inform all of their staff about the life/death decision. In the coming days as employees were burned out, displaced, and scared, managers continued their pattern of lack of communication and unprofessionalism. After a month of commuting and working at our sister station we returned to LC and proceeded to walk on eggshells around each other. Why? Because there was no formal conversation between management and staff after the hurricane. Soon, another storm would enter the gulf, and yes, the same problems from Laura reared their ugly head during Hurricane Delta.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I second one of the previous posts that stated KPLC has lost more than 10 employees between Sept and Dec 2020, not because SWLA isn’t an AMAZING place to work, or because the staff isn’t one of the best group of people you can find… its because of Greg DeDrosse, John Ware and the management team. I never thought I would say this, but save yourself the hardships and time in therapy and don’t work for this station until a new GM, ND, and AND is hired.
P.S. If you interview at this station, Greg will have you to believe that he “fired” certain people, however, that is UNTRUE. People left on their own accord. Greg has never fired anyone at KPLC, HOWEVER, he has threatened to fire news staff on SEVERAL occasions. I still have the emails.”
News Director: Suh Neubauer
“She struggles to communicate and tends to disappear. But generally a positive presence who wants the best for her people. Good experience overall.”
While working for WICZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lot of people sitting around, equipment and resources aren’t great. The experience is great. Good place to get a good demo and a good grip on every aspect of the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s a little run down and a run down part of the country. But it is a good experience overall. You probably won’t be there for more than a year or two.”
News Director: Rebecca Gaylord
Experience described as: “Not much good or bad to report”
While working for KXLF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KXLF and KBZK was once a top starter market stop. Talent was going there and then shooting up to top 50 markets. Then it all changed and became all about two has-beens, John Sherer and Donna Kelley. They did nothing, no one went to top markets and the parent company crumbled away. It has a new parent company now and potential to get back to what it used to be.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This one might be good again. It depends on what direction Scripps goes with it.”
News Director: Lauren Weppler
“You can have a good relationship with her as long as she is in a good mood and isn’t swamped with work. For example, at the end of the last year (2020), she was being incredibly unfair to employees who created any inconvenience for her as she was trying to hire for different positions and just busy with the news cycle. She mistreated employees who tested positive for COVID-19 because that simply made her job harder.”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The sports director has been suspended for using a sexual and homophobic slur during a mic test. Two weeks later, WTOL 11 launched a promo featuring him.
Managers will punish those who are good at their jobs, sometimes not giving them promotions, simply because they can’t afford to lose them at their positions. They will also reward people who are bad at their jobs with photographers, more resources, etc. Managers will change people’s schedules based on a bad worker not being able to handle a certain position without thinking twice about the people who are efficient and how that will affect their lives.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I have worked here for a few years, made really good friends but do not know anyone who is happy about their jobs (who isn’t a main anchor or a manager).”
News Director: Lee Polowczuk
Experience described as: “Awful, should never have been given ND title”
While working for WBRZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unfriendly co-workers that are not welcoming at all to new employees. Toxic work environment due to lack of communication. Overall, lack of resources, especially in the weather department.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a poorly run, greedy, family owned TV station. The Manship family cares about making their money and THAT’S IT! WBRZ pays SIGNIFICANTLY less than the other two stations in town. Not to mention, the AWFUL communication. There are constant problems that are caused because no one thought to communicate with someone else. The turnover is extremely high, especially in the weather department. Majority of the producers are college students that could care less about producing news. The lack of care through out the station is insane. I would not recommend working here to ANYONE!”
News Director: Kim Ballard
“First year great, after that, she could literally care less about the people working under her. Will throw you under the bus in a heart beat without a second thought.”
While working for WFMY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management sees you nothing as a worker. They have no problem making you work 13 or 14 days in a row with no overtime, but the second you need a day off for a medical or family reason they are unwilling to work with you, unless you are one of the top anchors they like. They exploit their employees without a second thought. Only talk to you when you mess up, but if you do something well, management will claim it as their own good deed. Producers are worked to the bone, and forget about a social life. If you’re not one of the top 2 producers here, they will switch your shifts 24/7, sometimes 5 mins before the shift starts. Reporters and photographers also usually get the same short end of the stick.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I wouldn’t recommend this station to legit anyone. If you’re considering this station for a job, d yourself a favor and decline the offer or interview.”
News Director: Chris Gegg
“I worked under ND Doug Wieder, who was recently promoted to GM at the station”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It’s hard to describe this shop because it was so day-to-day. More good than bad, definitely, but still problematic and worth sharing.
THE GOOD: The visual quality of the content they put out is fantastic, and they make sure to equip photogs and MMJs with the best stuff out there (gopros, dollys, shotgun mics, lighting kits, etc.). They were also very open to creative, new ideas for presenting your story. They encouraged long form journalism, like documentaries or series, and handled sweeps reasonably. TEGNA was an overall good parent company to be an employee of, too.
THE BAD: Managers often felt compelled to chase bogus news OR follow whatever WAVY, the #1 station in the market, is doing. So fixated on WAVY! The biggest issue I encountered in the newsroom, though, was a temperamental Assistant News Director. Her mood of the hour – even minute – would dictate YOUR day.
Also, about Doug Wieder, the former ND and now GM: be careful. Any employee from the last few years would tell you he preaches ‘we’re a family’ until you do something he doesn’t like. Then you’re basically dead to him – several instances come to mind. It’s a shame, and many people fell victim to his wrath. At least they’ve gone on to do better things anyways!”
News Director: Zoltan Csanyi Salcedo
“Career loser, does nothing. He and his underlings Angie Martinez and John Cavazos shouldn’t even be working here. Bad all around.”
While working for KRGV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station covers up for attacks on non-Spanish-speaking workers. Spanish-speaking dominates. This is an unsafe work environment. Listen to the others and stay away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You aren’t missing much with this station. The talent is bad, people are just sitting around and the product is worthless on a demo.”
News Director:
Experience described as: “Toxic, unappreciated”
While working for WTVO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone thinks they are top sh*t and management is horrible.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Gerardo Lopez
Experience described as: “great!”
While working for KJRH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“HORRIBLE, I advise anyone looking into this place to stay away!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Greg DeBrosse
Experience described as: “Negative, Disorganized and Chaotic”
While working for KPLC this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When Hurricane Laura hit Lake Charles, the unorganization and lack or preparedness was revealed in KPLC. They were going to make the employees stay at the station knowing that the Hurricane would land as a Category 4 while disregarding CDC guidelines amid the pandemic. Employees were ordered to evacuate just HOURS before the storm made landfall because managers were not on the same page (still aren’t) and were going back and forth with meteorologists to determine if employees were in harm’s way (which they obviously were). Some employees even decided to take matters in their own hands due to the lack of guidance from management and evacuated themselves. Even though the employees who evacuated “prematurely” were threatened to be fired (for not wanting to stay during a category 4 Hurricane with a predictable unsurvivable water surge) remained employed but were treated disrespectfully while working there. There was no sensible plan from Greg DeBrosse, Rhonda Kitchens, Jillian Corder or John Ware during this life-threatening storm. They were all completely clueless and unprofessional. KPLC had their signal tower fall into the station due to the hurricane and I can’t imagine what could’ve happened if Greg DeBrosse and John Ware made their employees stay there. Upon returning to the station after a month of living in hotels and working tirelessly to have a newscast for our target audience who 95% didn’t even have cable service, the environment became even more toxic. Managers were rude to employees, employees were BURNT OUT, and still management were not on the same page when the second storm, hurricane Delta hit. It was completely mind-blowing how corrupted this news station is. Managers play favorites if you bow down to them or do everything they say but you’re in for a ride if you speak up for yourself or set your boundaries. They don’t like when you defend yourself and they will talk about you and treat you less than. KPLC has lost 11 employees between September 2019 – December 2019. This has nothing to do with this station being a starting market but has everything to do with management and the lack there of. I wish I could post screenshots of my emails, text messages and recored phone calls to reveal the truth but hopefully writing this serves a reliable insight for anyone who is looking to work here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall advice: It’s not worth your mental health. Proceed at your own risk and good luck.”
News Director: Cathie Batbie
“She is very cut-throat and unreasonable. She is one of the worst to work for.”
While working for KVOA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It is an extremely toxic work environment. Cathie plays favorites big time and mainly based on physical appearance and who will kiss up to her. Everyone is terrified of her, including the assistant news director, Ina Ronquillo – so Ina will throw you under the bus to make herself look good. The station was bought out by Quincy and they fired a lot of important people, so it is very understaffed. You’ll be required to do way more work than possible and beat down over and over again.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dawn Miller
“Dawn means well, but is dealing with the constrains that the whole news department sees, that being understaffing. Often tasks are shouldered by people, including the MMJs, whose jobs should not include those tasks.”
While working for WOLF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is the prime location for someone to experience burnout. While the staff members are great, almost everyone who works here has, on multiple occasions, expresses serious frustrations with leadership, communication, and resources. This station was not built for career longevity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This is a news share with anchors and producers halfway across the country in Indiana. There is only one show at 10 pm which means after 5:30 pm, you are basically on your own since management at the PA location is gone. Anchors are working on another show and producers are not familiar with the area. There is no assignment editor or other support staff. If you are looking to get experience and don’t mind toughing it out for two years, this is for you. You do get opportunities to cover the big stories since it’s a small staff and nobody can play too much of a seniority card since nobody stays very long.”
News Director: Kevin Brennan
“I honestly don’t know what he does every day. No presence in the newsroom.”
While working for WSAV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is not run like a newsroom should be run. The staff does nothing but create more drama which creates a bad work environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT WORK HERE! If you’re looking for your first or second job this is not the place. The newsroom is run by a bunch of people who don’t care to put out a good news product. I’m shocked that the viewers actually watch. Most people who work here have been here for 10-20 years but the reporter turnover is high. Apparently this station use to run somewhat decent but now it’s all down hill. A number of reporters/producers don’t even fully finish their contracts. The number 3 station is quickly catching up so I won’t be surprised if the ratings change.
We don’t chase stories and we rarely show up to breaking news scenes that we should be at. The call can come over the scanner and nobody pays attention. They will depend on the freelancer to go get video and sound and won’t have a reporter presence on scene. There are good stories that we miss all the time or we report it the day after when it’s old. If you’re looking to get more live experience you won’t get it. Want to go live for breaking news? Nope, you won’t get anything for your reel and we have shootings all the time. Ask for a photog and you’ll be told no unless you’re a favorite. The photogs are lazy and we only have four. There is no set nightside photog so the MMJ will have to pick up every story that pops up.
The producers only care about filling time but will never drop a story to put something new in. They rerun stories from the night before and they’ll even pull stories from Friday and over the weekend to fill up the Monday shows with old news. I have no idea what our ND does all day but he doesn’t contribute to the every day news process only sending out a few emails a day with small updates that should probably make the shows but it never does. He’ll leave that up to the EP who could care less. If you don’t work dayside don’t expect any attention to go to the morning show or nightside shows.
Because of the pandemic all reporters and photographers are working at home and I can say we all love it because we don’t have to deal with the people at the station, but there are no resources to make sure you get your work done at home effectively. There is a constant battle of trying to make this station better and catch up to the number one but nobody cares to put in the work. If you like storytelling you won’t get better here. If you have a problem plan for it not to be solved.
My best advice to you is run in the opposite direction of this station. The market does offer some bigger stories sometimes especially in 2020 with the election but after this dies down you’ll struggle to find good stories. You can honestly do whatever story you want at this station just so you fill your time. You can say the sky is falling just to get something in the show.
Lastly, negotiate your contract! There are several reporters here who get the run around. Most signed for 3-2.5 years but others were lucky and got 2 years.”
News Director: Olivia Dangler
While working for WHTM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“All other reviews for this station are accurate. Extremely toxic environment. Managers gossip about employees and do not address problems. Hard work goes unnoticed. People who do nothing get praised for sucking up.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you care about your mental health, do not work here.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“Terrible. The newsroom is pretty chaotic and disorganized. More so than a normal newsroom. Jeff likes to flip schedules around pretty frequently. If you upset him or challenge him in any way, you’ll be on the overnights for a few months. Overall it’s a toxic and negative environment. Turnover is pretty high. That’s why they require producers to sign contracts and non competes.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Quite possibly the most unpleasant place I have ever worked. The news director thrives on making his people miserable. Glad I finally got out. He has forced many many good people out of the business. People are fighting and even breaking contracts to get out of here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This used to be a great station. Current management has made it a terrible place to work. I feel sorry for those who are still stuck there. Y’all get out! Be brave! Move on to something better! Glad I did.”
News Director: Elbert Tucker
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for WKRN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is extremely poorly managed. Severely understaffed. No positive feedback or reinforcement from management, employees are not appreciated or valued. Zero consideration for employee well-being. Overworked and underpaid is the name of the game. Be ready to do the workload of several people. This station operates like a small market. Abusive and toxic.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do yourself a favor and work at channel 5.”
News Director: Greg Debrosse
“Terrible choice for a ND. Turtles in make or break situations.”
While working for KPLC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The Station is full of “Burnouts” basically slothing by for a pay check. Even though it’s obviously a starter market, there’s no teaching moments or constructive criticism. You get talked down to constantly. And if you decide to stand up for yourself, you’re accused of being unprofessional.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“My main realization that ND was not looking out for the safety of his staff was when Hurricane Laura approached our area, it took a auxiliary meteorologist (who came in from a sister station) to call his ND & GM to tell Greg to evacuate the building because he did not want to sacrifice content. Because of his ignorance, everyone had to make a 2 hour drive to Baton Rouge in tropical storm weather to get somewhere safe. Glad he did call his bosses to tell Greg because our antenna tower toppled into our studio. Two of the three managers and a producer just decided to do their own thing when we evacuated instead of going to where they were supposed to and no reprimand was handed out. He then proceeded to write an (now deleted) op-ed on LinkedIn on how “he made the decision to leave KPLC” making himself out to be a selfless hero while we busted our asses to stream a barebones broadcast online.
The next hurricane coverage in October (Delta) during my wall to wall, I had to be the leader because when a system in the TMP room started to fail, Greg’s face is buried into his hands instead of being on top of things working with engineering to find a solution. Later that night when
No sense of teamwork in the newsroom between shifts. It gets very territorial.
70% of the work that gets done is by the young producers/reporters/digital. The “managers” rather just coast along except for David Bray who is the backbone of that newsroom and keeps things running.
Once you tell them you’re leaving it’s like open season for them to take childish, passive shots at you during your notice window.
And don’t bother confronting Greg on it because he goes with the “oh you heard that wrong, I meant it this way” line that everyone sees through. Just no accountability for the “leadership”
If you do decide to work at KPLC, always listen to David because he steers you in the right direction that helps set up and prepare you when you advance your career.”
News Director: J.R. Havens
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KFYR this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director’s mood is completely erratic. Screams at everyone. Will find any reason to get rid of a reporter even if they drove thousands of miles for the position. Most difficult year of my life, but i wouldn’t have got the position I’m at now, if it weren’t for my experience there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Anyone willing to work here should tread carefully and have a back-up position. The only good thing about that station is Cliff Naylor.”
News Director: Alex De Leon
Experience described as: “Excellent. I would even say the best boss I’ve ever had”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Working at this station was an incredible personal growth experience. Most of the reporters and producers are fresh out of college but the vets in the newsroom are there to help you grow. Alex was my news director for 2 of my 3 years there. He constantly challenged me and believed in my talent. In addition, the newsroom offers many opportunities to get promoted. The employees become a family, it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere, so special. The negative reviews left here are from the same person who was fired for throwing a tantrum and attacking management. This newsroom is THE place you want to start your career at.”
News Director: CJ Hoyt
“Started at the beginning of the pandemic which has prevented him from getting to know the team. Nor has he tried, stay in his office and sends emails. Assistant News Director runs the ship.”
While working for WXIN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Female reporters are treated poorly by upper management. Problems with management being on the same page. Moral is very low since the Nexstar merger, many have left.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall great station before Nexstar. One of the best. Still has potential but will take a lot of work. Needs a news director who knows what they are doing. One who doesn’t work for the company but the station.”
News Director: Lissa Hamblen
Experience described as: “Very good, comfortable experience”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great station to work for. Your co-workers are your friends. You almost always get a photographer. It’s a stressful job, but the News Director, Asst News Director and Assignment Editor do everything they can to make it easier for you. This is a great place to live, learn and create a strong reel. Despite being the #2 station, I would prefer it over rumors of a toxic work environment at the #1 station.”
News Director: Mel Watson
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for WTVG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Constant negative feedback, no training, talking behind your back, set up to fail then blamed for it, general incompetence, constant finger-pointing, playing favorites, no communication especially of expectations”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone hates their job, but can’t get out because of their contracts. It’s a legacy station where the veteran reporters do next to no work and everyone else has to pick up the slack. The station recently got its first MMJs, and they are constantly berated, given the worst stories, and held to impossible standards. Every time you start to feel confident, someone will cut you down. There are too many bosses, all with different expectations, none of which are conveyed clearly. Working here has been the worst experience of my life. Most people who work here are lazy and incompetent, and they make the MMJs’ lives really hard. Then the MMJs are constantly told they’re not good enough and not doing enough, despite usually working 10-12 hours every day and being paid for 8.”
News Director: Bernie Ritter
“He doesn’t know what he is doing and plays favorite. He praised those willing to work overtime for no extra pay but if you just ignore him, he would ignore you so that was nice.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Very unorganized but you were given a lot of creative freedom. Management never seemed to hate an idea I pitched. I wouldn’t recommend this station simply because management would recognize that there were some horrible employees (ones who just couldn’t pull their weight) and instead of fixing the problem, they’d just talk about them to others.”
News Director: Bernie Ritter
“Absolutely awful. Chose favorite reporters, did not defend me when I was sexually harassed, expected me to work for free (on an hourly wage) because “the station was no longer giving overtime”
While working for WNCT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When I was sexually harassed via email by a viewer, I was reprimanded by the news director for responding and standing up for myself. The ND claimed “we don’t respond to viewers in a negative way” and actually said that I “brought [the harassment] on myself” because of what I was wearing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Three months into working at the station, they said they would “no longer be paying overtime,” but we were still ordered to work extra hours. We were not paid anything for those hours, despite making an hourly wage. The news director favored reporters who didn’t fight back against this, and often praised them while tearing down other reporters.
I was an MMJ in a bureau an hour and a half from the main station, and never received any feedback from the main station unless it was negative. I was also reprimanded for not coming in to optional, unpaid work meetings held on the weekends at the main station.
I quit my job after 8 months because it took such a toll on my mental health that I lost nearly 30 pounds. When I quit, they threatened to make me pay out my full contract, despite North Carolina having a “right to work” law which prohibits this. I was told to “make an offer” of what I would pay to get out of my contract. The news director also threatened to take me to court if the offer wasn’t high enough, and said that I would lose because I didn’t have enough money to fight with Nexstar.
This was a truly terrible work environment, and I hope my review helps other MMJs avoid this station.”
News Director: Rick McLaughlin
“He is great, just ask him. Wait.. don’t. He will tell you anyway.”
While working for WAPT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you’re young and want a chance to make a difference, go elsewhere. The ND does not create opportunities for anyone and only talks about how great he is.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The only thing this station has going for it is the anchors they plucked from other stations in this market.”
News Director: Randy Bain
Experience described as: “Pleasant but also seems to play favorites.”
While working for KTBS this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Some managers were anti-Hispanic and quite frankly racist. Once, one manager said, “We’re in America,” after he insisted a Hispanic name be pronounced the wrong way. Similar racist attitude amongst some former and current reporters. Male managers favor white people over POC. With only one full-time photographer, unlike the competition, reporters/MMJ typically cover 2-5 stories in a day. In recent years, long-time anchors who paid their dues were rewarded with some kind of demotion in the form of adding reporter duties and less time on the desk. Instead of hiring the right number of employees to get the job done, managers just put excessive work load on its employees. They push for more and more content for broadcast and online platforms without considering the impact on underpaid and overworked employees. If you want to work tirelessly without overtime pay or comp time, work here. If you’re allergic to a toxic environment, do yourself a massive favor and apply elsewhere. One positive comment: there are No contracts for most MMJs. That means you can walk away after a few months which is what many do. Those who have stayed constantly complain about how miserable they are at work and are trying to find ways to leave.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“HR was pretty much non-existent. Employees do not have a voice. This station cannot keep employees for more than a few years for a reason.”
News Director: Cathie Batbie
“She plays favorites hard. She can be very cut-throat if you are not on her good side.”
While working for KVOA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is overall toxic. Assistant news director is terrified of the ND and will throw reporters under the bus in a heartbeat to make herself look better. ND is also extremely tough on women and their appearances.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rhonda Lavelle
Experience described as: “Awe full, toxins, belittling”
While working for WXYZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Rhonda tells and screams or writes passive aggressive emails constant.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative Toxic
Additional comments:
“You just do what your told. Don’t ever question anything”
News Director: Chris Henao
“Nice guy, but lacks decisiveness, leadership, and aggressiveness”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“The KHOU newsroom isn’t toxic, it’s just terribly disorganized, lacks leadership, and has no structure. The management team is very green and the dayside EP falsified timesheets for several producers, to eliminate the overtime they rightfully worked. It has the feeling of a small market and that’s obvious in the on-air product. It’s unfortunate because KHOU used to be a heritage and legacy station in the market.”
News Director: Elbert Tucker
Experience described as: “Lackluster”
While working for WKRN this person experienced:
“The morale at the station is extremely low. ND seems bitter and rarely praises the hard work done in the newsroom. Instead, he complains at anyone’s efforts. Station is severely understaffed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid it, at all cost.”
News Director: Amy Sullivan
Experience described as: “Brash, incompetent news director; no newsroom leadership; everyone is just coasting”
While working for KGBT/KVEO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Very bad place to be. Everyone is expected to do double-duty. If you’re an anchor, you produce. If you’re a producer, you’re producing 2 shows. If you’re an MMJ, you’re doing hits for both stations (duopoly). There is a lack of action when it comes to breaking news. We were always short-staffed. The news director is a producer, not a leader, and the way she carries herself makes that obvious. There’s no real leadership here, everyone is just coasting. We can’t even look up to the anchors for real advice because they’re the same age as MMJs and producers. It’s like college all over again.”
News Director: Mitch Davis
“Mitch is an interesting person. He’s a great salesman and makes sure he talks up all these things he’s going to do for you, then never follows through. He plays favorites, talks down to and degrades new reporters almost daily on the morning phone call. He will never have your back either. He’s very hands off when it comes to newsroom operations and spends most of the day up in his office.”
While working for WKBN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“All I have to say is look at the station website bios. There is currently only one person of color that works not in just the newsroom, but THE WHOLE STATION. This is not a friendly place for any race. Multiple racial comments are made all the time by multiple members of the staff and it is a very alt. right leaning atmosphere.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There is no set schedule unless you are a main anchor or weather. Some days you’ll be off Monday Tuesday other days you’ll be off Thursday Friday which makes you work 8-9 days in a row. You can also work a nightside shift then a morning shift the next day with less than 8 hours in between. You do get a lot of crime experience if that’s up your alley. The housing situation for out of state hires is awful too. Youngstown is pretty much a warzone so you have to be careful with where you live. The only good manager is Jason Vinkler, he truly cares for your well-being and will take things seriously. The others are mediocre at best. Please do not let Mitch trick you into coming here with a bunch of empty promises. The handling of COVID-19 has been less than spectacular, they’ve exposed multiple employees and won’t tell them, just be warned.”
News Director: Steve Booher
“Very hands off. Old school in a bad way. Makes sexist, ableist comments.”
While working for KNPG this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They are so desperate for people they will not fire anyone. HR complaints lead to conversations so nothing is put on the record. They are a hybrid station so you will have to work for the paper as well, and there are not enough people to make things run smoothly. They do not pay overtime and do reimburse the legal amount for mileage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The town itself is very toxic. I saw so many journalists leave the industry because they became so discouraged here.”
News Director: Sarah Truitt
Experience described as: “Mentor, constructive feedback, flexible.”
While working for WMDT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
“One of the station’s previous employees was sexually harassing almost all of the reporters, often over social media DMs. No one spoke up until the employee left for a new job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“This is a great station to start. You can try your hand at almost anything and get experience covering anything you are interested in. If you are passionate about a topic, you will likely be able to cover it. The work load is heavy but it prepares you for moving higher into a Top 50 market. Most of the reporters are right out of college. You can grow here and learn a lot if you have an open mind and positive attitude. The equipment is not reliable and annoying to deal with at times. The station doesn’t have a lot of money to work with which explains the equipment and low salaries. The set is completely virtual/green screen.”
News Director:
“The current news director is good. News share – producers and anchors work out of South Bend but reporters, photogs, and everyone else is in Toledo. The newsroom environment in Toledo is overall exciting & not toxic.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“At times, things are unorganized but overall it’s not a bad place to work.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
“Chad Mahoney and the GM Carlos Fernandez create an undeniably toxic work environment that spreads throughout the entire news department.”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unorganized, poor communication, and extremely negative. Treatment of females is horrible and degrading. This is supposed to be a station that works with photographers/reporters to grow their skillset, however only about 2% of the photographer/reporters move on to other stations. In fact, the majority of the photogs/reporters who work there never continue in the news business. Ironic that it’s supposed to be starting point for budding journalists, but no one ever continues down that career path. Chad Mahoney is rude, degrading, sexist and stifles any sort of creativity. Not a good place for a journalist to grow. Look somewhere else!”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
Experience described as: “Toxic, unsupported”
While working for KNOE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Any journalist who wants to excel in this industry…I suggest you run far away from this station. Brad Ginsberg is incompetent as a news director and the newsroom is always severely understaffed. Brad rewards the mediocre white women in the newsroom with opportunities due to favoritism and silences the concerns and needs of other employees. He enables the employees he favors to feel as if they have more authority in this newsroom than they do. This is also his first position in leadership and it shows. There is an insufficient amount of equipment for all of the reporters. This is not the kind of environment where you should go if you want to feel supported and grow.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for WTAJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is very unorganized and there is an extreme lack of communication. Quantity of work is worth more than the people and even quality of work (that could also be a Nexstar thing). Employees are under-valued up until they threaten to leave (because one less employee means less content), mistreated and given absolutely no feedback. Some people get away with producing no work while others are expected to provide 4-5 stories.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The things mentioned are NOT common in all newsrooms that I’ve been a part of so don’t let that discourage you. It should make you wonder when you have two producers quit after less than three weeks and two photographers quit after only a few months (with most of the newsroom that is contracted wanting out as well).
The General Manager is respectable and does care for his employees, however, isn’t directly involved with daily newsroom activities.”
While working for KWES this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“seeing coworkers do it with each other is menacing………especially seeing the managers doing it with the employees…….favoritism is menacing……….”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A you can find something alot better then the drama:……cant say i expect alot from a small dma where everyone’s dating and having sex”
News Director: Janet Hundley
Experience described as: “Horrifying”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Janet hundley makes dumb decisions ( when she makes any at all) she plays favorites and has a running career history of lawsuits and tanking station ratings”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The nd. Assistant nd managing editor ep are all useless and inexperienced, even the gm is on her first gm job. A great station at one time that has tanked and is now micro managed by inexperienced “managers””
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 I’ve 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 you’re 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 don’t 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 O’Neill
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 didn’t look right (although it was exactly what he asked for.) if you don’t 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, don’t work for him. And if you’re definitely not okay with him talking about private meetings meant just for him and HR, do not work for this man. I don’t 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 didn’t 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 they’re in the “in-crowd,” 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 wouldn’t 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 didn’t 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 didn’t like you and he wasn’t going to make your time there easy, disrespectful, didn’t 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. He’s a horrible “leader” which is not what he deserves to be called at all. Did I mention the 30 plus jobs he’s 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:
“Don’t work here. Underpaid people as well. They run on a skeleton crew to save a quick buck. People have three different position titles and don’t 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 woman’s place is in the home where they belong and no one will listen to a woman’s opinion because it isn’t 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:
“It’s 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 didn’t even realize how toxic the work environment was until I got my first “real” 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: Barb Roethler
“Horrible. She’s manipulative, conniving, sends empty emails and expects you to guess what she wants. will ask you if you knocked on someone’s door for ratings. Ethics out the window for her. She really does not care. Get everything in writing. Everything and start documenting everything because she’ll do the same for you and have it ready whenever she feels like you overstepped you’re boundaries or challenges her authority.”
While working for WILX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not open to creative control, you’re 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. She’ll 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 don’t go.”
News Director: Jess O’Neill
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 pkg’s 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 director’s office but, if ever, comments on looking pretty, “I don’t like that dress on you,” etc. we’re 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 “play the game” 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 don’t 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 “you’re being let go” meeting, they actually told me “non-farm” 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 “non-farm” people. Who would have thought that’s 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 (“we actually worked there?!”) but I wanted to be sure to warn others in case they’re considering working there. Especially now that Katie Farritor is News Director. If you’re a true journalist, don’t be tempted when they tell you it’s a “network” job. It’s not an actual news network. And the company is so far in debt, it’s 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. There’s 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
“Doesn’t 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 doesn’t 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. You’re 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 wouldn’t have been able to at a bigger station. I’m 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 everyone’s 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 it’s 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. “Volunteer“ 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, it’s 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 he’s 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. You’ve been warned!”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
“Easily the most worthless news director. She isn’t a leader and picks favorites who kiss ass. She doesn’t take responsibility for any of her mistakes and will blame it on her employees because this is a starter market and they won’t stand up for themselves. Allows well known anchors to bully the newer/less experienced employees. I’ve 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 had—a 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 “good Ol’ boys.” He treats women as objects, despises younger guys because he sees them as “threats,” 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 it’s 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 can’t deal with “difficult” personalities, and who do not play fair—what 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 “difficult” in a hurry. They’ll 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. Let’s just say, one year after he jumped on board, 20+ people have been fired, pushed out or simply walked because it’s 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 it’s entirely the fault of Warren Stewart and Eric Stremming (station manager… what a joke)
If I didn’t 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 don’t 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. You’ll get to try new things, and you’ll go as far as your own ambition will take you.
I’ve moved up through the ranks in record time — 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 you’re a toxic person who isn’t a team player, then you’re 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 “this is how we’ve always done it.””
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 it’s “the way we’ve always done it.” 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 “good show” 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 you’re 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 I’ve 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 “desk candy.” As well as saying no one cared what she wore because “who would want her to cover up.”
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 couldn’t have cared less about it, even when the employee left for her own safety, he would tarnish her reputation for being a “quitter.””
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 aren’t done the way he thinks they should be done.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There’s some great journalists in this building but it’s the news director’s way or the highway. If you don’t suck up to him, you get treated like trash. It’s 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 you’re worthy of the help. Workers that don’t care don’t get the extra help that people who go the extra mile get.
Communication could be better but it’s 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. He’s extremely hard on African American reporters compared to other races. He’s burnt out and needs to retire. He doesn’t 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 what’s 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 didn’t 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:
“I’ve heard they’ve 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. He’s not as bad as people will tell you who don’t 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
“It’s your typical small market station, no one wants to stay there and group speak makes everyone aware of their hatred and piles on. It’s Sinclair but they avoid the worst of the Sinclair style. They run the must runs but the local news isn’t 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, it’s your typical small station. Young group that has fun but hates being in a small town and think they’re 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 you’re a go getter, you’ll 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. They’re 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
“You’ll be prevented from advancing your career because of your age and gender. You’ll 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 don’t like having to constantly stand up for yourself and your work you won’t survive working here. But if mediocre surface stories are your thing you’ll be fine. All of the good reporters left at once and several poor hiring choices have been made since then. You’ll 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
“She’s not qualified for the position. Bases everything off her emotions instead of what’s 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
“He’s not to bad but some of the hires weren’t 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 aren’t your job and don’t pay you for the extra work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s fine for a starter place but I wouldn’t work here for more than a year. It weighs heavily on mental health. There’s 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. Doesn’t 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 wasn’t 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 GM’s 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
“Tom’s 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 didn’t 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 didn’t put up with drama . It didn’t matter if they were a reporter, producer , Anchor been there for a long time , it didn’t 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. It’s 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. He’s very persuasive when he wants something, and will make promises to you for the future, but doesn’t actually adhere to them. ALWAYS get EVERYTHING in writing. He loves the “managing editor” Latricia Thomas. Anything she says goes and she knows it. Tom is a little old fashioned and doesn’t agree with most of the new reporters stories. Unless it involves being dirty and calling out people in the city. Great man, but doesn’t 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 that’s getting the juicy stories.
There are people that make the newsroom toxic, and unfortunately it’s 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 that’s being paid to mentor reporters and MMJs. Latricia picks her favorites and if you’re not one of them she’s sure to let you know it. She takes all your scripts and makes them her own. Don’t expect to actually do or write something you’re passionate about. She’ll read it, crumble it up and throw it out then force you to read and claim what she wrote as your own. She doesn’t change things because they’re factually incorrect or because it sounds weird, she changes it because she wants it to be her writing.
She doesn’t give compliments or praise when deserved to any of the reporters, and when she does you can feel that it’s being forced from her.
When you pitch a story idea, she’ll make sure you feel ignorant for even saying it out loud.
She speaks to her employees as if they’re all in preschool when she’s trying to get her point across.
If you get something finished throughout the day on time or early it will NEVER be good enough, she’ll expect you to get more and demand things that just aren’t 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 you’re 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 that’s if you’re lucky and aren’t elected to be top of 5 and 5:30.
She believes both packages must be different, but doesn’t care if that makes your job harder. You’re also required to post to social media three times a day at the minimum, begin your web story before shows, and if you don’t expect a passive aggressive text message from her.
She’s 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 you’re a favorite).
She doesn’t 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. It’s 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 it’s just her in the newsroom, she’s 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 you’re in sales you’ll 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 she’s 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: 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. They’re all over the place. It’s 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 you’re 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 you’re coming there to do. I can’t 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 I’ve 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. I’ll 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, I’d 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, that’s 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 can’t wait to leave.”
While working for WBMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You just can’t 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:
“I’m so happy to be leaving this place. I can’t wait to really bloom in my next role.”
News Director: Jeff Houston
“I don’t want to bash him. However, he’s 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 wasn’t always like this the former ND, Garry, was fair and a hard worker. He’d work the desk in an ongoing breaking situation like snow. He’d fill in on a show if someone’s child got sick …. he’d listen and consider other ideas. He wasn’t 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 hasn’t recovered. So many people get out of the biz, quit with no job lined up, and cry in the parking lot. It’s no way to live. I haven’t 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. He’s 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 wasn’t the same station. Everyone is miserable. Everyone! I’m 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 I’ve 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 “non team player”. I reported it over and over and nothing was done about it until I was finally demoted.
The News Director’s mottos for leadership: “I prefer to inspire with fear” and “if people like you, you aren’t doing a good job.”
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: 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. He’s 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 doesn’t.”
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 wasn’t 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 survivor’s 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 Quincy’s 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. You’re 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 you’re 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 didn’t make things better like some people had hoped. Not sure what’s going on, but management has yet to fill most of those positions, although it’s been months. The station likes to put on a front like it’s a welcoming, friendly, ‘Iowa nice’ 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. You’d 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. Doesn’t listen to concerns. People feel unsafe working around toxic employee. Glad I left. Get out if you’re 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 I’d 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 “negative” or says “maybe this isn’t for you.” 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 didn’t hire because he, “hadn’t been a manager before.” Meanwhile, the ND is a first time ND. All he cares about is click bait and video. No storytelling. Doesn’t have reporter’s 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 “the problem.””
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 I’ve found if you show initiative, are a team player, ask for help when you need it and don’t 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. There’s 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 it’s shows when talent jumps to higher markers after leaving. There’s 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, you’ve 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 let’s her staff cover stories they choose. The slogan is “straight from the heart” 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 stations’ newscasts are almost unwatchable. Their sets are out of date and the reporters don’t 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? You’ve 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
“She’s 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 I’ve ever had. I’ve never met a bigger asshole who didn’t understand why most everyone hates him. On the rare chance he does speak to, he’ll 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 couldn’t care any less about you. You’re 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 don’t 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. He’s 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. You’ll 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 “bro”‘instead of a “boss”, doesn’t care for anyone member of the newsroom unless they’re “ buddy buddy” with him, he’s 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 it’s 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. It’s 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 it’s not good. While attending workshops, I’d introduce myself and my station. More than half of the responses are “oh, I’m sorry.” First impressions are everything, and this station can’t 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 doesn’t 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 can’t self-motivate. I think there’s potential for huge growth, but I regularly have to deal with stigma against non-traditional media, which is very real and is something I didn’t expect when I accepted. We publish at www.youtube.com/realworldpolice“
News Director: Rubén 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 that’s 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 he’s 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. You’ll learn a lot, especially from George and corporate consultants. The KIMT team is a fun bunch. We hang out even when we’re off the clock. You know the phrase “the customer is always right?” If you treat management like the customer and can swallow your pride, you’ll 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 she’s out in the newsroom playing music and dancing, the next she’s 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 don’t care about their employees mental or physical health at all. You’ll 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 “getting that time back” 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 it’s 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 you’re 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 you’re 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 you’ll 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 aren’t prioritized or valued. The standards aren’t uniform for all employees. Raises aren’t 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 won’t matter.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Joe Inderhees
“He’s bipolar. He’s moods determine what kind of day you’ll 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:
“Don’t expect a raise when negotiating. They only give the anchors and seasoned employees good pay raises. Everyone else don’t 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 he’s 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 aren’t from the Midwest or at least Ohio in the News Director’s terms. Only hires people he feels comfortable with.
This is a dead-end station with a lot of favoritism. Most unprofessional work environment I’ve ever worked in. Culture is worse than high school.
You don’t matter, your career doesn’t 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:
“That’s nice all the young kids get big wig titles but they’ll 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:
“It’s a great place for a mid-size or starter market. Has it’s ups and downs but I appreciated the people here. It’s 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. Won’t 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
“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, let’s 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 won’t struggle with story pitches in Albuquerque. You’ll 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, it’s 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 don’t 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:
“It’s sad to see what was once a great station be dug into the ground by those two. Don’t 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. Doesn’t 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 won’t do anything until someone actually has the guts to sue. I understand that the longtime Operations manager recently “retired” mainly due to the ND and I’ve 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, he’ll 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
“I’m 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 station’s 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 couldn’t take Lori’s 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 don’t 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 doesn’t have to do with Nexstar’s 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:
“You’ll learn a lot if you can deal with the assistant news director. It’ll be a good learning experience and you’ll 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: 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 didn’t even let a whole year. The one before that, Warren Stewart, lasted a year and a half (should’ve 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. It’s hard to tell how much of the harrowing morale is corporate’s 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 she’s featured in either a VOSOT or PKG every week or so. I’ve never seen a GM put her face on TV, let alone as often as she does. I’ve heard from producers these Amy-featured-segments are “must-run”.”
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 buyer’s remorse. Everybody I know that’s escaped this unholy infrastructure have told me “it’s like a weight has been lifted” 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….they’re dead last every day. As in it’s 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 we’ll 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 don’t work there anymore) there’s 1 producer writing and boothing the entire 2 and a half morning show. I believe the 10pm producer is usually a producer that’s already done one of the earlier shows as well. That’s absolutely outrageous.
You might think, “we’ll at least you get good overtime, right?”
Well, yes and no. Mostly no. They’ll 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 didn’t 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 you’ll probably find is that if you stay there long enough, eventually you’ll make slightly more money through yearly raises, etc, right? That’s pretty normal. But as soon as the bosses notice you’re making considerably more money than some of your less experienced peers, they’ll railroad you out of there in a bogus way to make room for the budget. I’ve seen this happen.
The ONE person apparently impervious to managerial criticism and budgetary constraints is the Chief Meteorologist. I don’t know how true this is, but I hear he’s got a friend (if not several) on the corporate level at Scripps. That wouldn’t bother me so much if he didn’t have the worst work ethic of anyone I’ve ever worked with.
He’s the one person at the station I’ve directly worked with whom I’ve had consistent problems. He’s screwed over producers and directors alike during shows all the time. Sometimes I’d stop myself and think, “Hey, I think it’s been a whole week since our Chief Met hasn’t done anything to aggravate me.” Like clockwork, though, as soon as I think that, he does something stupid on the air. He’ll say “ummm” a bunch and put a turkey graphic over Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of Thursday on the extended forecast graphic. At least once a day he’s not ready for his first wx hit even though we’ve printed him a rundown AND told him point blank when he’s coming up. Stuff like that. Yet somehow, he’s 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, you’ll probably make some decent friends along the way, but you won’t make money and you’ll be miserable. Don’t 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. There’s 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. There’s also been an ongoing problem with photographers loosing their cool while covering stories—throwing keys at reporters, throwing gear, violently slamming doors. It’s 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 aren’t 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 they’re 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 her—which means several more qualified employees are being cheated. It’s another big problem here at KOAT. Please, send help, but not Hearst corporate because they’ll 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 doesn’t know how to identify good talent. Fireable actions are brushed aside and employees’ concerns aren’t take seriously. There has been a mass exodus of good employees because of the toxic work environment created by management’s 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. It’s a young newsroom. But management doesn’t 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 management’s 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 “TV female prostitution” promotes and gives females what they want if and ONLY if they look the part in managment’s Eyes!
Seriously if you want to sell yourself as “a prostitute” 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. I’ve 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: 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 didn’t make one single new hire—that 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. Jerry’s motto is “care so much it shows” and it does show. He brings a positive attitude to the newsroom every day and is encouraging and uplifting. Under Jerry’s 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 — I’m 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 aren’t 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 it’s 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 he’s 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 don’t 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 won’t
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 doesn’t know how to manage people, bad behavior gets rewarded while hardworking employees can’t catch any breaks. ND not an authority figure, no consequences given when issues arise. First time assistant news director is a nice person, butnalso can’t manage people and doesn’t like confrontation. Lots of complaining, people trashing management, talking behind other employees’ backs, green reporters, producers and photographers hired but nothing is done to help them learn, “sink or swim” 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 you’re new to the business and looking to learn, don’t come here. If you’re 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 can’t say enough. Knows what he’s 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 it’s down to business — everyone is in the zone. Been here for a few years now, I know I should be leaving soon but it’s 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 “my brotha or my sista” 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 someone’s job who still works there, even if they’re not leaving. His favorite game is to pit employees against one another. He’ll 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 he’s mad at you, he takes out revenge with story selection and schedule shifting. He’s an absolute monster about time, don’t 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 he’s 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 I’ve ever met.”
While working for KEPR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Want to know what it’s like to go to hell? Welcome to KEPR. The most negative, degrading, unhealthy news environment you’ll 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. I’ve experienced many newsroom environments that were all positive and know this is a bad one. It’s 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. It’s 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 building’s 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 newsroom—not knowing who reporters are, not knowing the coverage area—that it makes it hard to imagine things will straighten out until either the GM or the ND caves to the other—a 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
“Doesn’t 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. I’ve 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 “vision” at all. I’m not sure why Tegna keeps him there. He really has them fooled. He brags about how much of a “tight wad” he is and it shows by how many reporters don’t 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 can’t 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 aren’t 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. I’m mainly talking about corporate and Guyanne Taylor, but don’t 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 doesn’t look out for anyone but herself. I know a lot of people have left this station because of her. She’s acts understanding and supportive, but when it comes to what she tells corporate, it’s a whole new narrative. The newsroom is being led by someone who doesn’t know how to run a newsroom. Glad I’m 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
News Director: Kay Norred
“Kay Norred is the absolute worst person I’ve ever known.”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m going to start this with a few very simple words: DO NOT WORK AT THIS STATION! NEVER WORK WITH OR FOR KAY NORRED! NEVER WORK WITH OR FOR ARIKA ZINK! It’s really that plain and simple. Now for details. Imagine your worst day at work ever, and multiply that infinitely…you’ll only come close to what it’s like to work for this place day in and day out. My best day at this station was my last day when I walked out of the gates of hell. Kay Norred is a walking definition of a psychopath and narcissist. She acts all nice and sweet as can be on the surface, and will stab you directly in the back as soon as you turn around. She has no consideration for your life or time outside of work. She expects you to function like a brainwashed robot. If she says jump you better ask how high or else you’ll be off her “A team” as fast as you can blink. You call out sick and she’ll guilt trip you on the call. Then she’ll make sure everyone in the building knows how unreliable you are because you used a sick day. This is only the beginning of a very long rap sheet of problems that nearly everyone at that station has had with her. I honestly don’t even want to waste too much time talking about the dumpster fire that the GM is. The only logical string of words you’ll hear come out of her mouth is “from that viewpoint” and “for that matter.” Most of the time she doesn’t even use that properly! She knows about all of the problems that people have with the ND and does nothing about it. She’s swept so many HR complaints under the rug that she could easily be sued so hard that Nexstar would go broke. Oh and I should add a little tidbit about the feud between the Chief Met John Carroll and the Morning Met. It’s been going on for 3 years. The chief hates the morning guy with a burning passion, and trust me, you WILL hear him openly talk about it ALL THE TIME. He has already had two great meteorologists leave the station because they couldn’t stand to work for him anymore. If you’re a meteorologist looking for work, you would be better off forecasting for little league soccer tournaments than working for John and the station. I’ll close with these words again: DO NOT WORK AT THIS STATION!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I know it’s easy to think someone may exaggerate their experience. I’m begging you, for the sake of your career, don’t work here. You will regret it. Do some simple research. It won’t take long for you to understand that WFXR is not the place you want to be.”
News Director: Dan Fabrizio
“ND is petty and uninspiring, takes any slight indifference to his ideas as personal challenges to his reputation and the station in his short tenure in position”
While working for WAVE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“MMJs not encouraged to do anything beyond following the ND’s line of what quality reporting is, regardless of how realistic or safe those ideas are. Any opinions beyond those are unwelcome and staff regularly feel uncomfortable speaking up.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“I learned a lot during the time I was there. The production crew was wonderful to work with, they helped prepare me for the work force.”
News Director: Brooke Rothenberg
Experience described as: “Very difficult in a way its like you have to kiss up to them to get what you want.”
While working for News 12 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The workplace overall needs a lot of work to do. Many of the managers do not know how to speak to their employees. They sometimes treat them as they are better than them and should feel lucky to work at this station”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Working there as a freelancer sucks because you aren’t called in as often. Additionally, very small space to grow if you want be a reporter or anchor. Easy for you to be an assignment editor or producer but you have to watch your back. They are always watching to make sure you make no mistakes. They will ridicule you behind your back to other employees. Very disheartening. The assistant news director Brooke isn’t as approachable as she claims to seem. Shuts you down often when you inquire for things or would like to try something new. Also, some of the colleagues are rude and feel because they have been there longer that they can speak to you anyhow… totally unacceptable. Good place if you are looking to gain experience but don’t stay there for long. Some of the anchors there need to be replaced. Don’t represent the network or community well.”
News Director: Mike Mickle
“The General Manager and News Director show very poor leadership. News Director is hardly ever in his newsroom and spends more time on outside obligations than his newscasts.”
While working for WHBF this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is an especially toxic work environment for women. Men are promoted and favored over women even if they aren’t qualified and despite seniority.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a very toxic work environment. There are very few resources, the reporters are overworked and extremely under paid. Reporters aren’t trained and there’s no feedback, so there’s little to no opportunity to grow. There is little to no leadership in this newsroom and those in charge don’t take the best interests of their team, or the future of the station to heart. Avoid this station entirely.”
News Director: Victoria Spechko
“Victoria is one of the most amazing bosses you will ever work with. She is the leader of the team and has built an incredible newsroom environment. She will offer tough, but fair encouragement and really use you to your strengths while developing your weaknesses. If you’re being hired in the Florence bureau, Tonya is equally as amazing to work for.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is likely one of the best stations to start your career at if you’re given the chance, or make the jump to a bigger market if you’re coming from a small station. The culture is incredible, the team is friendly. Everyone tries their hardest to produce the best newscasts possible and when they do move on, it’s to very large markets. Oh, and you can’t beat the beach!”
News Director: Lauren Weppler and Anthony Knopps
“Anthony was a nice enough guy, but was somewhat lazy in dealing with issues, and would often pass duties on to Lauren”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Newsroom is filled with gossip, backbiting, and selfishness. Extremely rude, aggressive, and crass producers—one particular producer refuses to ever be wrong or admit to it, and was often known to complain or send management emails about people she felt “wronged” her, even though she did most of the provoking. Very “clique-oriented” newsroom. EP would often chase breaking news with questionable judgment (vacant house fires, single-car crashes, grab-and-go gas station thefts). Snotty female anchor with ego issues, who loved shaming people over group emails.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Not a good market in general. Toledo is gloomy, dangerous, and cold. You’ll be greeted to an even icier newsroom if you choose to work here.”
News Director: Kelly Dickens
Experience described as: “horrible, not feeling worthy, not feeling like a reporter, no real help to become better. Just overrall not a great place to work.”
While working for WBND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It doesn’t matter if you are not from the area or the region, they expect you to pitch turning pitches that are hard news only. No fluff, no soft stories, not even for a major holiday. Feeling anxious when writing packages or VOSOTs. Raggedy gear and you will be blame if anything is wrong with it even if its already raggedy. Just a very stressful environment all around.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I didn’t listen to the previous comment. They were right, it doesn’t have to be this hard. I should have went with my other options but I chased the little bit of money and regret it. Now I am scared to apply for other stations or even second guessing being a reporter. JUST DON’T GO!! Go to WNDU. They are great people, decent management and haven’t met anybody from there who is UNHAPPY!! Protect your mental and your happiness!!”
News Director: Scott Lawrence
“Scott is a nice man for the most part, but completely unfit as a news director. He’s bound by his need to stick his fingers in the prime time newscast. All he does is write, edit, and research for the 6pm show. The other shows don’t matter, and if you work for the 6, expect to want to strangle him for dictating to you exactly what you have to put in the newscast. If you work for another show, expect no help and zero fucks given about how your live shots go or anything else. My show went to black because of master control one day, and he told me “great show! Best one yet.” He didn’t even watch. He’s too busy with everything about the 6, he doesn’t stand up to the toxicity in the newsroom. He’s scared of the anchors, so now they are divas in a small market with a big market mentality and run the newsroom. They made working there hell, and he allowed it.”
While working for KFDM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was bullied for being knowledgeable. An anchor disagreed with me simply because the EP liked me, and they had a bad professional relationship. I was screamed at once for noting quietly to another producer that I didn’t care about the Kardashians and wanted to focus on real news going in my newscast.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Fuck ‘em. My HR manager told me I was smart to leave. They were in transition when I started, so I didn’t sign a contract. She said thank god I didn’t and was happy I had the guts to leave. She apologized and said she was trying to fix the negative, toxic environment.”
News Director: Jon Levy
While working for WCJB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“toxic newsroom with a pathetic excuse for management”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The stories are all true. You do not want to work here!!”
News Director: Morgan Schabb
Experience described as: “Hardworking, micromanager, unpredictable”
While working for WAND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You can tell everyone is burnt out and tired of being micromanaged.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The ND will tell you moral is high, but I saw the complete opposite during my time there. You could tell without them saying anything reporters, photographers and producers were discouraged all the time. One went as for to say, “what’s the point, it’s going to be wrong no matter what” – yikes. If someone called in sick or used vacation the station wasn’t prepared. I saw reporters and photogs fill in as producers. It made me reevaluate my career path, but luckily I interned at another station and that made me feel better about the industry.”
News Director: Kelley Dickens
Experience described as: “awful”
While working for WBND this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unsafe, cruel and deplorable working conditions, questionable journalistic ethics, no respect for employees, unpaid overtime, no flexibility, inconsistent schedule, poor benefits, poor working relationships within market, horrible reputation within market, many employees develop mental health concerns and sustain injuries…on the bright side, you’ll learn a lot and make some friends”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t be fooled by the market size. Start off at a a station that values journalism and its employees.”
News Director: Maggie Hradecky
“I have a good relationship with her, but overall she is very chaotic and unorganized”
While working for WIFR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There is a panic culture within the newsroom, clear favorites and lots of false promises. Management is unorganized, lazy and has no clear direction for the future of the station. Multiple reporters and photographers have left due to poor management and management bending over backwards for people who have poor performance. While MMJ’s are encouraged to be creative and enterprise stories, that rarely happens due to ND. She is a control freak and does not trust a majority of the reporting team, so most pitched ideas are not considered and she hands MMJ’s a story she likes instead. Content quality is average, but very little is original/not from a press release.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The market gives MMJ’s starting out great experience at covering breaking news, crime and learning all the aspects of a newsroom. Other stations in town have similar issues, but have better content, less turn over and more opportunities for reporters. This station has an anchor staff of multiple 15+ year veterans who are not leaving/retiring anytime soon, so moving up is not an option here.”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
“When I came to KPLC, I thought I was done with news. But Jenelle brought me back in, gave me every opportunity and helped me to excel.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great station for a journalist to start out in. You’ll never feel uncomfortable or be put in a bad situation, you’re given a lot of creative freedom with your stories, and the ND is very hands on in helping you be the best you can be.”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
“Fantastic boss! She is very nice, upbeat, energetic, and makes the newsroom a friendly environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Couldn’t have picked a better starting point for my career. There is no other station there so it allows you to be more creative and try new things. Jenelle wants you to grow as a journalist and helps you reach the next goal in your career. There’s a lot of turnover, so you’ll meet a lot of people while there. Local community and authorities are great and typically easy to work with. No station is perfect, but I’m super happy I started in Lake Charles.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
Experience described as: “Toxic, awful”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WVLT went about 4 months without a ND after the last one got fired because they wanted to make sure the next one was perfect. Well, they picked the worst ND and person to fill this role by choosing Marybeth Jacoby. I’ve never felt more beaten down working for someone. You could give your all to this job or be lazy, and you’ll still be treated the same. It’s really sad because this station has some great reporters and anchors, and the market is great, but management is so terrible. Too many people have left their contracts early while I was there and management didn’t/ doesn’t care. They don’t see the problem, which is part of the problem. Management is all about egos too. When it comes to scheduling, it’s doesn’t make sense. It seems like they say “how can we make everyone’s life worse including our own” and they choose that. This place is a sinking ship that you should do everything to avoid. I promise you, your happiness means more than this job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jack Acosta/Deborah Knapp
Experience described as: “Toxic, Discrimination”
While working for KENS this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KENS is not a good place for POC.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Bruce Moore
Experience described as: “Passive-aggressive. Fake.”
While working for WREG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Creativity and strong personalities not welcome. Fall into line. As he has told employees, “I control your destiny.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Ratings are an illusion. Now that Nexstar has taken over, just wait”
News Director: Becky Gardner, just recently left
“Never around, over the last few months a series of horrible hires and severely brought down the moral of the newsroom. Even if you do go to her absolutely nothing changes”
While working for KGAN/KFXA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Like many newsrooms they are very short staffed but many of the better staff are doing the work that should be done by others. There is also no accountability. If an anchor changes a script and makes the script wrong it’s always someone else’s fault.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“While there have been many bad hires over the past few months there is also many extremely talented people that deserves more credit. Luckily the news director is not there right now”
News Director: Anthony Knopps and Lauren Weppler
Experience described as: “Negative. Issues never handled. Toxic work environment”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management constantly doesn’t handle serious issues. Some issues happening are illegal. Told to take comp days instead of giving overtime which is also illegal. You are in management’s good graces if you don’t standup for yourself and allow yourself to get walked over.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Under pay reporters. Reporters who have been there three years are paid less than several just out of college. The newsroom is crawling with drama, gossip, back stabbing, and lying.”
News Director: Dave Ciliberti
“Worst experience in my entire career. Narcissistic, spineless, corporate kids ass. Not qualified to manage a lemonade stand.”
While working for WCMH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Toxic fits.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You get what you pay for.
Too many inexperienced people that should not be working in a Top 40 market. Nexstar cares about profit and political posturing.
The Big J here is a Big Joke.”
News Director: Darrel Adams
“Lots of feedback. Good reporters get photographers everyday and lots of live experience.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Our Chief photographer is an NPPA god and holds regular workshops. We get regular coaching in the building plus the station sends employees to NPPA, NABJ, IRE and special weather and producer training regularly.”
News Director: Tim Ryan
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for KVUE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management doesn’t get it. Low pay. Favoritism. News Director really has no business being in Management”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Iain Munro
“Leads by intimidation when he feels like he’s lost control. Praise and confidence boosting is extremely rare and feels disingenuous”
While working for KRQE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The air in this newsroom is so thick with gossip, nastiness and negativity that it could be cut with a knife. Employees who *should* be newsroom leaders, i.e. long-time, experienced talent and producers/managers, are the culprits. The ND does nothing to curb their inappropriate behavior (and has even joined in on it, FYI). Valid concerns from MMJs about how they’re being treated are ignored. No wonder so many up-and-coming MMJs dip out of their contracts early! Sad.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The editorial meetings give MMJs anxiety. You never know what kind of mood managers/producers/anchors will be in — each day is different. MMJs are often told to leave the meeting and ‘go look around’ for a story because pitches are harshly criticized. MMJs then end up doing nothing until managers find a story THEY like and assign it, often at the 11th hour. Many times you don’t know what show you’re in until just an hour or two before deadline. There is no encouragement to be creative, coupled with an absurd obsession from management to get MOS for every story. #Unorganized.
Sure, it’s not ALL bad. You can definitely grow here. You’ll develop good critical thinking skills and learn how to dig for information. Because if you don’t, you’ll surely become one of the MMJs that the ‘newsroom leaders’ openly speak poorly of.”
News Director: Josh White
Experience described as: “Mixed”
While working for KAIT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“My time here was mixed. Worked in production and newsroom. Should have already quit multiple times but I’m working towards leaving.
Place has fallen over the years. Lost two prominent anchors in less than a year. While most of the newsroom treats each other like family, there is some favoritism/gossip among co-workers. Very high-school like. ND micromanages and never unplugs, so be ready for that. Thinks a former employer who runs a blog is MAJOR competition despite that blogger plagiarizing our work multiple times. He also made me cut a reporter’s last story on her last day, then promptly fired her behind closed doors but the whole newsroom witnessed it. Because of this, I’ve turned down multiple full-time offers from him and have kept him at arms length while I change careers.
MASSIVE turnover in 2018. Yes, turnover happens everywhere, but we lost every reporter and had to start from scratch. Terrible hires who couldn’t do their job. New reporters who were hired after them had to learn on the fly. Lost both sports anchors so we had no sports on-air for two weeks. Forgot to mention that.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re looking to get your jump-start, don’t do it here. Most new hires catch on to the bosses personalities and then start counting down the days until their contract expires. If you don’t get fired on your last day or get mistreated, consider it a win.
This place used to be fun but has fallen hard in the past 12-18 months in terms of personnel. Many don’t want to deal with the ND’s bi-polar, depressed, up and down personality (which he’s confessed to battling). I used to empathize with it, but I don’t anymore. I hope it recovers but I likely won’t be around for it.”
News Director: Shawn Venhaus
“Shawn is the news director simply because he is a yes man to the GM. He has no actual qualifications for the position. His news judgement is OK but his ability to act as a manager is nonexistent. He’s spineless, clueless, and unable to handle any kind of difficult situation in an appropriate manner. Once he realizes he’s wrong, he’ll just raise his voice or make false accusations at whoever has put him on the spot. I am not sure if there is one person in that newsroom that doesn’t have a stack of HR complaints against him, or respects him at all.”
While working for KFDA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Shawn hires only female reporters because he thinks he can walk all over them, and honestly just likes to look at them. He is backed by incompetent, “good ol boy” management from top to bottom that turn a blind eye to the ridiculous behavior that goes on in the newsroom. There was an incident of one employee sexually harassing and even stalking another employee- they called it “hearsay” and brushed it under the rug and acted like it didn’t matter, even when law enforcement got involved. This is just one example of the dangerous, inappropriate conduct they allow to go on in that building.
In terms of actual news coverage- you will get the minimum in terms of resources. When I say minimum, I mean you’re having a great day if the equipment guy hasn’t gone through your bag for no apparent reason and screwed up all of your camera settings. Other stations in the market will send 2 reporters and 2 photogs for huge breaking news events, KFDA will send a one man band and wonder why they got beat. This will usually result in Shawn aimlessly yelling and telling hardworking, talented people that they are terrible at their jobs.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The redeeming quality of that newsroom is the ability to learn from Walt Howard, their longtime anchor that looks out for the young reporters to the best of his ability. Still, Walt’s presence and help can only do so much.
Amarillo is a pretty good place to work and live, just don’t do it here”
News Director: Rich Kurz
Experience described as: “The literal worst”
While working for KOIN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Zero professionalism. No personal accountability. Doesn’t inspire a healthy team environment. Depends on gratification of his “yes man” co-managers. Misogynistic (either out of ignorance or just actually being a horrible human being). Criticisms aren’t constructive, and also doesn’t take any critiques of his own work well at all. Laugh will haunt your nightmares.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Aside from management, people you work with in the station are awesome and some of the most professional journalists in the biz.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
“He is toxic. Changes his own rules to suit him. Creates drama.”
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station overall gets along well together. We work together fantastically. But Warren likes to stir up drama because there is none otherwise. People have left because he runs people off with his attitude and intimidation tactics. The stress level in the news room is at a high level when he’s there and a more productive level when he is not. He is trying to destroy the station from within. Apparently he has done this at previous stations. Our ratings are good but if he keeps on they will fall. Your opinion on news or what is news must be his or you are in the wrong. Constantly changing run downs, some times at the last minute. Criticizing choices of subject matter because it wasn’t his idea nor giving someone a chance to defend their choices and if he does your choice will still be wrong. Causing people to fail at positions just so he can be right.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There is no chance for creative control. When ND is in, the environment is toxic and negative and unhealthy stress in the atmosphere. Nobody cares for him except general manager.
When ND is gone, the environment is much more positive, fun and things run more smoothly and there is much less stress in the atmosphere.
If this ND were to leave or be fired it would be the best thing for the station. Because it was the best station to be a part of prior to his arrival. I hope new owners see this and make the right decision so we can be the best station to work at again and keep our ratings soaring.”
News Director: Todd Reed
Experience described as: “Visionary, Experienced, a Leader”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Nexstar prevents this station from reaching its full potential. However the station was very creative at getting the job done. Great people power and
the most diverse station in the market.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
Experience described as: “Abhorrent”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unorganized newsroom led by a ND who lacks news judgment, lots of newsroom egos, no guidance and lack of journalistic integrity. Clicks and website views drive this newsroom – not the quality of content.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are great stories in this market (close to the border, lettuce capital of the world, crime, great features) but there’s often fights over who gets to cover the big story of the day. The ND usually plays favorites. If you’re not on KYMA (all the stations are under one roof) then don’t expect any resources or priority. KYMA evening shows are the ND’s pride and joy.”
News Director: Allison Coe
“Never got to, I worked for the previous news director”
While working for WATE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was subjected to News-All emails from management embarrassing me, instead of just talking to me face-to-face about my mistakes. Going to HR about those emails was a joke because the guy isn’t trained for HR-related issues, he does the finances.
I had a co-worker post insulting things about me on his Facebook, and I found out because his privacy settings weren’t so great.
And have you ever walked into a newsroom and you know the staff is talking about you? That happened a lot.
Plus, I got constantly overlooked for other opportunities.
What ultimately made me leave is (after working there for 2 years) when I learned my father got diagnosed with a serious, debilitating disease and I told the then-news director, he only gave me a 1-800 number to call. No, “I’m sorry” no compassion, no thanks.
How do you expect to retain employees when you can’t be sympathetic when devastating personal news strikes their families?
I realized I deserved better, so I left.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Apply to the NBC-Affiliate. Don’t go here.”
News Director: Galean Stewart
“Produced newscasts”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Love this station”
News Director: Rick Gall
Experience described as: “Overall positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WRAL exudes and demands professionalism, expects creativity, is open to ideas during editorial meetings, and has some of the best technology in the world. Yet, it allows people to have a life work balance (but don’t get me wrong it can be very demanding) and is like a family. Anchors and reporters move down from the top 10 markets to work here. During major events, you may expected to travel across the USA, overseas, and work 12 hour shifts during hurricanes or ice storms. Everyone is on board no matter what they do. You have a call back to WRAL you can consider yourself achieved.”
News Director: “It changes every few months”
While working for KDLT this person experienced:
“mostly nice + hardworking people to work with, but management is perfectly happy being in last place”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“people warned me to not come to this station. i didn’t listen….don’t make the same mistake. turnover is high and pay is low for a reason.”
News Director: No one. Was Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “The worst ever”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Good riddance is all I have to say. Former News Director Mike Rausch was fired as well as former Assistant News Director Cindy Dixon after the station hired a number of sexual predators.
Michael Troy was recently let go after it turned out that he was arrested previously for failing to register as a sex offender. Moreover, the current Executive Producer was fired from WKGN for showing pornography to his employees at his previous job.
The bad apples are finally leaving but their time here at KRDO has left a tremendous stain. We have become a laughing stock of epic proportions. Thanks, Mike.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Hopefully it gets better with the new ND”
News Director: Sarah Truitt
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for WMDT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic, ran like a high school lunch room.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Patience Hettrick
Experience described as: “HORRIBLE. She is very condescending and picks favorites. She is catty”
While working for Western Mass News this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director will constantly cut you down, belittle you and talk down to you. She is catty and pits reporters against each other. No one supports you and your ideas. They care about quantity over quality of stories. It’s very unorganized too.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would stay away. The news director will never leave because she’s close friends with the regional manager but she is toxic.”
News Director: David Williams
“He was not the news director when I was there”
While working for KCBD this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Was very politically biased (extra conservative).”
News Director: Ed Trauschke
Experience described as: “Horrible. He treats his employees like dirt, is extremely unapproachable and misogynistic.”
While working for WNCN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was sexually harassed by a photographer and the station forced me to work with him after they had knowledge of the situation. After I filed a complaint I was told I couldn’t wear certain dresses other reporters and anchors wore. I’ve been disrespected, talked down to, and lied to. This is by far the most toxic place I’ve ever worked. I wouldn’t recommend this station to my worst enemy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Monika Diaz
Experience described as: “Terrible, stressful, demeaning, unwilling to compromise, not understanding, rude, took advantage of employee’s willingness and nice demeanor”
While working for KTXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This was the worst job I’ve ever had. The overall work environment was toxic and hostile. Employees in the newsroom were incredibly cliquey, rude, belittling, unhappy and demanding. The station is poorly run — and upper management does not handle employee complaints and concerns well. I was treated with complete disrespect by the news director and others. The newsroom is incredibly toxic — producers vs. everyone else. It was an absolutely terrible place to work and if you’re thinking about working there — I’d run the other way. As a young, eager journalist, I was walked all over and threatened when I wanted to quit. It was a soul-crushing experience and nearly ruined my perception of television news. Terrible management and a lot of terrible employees. Management has no clue of the environment in the newsroom — and fails to change the hostility and toxicity. Would not recommend.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid at all costs”
News Director: Tom Henderson
“He comes off as a very nice guy, but will ask you to do something that could kill your career without blinking. Do NOT let him talk you into doing that on any story.”
While working for WTVC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND Tom Henderson is as emotionally stable as someone with bi-polar disorder, meaning you never know what you’re going to get. Ass. ND Shannon Millsaps is often at a loss for what is happening, as well as when and why, which is frustrating because she also works the assignment desk. Managing Editor Latricia Thomas is the most knowledgeable news person there, but she knows it and is not afraid to rub it in your face everyday. Together those three kill morale, confidence and creativity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Chattanooga is such a great city, but as long as those three are running things, steer clear of WTVC NewsChannel 9.”
News Director: Jeff Nelson
“Up and down. He was a good leader when it came to calling the shots and making sure everyone understood what was expected of them, but there was a severe lack of transparency, and a recurring theme of playing favorites.”
While working for WDAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is pretty strict about the employees’ appearances, especially pertaining to the women. Whether on air or off air, it was not uncommon for people in power to make comments about people’s clothing in front of large groups of people without pulling them aside.
It often felt like voicing concerns and opinions would not result in any change, which was pretty frustrating. There was not a lot of grace for mistakes, there was almost zero learning curve. More than once, employees were fired without much indication that anything was wrong in the first place…people were let go without being given any notice or proper training to improve.
I was usually treated pretty well, but I noticed some other employees being picked on or given far less credit than they deserved. I can recall quite a few moments where reporters would pitch great ideas, only to have their pitches passed on to other reporters who seemed to receive more opportunities without working hard or keeping their egos in check. This contributed to some competition between employees, and didn’t make for a great team-oriented environment.
Some employees were given ample opportunity for training, promos, and perks, while others were often ignored or required to work during training sessions/meetings with consultants.
The largest problem, however, was a lack of transparency. A lot of lies were spread, and it left a lot of employees feeling anxious and uncertain about their future with the station. There was never a solid stream of feedback, and a lot of ideas were shot down when they could have moved the station forward.
Many employees would attribute the toxic environment to Forum Communications’ owner and GM rather than the news director–it was obvious that the news director was not able to answer some of the questions and concerns voiced by employees.
Overall, the higher-ups in the company would not respond to concerns, shut down employee suggestions, and made drastic decisions with minimal explanation.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re a woman, expect to be told how to wear your hair, makeup, etc (although this seems pretty standard with a lot of stations). Be prepared to stand up for yourself when it comes to overtime.
The coverage is very saturated in specific portions of the viewing area that upsets viewers and does not serve them the content they deserve.
There are some VERY good, kind, loyal, hard-working people who work at this station, but the environment can often pit employees against each other and put workers in a tough spot.
Every station has its ups and downs, but I would NOT recommend it to any of my friends working in TV.”
News Director: Greg Retsinas
Experience described as: “Jury’s out”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“We are waiting to see what Greg does with this team. He’s very sharp. Most of us are breathing a sigh of relief the AND was passed over. He’s all about himself and constantly throws people under the bus to advance himself.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It was once great. We are hoping Greg can make KGW great again”
News Director: Sarah Zak
“Sarah has a good news mind and is open to new ideas. However, my biggest issue with her is a lack of honesty and directness. She is also incapable of making a decision and sticking with it. I never knew where I stood with her, and as an employee it was very frustrating.”
While working for WFTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The GM is a micro manager, ND and Assistant ND are his puppets. Burnout is a major, major factor. Whenever employees bring these concerns to management, the GM and news director become defensive.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I was a bureau reporter there for three and a half years. Gradually, they kept sending me out of my county to cover stories. When I asked them if I could just move up to the main station, the news director never gave me a straight answer.
Whether you are dayside or nightstide, you’ll be expected to shoot two separate look lives, write your web story, an extra vo/sot for the morning show (pointless) and leave an extensive note for the assignment editor about how your story turned out.
My biggest beef was the lack of honesty and transparency from management. Both the news director and assistant news director operate in a very passive aggressive manner.
Whether it’s your first, second or third job – I warn you use extreme caution while considering this station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Keith Weiss
Experience described as: “Very nice man, but very unorganized”
While working for WCYB this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment
“The “media manager” Joe Gragg is a creep. Women should STAY AWAY from him. He will make inappropriate comments on your looks and outfits. He will also tell stories that he thinks are “funny” from the “old days” but are obviously degrading to women and minorities.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The ND, Keith Weiss, is very kind but also manipulative which you won’t see coming because he tries to act like your best friend. He will overwork you until you say something, and if you don’t say anything he will run you ragged. He’s very disorganized and doesn’t act like the boss. He gets pushed around by his Assignment Editor who comes from newspaper and treats TV like the paper. The station is a legacy station and is #1 in the market but is barely holding on. The #2 station, WJHL, will probably take the #1 spot in the next year. MMJ’s rarely get to go LIVE. When one person leaves the station it can take up to two years for the ND to replace them because he drags his feet when hiring. This means the station is always short-staffed and resources are strained. You will get little to no feedback from management. I recommend shadowing the anchors, they are a wealth of knowledge. This is market 102, but WCYB acts like market 152. WJHL has a better shop but has a tougher ND. This is a starter market, and these problems come along with markets this size. You just have to seize every opportunity you get to make the most of a crapy station.”
News Director: Dan Wilson
“Awkward individual, hides in his office and only spends time talking to his favorites”
While working for KPHO/KTVK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“For those who want to work in Phoenix, I highly recommend not coming to the stations. I find it funny that both of the stations’ brandings are “Arizona’s Family,” which is far from the truth. The newsroom is extremely understaffed. In the last year alone, we lost almost the entire sports department, 3 veteran reporters, a ton of photogs and producers that I lost count. The newsroom is very toxic. The managers love to pick their favorites and give them either a promotion or the best stories. If you are not a favorite, the managers will make your life a living hell. In the last year, we also replaced veteran journalists for young, cheaper talent. Some of the hired talent only worked in one market prior to the Phoenix move. Many of the newer talent have little to no Arizona connection and it shows.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Since this current management has taken over the newsroom, 3TV has lost its spark it used to have before the merger with CBS 5. Many of our newscasts are so unwatchable now. There isn’t a lot of station get togethers like they were in the past. Our ND Dan Wilson loves to leave many staffers in the dark when it comes to station news/issues (if a staff member was fired, openings, new newscasts, etc)”
News Director: Matt Griffin
“He is a good leader who knows the community well but you need to ask him for feedback often if you want it”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“You will learn more at KXII than most places. The anchors will absolutely tear apart your scripts and ask a lot of questions, but you learn very quickly how to be a good reporter and tell a thorough story. It’s also a great community with a growing population (which brings a lot of stories), only 50 minutes from Dallas, and mostly kind, funny and understanding people in the newsroom (with the exception of one or two personalities). Ask for feedback, learn everything you can, and be respectful, and you will learn more than you thought possible for a first job. I would recommend working for KXII and it is also a great start to jump higher!!”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Painful”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mike Rausch is getting fired. Praise Jesus. The more I worked with him, the more I realized how mentally unstable and petty the man really is.
When he was the News Director of KATU, he filed a police report because a satirical website made a parody of one of his reporters. Furthermore, he even filed a hate crime report to the FBI.
Over. A. Joke.
And that is what Rausch has been throughout his career — a joke. Let’s see. Ratings are down, morale is down, he forced our beloved Executive Producer Natalie to quit and replaced her with a known sexual predator. There is no way Rausch couldn’t have known that unless he is very incompetent…oh wait…yes he is.
Mike and his yes men minions are finally getting booted out of KRDO.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Working here really damaged my love for the news industry.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “The Sinking Tower of Pisa”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“From false accusations to belittling employees and violating laws, Mike Rausch has left an incredible stench here at KRDO.
The good news is that he was forced to resign relatively recently. Cindy Dixon, once our extremely useless Assistant News Director, was also canned.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Next step is to remove Matthew Zelkind…”
News Director: No news director
While working for WBNS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The meteorologist, Ashlee Baracy, is verbally abusive to employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
While working for WFMY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“In the corporate hub the manager is the absolute worst. He let’s his “friends” do whatever they want including doing nothing. If you weren’t hus “friend” you had to pick up the work they didn’t do.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
News Director: Linda Miele
While working for WHDH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WHDH has no interest in doing anything other than what it’s always done. That is, if it’s flashy, it goes on the air. Of course, most WHDH stories get on the air after WBZ and WCVB got to them first, but then news director Linda Miele has the station beat the story into the ground until it feels like WHDH has the exclusive. Seriously, all they care about is flashy and glitzy content. WHDH clings so heavily to tabloid fodder that at first it seems like it’s a joke. There are no new ideas, Robert Kraft is a hero, and god forbid you make a suggestion to do something differently or criticize the crummy coverage and/or news practices. This is a company full of lazy yes-men (and women) who are so comfortable they’d rather peddle crud than be uncomfortable. They push out talented people and promote the dregs. Just the worst.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sean Mahon
“He does not know how to manage people and really doesn’t ever know what’s going on. He can be nice and has good news judgement when he’s participating. He gets over-involved a lot.”
While working for WWTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone complains constantly. People will talk about each other behind their back every day. No one has a positive attitude. It’s not a team atmosphere. Everyone is out to get each other and cover their own butts. People will tear you down and talk about you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is privately owned, which is nice and there are fantastic perks and benefits to work here, like vacation days and overtime. There are some kind people here but the general environment is dog eat dog and depressing.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
Experience described as: “Abhorrent.”
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. As a “boss,” he will drive you completely insane. It’s really terrible when you’re more professional than your own boss but that’s how it works with Ernesto. He delegates and never really contributes to the newsroom (unless you count attitude, scolding, and ONLY critiques and never constructive feedback as contributing to a newsroom). Definitely plays favorites: if you party with him on the weekends, he’ll pretty much give you the better stories for coverage. If you’re strong-willed, independent, and pay no mind to the drama he creates, then you’ll succeed. Otherwise, this newsroom will drive you absolutely insane.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Can’t really say anything positive about this newsroom except I’ve made some great life-long friends. The newsroom is full of egotistical reporters right and it’s just 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. The News Director isn’t new to the business but his decisions make me question that. Usually agendas/plans for news coverage for big events (President’s visit, Press Conferences) is last-minute. Very unorganized. 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.”
News Director: Curtis Jackson
“Clueless, Inept, No nose for news, Unable to hire people in a timely fashion, no leadership or writing skills”
While working for KIFI/KIDK this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The things I have witnessed would shock and horrify anyone who was watching from the outside. Morning meetings are toxic and unorganized. News Director (Curtis) allows Assignment Manager (Dave) to yell at reporters who pitch a story they think is better than the lame ideas the “leadership” team comes up with (If we don’t get a news release on it, then reporters are shot down after they have to explain why its a story). I’ve witnessed multiple people in tears who quit before their contracts end. I’ve witnessed female anchors/reporters get treated unfairly (talked down to, concerns ignored, etc). Employees complain of items being stolen out of camera bags and even desk drawers. When you bring up concerns, management pretends to listen, but does nothing to address the issues. Upper management has worked together for decades and since they are all friends and go to the same church, they vigorously defend each other.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’d highly recommend staying away from this station. They don’t pay well, the newsroom is always understaffed (which means if you’re a hard worker, they’ll take advantage of you and make you do more while allowing others to miss deadlines, or not turn stories), the building itself is a disaster (it loses power frequently, insect issues, roof leaks onto computers in the newsroom, ceiling in studio is open and occasionally small insulation fibers fall onto anchors), the communication is poor, there is no feedback, no quality training or mentoring to help you improve, and the morale is not good.”
News Director: Shannon Isbell
“Shannon is great but was never really involved in the newsroom.”
While working for WBRC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Alan Baker
“I was a production assistant. Made minimum wage and no benefits of any kind.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Anne Pappe
“She is an incredible boss. Always looking for ways to improve our reporting, newscasts, and more. She regularly brings in people to help train us and is always looking for improvements. She is hands down the best boss I’ve ever had.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Working here has been such a great learning experience– from the hands on teaching from our seasoned anchors to the enthusiasm from management. I love coming to work each and every day.”
News Director: Adam Bradshaw
“I worked at the station when Gwyn Bevel was the Assistant News Director and she made for a terrible experience. She was not only controlling and overbearing, she played favorites and would let you know if she disapproved of anything you did. She seemed to get around her terrible management by blaming others for any failures in the newsroom.”
While working for KFDX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management is very stuck in its ways and clueless about what’s going on under their noses. Managers, especially Gwyn, weren’t privy to the fact that the station is a starter market, as they expect you to go in already with experience.”
News Director: Anna Velasquez
“Anna is hands down the worst manager I’ve ever had. She does everything she can to bring you out to Lewiston only to bully you on a level I’ve never experienced before. Her actions were directly linked to my deteriorating well-being.”
While working for KLEW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic work environment. Not only is the news director terrible at her job, she acts like everyone else is the problem and treats them as such. The newsroom is one of the smallest in the country; news team was comprised of 4 people total which contributed to the negative environment as you couldn’t really escape it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Like the other review mentioned, this is not market 73!! It is lumped with the Spokane market because Spokane is the nearest market. The town is very small, not designed for people from bigger cities. I was the unhappiest during my time in town, which didn’t help with the negative situation at work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great management! Although the environment in the newsroom was toxic at times, it was an overall positive learning experience for me and the managers really prepared me for a larger market.”
News Director: Migdalia Figueroa
“If you’re not in her clique you won’t get promoted even if you’re talented. Surrounds herself with yes-wo/men. Prides herself on “being a bitch.” While she has good news judgement, the newsroom atmosphere is more of a party (for her and her friends) than a professional newsroom where you feel like you are working for and with smart people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“WTVJ has a long history in our community and it was the first station in Florida. It went from being highly respected and producing quality journalism to hiring young & cheap and getting rid of the majority of the veterans. The clique atmosphere the last several years has run out a lot of talent from the newsroom – there are very few people left who are highly respected.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
“Nice when she wants to be but overall has weird news judgement and doesn’t interact with employees well”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Suggestions to management fall on deaf ears. The news director and general manager are either oblivious to a lot of the problems there or unwilling to fix them. The ND’s news judgement and allocation of resources don’t make sense, and about 17 people left in the span of a year since she took over. The GM had a real chance to get someone good after the previous ND was fired for sexual harassment (a whole other can of worms I won’t get into since it’s in the past at this point), but she went with the one that seemed like an ill fit from the get go. The assistant ND has zero business managing a newsroom and micromanaging is really bad. Nobody takes responsibility when things fall through the cracks. In fact, they’re more accusatory toward the people it fell on and gaslight them into thinking it was their fault. I often felt like I was being put in my place while working there and was stifled creatively every single day.
Work is shoveled on competent employees, making their lives miserable while incompetent people just coast through. I was lied to and very misled when I signed my contract. The newsroom is perpetually short-staffed, so I often had to do two or three jobs at the same time, making the quality of all of them suffer. The station cars are death traps and it’s incredible the stuff that happened in 2018 involving them didn’t lead to lawsuits. Everyone is severely underpaid and overworked. Scheduling is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE, I once requested a single day off about four months in advance and was told I couldn’t have it two weeks beforehand. So I called out sick for two days instead because I didn’t care about my job anymore at that point. You don’t get much time off and it’s a combined PTO/sick bank, so everyone comes into work sick and gets everyone else sick. The health/dental insurance was expensive and not very good.
The positives: If you have zero experience, you can go there and learn because literally anybody can get a job there. The 401K is actually pretty good, it’s a 3 percent match. You could probably get management experience there fairly quickly if you want it, because turnover is very high.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Every newsroom has its issues, but this was hands down the worst job I’ve ever had in my life. I’d go back to any of the previous newsrooms I’ve worked in, or even go back to serving tables before staying at this place. If you’re reading reviews about this station like I was before I was hired and are thinking “surely it’s not that bad,” I promise you it is, RUN THE OTHER DIRECTION. Management needs to at least make an effort to listen to complaints and try to fix them. Really the GM should just remove the entire newsroom management team and start fresh.”
News Director: Scott Fitzgerald
Experience described as: “great”
While working for KJRH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you follow FTV youll know all about the bad run this station has had. It used to be the #2 in the market and was handed off to an incompetent ND with no business being a boss. It was Toxic and there was actually a sign in the newsroom for Number of Days since someone quit (think of the number of days since an accident signs).
After that horrible run, we got a bit of a good move going for us with a new ND, but corp wants results and they want them now. Just as the tide was turning and the mood finally a happy one the new ND was out and in comes the most dramatic, nutjob to ever grace a newsroom. This guy treated people like playthings, belittled, badgered and harrassed reporters and staff. Turned photogs into personal slaves and bypassed a thousand OSHA regs. He was so notoriously inappropriate and such a backstabber that everyone in the newsroom recorded every conversation on their phones just to protect themselves.
Now however, the station is being lead in a better direction. The mood is improving but the bare bones staff is tired. producers and reporters have been through the nightmare and are burnt out. the toxic rep from years of bad management makes it difficult to get new reporters and producers.
The tide has turned – but a brave few are going to have to take the leap and trust that things are going to be ok in Tulsa.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Its a fun place to work – honestly once you get past the bare bones staffing we have fun at work. You get away with being far more relaxed and goofy at this place than any other station youll find. news staff are a close family of friends and are constantly hanging out outside of work. It’s a good place with a bad rep from the past.”
News Director: Susan D’astoli
Experience described as: “Ignorant, unappreciative”
While working for News 13 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News management has absolutely ZERO regard for family life. My wife and I had a young son with medical issues which required a few impromptu call-ins to get him necessary medical attention. I was told after missing 2-3 days due to these issues that “WE need you to be HERE” when discussing my missed days.
They also changed my contract from hourly to salary. And started working me 65-70 hours per week, up from the 40-45 I worked when I was hourly, thus lowering my pay.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“God forbid, if you have a young family, you may rarely see them. For a 24 hour LOCAL station, they send crews all over the state and out of state consistently for story coverage (a couple have warranted this, like the parkland school shooting) but nothing as to the amount of time you will spend away from your family.) “Favorites” among the news staff are definitely a factor when it comes to news management, and is reflected in preferable or unpreferable schedule changes and certain privileges.”
News Director: Susan D’Astoli
Experience described as: “Kind, respectful and holds employees accountable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“At News 13, we have 24 hours to spend on important, local stories that other stations don’t prioritize over the crime and national news of the day. If you’re trying to learn how to be part of the future of where local news is headed, this is a great place to work.”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is the reason I, and so many others, got out of the news business. It was an overall toxic environment. When I tried to report it to the appropriate persons, nothing was ever done to correct or solve the issue. The leadership lies and their only concern is getting the story. The morale is low and the assignments are oftentimes unrealistic. My advice is to avoid this station at all costs. It is not worth it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jay Quaintance
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“High turnover”
News Director: Chad Hypes
“It was a really positive experience. He was really open to different ideas from the team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This was my favorite job I ever had. You’re expected to put in a lot of work but the news director, gm, and ep when I was there did a great job of creating a positive, supportive environment that I’ll always remember fondly”
News Director: Esteban Creste
“There to repeat what his bosses tell him”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“We need better ratings, what can we do?? A new set, new graphics, maybe new news cars,reporters on radio stations (that also dont do well in the ratings), new ads on the subway. And did you see our new ticker, thanks to our GM and corporate finance. I know ratings will increase from that. Anyone have any ideas that won’t cost money that I can tell my boss?? Anyone?? Please email them to me.”
News Director: Sarah Zak
“Sarah has a good news mind and is open to new ideas. However, my biggest issue with her is a lack of honesty and directness. She is also incapable of making a decision and sticking with it. I never knew where I stood with her, and as an employee it was very frustrating.”
While working for WFTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“WFTX, Fox 4 needs an organizational enema, in my nearly 4 years at the station, Fox 4 was on its third general manager when I left. (Not including the interim GM) And while that seems normal in some shops, I found the issues or burnout, low morale and lack of direction persisted throughout my time there.
When I arrived in 2015, as the nightside reporter we had 4 photogs – one for every reporter. I worked in the Collier County bureau, there were days I would turn away a photog because I set up my interviews so quickly. We would average 3 live shots a week, when I left in April of 2019, we were lucky to get 3 live shots a month – there were no photogs left, none of the ones who left were rehired.
Even more maddening, In my last year and a half at the station, management kept pulling me out of the bureau to cover other stories. When I asked if I could just be based out of the main station, they balked.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you join the ranks of the hard working MMJs at Fox 4, you are going to be required to shoot two look lives for the 5 and 6 or 10 and 11, do your web write up, Cut a new vo/sot for the morning show and send an email at the end of the night to the newsroom updating the status of your story. When I started in 2015, the only thing I we were required to do was a package and web story, like most normal stations. When I confronted management about this workload, I was told “most stations require their MMJs to do this much”, my response was “most stations also allow their reporters to do more than one live shot a month.”
While the workload was tough, it wasn’t the reason why I left. I left because the News Director and Assistant News Director seemed unwilling or incapable of helping me grow and develop as a reporter.
They seemed more interested in calling me into their office to write me up about petty matters. I’m no saint, but I worked my tail off there for almost 4 years. All I wanted in the end was more opportunity and honesty from managers.”
News Director: Angela Robbins
Experience described as: “Terrible experience.”
While working for WCCB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Pettiness everywhere. Management constantly changing work hours, and schedule. Pompous management not willing to listen to the consensus of the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“When I asked for a raise, they offered me 10 cents extra per hour.”
News Director: Mark Colavecchio
“He’s nice, radio guy turned ND. But no real experince. He just doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.”
While working for KTBY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very unorganized, no structure, no training, job get threatened on a regular basis from the ND and GM. They love writing people up. Too many things to list.
It’s a station where you get in and get out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“IF this is your ONLY way to move to Alaska… then take the opportunity… if not find another way.”
News Director: Christopher Swope
“The news director was never an issue for me personally. We got along well and had a good relationship. I was given several promotions under him and given chances to do what I wanted.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I would have stayed at the station if there was more of an opportunity to advance into a full time weather position. My chief has been at the station for about 15 years and the morning met has been there for 6 and neither plan on leaving. Having said that the weather team is awesome to work with and will gladly cover each others shift. The chief will handle your schedule so it makes it easy when it comes to doing more weather. The news director was good at managing the day to day flow of the newsroom. The assistant ND had been a reporter at the station for several years and takes time to help out new reporters but can be pretty tough on them. Assignment editors were very good with helping with story ideas and the newsroom as a whole is very connected to everything going on in the community. The photographers are all solid and easy to work with. The day side producers are also solid and will work with reporters to get creative with stories for their shows. The morning team is extremely solid when it comes to working as a unit. The night side producers are very easy going. The main anchors have all been at the station for several years and have a firm grasp on the news of the day. There are some big egos with a few of the older reporters but it’s easy to ignore the newsroom drama. If you are willing to work with the producers and news directors on your stories than you will have an easy time. Being the number two station we pushed hard to overtake the legacy and that meant thinking outside the box. The news director loves new ideas and will give anything a shot if you pitch it well enough. If you want to cover crime stories this is the station for you. The assistant news director puts a heavy priority on crime stories and the Charleston PD is fantastic when it comes to giving out info and getting perp walks. Overall I would rate my experience at WCHS as very positive.”
News Director: Adam Pursch
“Worst person I’ve ever worked for.”
While working for KOKH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Negative environment blamed on staff managers never took ownership for the part they played.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: John Stone
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for KXAS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Toxic environment, news director is not educated, condescending and verbally abusive managers”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are some great and talented people working here… unfortunately news director and managers are awful.”
Managing Editor: Marcus Foster
Experience described as: “Excellent”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is not bad but the management is not great. We have some great people but some are very sneaky.”
News Director: Sarah Zak
“No communication, unreliable, no leadership skills, doesn’t know what she’s doing. First time news director.”
While working for WFTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Low morale. Everyone wants to either quit or get a new job because of management. It’s the WORST managed station in the business. Awful decision making. VERY short staffed. They make people work a ton of overtime. There’s no confidence in any of the leaders, including the assistant news director and assignment desk. They are clueless. We are last to every breaking news scene. There’s no feedback, guidance or training. Everyone is on their own. They give no direction when you do a story. No live shots, mainly looklives. No opportunity to grow. Technical issues happen daily, to the point we can’t air the newscast.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“All managers are fairly new in their leadership roles and don’t work well with the entire staff. The station has had very few people stay after they’ve been hired. Some have even quit in the middle of a shift.”
News Director: Tracey Watkowski
“She is a good person but maintains a careless and toxic work environment like most newsrooms”
While working for KGO this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“While I worked there I had a plethora of toxic experiences but one in particular involving the managing editor they hired from Utah, Marci Young. I was working a shift with a reporter who’s story I was adapting for the web. The story was about a push by the NAACP to ban the star spangled banner due to its racist second verse. Young took it upon herself to comment to everyone in the newsroom that “why do they care, none of them were ever slaves” and looked right at me. I was the only African American female to work in the newsroom for the entire time that I was employed with KGO. For a news station in this century to have zero black women working on any day parts is atrocious but even worse to tolerate such behavior. I reported the incident but nothing was done about it. I only found out recently that Marci Young is back in Utah, teaching journalism at a local JuCo. I hope she doesn’t put any students through what I endured. Also it should be noted that my direct manager was a black man, but he unfortunately was more concerned about keeping his job, then doing what is right and protecting another black woman who endured racism at the hands of a white manager. Such is the sad sad reality of many newsrooms.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Michael Goldrick
“He’s careless about anything other than money. He doesn’t care about diversity, employee growth or retention, or the health of the newsroom overall.”
While working for NBC 4 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Like most newsrooms in America, this one is full of hierarchy, abusive hours, abusive managers, loose tongues and very little diversity outside of talent.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kelly Boan
“Passive aggressive leader who is a workaholic, fosters a negative environment through poor leadership from the top down”
While working for WHNS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do I begin. There’s a reason in the last 7 months our two female anchors (morning and night), 2 anchor/reporters, 2 MMJ’s and a sports anchor all left the station. It should also be noted several of them left mid contract. This place is a breeding ground for toxicity.
The problem starts from the top down. The news director has a “her way or the highway” attitude. She believes comparing talent to each other breeds success when it actually breeds anxiety and a lack of confidence. She doesn’t address inherent problems within the newsroom like the bully she’s assigned to run it. I’m referring to the assistant ND who disrespects everyone in the newsroom with her outbursts and her demeaning remarks. People are treated like numbers and not people. They say safety is a priority in the field yet they make reporters knock on doors of criminals after they’ve been released on bond by themselves. They hire inexperienced journalists, throw them to the wolves and the berate them when they’ve messed up. The ND doesn’t care about people’s family, time or well-being. God forbid you take a sick day, when you return you’ll get the silent treatment.
If you bring a problem or concern to the news director or AND, don’t expect a solution. They will continue to say “that’s the way it is” and bury it.
It also should be noted the station is all about “click bait” when it comes to story choices for the newscasts. There’s very little enterprise or investigative journalism going on and don’t even ask about politics. The poor MMJ’s and reporters who end up having to cover a big political story never have the sources to do so because the station management barely listens to story pitches that have anything to do with what actually impacts people. Also, it should be noted the only reporters who EVER get a photographer are the morning reporters. The MMJ’s nightside run their own live shots.
There is no feedback whatsoever, positive or negative. So if you’re looking to grow, it won’t happen here.
Just felt the need to write this after reading the “glowing review” someone wrote on this website. Ask most people who work there or have worked there and they’ll tell you first hand there’s valid reasons FOX Carolina is in the middle of a mass exodus right now.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Templeman
Experience described as: “Extremely Toxic”
While working for KEZI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is absolutely terrible. Verbal Abuse, racial discrimination, burner emails to bash reporters, email newsroom about reporters, compare you to other reporters, threaten to fire you, and an overall extremely toxic environment. You will regret signing a contract. If you’re experiencing any of those things I mentioned, management WILL NOT have your back. They will paint a negative picture about you to the newsroom, and harass you. A terrible station to work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You’ve been warned.”
News Director: Kay Norred
Experience described as: “Truly terrible”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There is no pride, managers thrive on politics and playing games, very disorganized.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is what you need to know about the actual station without getting into the managers yet: The station is 4th place and very new (only a few years old) and is literally considered a joke by the other stations in the market. Other managers within Nexstar joke that WFXR is a tax write-off for the company. Viewers and even government agencies within the market have never heard of WFXR and that will make your life harder as an employee there.
The fourth place mentality keeps employees and managers alike from wanting to win. Morale is low because of the feeling of absolute defeat, even before you add in what toxic management does to the place.
Also, real talk: the station only has a two-hour morning news show and a one-hour news show at 10 p.m. No mid-morning, mid-day, 4p, 5p, or 6p. They have a little digital show they just launched in the evening, but if you are wanting to get real-life news experience of what it is like to turn content for multiple newscasts a day … you won’t get it at WFXR. The other stations are equipped with SEVERAL shows and run circles around WFXR.
Morning reporters will have the closest real-life news experience with multiple live hits. Dayside reporters, forget about it. You won’t have ANY deadlines or opportunities to be live unless you are turning something for the digital “show” (not real life newsroom experience compared to other reporters turning stuff and going live for 4p,5p,6p shows). Nightside reporters will have the opportunity to go live at 10 p.m.
Here is something else major you need to know: the viewing area is EXPANSIVE. There are five major areas that make up the market: New River Valley (Blacksburg and everything west of it), Roanoke area, Lynchburg area, Danville area, and Lexington area. All of the other stations have invested heavily to make sure there is a bureau in each area to cut down on drive times/exhaustion and increase response time. However, WFXR has not fully invested in this idea. What this means for you: if you are a reporter, you will be driving A LOT, you will get burned out from having to drive so much. From a producer perspective: if breaking news happens in any city that isn’t Roanoke, you will be 100% beat by the competition because it will take your reporter an hour or more to get there whereas the other stations have bureaus a few minutes away. WFXR managers keep talking about getting a Lynchburg bureau and have hired an NRV bureau (he mostly does sports though) … but the other stations are lightyears ahead.
Okay on to management:
First off, if you ever are contemplating working at a station where Kay Norred will be your boss: Run, don’t walk away. However, if that isn’t an option for you, the following is what you can expect…
She will not be direct with you, passive aggressiveness is her specialty. If there is something she doesn’t like about you or thinks you need to improve, she won’t tell you right away. Instead, she will make fun of you or spend her time making passive aggressive comments about you. As soon as you leave a room, she will talk about you to others. There isn’t a single person at the station that I didn’t see her smack talk. She is CONSTANTLY rolling her eyes and bad mouthing her employees and will let anyone who will listen know how much she doesn’t trust her team.
She may appear sweet and genuine to your face but never trust her. She will find a way to use what you say against you, whether professionally or personally. Literally, nothing that comes out of her mouth is honest or genuine (think Regina George from Mean Girls). A co-worker witnessed her telling a reporter that she did a great job on her package, then turned around and told someone else she actually didn’t like it much at all. So if you are someone who craves honest feedback, you won’t get it from her. You will never know whether to believe what she is saying to you.
HUGE NOTE: She is a stickler about being on time. If you have to work for her…remember be early, not late. If you are even 1 minute late or even on time (not early), she will make fun of you publicly and talk about you.
She doesn’t have a life outside of work (no pets/kids/husband/family/hobbies, etc) and it shows because she has zero perspective on what life outside of work is like. She works long hours, never uses sick days, comes in on the weekends, and rarely takes a vacation — which is fine because it’s her life EXCEPT she will expect the same of you. She LOVES to boast about the long hours she puts in. She thinks of herself as a martyr in that way. Kay works so much… so she must stay on top of everything, right? Nope. She works 12 hour days but is somehow always still behind. She rolls her eyes when people ask to talk to her during the day and is constantly complaining that people are stealing her time. She blames others for not getting her work done. So when elections, special events, really anything rolls up…all plans are incredibly last minute and thrown together.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT NOTE: She is VERY forgetful. So if you tell her something, make sure she writes it down in her notebook, otherwise, it will be like the conversation never happened.
Also, if you are looking for a news director who is willing to jump in the trenches with their team, Kay is not that. Most newsrooms have several managers to help with day-to-day but at WFXR the ND and maybe assignments manager is all you have. But if you dare ask Kay to do something that she believes is beneath her ND duties, she will tell you a little story about how pilots don’t have to land planes to get a passenger a sprite.
She LOVES playing games with people’s lives and plays politics in the newsroom. She has an “A-TEAM” made up of a few of her favorites. She even held a secret meeting with these employees and told them “they were chosen not hired.” But don’t be fooled, if you make it on this A-Team, she will still talk bad about you behind your back. But as an A-Team member you will be expected to never talk bad about her and emulate her by working long hours and never complaining. All of her new hires are her “friends” aka loyalists from other stations. It’s less like working for a news director and more so working for a cult leader. For those that don’t like pretending like they are in cult just to survive, she is pushing them out the door by making their lives miserable or demoting them. She likes to say the following all of the time: You are either with her or against her.
Kay is also extremely religious and will shove God and the bible down your throat any chance she can get. She must mention prayer, God, and the Bible 1,000 times a day. If she knows you are religious, she will use it against you. Kay told one employee she thought she was a “God-fearing” woman and “someone like that” shouldn’t be concerned with officially having a job title (having it publicly announced), even though that person was already promised the job.
She is also very terrible with communication. New hires will show up out of nowhere without an email from Kay, others will disappear with no word from Kay. An evening anchor team and morning team was swapped, with no words/explanations from Kay. The lack of communication creates rumors and stirs distrust.
The chief meteorologist John Carroll is the other decision maker in the newsroom. He is also a snake in the grass. He is constantly rolling his eyes behind the news directors back about decisions and griping about adding extra shows for severe weather, really he will gripe about any decision that isn’t made by him. He rules his weather team with an iron fist (micromanager, much?) and talks bad about his weather people to anyone who will listen. The worst is how much he hates the morning meteorologist and how uncomfortable that makes everybody else. He will openly talk bad about him in the middle of the newsroom and do everything in his power to make the morning meteorologist mad. He openly talks about wanting the morning weather guy fired to anyone who will listen.
John is very similar to Kay in that he has no life outside of work (no spouse, kids, hobbies, nothing) and will work long hours and work on the weekend. But you better believe he is going to tell everyone about how long he worked, even though it is voluntary and it’s because he has nothing to go to at home. He expects his weather team to be the same. Every time anybody on his team requested vacation days or called out sick, he would complain to anybody who would listen and would always remind people that he never takes vacation days. He would also imply his employees that took sick days were faking an illness. In conclusion, if you are going to take a spot on the weather team, be prepared! You have been warned.
The GM Arika Zink makes zero sense with her decisions. She is a nice lady, but incredibly incompetent. She keeps toxic and/or lazy managers around in and outside of the newsroom who are hurting the station and its employees. Arika not only keeps them around, but she also PROTECTS them. The HR violations that happen at WFXR are horrendous.
The station needs managers who are going to clear the air, be true leaders and leave the politics and games at home. The station needs someone who will want to win and will constantly encourage their employees to be better. They need a leader who believes and trusts them. Truly, Nexstar needs to replace the GM, ND, and every other department head that is there right now with new energy and proven leadership. Until that happens, stay far away from WFXR.”
General Manager: Aaron Ramey
Experience described as: “Terrible. Draining. Exhausting. Depressing. Frustrating. Detrimental to my mental health and the relationships around me.”
While working for WBND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You are not a person. You are a machine. They don’t care about you, your mental health, your physical safety and forget about ever getting help or advice to further your career or performance.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. South Bend is a great college town and fine place to land as your middle market but I strongly advise going to ANY of the other stations instead.”
News Director: Kay Norred
“Kay Norred is the closest I’ll come to working with a real life version of Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter. It’s hilarious but the truth.”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m going to start this with a few very simple words: DO NOT WORK AT THIS STATION! NEVER WORK WITH OR FOR KAY NORRED (ND)! NEVER WORK WITH OR FOR ARIKA ZINK (GM)! It’s really that plain and simple. Now for details. Imagine your worst day at work ever, and multiply that infinitely…you’ll only come close to what it’s like to work for this place day in and day out. My best day at this station was my last day when I walked out of the gates of hell. Kay Norred is a walking definition of a psychopath and narcissist. She acts all nice and sweet as can be on the surface, and will stab you directly in the back as soon as you turn around. She has no consideration for your life or time outside of work. She expects you to function like a brainwashed robot. If she says jump you better ask how high or else you’ll be off her “A team” as fast as you can blink. You call out sick and she’ll guilt trip you on the call. Then she’ll make sure everyone in the building knows how unreliable you are because you used a sick day. This is only the beginning of a very long rap sheet of problems that nearly everyone at that station has had with her. I honestly don’t even want to waste too much time talking about the dumpster fire that the GM is. The only logical string of words you’ll hear come out of her mouth is “from that viewpoint” and “for that matter.” Most of the time she doesn’t even use that properly! She knows about all of the problems that people have with the ND and does nothing about it. She’s swept so many HR complaints under the rug that she could easily be sued so hard that Nexstar would go broke. Oh and I should add a little tidbit about the feud between the Chief Met John Carroll and the Morning Met. It’s been going on for 3 years. The chief hates the morning guy with a burning passion, and trust me, you WILL hear him openly talk about it ALL THE TIME. He has already had two great meteorologists leave the station because they couldn’t stand to work for him anymore. If you’re a meteorologist looking for work, you would be better off forecasting for little league soccer tournaments than working for John and the station. I’ll close with these words again: DO NOT WORK AT THIS STATION!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I know it’s easy to think someone may be overreacting about their experience at a station. I’m begging you, for the sake of your career, do not work here. If you don’t trust this review then you should just reach out to any contacts you have that have worked there. They will tell you the same thing…”
News Director: Jay Webb
“Jay is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. He’s fair, he treats everyone with kindness, and he puts people first. The newsroom is a healthy atmosphere and he genuinely cares about his employees. He know we’re a small market and helps us grow.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A great starter station! Very hands on. Lots of opportunities to go live for MMJ’s. If they need help running a live shot, they can usually get it.”
News Director: Galean Stewart
“She is fair and firm. She turned the newsroom and department around since taking the leadership job in 2017.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Reporters are challenged to come with enterprise story ideas. They turn at least two stories a day. Veteran journalists are well respected in the community and are a home brand for viewers. The station is located far from the city; otherwise, great station to work for!”
News Director: Kathryn Bonfield
“It was good and bad. She is definitely focused on staying #1 and making sure the station is on top at all times. But at the same time she doesn’t care how she treats people in the process. If you are not one of her favorites she lets you know.”
While working for WJXT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I literally hated going to work every single day. I left the news industry after working here because I felt so defeated. I eventually got back in because I realized things need to change and I can’t do that from the outside.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall working at this station does teach you how to push yourself and be competitive but at the cost of your happiness and sometimes mental health”
News Director: Adam Pursch
“Micro manages, belittles employees and has thrown things in the newsroom.”
While working for KOKH this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve seen him talk over a black producer as if she wasn’t there. He micro manages WAY too much. A toxic work environment doesn’t even describe this newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Behind the scenes is unorganized. I know commutation is less than non at some stations, but the fact that the producer and assignment editor barely talk and they sit right across from each other says a lot. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to apply at this station unless there’s a change in management.”
News Director: Darrel Lieze-Adams
“He is fair, honest, has great new judgement and will fight for his employees”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is one of the few I know left that do not make you anchor/produce or wear multiple hats. If you are a reporter, you are a reporter. If you are an anchor, you are an anchor.
The station does have the most newscasts in Southwest Florida. You will be getting plenty of experience going live. You have to be prepared to hit the ground running. If you aren’t prepared or up for a challenge you will not have a pleasant experience. Management is more than willing to work with you, if you are willing to work with them.”
News Director: Perry Boxx
Experience described as: “Very knowledgeable and helpful”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
News Director: David Hughes
“He’s nice enough, but has questionable morals. He’s often frazzled and can’t handle confrontation. He plays favorites very obviously.”
While working for WDBJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Yelling and inappropriate behavior were tolerated. Long hours, poor pay, and a lack of appreciation from management gave rise to negative attitudes in the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are a lot of wonderful, talented people at the station, and the equipment is better here than at other stations. There are strong friendships and a welcoming environment among reporters and producers. The only issue is the management. They have started to hire inexperienced reporters and producers, and do not always give them the tools they need to get better and succeed. I have seen a manager stomp around, yell, gossip, and throw things on a regular basis. If you work overtime, you are not compensated because they will force you to take awkwardly long lunch breaks in the middle of another shift.”
News Director: Trav Ruiz
Experience described as: “Terrible, Rude, unhelpful senior staff.”
While working for KTAB | KRBC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Senior staff only care about their own positions. Would regularly withhold promotional goods for staff and keep it for themselves. Constant scheduling problems, they never had enough staff and would schedule multiple members off at the same time and scramble when they realized their mistakes. Did not care about improving reporters skills. They lied to their staff about information in contracts. Staff constantly overworked and was strongly suggested that if you couldn’t get your stories done in the time they told you to do it in, then it was not their responsibility to pay overtime and you shouldn’t report it because it was your own fault. Overworked staff to the point where I saw several people crying in the news room. Never cleaned station vehicles, they all pretty much had a rotten food smell in them.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“After my contract ended, staff refused to return calls and assist me with new employment, I worked under Ruiz for only a week and he decided to black list me by lying to stations that I had been applying too. They paid very little even for a small market. Very little room for upward movement or cross training. Constantly critical without offering suggestions for improvement. Most equipment did not work with engineers that either didn’t know how or didn’t want to fix broken equipment. Examples: used an actual nickle to re-level one of the studio camera. I also needed my tripod fixed (simple tightening of a bolt) and while the engineer was explaining how it couldn’t be fixed, I fixed it myself.”
News Director: Rick Moll
“Super nice man, a bit of a hands-off leader at times”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The station genuinely cares about its employees and the compensation is fair. Training is an area for improvement, but overall, it’s a great place to work.”
News Director: Matt Kummer
“He is very engaging during meetings and has more of a hands-off approach during newscasts.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great, award-winning station to work for. There is a very talented team that young journalists can learn from. I loved working here!”
News Director: Carolyn Mungo
Experience described as: “Amazing!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Hiring ND: Darryl Huger, End ND: Michael Raffaele
“Darryl was a GREAT guy! But I think I caught him after he had checked out mentally at that station, but he was a good mentor. Michael Raffaele is TERRIBLE! He has no idea what he’s doing and is turning the station into “cut-in” central.”
While working for WACH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall, this station is a complete mess to work for: Edit bays barely work or they’re extremely slow, tons of internet problems in the building, ingest stations take FOREVER which is hardly conducive to a breaking news work flow, cameras are ancient both for reporters and the ones in-studio, nothing gets fixed in a timely manner, station preaches LOCAL but the corporate must-runs make that motto an absolute job, forget about doing stories that the community actually cares about. Hires kids fresh out of college who don’t know what they’re doing yet they never get feedback so how are they suppose to get better? I mean seriously the list can go on and on about the short-comings of this station. If you need experience, take the job but get the heck out when your contract is up! No point in staying. It’s embarrassing how this station even functions when it’s in a TOP 100 market. I worked for a starter station in an smaller market that operated better.
Don’t expect to cover anything besides “doom and gloom” under Michael Raffaele’s watch. Anything FUN doesn’t exist here. Worst thing this station did was hire him. He’s an absolute lunatic!”
News Director: Mike Schram
Experience described as: “Positives and negatives. Very mature, calculated, and polite, but also OCD”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Operates like a typical mid-size station, and one that’s last in the market. Everyone is overworked in an understaffed newsroom. Newsroom culture could definitely be better at times.
Aside from that, a great place to work. News director and GM were great.”
News Director: Ike Walker
“He was the “best” news director of all the ones that I’ve had. He could definitely be a jerk, but he knows his stuff and runs the #1 station in the DMA.”
While working for KVLY this person experienced:
“They overwork you and run you ragged. With the number of newscasts that station has and the angles they give you for packages it can be a trailing day. If you’re not one of the higher ups favorites…you don’t have a pleasant stay.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“I’ll say that out of all the stations I’ve worked for this is the only one that had it’s sh*t together. It was an absolute power house where I probably learned the most from being at. They had enough edit bays, equipment was fixed in a timely manner, but it was under-staffed like every other station. I will say that it’s a good place to start out. It’s not the BEST working environment but you’ll come out of it a better journalist because of the trials.”
News Director: Marlene Speas
“Horrible – I repeat DON’T go there unless its your last option.”
While working for KTVO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management never took time to help train their reporters. It’s a free for all. The assistant news director Andy Grove is rude and horrible to every reporter he’s encountered. You get don’t get any feedback on stories, your work or know if any progress has been made. They don’t let you go live. They expect you to come in on your after your shift has ended but to cover “breaking” news (a car accident) when you’re at home after a long day of work, at dinner with a friend, busy, etc. No where in the contract does it say it requires reporter to be on-call 24/7 all day everyday. Everyone transfers after a year or quits because its that bad. You’ll be lucky if you get a spot on the morning show.. because it’s the only show that doesn’t suck management wise AS much as the others.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I warned you….”
News Director: Scott Elledge
Experience described as: “Good news director. No problems with him”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Good place to start. It has it days like most regular jobs. People talk about each other too much like they in highschool. Too many fakes to be honest. Only person you can trust is yourself”
News Director: Dave Ciliberti
Experience described as: “Strange, dishonest.”
While working for WCMH this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Created a newsroom of fear & distrust of gut instincts and local knowledge. Leads by fear and questioning. Looks down on pregnant women or those who have small children.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unsupportive & backstabbing colleagues. Or completely self-absorbed and/or selfish. Few people to trust. Real lack of a team environment under current management, from the GM down to the ND and Assistant ND.”
News Director: Beth Jensen
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for KELO this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom is made up of all white employees. The news managers rarely hire people of color despite having a community full of diversity. The news content reflects that, many times lacking diversity or only telling one side of the story. The assignment editor bullies the entire newsroom, despite the fact that he lacks a college degree and has minimal writing skills.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There’s a price to pay to be the number one station in the market. Although the pay is good, the overall work environment is toxic.”
News Director: Victoria Spechko
“Victoria isn’t your typical boss – she is a newsroom leader. She will challenge you. If you can take constructive criticism well, you will learn and become a better journalist. The newsroom is full of team players and everyone has your back. The employees get along very well and it is a comfortable space to work and be creative. If you are offered a job here, I would recommend taking it. Whether you plan to be here short term or long term, you will learn and make great connections that will take you places.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Ryan Minnaugh
Experience described as: “Worst experience of my career”
While working for WFLA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Get called to HR on the regular for petty issues…was told I was useless to the station last week after representing the entire company (Nexstar) at the Winter Olympics.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Not a good place.”
News Director: Matt McConico
While working for WPMT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very toxic newsroom. Station run very poorly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mark Farrell
Experience described as: “Positive, very open to creative ideas and opportunities to grow”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s a great starter station that allows you to grow and develop. It’s close to OKC and Dallas and often allows for many news personalities to move on to those markets or other big markets! The overall newsroom is positive and fun, with good leadership and colleagues.”
News Director: Val Thompson
Experience described as: “Extremely positive, a very good ND”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great starter market. Smaller market, smaller staff so you are expected to wear many hats even at the entry level, but upper management and co-workers were always very supportive. Very hands on and engaged news director, but he does not micromanagement staff, a very good quality in an ND. Pay is average for a small market in the industry but Cville can be a tad expensive without roommates. Since I’ve left station was recently sold by Gray to another company, so I do not know the effects of that but overall I really enjoyed my time here.”
News Director: Robin Whitmeyer
Experience described as: “Good. She is direct and to the point. There is little training or talent develop but Robin will give feedback when asked.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There are no MMJs at this station since the photographers are in a union.”
News Director: Jeff Harris
Experience described as: “Horrible, misogynist , traditional white man.”
While working for WBBM this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There were times when you became very well. Aware that you were just that token colored person in the room. Especially when you pitched stories that were for minority communities, the would only choose to do them if It was a crime story. In the end Jeff the ND got demoted and the president of cbs Chicago stepped down and went to work in communications. They could not keep anyone on staff and constantly had turn overs . The majority of colored reporters quit. Out of 50 producers/desk people, there were 6 POCs .”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Scott Lawrence
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for KFDM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director lacks leadership and communication skill. General Manager keeps persons in positions of management with lengthy, toxic, negative history in their HR file. A work environment so toxic, that I left after 6 months. Bullying, harassment, negativity. A newsroom setup for failure. It was my third station and I never experienced worse.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You’ll need all the luck you can get.”
News Director: Dave Kaplar
Experience described as: “Great! Only puts as much work into you as you put into the station. Wants you to grow and reach goals”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“You can succeed or be stagnant here. If you show you want help and to grow, it will be given to you.”
News Director: Dan Boers
“I felt unheard, unsupported and defensive in every conversation we had.”
While working for TV 8 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“One of our tenured meteorologists was “asked to leave,” after 9 women in the newsroom complained about sexual harassment, intimidation in the workplace, and religious discrimination. The met was never fired, but given 30 days to leave himself. Our weekend nightside anchor was also involved in the claims – a mere 3 day suspension with pay for him. He still anchors and his behavior has not changed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station refuses to seek out people of color for talent. WOOD TV is #1 in their market, but the staff does not reflect the diversity that the community IS. There are two black male reporters, one Asian female anchor – and that’s it. I am a Hispanic woman and worked for WOOD in two internships, hired in production, promoted to assignment desk, promoted again to Live Desk Reporter. Dan Boers hired a novice, White male journalist with no reporting experience in a top 40 market. Our main anchors and producers were wildly disappointed in his decision. I made the choice to move out of state to mmj and never look back.”
News Director: Bob Morford
“He is forgetful, shifts blame, and is very poor at communication”
While working for WAFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone is leaving or getting fired. He keeps moving on air talent around. The station morale is so low. It comes from the top.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mitch Davis
“He helped me grow as a reporter. However he plays into a lot of news politics. He knows how to give you the run around. He also loves to have power over you. He gossips a lot with the producers as well.”
While working for WKBN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The work environment was very toxic. They would load a lot of work on you and give you no overtime. They would y’all about you behind your back in the news room. Gossiping is very high. You have no set schedule. You might have off Monday and Tuesday one week, then off Thursday and Friday the next. Causing you to work 8 days in a row. You might work from 3PM-11PM one day then the next day work from 10AM-6PM. Producers gossip a lot. If you are a minority DO NOT GO HERE. There is no news room diversity and they don’t care.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Nicole Ebat
Experience described as: “Excellent & Exciting”
While working for KPTM this person experienced:
“Even if we are not the highest ranked market in the area, I can proudly say this station gives you the chance to pitch story ideas with confidence, grow as a journalist and still be under the #74 market category. If you are looking for a place to grow and tell stories, you have the support of your boss & coworkers to get it done.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I will say you need to be motivated to try new things and push yourself…it’s easy to get in a rut of an every day crank out a package and go home…it’s a great place to experiment, fail or succeed, and learn from it.”
News Director: Melissa Cashwell
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
News Director: Alex De Leon
“Terrible! Very toxic environment with lazy employees who lack professionalism. This station is poorly managed.”
While working for WTVO this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Several employees have left due to the toxic work environment Many employees are lazy and lack professionalism. This station is poorly managed. I would never recommend this station to any journalists looking to break into the industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Megan Wolf
“She has favorites and it showed in how she interacted with employees and others saw it as well.”
While working for SNJ Today this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director, Megan Wolf, openly berated employees when they’d mess up, but for this who were her favorites, she praised them and was more than willing to work with them. The owner of the station, Ken Pustizzi, wanted to cover positive news, but his version of positive news which meant we couldn’t cover students fundraising to help a local family, or a community coming together to clean up a park. The news was more or less filled with police reports and stories about an area hospital system. The pay disparity was wide with a forecaster making $65k, the director making $45k, an anchor who only did two hours of work (despite having a full eight-hour day written in her contract) being paid $50k a year, meanwhile reporters, web producers and PAs made between $11 and $13 an hour.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station lacks room for advancement in both pay and the position itself and is a hassle to get to.”
News Director: Gerardo Garza
“Does not care for his employees.”
While working for KGNS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working there is hell. The news director never appreciates MMJ’S hard work. Nothing ever makes them happy, they always tell you how bad you’re doing. Rarely, almost never, do they say something positive about your work. The news room is filled with toxic people who are out to get you, no matter what. Unless you want to go to a place where they humiliate you and treat you like a slave. This is not the place where you want to go.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They don’t teach you how to edit or use the camera. You have to learn as you go and don’t even take the time to train you. Don’t go there working in that environment is not worth it. Yes you learn, but not because of them it’s because of the hard word and dedication you put in your stuff.”
News Director: Steve Hyvonen
Experience described as: “Cluster f***”
While working for WXIX this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND & AND play favorites. It’s a major issue. Good people have been let out of contracts early, while some of the laziest and disrespectful people stay.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Adam Henning
Experience described as: “Spineless”
While working for WPEC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Sinclair is known for spreading propaganda and that is no different at WPEC. Must run conservative agenda pieces are crammed down your throat. Anyone remember all the anchors from the Sinclair stations reciting the same propaganda? They make reporters do it too.
The assignment desk was replaced with a “content center,” which means anyone can be the assignment desk person. That makes for complete newsroom chaos. It also means that inexperienced people give the anchors scanner traffic to report as fact without confirming. It’s also everyone for themselves. If you are out in the field relaying info back to the newsroom there is always a mistake or miscommunication. You need to call 5 different people to make sure everyone is on the same page. There is virtually no maintenance on the equipment, computers regularly crash and wireless mics don’t work. You are expected to do the work of 4 people on a regular basis. The pay is poor and lower than the other stations. If you are on a contract and the station hits the sales goal you don’t get a bonus. Only employees that aren’t under contract get the bonus however, everyone contributes. A good portion of the staff comes from smaller Sinclair stations and for some, this is their first shop. The product shows it, with poorly written and presented stories. The reporters are stretched so thin because of their workload, sometimes they make up information they weren’t able to get. Many reporters and photographers have abruptly quit because of the poor working conditions. The assistant news director seems to have a chip on his shoulder because he isn’t the ND. He talks down to producers and reporters. If you are an attractive woman or anchor he may cut you some slack. Creativity is not welcomed and usually removed from the writing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Look elsewhere.”
News Director: Brooks Blanton
Experience described as: “Approachable. Very sympathetic to his team. Has a hard time keeping cool in big breaking news situations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Most days, the newsroom is a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows their assignments and are quick out the door. That being said, producers are often at odds with reporters as there is little understanding between the jobs. Good stories are often thrown out for “the easy get”. Management often struggles to hire competent employees and the turn over rate is very high.”
News Director: Julie Flynn
Experience described as: “Good news sense. Reasonable and level-headed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Much of the staff are talented and very capable but lack a sense of direction. Leadership has a hard time defining roles, and there is often questioning if the right decisions are being made.
Most employees are very helpful and willing to help each other out.”
News Director: Steve Cohen
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for KUSI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is run and operated by a local family in town. They thrive on the fact that they are an independent with no network affiliation. They FORCE their overly-Republican views on the staff and make them portray this to their viewers. It’s essentially a propaganda station. Cohen does nothing to stop it. It is a toxic work environment and the company doesn’t care for their employees and the executive news staff doesn’t do anything to stop it! In a two week period in March 2019, over 10 staff members left to all find different jobs elsewhere either at other stations in the market or leaving the business in general.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Toxic environment, not worth working under their propaganda.”
News Director: Shannon Maze Isbell
Experience described as: “Fair and approachable… not involved in the daily news at all… focused on her other duties. Asst ND is in the daily grind.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Different shifts operate differently, but I adore our group of coworkers. We’re like a family. We have a group text message thread for entertainment and ideas…. everyone has a say… Most everyone is a veteran and does there job. The only reason for turnovers is the rough hours. I’d highly recommend working here. There’s always gonna be unorganized days, corporate changes that lead to layoffs, but this is a place where I feel that I can stay for decades….. like so many of my coworkers. That’s a rarity these days.”
News Director: Bruce Barkley
“He is awful. He treated all the of the reporters and producers like they were children and pitched news stories that were not only uninteresting, but also impossible to get. He would have temper tantrums in the newsroom. He also kept me from airing a legitimate story because it put a business we advertised with in a bad light. But instead of just admitting that was the reason, he tried to make me sound like I was a poor journalist. Every anchor, reporter, producer and executive producer took my side about airing it. He was the only one with an issue. Bruce also left certain people alone but picked on others. He should never have been put in that position.”
While working for WYFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s also worth mentioning he’d send out emails, even call you into his office warning he was “cracking down” on overtime but then had the assigment desk call you in early and make you stay late for a live shot an hour away. He would try to make you come in later the next day and miss the editorial meeting just so you wouldn’t have overtime. Everything was on his terms. Did I mention he was awful?”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Morgan Schabb
Experience described as: “Somewhat negative”
While working for WAND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director always had her favorites and if you weren’t one of them you weren’t treated as well. She is younger so gossip was always something happening. Not only about people in our newsroom but also of people at the other stations as well. I think she tried her best to be a good leader but because she was younger had a hard time. She wasn’t ever open to ideas that pushed the envelope. She liked ideas that were safe and wouldn’t upset viewers. Also there would be several times they would say we were “#1″ when in reality we weren’t.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would say it’s a great place to get experience but keep your guard up and don’t trust anyone. Everyone is there to gossip. Just be careful.”
While working for WMC-TV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The assistant news director, Chris Best, would bully and harass reporters for trusting their gut in tough situations. He’d constantly ask you to do things that weren’t safe, ethical or even professional. He would routinely call and curse reporters out if their story wasn’t as good as the competition. He would lie about his knowledge of stories and other newsroom happenings. He also started a Biker Dad Facebook page and would assign reporters to cover events that he was attending. He’d get made at reporters who pitched stories that were close to their heart but then pitch his own. He livestreamed his bike ride into work just to show why he was late all the time. He created a toxic work environment, yelled at seasoned and respected reporters and just wanted to be somebody. The worst part is that he drove out good talent. Almost all the original and experienced reporters and anchors left in his time here. They were tired of his crap and couldn’t take the moral. To this day, I think about him. He was the absolute worst person I’ve ever worked for in my decade in news. And he went on to Mobile to work as a news director. Funny how bullies like him keep moving up because no one will fire them.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are some GREAT people on staff who really care a lot about their work. Seriously, they fought a good fight. In fact, most people in the newsroom were like family to each other. I believe that most people had good intentions and really wanted to do good work. It’s why so many stayed for so long. And it’s why so many still stay.”
While working for WSMV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women were told to wear fake eyelashes and darken their eyebrows. The news director also body shamed women who were not tiny and promoted women with far less experience if they were “hotter””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They have serveral lawsuits pending against them. I’ve heard mixed opinions about new management, but a lot of the damage has already been done.”
News Director: Brandon Long
“He knows a lot about the industry. I can see how he has potential to teach reporters and anchors a lot, but his way of talking to people is very condescending and he’s very sarcastic. It can come across as he’s talking at you. It’s sometimes intimidating to go to him.”
While working for WMGT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s extremely understaffed. As most small/ medium markets you’re probably doing the job or 3 people regardless. At WMGT, it’s lack of care from management. There’s not much investment within our employees. We are the number 3 station in Macon, out of 3. There’s no drive to beat the competition. There’s also no resources to be the best either. Equipment is run down and everything isn’t the best of quality, even with new things we get.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The turn around rate is extremely high. We have vacancies we haven’t filled in almost a year. There’s no push to try and fill them.”
While working for WATE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“General manager is horrible and only cares about business. Reporters are overworked. Long days, no overtime pay. Poor management. HR guy isn’t even trained, he handles the finances. No regard for concerns of employees. Toxic relationships between coworkers.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid”
News Director: John Haferkamp
Experience described as: “Uninvolved except for scheduling”
While working for WNWO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Although WNWO is a Toledo station, it’s news is broadcast from South Bend (WSBT) . Leading to a disconnect with reporters/photogs (Toledoans) and anchors/producers (South Bend crew). Not only that but the anchors were given pretty much all control, basically acting as news directors. There was no “teamwork”. A former news manager told my reporters racist, sexist, and anti-semitic things on the Toledo side, I was told I could not report it because they did not happen to me. On the South Bend side, WSBT seemed like a great station to work for.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s a newshare, operated out of South Bend. It leads to power struggles between the 2 stations in completely different states and markets. They also operate another newshare for a Pennsylvania station. They are all not great in the market and will never be given full attention.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“The previous news director was inexperienced. Terrible at communicating and played the blame game instead of taking responsiblity for managment mishaps. He was more set on the title of news director rather than actually doing the job. His time there resulted in the termination of long term news personalities, employees and a massive turn-over.”
While working for KOTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The general work environment just dealing with co-workers was amazing. Upper management was the problem. They operated on a shut up and just do whatever we tell you policy. They were quick to talk about how poorly you were doing during a review, but all the year leading up to that no concerns were ever brought to light.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Your fellow co-workers will be your only saving grace. The rest of the newsroom is filled with amazing people. And if you happen to be a management favorite you’ll be fine. And the city is great and packed with news.”
News Director: Carl Abraham
Experience described as: “Relatively enjoyable”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Number one station in the market without much competition. A pretty good place to work.”
News Director: Jennifer Scarborough
“She was tough but fair. I wish she gave better feedback. Many years of experience but she never left the market. So I took some thinks with a grain of salt”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
News Director: Karen Araiza
“She’s very smart and always looking to push the button, but morally devoid at times. She’s also very spontaneous which isn’t always a good thing. She’s showed up randomly to people’s shoots, micromanager”
While working for WCSH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Again she just didn’t seem to have the best morals and often pitted the newsroom against one another.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Dawn Miller
“She’s not technically the news director. Instead she is the news manager and the only manager at the physical location in the market. She doesn’t micromanage, but she also lacks vital communication skills at times. Not the most motivated and instead wants MMJ’s to do tasks she doesn’t want to (on top of all they have to do)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“It’s not somewhere you’ll want to stay for too long. This station is a “news share” which means the anchors and producers and news director are all in South Bend, Indiana. There’s not much feedback because there aren’t many leaders with a hands-on approach. There are no veteran reporters or anchors to learn from. At any given day only 2-3 reporters are scheduled to work, which means if someone is sick, there’s very little content and the slack has to be unfairly picked up by whoever is around.”
News Director: Tina Commodore
“I didn’t work with her, only a week.”
While working for KOKI this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“As a producer I was fine, but over in the production side, even though I had been at the station a year, as well as being more qualified for a position, was passed over. After that, everyone kept asking me why I didn’t get the job because everyone knew I wanted it. They said the current production manager at the time, only seemed to have an all male staff.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Overall it was a very pleasant environment. People were nice, even when crap hit the fan, it was not toxic. I didn’t work full time but all the drama seemed pretty tame and everyone seemed pretty happy. It was an honor to work there and I would love to go back, but as a full time employee.”
News Director: Shawn Venhaus
“Shawn was unqualified for his position. He made multiple female reporters feel uncomfortable, and would use the word f****t in private meetings with staff.”
While working for KFDA this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The News Director would give embarrassing attention to new, pretty reporters – often making them feel uncomfortable. Management would often allow newsroom disagreements fester into an overall toxic environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management aside, I was able to learn a ton about broadcast news. The long-time anchors were critical of all writing, and forced me to become a much better writer and producer. Management and work environment were huge issues, but I’m a better journalist for having worked here.”
News Director: Russ Poteet
“Russ is the best ND in the industry for training and encouraging starting reporters. He takes very little resources and makes a respectable newscast. Expect to be worked hard and be critiqued, but also expect to keep Russ as a contact/mentor for the rest of your career.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Definitely feels a bit like an extra two years in college at times. The MMJ’s are all right out of school and live in a College town. Lots of drinking and can get a bit cliquey at times. Lubbock is awesome for punching outside it’s weight class. There are national stories that you get to cover because you’re isolated in the middle of nowhere.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Kind and encouraging but tough when need to be”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great shop. I like our creative freedom and room for growth as journalists. Our ND has high expectations but is encouraging and cares at the same time. Production team can be exhausting but it’s not the worst.”
While working for KECI/KTVM/KCFW this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“LITERALLY DO NOT WORK HERE. The only place MAYBE worth working at is KTVM because they have a better Assistant News Director at the Bozeman station, and you would be removed from the toxicity hub of the main station, KECI, in Missoula. The News Director and Assistant News Director heavily favor men and are really hard on women. Terrible leadership style, the Missoula AND constantly gossip’s about employees to other employees, terrible learning environment and leadership style. They tear people down instead of lifting them up and helping them succeed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management needs an overhaul. Ten newsroom employees (of about 25) left between the beginning of August 2017 and October 2017 — that should be a huge red flag. Hiring managers tell you that they are a “learning station” during interviews, but they do not live up to that whatsoever and instead use extremely hurtful, hostile and aggressive language whenever the smallest of mistakes are made — in a market 160, which is a beginners market. Managers have terrible, backwards news judgement and are not open to new ideas or creativity. They are not approachable, it’s their way or the highway. HR is virtually non-existent because it is ran by one guy in Colorado. I’m honestly surprised this station hasn’t seen a major lawsuit. The only positive thing I have to say is that conditions might be changing with the transfer of ownership from Bonten Media Group to Sinclair Broadcasting. Reporters are never thanked, they constantly work 10 to 12 hour days, get called in on their days off and scorned if they can’t make it in. It is the most unprofessional work environment I’ve ever been a part of. You are overworked, underpaid and underappreciated. Station management holds no one accountable for anything. They ruined my passion for the news industry. I might be a disgruntled ex-employee, but don’t think I didn’t pull my weight. I went above and beyond for this station, always kept a positive attitude and filled in for every single on-air and behind the scenes position. Bottom line, do not work here.”
News Director: Ivan Garcia
Experience described as: “Unprofessional and toxic”
While working for KUNP this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KUNP is supervised by the executive producer, who is unfit for a leadership role as such. He is unprofessional, makes sexual remarks and advances on his female employees. He uses foul language and disrespects his employees. He picks and chooses the news he will air, even if there are news that are of importance to his community, if it’s not something he is personally interested in it won’t air. His actions are especially degrading towards women. Takes any feedback or suggestions as a personal attack. If you don’t agree with him on something or pretend he is right about everything, he will start giving you a hard time about petty things. He is an insecure individual who projects that on colleagues by disrespecting them or blocking opportunities for them. This person will offer you so much when recruiting you but won’t keep his word once you are hired. The only way he will help you advance or not make work a toxic place for you, is if you never stand up for yourself or against his wrongdoings. His level of experience also will not help you grow professionally or improve your craft.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay away!!! The English counterpart is it’s own other world, but as a whole the place is toxic. People here do not care about you as a person it’s all business. They will protect employees that have seniority despite serious issues and their unprofessional behavior.”
News Director: Jennifer Dodd
“She’s barely present. When she is and you have the chance to talk to her, she forgets. It makes you wonder if you’re an integral part of the news team when your own boss conveniently forgets your goals, your dreams or any promises she has made. There were times she pushed reporters to obtain or air information that may have been obtained unethically. As a journalist, while I understand the need for gathering and releasing information first, but I’m not willing to risk the station’s reputation and my credibility by doing something that is borderline illegal.”
While working for News 8 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There are days I’m surprised I still work here. Since I was hired, I’ve experienced my boss telling me that I’m hard to understand because English is not my first language—even when colleagues say otherwise—, I was harassed by a former coworker for turning his advances down and it took the station YEARS to terminate him despite at least five years worth of reports against him, and a blatant disregard for the quality of stories we air everyday. Recently, we hired an MMJ who’ve never reported nor shot a story before. When managers hand you a camera without a battery or tape in it, then tells you to shoot something…that just shows you how much they know about news gathering and the work that is involved in putting a good story together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There is a lot of potential for this 24-hour format. It’s maddening how it’s not incorporated AND nurtured through valuing its employees and their talents.”
News Director: Darryl Adams
“If you’re one of the favorites, life is not terrible. But the expectations of everyone are very very high.”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management tried to foster teamwork by fostering competition. It was not healthy. There was no consideration for personal lives… Working there was seen by management as a privilege, not a mutually-beneficial relationship.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Brad Meyers
“I worked for the previous news director Scott. He left shortly after me, but a lot of the management came from another station. It is a good ole boys club, and they dont take well to new ideas or people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“WECT is a great starting station. They take their jobs seriously, but if you get on the wrong side of the wrong people, you will regret it. They also have had several major flops with on air talent over the past two years. The 3 best reporters all left within a three month span in summer 2018.”
News Director: Jim Platzer
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for WJAC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Platzer is rude and doesn’t care about his employees. He calls them ‘bodies’ and ‘girls’ and has no respect for anyone. It doesn’t start with Jim. This is a Sinclair station. The poison is trickling down from the top and the more that the news directors dish out poison, the more rewarded they are.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Eric Valadez
Experience described as: “He has no idea what he’s doing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“9 News does not live up to their reputation. I had creativity stiffed by management with zero direction. I had a multi-year contract that was terminated without severence a year in after I moved my entire life to Denver. They don’t care about anyone, especially if they think you make too much money. Don’t buy the hype, 9News is not what it once was for developing talent. You can cut your teeth elsewhere and actually make money doing it.”
News Director: Jennifer Rigby
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a wonderful place to work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There’s an unofficial “no jerk” rule at this station. If you think work is beneath you, complain about all your co-workers and aren’t a team-player, you are not welcome here. WREX is all about a healthy work environment and helping people through tough times they may face. I couldn’t have worked for a better station/company.”
While working for Spectrum this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A lack of communication and a lack of morale. We didn’t even look at Nielsen ratings because we barely registered.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you can help it, don’t come to Spectrum; it was a negative experience that drained me and left my career going in the wrong direction.
It’s a 24-hour cable station, which means only 40% of people CAN watch us, and those that do often choose the over the air stations unless they’re checking the weather. In other words, you work to the bone to get seen by a very small slice of North Carolinians.
The allure of being in a top-25 market quickly vanished when the reality of being understaffed hit. We barely ever did live shots and we missed several big moments in my time there because we didn’t have enough reporters to cover it all.
Things here were not good when I was there, and I fear things may get worse as more people choose to cut the cord. There are great people here, but being in a top 25 does not make up for these complications.”
News Director: Anne Wittenborg
While working for KSTP this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was the only female photog and there is not enough room here to put embolization down”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Suh Neubauer
Experience described as: “Uninvolved/gone for long periods, no station direction, unorganized.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is completely unprofessional. There is an overall lack of interest in the broadcast by the management and even the news director. There is NEVER any news meetings, nobody pitches stories, equipment always broken. This led to the staff not caring: there is no accountability, production staff talks constantly over the headsets about unrelated topics, shows suffer. One May, the Prompter stopped working. The engineer couldn’t figure out the issue right away so nobody did anything. We went without the prompter for the WHOLE SUMMER. It wasn’t until around September-ish that it was finally fixed. We film on tiny SLR cameras and 40$ plastic tripods. It’s embarrassing cover stories next to real stations.”
News Director: Esteban Creste
Experience described as: “micro manager”
While working for WXTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If there is a long-term strategy, it is not communicated to the staff. Futures planning is inconsistent. Staff is routinely told in the open that they may only contribute suggestions about stories that should be covered but not about any other area of the newsroom. All levels of staff report to the News Director, making some supervisors irrelevant.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Amie Hudspeth
“She is racist towards white people. She doesn’t train anyone, yells at/calls workers stupid and to “pull your head out of your a**.” Everything done in the newsroom is inspite of her. No leadership abilities or good news judgment.”
While working for KAVU this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“At least 3 white employees quit while I was there due to treatment from Amie Hudspeth. Other employees also quit because they were over-worked and not given pay for overtime. Amie will comment on talent/reporters appearance to the extent of asking them if they are pregnant and telling them to “maybe get something to hold all that in.” One employee worked 100 hours over 2 weeks without being granted overtime pay.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you want to learn to become a better journalist, DO NOT COME HERE. Newscenter 25 (KAVU) is where dreams go to die. There is also a bat infestation that shut down the studio for almost a week to clean the air, because talent was getting rashes and irritated throats/eyes.”
News Director: Galean Stewart
“As a first time manager (news director), her inexperience shows in day-to-day decisions regarding news coverage to favoritism showed among staff specifically multimedia journalists. It’s not a good learning environment for journalists looking to grow in their craft. Find another smaller market where management truly cares and will help you be better as a storyteller.”
While working for WDAM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Entire management staff is inexperienced including the general manager. The GM is more concerned about advertising (keeping account holders happy) than community coverage that counts. Small market turnover is expected especially here, because of managers in the newsroom. Training for staff behind the scenes and in front of the camera is not adequate.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re considering employment at the station, find previous employers that will give you insight into the newsroom culture.”
News Director: Jeff Nelson
Experience described as: “Not Good”
While working for WDAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Favoritism based on your looks. If your a beautiful female in the news directors eyes then you will get anything you want. If you are just so so, then you are just along for the ride until the end of your contract with no real advancement.
Also news director will pick what type of hair style he likes for you after you start.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unless you like playing mind games with the station managment then you may want to pick a different station.
Everyone is also hourly not salary, unless you are in managment.”
News Director: Jason Pasco
Experience described as: “Great”
While working for KTVN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The ND was amazing, but he chose a terrible Executive Producer, Zac. He was mean, awful and was set on making everyone miserable. Multiple people quit in a matter if months because of him. He was so bad that the company sent him to Management Training in Hope’s to fix his behavior, it only made it worse.
Everyone else is great, you can move up quickly if you try. But if Zac doesnt like you- you will get nowhere.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “HAHAHAHAHAHA”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mike Rausch is a worthless piece of garbage who is so enthused by himself that he fails to see where he comes up short.
The most glaring example is the hiring of Executive Producer Matthew Zelkind, who is a notorious sexual predator, and had been fired for showing pornography to his fellow employees. Gross, bruh.
While I believe new GM Pimentel has made significant improvements, I fail to understand why he continues to employ Rausch, who has single-handedly brought morale at the station to an all-time low. Moreover, Rausch has a history of being an unethical journalist himself, along with some very poor decisions, none more telling than his call to send news drones airborne during a wildfire. Of course, several fire aircraft were forced to ground, which embarrassed KRDO to no end, and resulted in one of our producers getting laid off.
Do not allow yourself to be a prisoner to this place. There is a reason why there are so many people leaving.
As long as Rausch continues to run the show, our ratings will continue to fall lower.
DO NOT WORK HERE.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Mike Rausch is not the legendary newsman that he claims to be. As I have stated, he has a horrible reputation within industry executives, and I have never been so unhappy in this business.
One of our digital employees left recently because of Rausch’s poor treatment of her, which sounds like 99 percent of all the burnout.”
noun
Entry into a building illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft.
Ex. “A two-year sentence for burglary.”
News Director: Kimberly Wyatt
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for WEAR this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
““The only person I have ever met that knows everything about everything and blames others for her mistakes” meet Sinclair owned WEAR ABC Channel 3 News Director Kimberly Wyatt.
The ND and managers are completely unmotivated and unprofessional, which is why it’s a laughing stock across the market. I warn you, stay away from this place. The most important survival tactic was to get out as soon as I could.
The newsroom has absolutely no guidance and is basically run by an understaffed group of college graduates. This news station is extremely understaffed, nearly a dozen employees have left under Wyatt’s leadership, because everyone is miserable and wants to get out. It is not a place you feel comfortable at and you constantly feel like you are walking on eggshells everyday.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If Wyatt were not there then it would be a great working environment. Long-time anchors Bob Solarski and Sue Straughn were great to me. Bless their hearts with having to deal with such chaos on a daily basis.
I would never recommend this station to anyone. No one cares about you as an employee. The station is severely understaffed. No constructive criticism. You’ll be promised things that will NEVER happen.They hire people with no experience. Quantity over quality.
Why the GM keeps a ND around who belittles and lie to her employees, is a mystery to me. Maybe if she and her little “yes ma’am” minions were gone, the station’s morale would jump dramatically. Maybe, just maybe employees would stay there for more than 2-3 years and gain more viewers than the local newspaper.”
News Director: Emily Adamson
“She was awesome. Balanced demands of management with the needs of the newsroom. She’s a person you want in your corner.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“- Management and corporate oversight are pretty unorganized. There’s a lack of ownership over MT affiliate operations, which is pretty significant issue with how often we relied on each other.
– No discussion of ratings, which doesn’t help provide a drive to compete for a station third in the market.
– Pay is not great.
+ Ending on a positive, the SWX sports brand/channel is an awesome launching point. All reporters interested in sports should not look over this opportunity if they’re concerned about market size.
+ It is a great starter market/station for news/sports.”
News Director: Trent Bailey
“Has absolutely no experience in the industry. He does not know how to take leadership or be a boss.”
While working for WBUP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would not recommend this station to anyone. I got hired under another News Director, but unfortunately left because the station does not care about anyone. The News Director they hired worked in Master Control and has no idea what he is doing. If you are looking for a place to grow and learn. DO NOT COME HERE! There is no sales department or HR. The GM does not even live in the area and has no idea what happens at the station. The News Director does not even know what stories you do. Some days he wont even show up. He probably works 4 hours a day. The newsroom has absolutely no guidance and is basically run by a bunch of 23 year olds. Severely understaffed, because everyone is miserable and wants to get out. The creepy engineer lives in the building and showers in the girls bathroom. It is not a place you feel comfortable at and you constantly feel like you are walking on eggshells.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Absolutely no resources and they will never get any. The News Director told us we were basically a tax write off for the owner of the company. You are better off doing a post-grad internship then working here.”
News Director: Lena Sadiwskyj
“The only person I have ever met that knows everything about everything and blames others for her mistakes.”
While working for WTVY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The News Director talks about others. She makes it her goal to make everyone on staff miserable at all times. If she were not there then it would be a great working environment. The GM and managers were great to me.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Talented on air team and a great production and engineering staff.”
News Director: Trent Bailey
Experience described as: “Miserable”
While working for WBUP this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would never recommend this station to anyone. No one cares about you as an employee. The station is severely understaffed and underfunded. No constructive criticism. No live capabilities. You’ll be promised things that will never happen. They hire people with no experience. Quantity over quality.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Painful! He’s beyond arrogant, a narcissistic jerk who wants to push his political ideology rather than facts. A horrible tyrant to work for.”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Rausch needs to be replaced. As good as the new GM is, I’m surprised and highly disappointed that Rausch is still employed there. He is an arrogant, self-serving jerk whose hobbies are to make the lives of everyone under his supervision cow-tow to his extreme alt-right philosophies and if you don’t tow the line, he’ll make your life miserable!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are some great people working at this station. The new GM is miles better than the previous one and is trying hard to make a difference. Why he keeps a ND around who belittles and berates his employees, is a mystery. If the ND and his little “yes men” minions were gone, the station’s morale would jump 10 points.”
News Director: Jacob “Jake” Taylor
“He starts out being super kind and nice, but later turns into a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He can be nice and funny, then turn into demanding and harsh, within a minute. You never knew what you would get. It would be very confusing and stressful.”
While working for KIMA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was discriminated with having a learning disability. Jake would tell me all the time I was slow, not going fast enough or not making enough progress. I always felt so targeted.
With my hours, I rarely could get my errands done outside of work. I was told to take sick days as needed and was later criticized for that.
Jake wouldn’t be hard on reporters if they were late on things, but I’d face the brunt of it if the shows didn’t go perfect or things never came in.
The reporters were mostly easy to deal with but they would get overwhelmed easily if if they had to do a PKG, and multiple VOSOT’s a day.
Daniel the director was mean and very grouchy. He would make jokes and snarl if the reporters were late, the rest of the Production people were very hypocritical and get angry at me easily.
Jake would let them tell me too many things at once they wanted the reporters to hear but not tell them themselves.
I felt like people were gossiping against me.
I felt like I never truly fit in and I barely heard from anybody at KIMA after I left, in comparison the KEPR people were the ones who cared.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“We were a dominant number one, beating the competition combined. I was always proud of the shows that were put together. As the only producer in Yakima, I felt like I did too much with too little help.
It didn’t help that we could barely get news if someone was off, we were fine at full staff and had a much harder time if people were off.
If you want to report at KIMA, expect to turn a PKG and up to two VOSOT’s a day on Dayside. A PKG and sometimes a VOSOT night-side. Plus a PKG, VOSOT and maybe a VO weekends. As for mornings it varies, but live shots and a mini-pkg or VOSOT or VO for later.
We had half our staff here and half in Tri-Cities. Mornings are Tri-Cities anchored and weather. but have a Yakima reporter. 5 & 6 are all local. 11pm weeknights is partially local, but anchored, and produced out of Tri-Cities with a Yakima reporter. Weekends are all anchored, and produced along with sports in the Tri Cities but there is a weekend Yakima reporter. Sports is Yakima based Mon-Fri but weekends are Tri-Cities.
As for producing, it’s all the stuff you’re used to but a lot of struggling on your own. Jake would help sometimes but not always. Jake is ND/Anchor and would often ad-lib scripts and sometimes fumble. We also had no local weather (pre-taped) and had to write weather tosses and that would be hard if the weather was boring. The KEPR weather people were a delight and super helpful though.
Unless a reporter volunteers to shoot your live shot you will ALWAYS be a MMJ, there are zero photogs.
Reporters rarely fill-in anchored and never knew how to write scripts to anchor. So I would have to Produce and fill-in as ND those days. There was zero training for reporters to be ready to anchor.
On the good days I loved my job and on the bad days I cried. I was proud of the content and almost always being first. I hated the Sinclair must runs 99% of the time.
The staff at KEPR are a real delight. Easy to deal with and so kind.
Get to know Bill and Kevin and you won’t regret it. Bill knows everything and tells great stories. Kevin is kind and funny and a great fill-in director.
It isn’t the worst newsroom I’ve been in but I am happy to be gone. I ended up in the hospital because of the job and management didn’t care.
The Station Manager is a hypocrite, he’s nice unless somebody lies and he takes their side.
I rarely got praise, a lot of criticism instead. I felt like I put in so much work and hours. My shows had strong and unique content.
I wasn’t allowed to talk to the reporters to ask what went wrong in a newscast. I was number two in command but felt like I treated like a three year old.
I would say go to KIMA for the first job only if you have the thickest skin. It’s a tough newsroom and you will get burned out at times.
As for Yakima. rent is very expansive overall especially if you want to live the West Valley, which is the safest and most convenient but also far away from the station. It’s much harder to get an apartment in Terrace Heights near the station. Yakima has great shopping and food, but zero nightlife.
Make sure you make it to the Tri-Cities to meet the KEPR staff. Seattle and Portland aren’t super far and great to visit the if the weather is good.
If you can get past Jake’s split personalities, KIMA might be for you, he has decent news judgment and most of the days you’ll get to cover what you want.
Sinclair is decent to work for minus the political BS and you get good health, dental and vision insurance after less then 90 days.
KIMA is a decent station, run by idiots who don’t understand that staffers are human and that this is a starter market. If you are a reporter at KIMA, you’ll probably be fine. If you are the only Yakima producer, good luck, you’ll probably need it.
Have fun if the backpacks fail, the live shots die because they aren’t being monitored as much as they should.
I miss news sometimes, but not the stress and unnecessary drama KIMA had before I left.
With KIMA I say, may the odds be ever in your favor.”
News Director: Mike Mickle
Experience described as: “Doesn’t make decisions, blames others for his mistakes, very egotistical”
While working for WHBF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The entire group of managers and the station owner are completely unmotivated and unprofessional. Everyone seems to do the minimum required of any task, which is why it’s a laughing stock across the market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This has to be one of the worst stations for which to work in the entire country.”
News Director: Kelly Boan
Experience described as: “Positive and affirming”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Even though FOX Carolina is usually last in the market on air, the station shines in digital. Crews often break stories first AND accurately, and the web team is often lauded by competitors for going the extra mile. The station can admittedly play off to a more conservative appeal with “FOX” branding on Facebook (given how more conservative people on Facebook do follow anything with “Fox” and “News” in the same sentence), but nonetheless digital is tops in the market and also within the company. Going back to on-air struggles, the station is still the relative new kid on the block, with an editorial department that wasn’t even started until the early 1990s, with a lack of legacy viewers that the NBC competitor, WYFF has. However, that’s changing as WHNS dominates in digital and reaches older viewers on Facebook.
The web team has plenty of tools at their disposal to win the day online, and it helps that corporate switched the websites over to a new, more efficient platform. Live streams to the website/app and to Facebook or YouTube are a specialty. The web team does have to sell their souls a bit when they have to make aimless Canva “Facebook polls” or when they share videos from other digital outlets, but they just get it done, get it done well, and get back to doing news.
Working with field crews is easy, and having company cell phones certainly helps, a thing some station groups outright refuse to offer. Based on my interactions with colleagues who specifically go into the field, the crew usually has all they need to accomplish tasks. Some equipment is older, but we can likely turn the stink-eye to Meredith for this. Newer, more powerful laptops would be a welcome change. One good note is that MMJs are almost always paired with a photog for live hits, and more experienced photogs really help turn a PKG in a creative direction. The station also employs video editors for morning, nightside, and weekends, so VOSOTs, affiliate video, and digital requests are all handled by them while photogs and reporters/MMJs focus on the main stories. Additionally, seasoned pros who have worked at the station a while are always chomping at the bit to teach new tricks and try them as well, and plenty of young guns are looking for that.
Local management is easy to get along with, and it’s easy to find a solution when there is an impasse. However, as the digital leader, expect an onslaught of emails when major breaking news or severe weather hits. It can be annoying, but coming from a station where literally nobody seemed to give an honest care it’s easy to forgive. Management also appreciates that you have social lives outside of the newsroom and are happy to accommodate almost all reasonable time off requests. They also encourage community involvement, and there are folks in the newsroom who give time to local non-profits.
The main concern for this station is the fact that Meredith is one of the smaller station groups in the country, with only 15 stations in their portfolio. I would urge Meredith execs to look at stations soon to be up for sale in other markets, as not going forward with a Cox acquisition was an honest mistake. We could have figured out WGCL and WSB in Atlanta easily, and acquiring Cox stations would have meant more sisters across the country, including in nearby Charlotte and on the coast of Charleston that could act as a natural funnel for upward-moving talent, not to mention an easier regional news connection than trying to hold together informal agreements with now Gray TV stations. Additionally, the studio is a bit outdated, although the introduction of the “Big Ass Monitor” is a welcome update for better studio shots. The newsroom shot is a very nice one, but some better lighting might be in order for reporters with darker skin tones.
Is WHNS a perfect newsroom? Of course not. But is it a good place to work? Yes it is, and you will learn a lot no matter what your job is. It’s very easy to get along with most staff, and the weekend crew is notably tight-knit and can pull off even the most pressing breaking news situations without needing to call in the cavalry. Coming here is an absolute improvement over the last gig, and I’m looking forward to more adventures with this team.”
News Director: Bob Newman
Experience described as: “Miserable”
While working for Spectrum (Central NC) this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you want to be on air with people who produce sub-standard work with no consequence, this station is for you. If you want to have inadequate editing software, have at it. You won’t get a laptop either.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone there is miserable. No one even watches. Don’t do it.”
News Director: Jim Newman
“Avoid this place like the plague. If you like to Enterprise, investigate, do active live shots or breaking news, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR”
While working for Spectrum (Central NC) this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chad Cross
“Nice guy who’s competent. Very mellow, doesn’t scream at people, and has good news judgment”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“There’s good storytelling at KXAN and the reporters, producers, and anchors are very easy to work with. Just a few complaints. The pay is unimpressive for a Top 40 market (to be fair, I think all the Austin stations pay poorly), producer contracts are too long, scheduling is a mess, the assignments desk can at times be unorganized, and the station hates to promote from within.”
News Director: George Davilas
“Has no reall news background just entertainment”
While working for KPNX this person experienced:
“This place has lost at least 10 photographers in over a year. People are not happy and don’t like the direction this station is going in. Forcing photographers to write more. They can’t find experience photographers they are willing to pay them, let alone, mislead them when brought in for an interview.
They hired a new chief photographer who was a news director in two small markets in Texas and Idaho who does not know how to run a live truck and had to call a photographer for help. Not a person who can lead a staff of photographers know for storytelling and will have a hard time earning their respect.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
News Director: Rick Jacobs
Experience described as: “Inconsequential”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not worth it, things are about to change. Rick is retiring.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The best move this station made was appointing John Tierney interim ND. He’s smart, sexy, and has got the goods to take this station forward! All hail Tierney! The bearded, obsequious one is movin’ on up!!!”
News Director: Lane Kimble
Experience described as: “Super positive, let’s you pursue the stories you pitch most of the time and you learn A TON”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is truly an amazing place to learn. I got a chance to report, produce, and anchor during my time here. They truly let you pursue the stories you want which is great. They’ll never turn down a live shot either! The Northwoods of Wisconsin is pretty rural, but there are stories in this market you won’t be able to cover anywhere else. It’s a great station for people starting their careers who want to become strong, creative storytellers.”
News Director: Lane Kimble
“Excellent mentor, learned a lot from him. Can’t remember him ever saying no to a story pitch and is willing to let you grow in whatever way you’re interested in. (Want to anchor more or do more live shots? Ask Lane and he’ll probably say yes.) He’s a great person to start your career under.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a fantastic place for broadcasters right out of college to get their start in. The newsroom culture is supportive, creative and collaborative. You’ll learn a ton here and be well-prepared to move on to your next job after two years.”
News Director: Kay Norred
“This lady is whacked.”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Every single news manager at this station is an incompetent moron and corporate knows it, too. The best part? They don’t care. The GM, Arika Zink, should’ve been fired YEARS AGO! In fact, she’s not at all qualified to be a leader or manager of anything. The News Director, Kay Norred, causes all kinds of drama. She talks about her employees behind their backs to other employees and is very vindictive. If you’re not loyal to her – watch out! Oh, she’ll also hold grudges against you if you’re sick and have to call into work. She’ll also call and harass you and say you don’t sound sick and won’t talk to you once you do return to work. It’s very childish behavior. Plus, she and the chief meteorologist are having relations outside the office. Corporate knows about that, too. But again, they don’t care. It’s disgusting and overall, an unprofessional place to work. Also, this place breeds incompetence and things go wrong everyday. You’ll never get ahead here because you’re constantly worrying about what kind of drama you’ll be dealing with for the day. There’s never a plan for the newscast because managers never know how to plan for the day. And if there is a plan, it’s never executed well. This station is full of amateurs. Plus, there’s only a morning show and 10pm. Its been operating for 3.5 years and the GM will continue promising midday and afternoon shows but don’t let her fool you… it’ll never happen. My co-workers were wonderful and we tried our hardest to put on a great show every night but management constantly got in our way. Management never helped us achieve anything. Worst leadership I’ve ever encountered. Oh, and the station is DEAD LAST in the market. I loved my coworkers when I was here but management will make your life a living hell. And to top it all off, this is a Nexstar station so don’t expect half decent compensation. They won’t pay you half of what you’re worth. DO NOT COME HERE. PERIOD.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT COME HERE!! UNEMPLOYMENT IS BETTER.”
News Director: Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo
While working for KGBT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place is nothing but a shit show. Management needs to change especially the General Manager. She is nothing but a drama seeker, if you are a favorite then you can get away with murder. The former news director wasn’t any better. He would get after anyone who did their job accordingly but the ones who always mess up or can’t even do their job will always get praised. They hire unqualified people for jobs. The station it self is being ruled by a 20 year old immature child who is a director who is only a high school graduate with no news/production experience at a. All she does is call in sick every week and tries to get people in trouble with the assistant news director and the general manager. Good people who worked here were treated like crap but good for them for leaving to bigger and better stations.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place isn’t worth working for. No one likes working here, don’t expect to bring in any ideas because they won’t care for it. They do basic boring shows with no attention to detail on anything. You are better off going to the competitor station. I wouldn’t want anyone to work for this station at all, unless you wanna be bossed around by a child, have a disorganized and chaotic news room. If you wanna be lazy and get away with that kinda work then this station is for you. If you actually want to advance in your career and have management and co workers who care then don’t come here.”
News Director: Dan Delgado
Experience described as: “Toxic, immoral, lack of basic human rights”
While working for KCAU this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“An all-star african-american camera operator was fired because he was “late 15 minutes on the morning show twice in the last two months” after receiving no warnings. This was after nearly every other staff member was constantly late, and got numerous warnings. No warnings or markups on the employees record, yet he was fired the week after the second african-american worker was hired, so they could still mark the box for having a ‘diverse workplace’.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is an overall toxic station. I started at 26,000 as a reporter and a weekend meteorologist. Dan Delgado came into the station as the new News Director after the previous News Director was fired for passing out drunk in front of the local movie theater. Dan proceeded to push his authoritarian style, and our main anchor, chief meteorologist, and sports director all left within a manner of months of him joining the staff. I wish I joined them at the time, because I was then promoted to morning meteorologist, after covering for the chief for two months. After being promoted, there was absolutely no change in my pay, and I continued to work on the mornings for the next 7 months. Dan would continue to call me and other workers that he did not like into his office consistently, and I was threatened to be fired (although there were no alternative options for him) constantly. It got so bad, that people I worked with started counting the amount of times we would be threatened to be fired in a week, and it completely lost all of it’s scary-factor after the first three times or so. This place is a joke, and only a handful of people I have worked with there have actually completed their contracts. It was standard at KCAU to break your contract early because of all of the illegal activities and immoral actions that were used behind the scenes. The station has been severely understaffed since I arrived there, and it only got worse in my two years of working there. When I attempted to contact our local HR rep about illegal activities, she doesn’t take action other than immediately telling the ND what you said, which leads to further unfair treatment. Corporate HR is no better, as I sent dozens of emails and voicemails to them over my time there, to no response. Since I have left, I have also received screenshots showing KCAU slandering my name in facebook messages to viewers. On top of all of this, there is nothing to do in Sioux City. It is an industrial area with nothing but factories, and surrounding the main city, there is only farmland for as far as the eye can see. It’s a great city if all you eat is fast food. If you can avoid working for KCAU, I would highly suggest it, as you will only find yourself wanting out after a few months of being berated constantly, even if great work was the consistent output.”
News Director: Frank Jones
Experience described as: “Great! Provides useful constructive feedback. Very straightforward. Sets expectations but is understanding of employee’s personal lives.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s a dream station. I’ve wanted to work at a station like this since I started my career. Management has high expectations but is very fair and good at giving constructive feedback. They want you to grow and be successful. They’re understanding of the importance of work-life balance. We are #1 in the ratings in most time slots. Richmond is a great place to live too.”
News Director: Curtis Hancock
Experience described as: “Good! Very supportive and involved. Sets you up to succeed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Victoria Spechko
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
News Director: Warren Korff
While working for WEVV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rick Jacobs
Experience described as: “He’s a jerk.”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s just time for him to go. I hear talks about possible lawsuits against the ND all the time. The ND is abusive. If you’re caught talking bad about him, he’ll go nuts and try to find a way to fire you. It’s hard to follow what he wants. He changes his mind every day. He blames others for his own lack of vision. He blames others for poor leadership all the time. He should look at himself in the mirror.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It used to be a great shop. It’s slowly burning to the ground under manic, horrible leadership.”
News Director: Chad Mahoney
Experience described as: “Terrible, Stressful, Overall Awful”
While working for WGEM this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would avoid working for Chad Mahoney at all costs. My experience working for WGEM was not good at all. It seems like some of the management would bully reports for the smallest mistakes. While I was there, the anchors were rude and would talk badly about reporters and you could hear them through IFB. Just an overall toxic place to work and Chad Mahoney would do nothing to help. He would yell at you in front of other employees. He would also get mad if you came in early to look for stories for the morning meeting. Just avoid this place like the plague. Also not a great place for Minorities in my opinion.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid this place like your life depends on it.”
News Director: Eric Walters
“He was Good to Work with!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It was a Fun place for me to work. I really enjoyed it and learned a few new things. If you are starting out as a first time MMJ you will need to adjust to it. Working at night sometimes by yourself is not fun but if you feel unsafe and explain that to the News Director he will work with you on this. Some people have recently left Wbtw and gave this station a Toxic workplace. These employees were lazy and Toxic themselves who complained about everyone and everything. If you put forth your best effort, you will be rewarded with a possible promotion but if you don’t get one, you will definitely be better off for the next job that comes your way!”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Mike has good journalistic instincts and can be a mentor if he had the time”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It is absolutely incredible that the station hired a sexual predator like Zelkind, the guy is revolting. He is completely inappropriate. In fact he has a history of sexual harassment in his prior station, he was fired for it. He must have someone higher up that is protecting him, since he does not even know or can’t do his job as executive producer job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Until Zelkind is there, it will not be a good work environment, it will remain toxic.”
News Director: Anthony Knopps
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Physically impossible tasks expected at same time. Crew communication problems never resolved. Discouraging environment for proposing solutions or correcting production mistakes. Inaccurate, incomplete and rude job orientation or direction. Producer mistakes blamed graphic operator on a daily basis. Working off the clock generally expected on a daily basis, break time typically not allowed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Recently purchased and now hiring an entire shift”
News Director: Jay Quaintance
“It is sincerely unfortunate how terrible it is to work for Jay Quaintance. He has twice given two people 48 hours to begin doing a job they’ve never done or have any desire to do, or they’re fired. He doesn’t know how to talk to people. He cannot make eye contact with anyone. He will destroy everything about your show, without offering any way of improving before or after, all while he looks at everything but you. I know its not that important to like everyone you work with or for, but I don’t know anyone at JHL who DOESN’T HATE HIM. Oh and the schedule comes out in one week at a time, on Friday’s which is an improvement from Sunday. But another person had to complain to get him to send the schedules out on Friday.”
While working for WJHL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I regret signing a contract EVERY SINGLE DAY.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Mike is OK, but the Executive Producer M Zelkind is a nightmare. I am tired of Zelkind tooting his horn…about nothing. he is totally incompetent”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Zelkind stirs things up, blows everything out of proportion. He should learn his job before he tries to tell others what to do…what a joke!!!!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work for Zelkind. Mike is alright but can’t understand why he keeps an incompetent Executive Producer.”
News Director: Phillip Ohnemus
While working for KULR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Cowles HR department is disgusting and unprofessional- victim-blaming and no regard for safety of staff”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“will make you work overtime with no pay. DO NOT WORK FOR COWLES”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is last in the ratings for a reason. They have two reporters at most working there and care more about sales and money than the well-being of its employees. They pay men much more than women despite us doing the same if not more amount of work. No overtime and no comp days. I was also making at least $8,000 less than the other sports reporters in the market who had far less experience than me. When I asked for a raise, they said they didn’t have the money and that I should be lucky to even still have a job.”
News Director: Scott Atkinson
“The News Director has a good sense of humor and you can learn a lot from his news experience. Very helpful with improving your writing skills.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a great starter station for people getting into a television news career. Management has decades of experience and, while sometimes personalities clash, it’s an overall good experience if you’re hard-working and willing to learn. Since most of the reporters that come in are straight out of college, it’s easy to become friends/get along with co-workers.”
News Director: Adam Plyler
Experience described as: “Extremely beneficial and rewarding”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“WDTV recently underwent new leadership in the newsroom. So far, Adam has helped reporters, anchors, and producers learn strategies that have contributed to our overall success. Adam treats his staff like he’s a coach versus a manager, which has made people more willing to learn. There are still some of the challenges that naturally come with a small market station, such as being in a rural area, occasional technical problems, down to the second deadlines, and difficulty finding stories on some days, but everyone works together to help one another. This is a great market for a recent college graduate, especially as a reporter. You will be in a community that treats you like you’ve been there for years. Some of those challenges that come with being in a small market actually help you in the long run and you’ll learn how to navigate through different obstacles that come your way. You will also learn crucial techniques that will likely be expected of you at the next job you take.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “She’s fine”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“To those who keep trashing the other departments, remember – “those in glass houses…”
My experience is everyone works hard. No one person “practically runs the station.” Morgan’s great but she tends to be pals with everyone and when you do that it’s hard to lead.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Just imagine a gorilla sitting on a baby. Crappy”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When I first joined KRDO, I was at the happiest point in my life.
About two weeks in, I was ready to commit seppuku.
I never felt welcome at KRDO. I am not talking about my co-workers necessarily. Those guys were great. It’s really the management. News meetings are honestly a waste of time. You sit at 9 am and listen to Mike Rausch talk about himself for half an hour. Meanwhile, valuable time is wasted, with not a lot of production.
Personally, I skipped a lot of the meetings because I simply can’t waste 30 minutes when I am on a tight deadline.
Talk about how cool you are some other time. We have work to do.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I will say that we were open to creative control to an extent, but not very much.
Mike runs a tight ship and undercuts his staff. He will go behind his employees’ back to undermine their decisions.
Rausch has a history of violating journalistic principle. He even hired a new Executive Producer who was fired from his previous job for being a sexual pervert. Moreover, Rausch waited several months to add his name onto the website to avoid backlash.
While KRDO has tremendous employees and is somewhat open to creative control, this is not a good place to work.
Mike has single handedly ruined the legacy of this station. Pikes Peak Television needs to get rid of its village idiot.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Hard working, passionate, fun”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Love this station. Love the newsroom. I feel though the newsroom has their shit together but other departments and management are ten steps behind. Morgan practically runs the station and works hard to make sure the other departments negative leadership don’t affect her newsroom.”
News Director: Kevin King
“Kevin King is an extremely disorganized news director who plays favorites in his newsroom. You can be a hard worker and a great storyteller and it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t like you.”
While working for KSFY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place is a complete dumpster fire. There were several people making the work environment poor who recently left, but it starts with management.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work for this station. You might enticed by the number of open positions, but that’s because people are jumping ship.
The news director, GM and assistant news director all play favorites and if you’re not their favorite, don’t expect to be treated fairly. When people in the newsroom who are their favorites feel threatened by you, you can expect to pay the price.
This newsroom is incredibly disorganized and understaffed. Don’t be fooled by a brand new shiny building and new gear, the managers don’t care about you or your safety.
If you voice concerns or suggestions, they act like you’re being dramatic. You will rarely work with a photographer since there are only four for the entire station and you can expect to shoot your own liveshots.
Jim Berman and Kevin King will bill this place as a great place to work and live, and that they’ll help you grow and learn as a reporter, but unless you’re embarrassing them on air, they stop giving you feedback after about six months — unless you’re gossiping in the newsroom, call out sick a few times or you’re a couple minutes late to work. Then you’ll hear about it. Favorites in the newsroom can get away with murder — showing up late, speaking badly about others, taking hours-long dinner breaks because they feel they’re “owed” that by the company — and will never be reprimanded —but you will.
If you suffer any sort of mental health issue whatsoever, depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. don’t work here because they will not care or respect your needs at all.
Also, they pay peanuts and will hound you for overtime, even during sweeps and football season. If you want to do something special that requires travel, you better hope they’re feeling generous, because they will always send salaried employees first.”
News Director: N/A
While working for KAAL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management claims to have an open door policy, but when you bring forth an issue they dismiss it and you as a “complainer.” With new management, this place could improve drastically.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is in a state of disarray and has been for as long as I’ve worked here. The News Director was shown the door in December (which was hardly a loss), but months later no replacement has even been interviewed. We’re missing an assignment editor, sports director, reporter and digital marketing/web person. When people do come in, they’re usually the ones the other stations have passed up and it shows. Management (especially the former ND) constantly berated the people doing the most work and busting their butts for the station while rewarding those who copied/pasted the rundowns for their newscasts or never came to the table with story pitches. The station is owned by Hubbard, but despite their deep pockets everything is run on the cheap. We had to bring our own food to our company holiday party!
Overall, a good place to learn if you are lazy and incompetent, but if you have any drive or intuition, you’re better served staying far, far away.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is probably one of the most unprofessional newsrooms I have ever worked with. Employees are great, but Mike Rausch is a fool, and not to be trusted.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Our new Executive Producer was fired from his previous job as News Director of WKRN for abusing his employees and showing them pornography on station computers.”
News Director: Rick Jacobs
“He’s a duplicitous jerk”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one can trust the ND. He’s a jerk who changes his mind all the time and you can’t trust him. He’s nice to you one moment but turns on you the next. He isn’t genuine and you can’t trust what comes out of his mouth. He’s a phony. This used to be a great place to work. Not anymore.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Some love it here. Most are afraid and won’t say anything. Boss plays favorites and talks down to people. He isn’t a visionary. He’s a hack. Why is he still here?”
News Director: Ashley Hall
“Condescending, unrealistic, takes the fun out of the job completely”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The ND doesn’t care about the safety or wellbeing of her employees. Works against us, not with us.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Not a single person here likes the management. ND will lie and say anything/promise to get you in the door and working here. Don’t do it.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’m not sure why no one has mentioned this, so I will. This is a sales driven station. The douchebag in charge of sales wants to be the General Manager will do everything he can to get the job. I don’t know this for a fact but I believe that’s a big reason we’ve lost a couple News Directors. One was great and the other wasn’t so good. Morgan is good, too. The GSM doesn’t care about journalistic ethics. He’d sell it if he could. He marches hus clients on every chance he gets. It’s a good place to learn and the news guys are solid. But the GSM needs to be held in check. Just IMHO.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The new Executive Producer at KRDO, Matthew Zelkind, was fired from WKRN in Nashville for abusive management practices and for showing pornography to station employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is the best KRDO can do?? The fact that KRDO didn’t do a proper background investigation on Mr. Zelkind before his hiring shows how desperate they were to hire someone. Very unprofessional and absolutely disgusting!”
News Director: John Dearing
“Smart news guy but pretty aloof and not very caring. Reporters don’t always feel heard.”
While working for WBOC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Reporters were never heard, morale was low, I was asked to do some questionable things as a reporter there. A couple of them even bordered on unethical. They like you to know you’re their lackey and it’s very difficult to manage up here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing station for a small market, but they’re very very very full of themselves as news managers as a result.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Mitch Davis
“Terrifying. I have thick skin and he cut through it. He treats main anchors well but reporters are expendable. You’ll never get even close to a set schedule & that includes your days off & what shifts you work. Plus, you get your schedule a week out so forget about making plans. That’s just one example about how he could care less that you’re a human being and that your life isn’t working 24/7. Also, if you are looking for someone who will give you feedback and help you grow, forget it. He just tears you down. Save yourself the mental breakdowns that all reporters have under him.”
While working for WKBN this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He truly creates drama within the news room. He pitts people against each other and creates fights and hatred. People who’ve worked there for 30 years say this is the lowest they’ve ever seen morale.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Terrible.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“How many times can the previous complaints be echoed. It seems like Hearst doesn’t seem to care.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re looking for a station where you’re over worked, unhappy, and want bosses who enjoy seeing you hate life, then come on down! You’re the next contestant on KOAT.
Grand Prize is making it the length of your contract without quitting because of the toxicity that is Greg Shepperd.”
News Director: Kelly Frank
“Micromanaged to the point you can’t be creative or successful.”
While working for WTSP this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Only men are hired as managers by the ND. Created an environment where the “me” is more important than the “we”. Anyone who is there prior to the new management is thought to be incompetent.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They hire young and inexperienced so then everyone has to be micromanaged instead of allowing veteran journalists set the tone for expectations.”
News Director: Dan Delgado
While applying to work for KCAU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The current news director and their assistant news director (Andrew “Andy” Bottger) accused me, a job seeker of declining an entry-level news producer position due to financial compensation in November 2017 under the former news director at KCAU. Yes, I did applied for a news producer position and given a first-round interview in November 2017, but there was actually no verbal offer or written offer at all. I did not receive anything from KCAU at all and Andy neither interviewed me for the position nor the former news director never mentioned that Andy was present in the interview. The former news director said that he does not allow entry-level producers to be television news reporters saying “I don’t think it will happen” when informing him of my career aspirations, that he was still interviewing other candidates, and will get back to other candidates for the next step in the hiring process. I sent the station in November 2017 a follow-up/thank you note for the phone interview and heard nothing from them. Even on the previous incarnation of the Nexstar career’s website, the job status was “application received” or “applied” and the job status never changed on the website.
Dan and Andy simply gang up on me and told me you cannot apply and be consider for any news jobs, including another news producer position I recently applied to at KCAU because of something that never even happened. It is already significantly very difficult for job seekers and college graduates like myself to find employment in this industry. KCAU could still try to deny me from applying for other television news jobs at other Nexstar local network station affiliates. Sioux City, IA and Siouxland would have been a nice place to live, but not at KCAU.
For job seekers applying to KCAU or any other starter market station (or even a medium or large market station), do your research, keep all correspondences of the conversations you had with news directors, assistant news directors, executive producers, and all newsroom management personnel, get everything in writing, especially job offers and defend yourself if you come across a television news station falsely accusing you, the job seeker of something that you never did and/or never even happened.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jesse Fray
“He’s a nice guy who cared most of the time for what the reporters went through. He was reporter in the past, so he really pushes the reporters to be the best they can. He was new to being a news director and it showed when he first started, but towards the end of my time he became better. I liked how he scheduled meetings with each employee to talk about anything.”
While working for KSNT/KTKA/KTMJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’m sure many people will say working in a small town with nothing to do is toxic. Some of the employees didn’t have lives and cared what what happening in yours instead. The company is through Nexstar and that company is just a headache just thinking about it. They require on air talent to do too much volunteering during their free time.
The workload increased once we became Nexstar. It was PKG, 2 VOSOTs over that PKG and a separate VOSOT different from that story which could be an hour or more out of the way.
I’ll say I signed with Media General when they were a thing. Nexstar paid the employees about 21 to $23,000. So a couple thousand less than older reporters on a different contract.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You’ll learn more than you ever expected. That’s the best part. Yes, you’ll be miserable living in Topeka and you may even want to quit like several other reporters did I worked with back then, but looking back it was all worth it.
Would I recommend: yikes…idk. Yes, but I wouldn’t put myself through that again even if someone paid me $1M an hour.”
News Director: Janet Hundley
“She just started a few months ago. Rachel Bonilla is the AND. Janet is fabulous so far! She has great ideas and is much more focused on creativity and growth. Rachel’s only priority is weather. She’s a pleasant person but she has favorites and isn’t afraid to show it. I’ve heard she might be on the way out, but if she’s still there, I wouldn’t apply unless you have a weather focus.”
While working for WVIT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The management team, specifically the AND and Managing Editor are completely dysfunctional. There is almost zero communication with staff on major issues. We’ve had several people go on maternity leave over the last few months and their replacements weren’t told until days before. Producers are salaries and not given overtime, but consistently forced to work 10-12 hour days with no compensation. Reporters are often asked to stay late and cover other shows but they are unionised and paid hourly. Serious advice: if you do not have a weather focus, *do not* apply. You will not be happy. Very little enterprise reporting done here, stories are basically weather related, minor “breaking news” (ie. car crash, small fire) or a copy of what the competition or local paper did a few days ago. New ideas or suggestions are generally shot down. Assignment desk (managing editor) and AND make *all* of the story decisions, reporters don’t pitch and are discouraged from weighing in, they just show up and are assigned a story. Please be cautious accepting a job here. The only reason it’s worth it is because it’s an O&O and typically pays more than the competition.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There’s a reason this station suffers in the ratings and is constantly understaffed.”
News Director: Lisa Chavez
“She’s a web aficionado Made news director. Web is thriving while TV is floundering. She’s indecisive and plays favorites. Unless you’re from Idaho or planning on living in Idaho forever, you will be ostracized from the inner sanctum.”
While working for KTVB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management hangs in a clique because they’ve been working with each other for 20 years. So, unless you’re in their in-crowd, you won’t get the good stories, or access to station resources. Retaliation is also common in this newsroom for personal issues.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Again, unless you plan on staying. Boise forever, it’s not worth uprooting your life. There is better experience elsewhere.”
News Director: Ashley Talley
Experience described as: “Constructive, educational”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“I was surprised to read the other review about this station. I believe Ashley is a great leader and she’s very open to feedback from her staff. This is the perfect market if it’s your first stop and you’re looking to get your foot in the door. It’s also a great opportunity to grow as a leader in a newsroom if you’re looking to get into management. You’re encouraged to be creative and try new things no matter what position you’re in. There are a lot of people who come in with a two year contract and end up signing extensions, which wouldn’t happen if it was toxic. Ashley’s also helpful if you want to move on to a bigger market. She seems to want what’s best for her employees. I don’t know who wrote that other review, but I don’t think it was accurate at all.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Good, was better under Vogel”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I love this station, but Aaron Vogel turned this shop around! He is the best thing that’s happened to WAND!”
News Director: Callie Starnes
“Great News Judgement, little tempermental. There is a method to her choices and she is great at managing talent.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This station, is organized chaos. Not in a bad way, but there is always room for improvement. This station will break you down, and build you back up again even stronger. Although at times this newsroom can be messy, it’s one of the best newsrooms I have seen in a while. The news director is great at managing and cultivating talent if she takes an interest in you. Although you do have to stay on her, about critiques. She is harsh, but for her to be so young, she is wiser beyond her years. Stand your ground in petty squabbles and you’ll do fine here. It’s not a place for newcomers, you definitely need experience, but people at this station jump high and for good reason. Great newsroom to work and grow as a reporter. Plenty of opportunities to succeed and grow, you just have to earn it.”
News Director: Andy Paras
“Really great. Andy is a great leader to the newsroom. He takes on a sort of fatherly figure (NOT in a weird way). He is so supportive of what we want to cover and really listens to us. I’ve grown a lot in my year here with his support and critiques.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I’m so glad that I chose WGFL as my first job. It is a really positive work environment where all of the reporters support, critique and volunteer to help each other. We are owned by Sinclair, but since we are small, they don’t really try to control us. But also what comes with that is lack of money. The equipment isn’t that great, but we find ways to make it work. Andy is always a great advocate for us to higher management and to tries to better our opportunities in any way he can. In the long run, I’d take a small market with not-so-great resources any day over a toxic newsroom. I decided to stay and finish out my 2 year contract because I am extremely comfortable here.”
News Director: Jenny Martinez
“News director hardly shows up to work to give you feedback on your on air talent and she always lies to your face. Do not believe a word she says.”
While working for KRGV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Jenny will sweet talk you into joining the company but she lies about everything. She will tell you that you can grow and become an anchor but once you sign the contract they do what they please. They tell you that they will have you do Spanish stories “AS NEEDED” but it’s an everyday thing doing double work for English and spanish stories. One of the female producers is always yelling and talking trash behind your back. Do not work here. The assistant news director is very unorganized and just sits in his office and watches wrestling. He is very clueless and makes a news story more difficult than what it should be and you can’t miss him from a mile away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Jenny the news director is always gone for months and shows up for a few weeks then leaves again for a few more months. You never get feedback from her about your on air talent. And she always lies to your face.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
“I’ve worked with several news directors and Morgan is by far the best. She knows her stuff and is a team player and roots for everyone’s success.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Postive, Fun
News Director: Jana Gray
Experience described as: “Good”
While working for KNDU this person experienced:
“I will say this, everyones experience is different. While this station has its flaws like every newsroom does, I had an overall positive time at KNDU. For the most part I was able to get along easily with the other employees including other reporters, anchors, and management. Although there were some people who were at times tough to work with, some are no longer there. I will say I wish I had gotten more feedback from my News Director. There were a lot of times where I could have really used some direction and constructive criticism, and it just wasn’t there. There needs to be just as much positive feedback as telling someone what they did wrong. Scheduling could get a bit wonky here and there as well, but it often would get figured out in the end.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Despite the flaws, I look back on my time at my starter market as a positive one. I got along well with the other reporters and we would all hang out outside of work. There is no competitiveness between reporters either. Everyone is always willing to help each other. Tracci Dial, the main anchor, acted like a mentor to me. She would always stop what she was doing to go over my scripts and helped me become a stronger writer. She was the main source of the positive feedback on your stories in the newsroom. I think your time at this market is what you make it. You need to be a self-starter and motivated because no one is really going to hold your hand. KNDU has had some strong newsrooms in the past with hard working reporters so it can easily have that again if you’re willing to be a team player. You’ll also want to be willing to learn more than one position as you will often be trained to do weather or fill-in anchor. Jana Gray (news director) is also incredibly understanding about personal situations. And when I approached her near the end of my contract to let her know I was searching for my next job, she was incredibly supportive. Jana respects the hardworking reporters so as long as you show her you’re ready to work and put in the time, you won’t have a problem with her. So even though the other reviews on here state that it is an incredibly toxic newsroom, I didn’t have that experience. It does have its flaws (no newsroom is perfect) but from research while moving onto my next market, there are far worse newsrooms out there. My advice, take each review with a grain of salt because everyone has a different experience. Maybe some of the people who wrote the negative reviews didn’t have a good experience because they weren’t the best of employees…..Something to consider.”
News Director: Ashley Hall
“She is a toxic, negative, manipulative, and fake.”
While working for KRDV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Ashley is not suited as an ND. This station has a lot of new stuff, and will give you loads of experience, but be prepared to work in a hostile, negative environment where you are not valued whatsoever.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Amie Hudspeth
“An utter nightmare. No leadership or organizational skills. No productive criticism. Yeller, screamer with no purpose. Really has no newsroom skills and tries to cover through a berating and condescending attitude. A fourth grader would be an upgrade.”
While working for KAVU this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If I were a minority or female, I might’ve had a chance, but the black female news director has a serious chip on her shoulder regarding white men.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The GM has no desire to change things. First-timers beware. Don’t just jump at the first opportunity. Do research.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Problematic”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I enjoyed my time on the air at this station, but it was also very difficult off the air due to the toxic work environment. Mike Rausch pins employees against one another and it seemed to me over the course of the three years working for him that he was intentionally making things tense.
Why? I think he is obsessed with being the center of attention and he makes that very evident in the way he treats other employees. Futhermore, he ran out other workers that he did not personally bring on, giving him absolute power over everyone.
I do not recommend working here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is trash.”
News Director: Dan Fabrizio
“He’s great, intimidating at first and somewhat rude… Just stay on his good side.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
News Director: Angela Green
While working for WFXG this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kyle Fobe
“Over sensationalizes, lacks people skills, poor time management, and questionable news judgement”
While working for WTAJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The scheduling of employees is consistantly an issue. They’re often surprised when they’re short-staffed because of multiple vacation/holiday requests, which were okay’ed, but not kept track of. That creates additional stress on other employees.
There’s a lot of turnover within the newsroom, which is normal at this sized market.
The news director comes from Las Vegas and often over sensationalizes stories. The station has come under fire by the viewers for his handling of certain breaking news stories and it’s led to many of the anchors, reporters, and photographers questioning his decision making. There’s poor communication with his employees, which leads him to make last minute changes on shows, stories, and coverage plans, adding to additional strain in the newsroom. He lacks people skills. Conversations/Communications with him often leave newsroom coworkers/viewers with a bad taste in their mouths. Often times he comes off as immature when he talks about newsroom employees behind their backs, rather than providing critiques or constructive criticism to the employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is a Nexstar station. Anyone in management sides with the higher-ups, so there’s no feeling of support within the newsroom. What you pay for (or lack there of) is what you get. It’s become a station that hires students right out of college and throws them on air, whether they feel prepared or not.
The lack of leadership often means that more duties fall on the anchors, who do try their best to mentor and give feedback to young reporters, but that puts even more on the anchors plates, which is already full.
They’ve low-balled talent and what’s told to new-hires, as far as job responsibilities, isn’t always the truth. I’m told that one reporter quit after a day because they were misled during the hiring process and other producers have said that what was told to them while interviewing was not the case.”
News Director: Rick Jacobs
Experience described as: “Ok”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I personally don’t have any troubles with management but have observed people come and go. I’ve witnessed blatant ageism, sexism, and bullying, though. HR must be aware of this. Management (general term – I’m only writing about one guy) is very condescending and rude to people he doesn’t like and repeatedly sets them up for failure, even if they are good employees and good people. It really doesn’t matter how good they are at their jobs. I’ve seen good people pushed out and horrible people saved. The guy at top is a horrible, spiteful person who appears friendly but really is a first class jerk. I’m surprised several former employees haven’t sued. I’m on management’s good side right now and trying to stay off the radar. But I’m writing this because enough is enough.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This was once a great station. But managers have no idea what works and are throwing everything at the wall to see what will stick.”
News Director: Eric Walters
Experience described as: “Negative, Toxic, disrespectful,”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The overall feel for this newsroom is toxic. If you work in the bureau, you are expected to do a lot more with very little resources, and absolutely no help. In less than two years, five reporters have either quit or been fired and four of them were in the bureau. The Assistant News Director quit in October, and two bureau reporters quit for the same reason in November. There is documented evidence of unequal treatment, disregard for safety, and discrepancies in policies. The one photographer in the bureau does not work with the reporters. The News Director created a position for a night-side photographer in Myrtle Beach, but did not do that for the bureau. There is currently one person working in the bureau (MMJ) and there’s a reason. I would suggest doing research and reaching out to the former bureau reporters before accepting ANYTHING. The General Manager, News Director, Assignment Manager, Executive Producer, and EVEN HR are NOT on your side. HR is not a safe space, and does not document anything, but will rather take the side of WBTW. The managers do not know anything about the bureau, and often times stories go un-reported because they don’t think the news important. The bureau will always come second, and I was told this by managers. Overall, it’s an UNHEALTHY work space.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: David Lowell
“He may have the experience on paper, but he doesn’t use it in this newsroom. He’s just waiting for his time to retire, and the newsroom struggles. It’s like having no news director.”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“People will argue with you and try to manipulate you. No one has your best interests in mind. You will be over worked. I worked 12 hour shifts for 6 weeks and was expected to produce 3 hours of content every day. During that time I was covering a vacant position and saw zero compensation. Nexstar pays next to nothing and never let me sign up for health insurance. No one wants to be there. Both general managers say they’ll fix problems, and never do anything about it. The news director doesn’t direct the newsroom. We had zero plans for election night until our web editor got tired of waiting and made one himself. The production staff is trained poorly, and shows constantly get messed up. The production manager has no relevant experience and has a bad temper. You’ll rip your hair out working here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Odessa/Midland is a very expensive area to live in because of oil, and KMID/KPEJ doesn’t pay a living wage. If you don’t work in oil, you’re screwed. Over 2/3 of my income went to rent each month, leaving me nothing for other expenses. I went broke working there.”
News Director: David Lowell
“All of management is terrible. Mike Lee is a babbling idiot, Dave German is a creep, David Lowell is lazy, Doug Faltus does terrible things about his employees and has caused many production assistance to quit because he lets the production manager bully people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Warren Korff
Experience described as: “Okay. Not the best ND but not the worst. Understanding of situations and give reporters a lot of freedom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Decent gig for someone straight out of college. Not the worst, but not the best. Very gossipy. Management doesn’t have much experience in their roles which can sometimes cause a problem.”
News Director: Rod Jackson
“He acts as if he is bipolar. Behaves very bizarrely. Not a good manager and embarrasses people in the newsroom”
While working for WBRE this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Multiple complaints were filed against the GM (Bob Bee) who is now in Harrisburg. A part-time camera operated sexually harassed a half dozen women before getting fired. He tried to take photos of women in the stages of dressing and undressing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Nexstar is buying tribune and the #1 station WNEP is tribune. Many are worried what this will mean for WBRE”
News Director: Jim Lemon
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for KEYT KCOY KKFX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Hard to advance and everyone hates being there”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not recommend to people just starting out in the business – many of my fellow coworkers have now quit the business because of the experience at this station. Better for someone who knows the behavior is not normal!”
News Director: Mike Rausch
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
“I was a job candidate. I read the reviews on here and was wary to work at KRDO. I know someone at another station who told me not to work there and after how I was spoken too on the phone in a condescending matter treating me as an option saying to me they are waiting for the other candidate to get back to with and then criticized my demo reel, I said “F” these people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Amy Adams
Experience described as: “Repugnant”
While working for WOWT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one was treated fairly. She would work you until your absolute breaking point with zero compassion for any personal life outside of work. You will work mornings, middays, evenings, overnights in the same week. “you’re young you can handle it””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would like to start by first congratulating Vic (GM) and Amy (ND) for running that station into the ground and shoveling viewers over to the competition. Every decision made was opposite of what it should be. Every employee was left scratching their heads and turning to booze to cope with them. The environment was so toxic that 20+ employees quick within mere months. No one was hired to replace them either. All that responsibility fell onto others and all Amy did was send out unprofessional emails with the attitude of the a 7th grader to those who remained. Go to HR? HA! She is useless and would just tell you to go to corporate. HR was part of the power pack and helped the ND and GM screw people out of holiday time off and solutions to legitimate problems. Such as sexual discrimination and sexual harassment on top of not following Gray’s own policies. Until that station has a complete turn over on who runs it you need to run and hide from this sinking ship.”
News Director: Janis Harper
“The company doesn’t care about their employees. Upper management doesn’t empower the news team and allows toxic employee support to run free, making the station a horrible place to work. ND doesn’t know how to lead and the top-heavy management structure doesn’t foster respect. No room for growth, as it’s the only station in the company’s portfolio. Beautiful place to live but you’ll hate your job.”
While working for KTVA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The company doesn’t care about their employees. Upper management doesn’t empower the news team and allows toxic employee support to run free, making the station a horrible place to work. ND doesn’t know how to lead and the top-heavy management structure doesn’t foster respect. No room for growth, as it’s the only station in the company’s portfolio. Beautiful place to live but you’ll hate your job.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you value your job here, don’t express an opinion that differs from the management team.”
News Director: Eric Walters
“Doesn’t pay attention, doesn’t give feedback, shows favoritism”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Racial discrimination. All of the black/Hispanic/and most of the dark haired white people get placed in the bureau. All of the blondes are at the beach. In the past year, FIVE bureau reporters quit/were fired. And between September and November 2018, two beach reporters, the assistant news director, and two bureau reporters left all for similar reasons: blatant disregard for safety and lack of support in the field. You’ll be sent to notoriously dangerous places by yourself and you’ll be questioned when you tell management that you don’t feel safe. If you work in the bureau, assume you’ll never work with the photographer. And on the RARE occasion that he’s assigned to work with you (I was assigned to work with him fewer than 20 times during my time at News13), he’ll make excuses as to why he can’t show up. He’d rather cover trick-or-treating events than court hearings. You’ll never get adequate training. Training periods (at least a few weeks of training before you’re thrown into the fire) are not a thing here. Managers just want people on-air as quickly as possible because they keep losing people so rapidly. They’ll tell you how much they care about your success here but their actions and constant disregard for your concerns prove otherwise. Management is full of liars. They’ll set up meetings with you and when you show up on time, they’ll tell the boss that you were hours late. Keep ALL emails. You’ll need them to defend yourself when management decides to lie on you. And trust me, they will.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here. I would recommend this station to my worst enemy or the devil himself.”
News Director: David Lowell
“David Lowell is a really nice guy and I truly believe he knows the business. However, management at the station is essentially non-existent. When problems arise, management (especially the general manager) is quick to dismiss them.”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Every department is toxic. No matter where you go in this station, there are people out for one another. People claim that it’s “constructive criticism” when they tell you what you’re doing wrong. But in reality, KMID/KPEJ is a station full of big egos and small minds. Everyone wants you to do things their way. And if it is not done their way, they will tell you it’s wrong.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I appreciate the skills and experience I have gained during my time at the station. But at the end of the day, the job does not pay anyone well enough to deal with the everyday stress. If you are looking for a starter’s market. I would recommend anywhere but KMID/KPEJ.”
News Director: Phillip Ohnemus
“I worked under Alan Wagmeister. He was a nice guy, but a know it all. Always wanted to be the smartest person in the room. Talked about all his accomplishments as a producer. He’s now out of the business, probably doing communications.”
While working for KULR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“While I was there, the main male anchor made his female counterpart so uncomfortable. It put the newsroom in a weird position because he would literally not talk to her, even if she talked to him. He did this in front of everyone and was never reprimanded. She was eventually pushed out the door.
They never let any reporters anchor a newscast while I was there. If they’re going to pay you $10.10 an hour, they should at least let you on the desk. They opted several times to have the sports reporter anchor newscast over people in the news department.
There was also a hometown hero who worked there that thought he knew how to do everything. A lot of the locals who work there view people from out of state as outsiders. They show it in not so subtle ways. Smile in your face, but definitely talk behind your back in Facebook messages. They aren’t the brightest lot. Left the messages up.
They hired some crazy woman to weekend anchor who could barely put a camera on a tripod. She was useless as a reporter unless she was going live and had a photographer. The station only had two.
They also launched a statewide morning show while I was there and poured a lot of resources into it. A former anchor in the market, who was a beauty queen at one point, came to anchor it. She was catty and treated the main female evening anchor poorly. Talked about her clothes and a sponsorship she had at a local store.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’m sure not much has changed besides the managers. Main male anchor is still there and he seems to have hit it off nicely with the new female anchor that moved from the morning show to evenings.
Get your start there, then leave. Don’t stay within the company and go to KHQ in Spokane. I hear it’s not much better despite the nice market jump. Terrible pay for MMJ’s.
Leave Cowles Company.”
News Director: Tom Henderson
“Nice guy and seems super attentive when you first start, but stays in his office a lot and doesn’t know what’s going on his newsroom.”
While working for NewsChannel 9 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Managing editor is extremely condescending. She and a lower employee gossip about other employees where they can be heard. Also, she and assignment manager pick favorites and not everyone gets equal opportunities. For example, a “favorite” will get all breaking news stories, best photographer, etc.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The news director favors the managing editor, Latricia, and even though 15+ employees have left citing her as the problem for a toxic workplace the problem is ignored. I wouldn’t let my worst enemy work there.”
News Director: Lena Sadiwskyj
Experience described as: “Horrible she is a disgusting human being.”
While working for WTVY this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This work environment has to be the most unpleasant place I have ever worked before. Management is so dysfunctional, unprofessional and very racist especially towards African American woman. Reginald Jones is the Assistant ND and he is a black coon that does not stick up for anyone or anything and shows extreme favoritism.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a market for many that want to get their foot in the door also known as a starter market. However if you can go anywhere else GO. You will repeat stories daily there was a case where four different reporters did the same exact story. Management thinks if your young that they can speak to you any type of way which is unacceptable and unprofessional. The newsroom is a big high school and they don’t care about the employees. We have no rain gear, cold gear etc. This place is piss poor. Overall I don’t understand how this place is still functioning.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Unprofessional”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KRDO is not a good place to work. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with many great people in this industry and out of all of them, Mike Rausch is single-handedly the cockiest of them all, a self-described professional who claims to be one of the nation’s most successful TV news executives. If you are talking about multiple ethics and FAA violations, then Rausch is your guy.
If you want to be in a newsroom that is free of gossip and all that other crap that prevents a newsroom from getting work done, I would suggest finding another place to work. The Assistant N.D. is a yes man to him, so she won’t be much of a help to you, either. There’s a reason why there are so many job openings here — no one wants to stay.
Be careful before you agree to a contract. That’s all I have to tell you. But don’t get me wrong, there are amazing people here. But if you want to make friends, there’s an APP for that. There’s no reason for you to waste your time.
Also, if you apply for an Associate Producer position…just be aware that it’s not a permanent position — you will likely get laid off. They won’t tell you that during the interview, so just be aware.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I hear the radio end is much more organized and professional, but the television side is a mess. Please do not waste your time. I have seen so many diligent, hard-working employees come to work crying because they are so sick and tired of being belittled at work by Rausch. A line has been crossed if your workers don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning.
The news meetings in the morning help in some ways, but ultimately they are kind of a waste of time, because Rausch is going to do what he wants anyway.”
News Director: Chad Hypes
Experience described as: “Nice. But super disorganized.”
While working for KTVL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Everyone wants to leave. There’s only a few that have been there longer than a year. It takes a couple of months for reporters and producers to see how unorganized the place is. The pay is low, and it’s unprofessional. The people that have been there for a long time don’t really care. And the newbies get tired quickly. No constructive criticism. You are basically on your own.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“What makes it good is the other reporters that understand what you are going through.”
News Director: Rick Jacobs
“He is the worst kind of an asshole. He makes a bunch of promises, lies all the time, he harasses people he doesn’t like until they quit. He hands out “free days off” like they’re candy and forgets he gave them to you. He blames others for his shortcomings .”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He constantly talks negatively about women. He claims to be honest but he often uses other opinions to justify his own . But if you ask the employees who allegedly gave him the information they will swear upon their mothers grave Jacobs is making shit up. He is a piss poor communicator and a kiss ass.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“People are great. You will learn a lot. But beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
News Director: Stan Sanders
Experience described as: “An asshole”
While working for WBBJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Stan would make me feel like nothing I did mattered. He would try to blame me for things that weren’t my fault. He would scream at me in front of other employees. It’s hard to work for someone who’s extremely negative and always has a smart comment to say. Surprised nobody decked him in the face.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work there as long as he is the news director. He is an asshole who needs to be fired from his job.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacobi
“Overall negative, however this news director was tasked with taking over a newsroom ran by a fired news director on accusations of sexual harassment”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A horrible work environment. Toxic and downright miserable. There is a high turnover in the newsroom. Management is inexperienced and will sell you on promises of OT or whatever will get you to sign the contract. They are consistently under staffed. They pay is very low. Management does not value the employees. This list could go on and on, but I felt compelled to write this review to warn any young out of college kids looking for their first or second gig. Stay away from here and apply for the NBC affiliate in town.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I worked multiple jobs at this station for several years including producing and reporting. There are good people here, but management and the pay makes everyone miserable. It’s a bully type of environment. You’ll get run right through the mud and will not be given proper resources to do your work. They don’t care about quality, you’re just filling time between the commercials. The previous news director was extremely inappropriate with the girls and if they chose to speak out they could work up a big lawsuit. This note is not from a “disgruntled” employee, but as someone who got away from a sinking ship and wants to warn others before they sign the dotted line. I gave my all to this place. It was my dream job, they ruined it. You could give 110% or 50% and you would be treated the same exact way, day in and day out, like dirt. Management is only looking out for themselves and the entire newsroom is extremely ego driven. The egos think they are in New York when they are in mid market Tennessee where most the viewers don’t even know their names. Sad situation for young people looking to get into the business, it doesn’t have to be that way and it’s not at other stations in this market. I would suggest applying to the NBC affiliate.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacobsy
Experience described as: “Toxic”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Honestly, this was BY FAR the worst job I have ever had and pray to never have another one like it. Employee morale and management is a HUGE issue and will always be until they gut the place from the top up and start over. I never thought I’d be saying this about a company as it should never be able to get to this point, but it’s the absolute truth. Those in charge have been for a while and I am convinced do not have any reasonable or genuine sort of leadership or compassion for their employees. They are going to do what they want to do regardless of who they lie to and hurt to get there. I read reviews similar to this before taking the job and wished I would have taken them seriously. I thought there was no way a place could be so immoral. While at WVLT, I was left with a bunch of unfulfilled promises and taken full advantage of. Please AVOID at all costs. No job is worth your happiness. I have moved on from this place and have finally found how a true newsroom should operate and what true leadership and support feels like. No job is perfect (not even this new position) but WVLT runs a whole different environment that I personally do not feel should be acceptable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Please consider finding real guidance and a strong team of motivators. A bad leader can take a good staff and destroy it, causing even the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation.”
News Director: Tom Davis
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Roger Seay
Experience described as: “Not bad to work for”
While working for KFVS this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
News Director: Tim Ryan
Experience described as: “He is ok”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The co-workers are great here, but Mike Rausch is a piece of garbage.
Morale is so low that some reporters became physically ill because they didn’t want to come to work. A line has been crossed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here. We haven’t even been able to bring on a new EP despite the fact our previous one left months ago. Avoid this storm. Find somewhere that’s sunnier.”
News Director: Rick Jacobs
“His employees don’t respect him. We think he is knowledgeable but he talks down to us and regularly throws people under the bus.”
While working for KGW this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women are skeptical of the ND and they often take notes on what he says. He plays favorites and doesn’t try to hide it.
He talks down to people all the time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kimberly Wyatt
“Kimberly Wyatt is by far the worse ND I have ever worked for. I understand every station has its problems, but this is different. I want to spare others from going through the same thing. Our jobs are hard enough.”
While working for WEAR this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is not respected or trusted because they have no news or ethical judgment. The news director, Kimberly Wyatt, is scatterbrained, unprofessional, and lacks basic leadership skills. The newsroom is always in a state of chaos. The newsroom is run by an inexperienced staff and operates like a small market. The producers and reporters are very green. They’re never given any guidance, direction or supervision. Their work is never adequately checked before it hits air. There’s no emphasis on real journalism, accuracy or enterprise storytelling. Content is driven by “clicks” and it’s a Sinclair station, which comes with its own set of problems.
The toxic environment is further strained by an understaffed newsroom, and what little staff they do have is constantly walking on egg shells around the New Director. That’s why most everyone is miserable and frustrated all the time. Hence, the almost constant mass exodus of employees since Kimberly Wyatt’s arrival. There’s also a lot of petty gossip, backstabbing and retaliation in the newsroom. It’s something that is encourage and cultivated from the top down.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Kimberly Wyatt sees what she wants to see and won’t hesitate to turn on you. She will lie and manipulate a situation so that the staff and individual employees take the fall for her screw ups or look like the “problem” when her superiors come down on her; which is often because she has absolutely no clue what she’s doing. She feels threatened and challenged by anyone who knows more than her, so she resorts to attacking, belittling and berating employees on a near daily basis. She always has something to prove and is constantly in a power struggle with the station’s longtime anchors, who are trying to keep the station afloat.”
News Director: Mikel Lauber
Experience described as: “Nice, but anchors run the newsroom”
While working for KOLN/KGIN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Anchors scream and cuss at you. I cried constantly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They made me send in photos of what I was wearing before I came into work, because they said the clothes I was wearing didn’t “flatter the shape of my body.” No one finishes there contract. Everyone quits or pays money so they can get out of their contract.”
News Director: Mikel Lauber
Experience described as: “Nice, but anchors control station”
While working for KOLN/KGIN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Anchors scream at everyone. Made me cry constantly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No one stays more than a year. Most reporters break there contracts and pay lots of $ just so they can leave.”
News Director: Josh Morgan
“I’ve had a positive experience working for my current ND. He’s willing to work with young reporters to help them grow into more seasoned journalists.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I think this is a great station for reporters just out of college. The newsroom at WREX really pushes you to become a better reporter. We are required to enterprise original content, develop sources in our community and vet stories everyday. Highly recommend.”
News Director: Jana Gray
Experience described as: “Negative, Toxic”
While working for KNDU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KNDU went from being a pleasant, educational starter market station to a toxic place when Jana Gray took over as News Director. There are moles in the newsroom who report to her. Adult newsroom veterans regularly berate young reporters, insult them, call them names, and curse at them. Do not trust anybody in this newsroom besides Tracci Dial and the kids fresh out of college. Especially management. Watch your back.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just stay away. There are so many better stations and locations to get your career started in the Northwest: Medford, Eugene, Spokane, Boise, Missoula. Just stay away from KNDU.”
News Director: Jana Gray
Experience described as: “Negative, toxic”
While working for KNDU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“KNDU went from a good Starter Market station to a truly negative place when Jana Gray took over as News Director. Older newsroom folks regularly berated young reporters, called them names, swore at them. Don’t trust anybody in the newsroom except the kids fresh out of college, especially management.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Chad Mahoney
Experience described as: “Tough yet fair & ethical”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“You don’t do breaking news or live shots alone, if photographers are gone you front from in the studio, safety is a big deal. Small market (family owned), best situation for an mmj. It’s very structured and they won’t allow you to just toss anything on air. ND Chad was once a reporter/anchor and if you ask around people say the same thing, you’ll learn a lot and grown as a journalist. Cost of living is cheap in area so I don’t have to worry money with the salary. No station is perfect but Id recommend working here to reporters in a heartbeat!”
News Director: Dave Busiek
“One of the best in the business. Unfortunately retiring soon.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KCCI has long been top dog in the market and it shows. The station goes all out when there’s breaking news or a big story and the product is much better than the market size would indicate. It’s on par with some of the bigger-market stations in the Hearst chain.
Reporters do not shoot. There is an excellent veteran photographer staff plus some great younger photogs.
Newsroom culture is relaxed but people take their jobs seriously.
If you’re a reporter, you will be live a lot, and that’s what you make of it. For some, it’s a hassle. For others, it’s an opportunity to be creative or practice.”
News Director: Victoria Spechko
Experience described as: “Wonderful and educational”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“If you want to hit the ground running, this station is for you. Victoria is an excellent news director and the best I have ever worked for. She’s tough, but for good reasons. She allows you to take on extra roles if she feels you’re capable and is always willing to offer help and advice. The newsroom itself is very friendly and everyone works together—like a family. We bicker sometimes, but what family doesn’t? If you get offered a position here, take it. I have no negative comments.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Wonderful, team player”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
While working for KNDU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morgan Ashley was aggressive and would constantly tell you how incompetent you were, that you were an idiot, etc. Management didn’t want to hear concerns and turned a blind eye.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Horrible. EP was crazy and acted like she was in a bigger market. Berated everyone and harassed people in the workplace. Avoid at all costs.”
News Director: Tom Lewis
“His nickname is Tom Lucifer for a reason. He screams at everyone but especially reporters. I tried to avoid him as much as possible. The man is downright scary. He also has zero clue how to run a news station. He does not watch a single newscast, never gives feedback, yells if you make a mistake. Guy would force reporters to do stories when his friends when they open a new business or store. Their pandering and relationship with the police is disgusting. They have a weekly segment praising a police officer just for doing their job. I honestly felt I was becoming a worse journalist there and only served to fix mistakes. Avoid at all costs this toxic shit station. Also if you are a male reporter don’t even bother applying. He only hires hot girls.”
While working for WMBB this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I want to make it clear that is was not me who received the sexual harassment, but I witnessed it. The Super old meteorologist Jerry Tabbott would take a lap around the newsroom and force every single woman to hug him during the day. Nobody would speak up but they all felt uncomfortable. They just let it happen. He is no longer there but just know, Tom Lewis will NOT hire a male reporter. He will only hire attractive female reporters. There hasn’t been a male reporter in years.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place is the worst. Do NOT move here just because it’s the beach or the weather. It’s not worth it, because this station is so horrible. Nexstar is a bad company they pay the least compared to anyone else. They can barely afford working equipment and when they do get money it is wasted horribly. I honestly wonder if it’s just a money laundering scheme that’s how bad it is. I saw like 5 people break their contracts in the time that I was there. The news director literally hired his friends kid to be the evening news producer because she needed a job. She had no news qualifications.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Absolutely the worst. Fake attitude, fake personality.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd and Melissa Williams (Assistant ND) are who of the worst and stupidest managers I have ever worked for. They constantly berate staff unnecessarily for the absolute smallest things. They constantly make the work environment hostile that people don’t want to come into work.
You can never do good or do anything right for these two. It’s a “damned if you do/damned if you don’t” type of newsroom. They micromanage everything to such a degree that we almost have to detail everytime we take a breath.
They don’t talk to each other, and Melissa and Greg each tell us opposing orders and they each get mad if you do what either says.
It seems that they treat those of minority worse than others as they always seem to be more in trouble than anyone else.
We can’t work on any investigative stories because Greg and Melissa are afraid of lawsuits. Neither of them know what investigative journalism is. They think that a public record request about crime numbers is investigative.
These two seem to have made Hearst believe they are the best thing since sliced bread. Well, they aren’t these two shouldn’t be in the positions they are in. Greg and Melissa need to be gone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t let Greg and Melissa trick you into coming here. I realized my interview was all smoke and mirrors when I started. They flat out lied to me about many things to get me to come here. I regret it every day.
Steer clear of KOAT until Greg Shepperd is gone.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
“Watch out! She plays favorites and regularly talks smack about people. She’s capable, but not trustable.”
While working for WAND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is a gossipy station and the chief gossip became news director. She plays favorites and regularly throws people under the bus. Run !”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Too much turnover for a reason”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for WAND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Can’t catch a break – disorganized as hell, favorites always played”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run!!!”
News Director: Linda Miele
“Probably one of the worst station managers to work with. Makes a big deal about small stories, demands graphics work on a skeleton crew, and nit picks over every single detail.”
While working for WHDH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I worked at WHDH for only 8 months and it was the most miserable experience I’ve ever had. I can’t speak for everyone’s boss, but mine was the worst. My supervisor was probably one of the most bad tempered, and foul mouthed person I’ve ever met. He would berate, swear, and shame me if I made a mistake. Calling me things like, “inadequate,” “useless”, and “worthless.” The whole place was a mess, not just with the department I worked in; the head Director was married to the station manager, part time employees were hardly given any extra hours, sexual harassment was a huge problem (not that I experienced any of it, but heard stories from coworkers and saw it with my own eyes). The place was and is a mess, when your head morning weekday anchor leaves to another station, you know WHDH isn’t going to last long.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is a total mess. It’s outdated and barely functioning and holding onto old ways. It’s full of yes men, and corrupt politics. I would avoid working at WHDH like the plague, it’s stressful no matter what department you work in.”
News Director: Tom Lewis
“If you like your sanity, DO NOT work for Tom Lewis. He constantly puts people down, gossips and creates rumors/drama about the reporters. He’s constantly in a bad mood on the edge of losing it on people. Extremely hostile work environment, with daily verbal harassment, but people who work under him are too scared to speak up because the retaliation would be way worse. More then 5 people left their contracts early in two years under him.”
While working for WMBB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News director pits reporters against each other. Thrives off drama. You won’t hear from him unless you make a mistake and you definitely won’t get feedback. But you will get made fun of to other reporters.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone else at the station is mostly great to work with, people will have your back when it comes down to it. A small market and good to start your career in.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Mike’s OK”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“I was reading some of the comments and what a bunch of crock, sounds like sour grapes to me. There is a toxic gossipy click that thinks working gets in the way of their gossip and tearing others down. If you are lucky enough to avoid this group it’s a good job. For goodness sake put some elbow grease, do some work and you wouldn’t complain about Mike Rausch or anyone, there wouldn’t be enough time, IT’S A NEWS ROOM! My advice for the complainers is grow up!
I learned a lot here, and based on my experience I was able to move up to a bigger station. Cindy, Natalie and other members were helpful in their advice.”
News Director: David Lowell
“I’ve had a pretty good experience working for this news station so far. Management is struggling to fill open positions because of the current economy”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There’s a lot of pettiness in the newsroom. A lot of gossip, people talking behind each other’s back instead of addressing issues in person. Not many people can handle criticism when it comes to script writing. It’s interesting to see how many people think they have the industry figured out when they’ve only been in it for a year or less. There are people who are nice and work hard but of course there are also people who are just mean, to be mean.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a great starting market and because the contracts are typically 2-3 years here, new people will be joining the team soon and others who are coming up on their contracts will rotate out, that’s how it goes!”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Good.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“There are some employee that complain and gossip all the time and very immature. It’s like high school around them and this gets tiring. If you ignore this, then its a grate place to work. some of your co-workers are great and you help each other out. some of the season veterans give you tips on how to do things better.
Sometimes it gets chaotic but what newsroom isn’t. I like the place, it has good benefits, a good News Director, and amazingly a good Human Resources lady that cares. so all in all I recommend KRDO. It is better than most station.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Meh”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Just unprofessional. That’s the management side. Everything else is fine, but Mike Rausch and Cindy Dixon are very condescending and detrimental to the team.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t come here until Mike and Cindy are booted.”
News Director: Kimberly Wyatt
“Chaos, very hostile. Workers who fail to meet expectation are given special treatment while workers who exceed expectations are shunned for questioning decisions. She makes it feel more like a circus than a newsroom. New potentials applicants should think twice.”
While working for WEAR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Employees that share the same race as News Director are given special treatment. For instance, 4pm producer does not carry enough experience to work in mid-level market, and makes constant mistakes. But is never disciplined for on-air mistakes. While another employee that works hard, makes few mistakes was written up for not going to a meeting before their shift. Gay employees are mocked to their faces. New Director hit an employee during a meeting for yawning.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s bad enough that Sinclair owns this station, but to have to deal with the constant stress of this station is excruciating. Anyone looking for a job here should find somewhere else.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Waste of time”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It was tough working here. I am an individual of few words, so I’ll make this quick. The newsroom is incredibly divided. Mike has created a hostile work environment since he took over a few years back. I honestly don’t even know why Cindy is even there other than to serve as Mike’s sidekick.
A lot of the employees are brought to tears by the way Mike treats them and if you do any basic research, he has a long history of treating his people like dirt.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I have worked for several news stations, some good, some bad. This is the worst. It has nothing to do with the quality of personnel, but morale is down, and for a reason. Management treats you like you are replaceable. That’s a recipe for failure.
We should be encouraging people to be better, not discouraging them. That creates a domino effect.”
News Director: Nic Moye
Experience described as: “Unhelpful, frustrating, disappointing”
While working for KTVZ this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The managers at the station don’t know how to manage. On top of that, they are nit picky about how certain employees do their job or make judgments about what employees are eating. I have worked 21 hours straight in a 36 hour period without a thank you. The General Manager and News Director would have meetings about my performance without me being part of the meeting. This created a hostile work environment for me. I didn’t want to come to work and feel like people were talking behind my back. It was very stressful and I couldn’t enjoy my work. When I asked how I could improve the News Director would say, “I don’t know how to help you”.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If this is your first job, don’t go here. If you struggle, management can’t help you. Instead, they will talk behind your back. Find a job where you don’t have to worry about being bullied by management. Find a job you are encouraged to grow. I am no longer in the news business and don’t know if I will ever return, because of this experience.”
News Director: Kathryn Bonfield
“Best experience I’ve ever had. Kathryn is fair, laid back, experienced, level headed and “one of the guys.””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is a DOMINATE number one. It tops the ratings of all the other stations in the market COMBINED. There is a sense of camaraderie and pride. The folks I worked with were smart, dependable, assuring, laid-back and everybody had a sense of humor. Laughing is what the best part of the job was. The same can be said about a number of the departments in the building. I was sad to leave it behind but had to to advance my career. A shout out to Bob Ellis (GM), Kathryn Bonfield (ND), John Gaughan (Chief meteorologist) and Keira Barnard (the funniest, most caring, open and respected HR lady I’ve ever met and probably the only one that should be TURN HERSELF INTO HR) for being the best in the business.”
News Director: Cathy Hobbs
“Positive. She is passionate and knowledgeable, but often stretched thin trying to meet corporate demands, which often her out of a newsroom leadership role.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“In the past it has been toxic, but most of the bad apples have either moved on or been let go. It’s unorganized at times, causing the station to play catch-up on some stories, but that’s mostly due to understaffing. Good overall.”
News Director: Jeff Klotzman
Experience described as: “Cares about each employee, strong news judgement, experienced”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The atmosphere is positive overall. It is like a family and you will grow as a storyteller and writer. Live shot capabilities are limited aside from the morning show.”
News Director: Tom doerr
“He was dishonest, condescending and did not provide good leadership.”
While working for WINK this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jay Quaintance
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Management was hard to work for, but my experience with the anchors and journalists was very positive.”
News Director: Marybeth Jacoby
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for WVLT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Extremely unorganized. Management is out of touch.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Mike is fair and has good ideas, if you are willing to work hard then he will develop your talent.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“I had a good working experience. If you put in the work you get fair treatment. There is no discrimination, you are just required to do your job. I liked working here, I learned enough to help me move to a larger market.
Like any job, you get out of it what you put into it. This business is not for the week of heart. Mike is a good mentor and allowed me to have the opportunity to learn and move forward in my career goals.”
News Director: Jenna Huff
Experience described as: “Like working with an angry bulldog”
While working for WGXA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Jenna pits people against each other and pushes out good talent. You’ll volunteer to help and get stuck with a crappy shift or no days off for months at a time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Jenna her her pet Mallory Huff have the same last name but they’re not related. They’re two incompetent bitchy peas in a pod. The GM is toxic as well. Stay away unless you like getting your job threatened every day and making peanuts for years to get your “experience”.”
News Director: Bob Walters
Experience described as: “Awful, as I was overused and underappreciated.”
While working for KWTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND simply does not care about if you’re overworked. You better be able to cover five different things in a day AND turn one of them into a PKG if possible. If you’re a weekend producer, you better also be able to photog because the ND will NOT hire more reporters for you and set you up to fail. Digital at this station fell to one person, who also had to revert back to photogging and not getting to follow his real strengths in news. He finally left just after over two years, which just pissed off the ND because this poor man did four jobs (digital, weekend associate producer, photog, weekend assignment manage) and of course was still getting paid his starting pay. Photogs, reporters, and sports personnel have left under him, so we all knew the bosses up at Gray TV aren’t happy he can’t hold a crew. On top of that, gossip pervades the newsroom and managers simply do not check in with field crews on status for breaking stories unless they want lots of live hits for anything. Sister station KBTX has less staff, but appears to have better culture. Some of us envied for them despite our nicer set and larger facilities. Management also refuses to buy things like generators and newer laptops for field crews, whereas station #3 in the market has all of those PLUS a better editing software.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“KWTX may be #1 in newscasts, but in a digital age they suffer and morale is rock-bottom. Newsroom management is at best shoddy, at worst dysfunctional. The current ND may be a seasoned veteran, but he’s catty and prissy. He demands respect but never offers it back. You can bust your butt all day in the field and rarely hear a compliment from him. He will screw over staff with less experience by forcing them to work terrible hours and juggle more responsibilities. Simply put, the top station in DMA 87 is behaving like its sister KXII in Sherman, a mere 3 hours north. This is supposedly the crown jewel in Hilton Howell Jr.’s crown. It could use some shine and something else to fix the cracks.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Unfortunate”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I always felt that Mike never had my back. Moreover, Cindy, the assistant news director, and Mike, would intentionally create a hostile environment, turning co-workers against each other.
It is very unfortunate because the people that work at KRDO are amazing, exceptional people. But the management is so poor, it’s honestly not worth it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here until the entire management team is replaced.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “One of the worst.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd and Melissa Williams both are the two worst people I have ever worked for. They constantly make poor and terrible decisions that end up putting the newsroom behind the competition. They freak out over the smallest thing that doesn’t matter on a story.
They have pitched stories that have already run weeks after they’ve originally run, because they don’t pay attention to their own news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a very toxic work environment, I can’t describe how bad it is here. When people joke about “today may be the day Greg and Melissa make me Quit” you know it’s bad. The turnover is astonishing, people don’t want to work here. Those two think they are the best in the world when that is just completely the opposite. They are judgemental and treat their staff like scum. They also micromanage so much that things won’t get done or get done twice because they want their hand in everything, making staff feel in trusted and unwarranted.
Yo, Hearst Television, wake up and get rid of these two, they’ve driven a station’s morale and respect to the ground. It’s the absolute worst place to work, I wish things were better.”
News Director: Roger Seay
“An excellent boss. The NEW GM is great too!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Roger has excellent news judgement and wants to help you succeed. I wish I could have him as my boss here in my current job.”
News Director: Ally Berger
Experience described as: “Pleasant ND to work with”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control
News Director: Andy Paras
“Andy definitely cares about his reporters. He usually has an agenda on what he wants to cover, but definitely leaves room for creative ideas.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I’ve had a great experience here. The people are awesome BUT resources aren’t always so good. That is the only thing this station is lacking. We get great first job experience, open to be creative, and the staff gets along AMAZINGLY. There are only three reporters and a sports reporter when fully staffed. For the lack of resources, we really get the job done though and our work is extremely competitive, if not better than other competitors in our market with better resources.
There’s no studio. Our anchors are at a satellite station in Arkansas. BUT no one in the community actually knows that because we pull it off.
I think that hard work to pull off a good product in this small market can drive staff together because we are proud of what we’ve created with little.
All in all, I’ve loved my experience here, but definitely am eager to move up.”
News Director: Eric Gaylord
Experience described as: “Stagnant”
While working for KRTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“My intention is not to bash this station because overall the people that work there are “nice” and it is a stepping stone to move on to bigger and better things but when it comes to the work environment it is an extremely toxic environment. Absolutely no direction in anything when asked. No critiques when asked, always put to the side and don’t even get me started on the cliquish groups there. The news director has his favorites and it shows. He will attack you verbally when one of his favorites come to him complaining about you. He’ll never sit you down in his office like a manager should and hear your side and try to diffuse the situation. All the managers need to be trained on how to handle issues in a work place. It’s unfortunate that everyone is not treated the same. But a good thing is that the news director is understanding most of the time so if you need to leave early or need the day off he will give it to you.
Now when it comes to vacations others get priority due to being the favorite. There is absolutely no leadership there. The GM isn’t any better either. You could never go to him with any problems because he will find a way to make it sound that you are blowing it out of proportion. He has his favorites as well. Back to the news director same story. He never solves anything he just says that he will and the same problem always continues. Not the best place to learn, after awhile the workflow becomes stagnant. But as i said before overall people are “nice”. If you want to get ahead in the business you have take it upon yourself and learn, don’t expect any feedback. But for the favorites they get all the help and advice making others feel excluded and unmotivated. It is very discouraging especially to those new to the business and right out of college. Also side note everything is a secret. Communication there is absolutely horrible. When a new employee is hired it is so hush hush. So weird. The station is for sale and the current employees found out from another local news outlet instead of the general manager growing some and telling his employees. If you’re wanting to start your career in a smaller market beware of this station, you’ll get no help.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Marlene Speas
“I worked at the bureau so I worked for the Assistant News Director Andy Grove. He lets you do your own thing, if that works for you it’s a good situation.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“There are times where things are dysfunctional here but largely it is what you make it.”
News Director: Eric Walters
“Eric Walters as a leader left much to be desired. He didn’t seem to have the news judgement to make the calls necessary to lead a local newsroom to success. I saw him often dive after stories that would make the front page of Reader’s Digest and scoff at stories that were incredibly important to the community.”
While working for WBTW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Walters delegates decisions regularly to an additional cast of managers who in the year since the Nexstar purchase have only grown more and more hostile to less-than-traditional newsgathering and journalism. This would usually manifest in many solid pitches being torn apart for lack of irrelevant details, or because the management/producers didnt know enough about the story/region to offer an opinion at all. Communication was terrible. Reprimands were given often. Emotional/career support or praise, hardly ever. Just a negative place to try and get a start in an already difficult industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I shook my head as I checked the box marked “Educational,” because I learned here that there will always be people who think they know best, and sometimes those people are your bosses. I saw/heard some colleagues berated for their story choices, watched producers break informational stories down into “gotcha” tales, searching in vain for controversy where there was none, and alienating reporters sources, just because they wanted clicks on social media. Management is negative and unorganized and here is why– WBTW is more than 60 years old. They are trying to do the “serious” old-school news in Myrtle Beach, and are falling further into the crack they made themselves.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Toxic, condescending, two-faced, liar”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I don’t know why I’m writing this, Hearst Television Corporate doesn’t seem to care about these. But,
Greg Shepperd is one of the worst people I have ever worked for. His attitude, and the way he treats people is absolutely terrible. He treats us in production like we are scum. Always yelling at us and trying to micromanage a department he isn’t even in charge of. During news events he’s always yelling at us in the booth to do something different when a shot isn’t ready. He treats his news staff even worse. He’s constantly making bad decisions. I’ve seen the same stories on tv for weeks, it seems like he is scared to do any reporting other than who was in court or arrested today, or, “what story from last month can we follow up on even though there isn’t anything new or to update?””
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jack Acosta
“He has a short attention span but is generally nice.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Pretty fun and family environment overall, but we do need to work on organization across the board.”
News Director: Bruce Barkley
“Awful experience – was the worst boss I’ve had. He threatened to sue me for pursuing other options.”
While working for WYFF this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“An executive producer racially and sexually discriminated against me. It was an awful work environment. I wanted to desperately to get out and I would advise anyone I cared about NOT to sign with WYFF. It’s one of those stations that makes nice people mean.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Very toxic work environment. Also there is no work-life balance. I’ve worked at other TV stations and this was by far the worst!”
News Director: Susan D’Astoli
Experience described as: “A nightmare.”
While working for News 13 this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Every black person at the station worked overnight and weekends. No matter if they had seniority. Definitely could see white producers/reporters were favored more. The morale is super low and management seems to only do things to keep that morale down. A very toxic environment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station pays the least in the market. It’s on a 24 hour cycle, which means they are on all day and will work you like a Hebrew slave for pennies with no regard for your outside life.”
News Director: Steve Simon
While working for KDAF/CW33 this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Horrible place.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jeff Lenk
“He’s great. Sinclair, not so much.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Philip bruce
“Amazing news director. Really cares about making a great newscast, and his field crews.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
News Director: David Lowell
“Really nice guy, but he’s lazy and rarely watches the newscast or gives constructive criticism.”
While working for KMID/KPEJ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There’s so much gossip. People who don’t work hard get rewarded and those who care get overworked. People drop like flies. The station is always understaffed. Management doesn’t take issues seriously.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Odessa/Midland is really expensive because of the oil field. Unless you’re making $50,000+, you’ll be BROKE.”
News Director: Jon Janes
“He yells and can be very harsh. He creates a stressful environment and sometimes you will hate yourself. But he does truly care about the news and want the best so it will force you to become better at what you do.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Photogs are really good here, good staff
The only thing not positive is the ND. Jon Janes is very conservative and not open to creative ideas or ideas outside the box. He does watch the news and care about little mistakes which is good. It can be very stressful environment but you will learn a lot.”
News Director: Melissa Luck
“Prior ND (Jerry) was passive. Melissa walked all over him. She can be very direct, sometimes mean.”
While working for KXLY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale is very low here. Extremely unorganized. Station has been in last place for more than a decade. Newsroom is cliquey.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“ND claims to not like “overly ambitious” people. People gossip and are very passive instead of addressing issues face to face. New director never watches the newscasts. This is a backwards move, will hurt your career.”
News Director: Bob Walters
While working for KWTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Is it the #1 station in Waco? Yes. Is it easIer to get interviews and have exposure/perks because you are the community leader? Yes. Does the station win awards and special recognitions? Also yes. But trust me, this place can be toxic. Newsroom gossip is bad here. Some of the employees are genuinely mean spirited, and difficult to work with. Management has overwhelming expectations compared to the short staff and resources. There is a very high turnover rate. If you’re an MMJ, they will overwork you and get mad at you if you work overtime. I don’t have an axe to grind. I genuinely don’t want anyone to go through what I did. I needed therapy after I left that place. None of the friends I made there work for them anymore either. In fact, this job made some of them quit the news industry all together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It may be market 87, but it’s really like a 133+ in disguise. There is NO NEWS. You will go crazy trying to find a story here, and often sell your soul covering garbage vosots and chasing accidents just to fill content. You will learn and get better at this station…not because you get feedback or mentorship, but just because you do it alone repeatedly everyday.”
News Director: Mark Ferrel
“Awful! He will try to manipulate and screw you out of every opportunity for growth.”
While working for KTEN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I felt that no matter what I did, they did not value my work. They changed my schedule around all the time, i could be mornings then go do an evening show.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is not good for those looking to grow and get feedback on their stories. They invest zero money into their reporters and offer zero feedback. Their news anchors are redneck and unprofessional, and one of them is extremely biased towards conservative. Stay away from this station.”
News Director: Austin Kellerman
“Great station and staff! Encourages storytelling, teamwork”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Station needs more diversity.”
News Director: Chris Best
Experience described as: “Terrible/Awful”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Chris Best is just simply a terrible news director. He does not care about his employees at all. He also has terrible news judgement. He cares nothing about your life outside of work and he will call you any time any day. He also has no people skills. We all wonder how he got into this position in the first place. He absolutely terrible and hopefully he’s not here for good.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just don’t come here. If you have any choice work at the other stations in the market. Avoid Chris Best and his assistant ND at all costs.”
News Director: Greg Dawson
Experience described as: “Great”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mike Rausch and Cindy Dixon need to be fired. Mike will take credit for every great story that you do, but will also blame and chastise you when viewers leave us nasty comments. Cindy is incredibly two-faced and will smile to your face, but will tear you down in closed door conversations. They have a horrible problem at being direct and lack the initiative to make KRDO a great station.
On Mike’s LinkedIn profile, he claims to be “One of the Nation’s Most Successful TV News Executives,” but a News Director is not an executive position, and being the ND of a mid-market station is not exactly top notch. I have never met a man in my life who has that big of an ego, and really has nothing to back up his talk.
The producers hate him. His reporters hate him. The anchors can’t stand him. The entire station can’t stand him. Mike has a history of being a terrible people person, but has never been held accountable for the careers he has ruined.
If you make even the slightest mistake, be prepared to hear slander, lies, and outright untrue things said about you around the grapevine. And, we all know who is behind it.
If you want to work for a child and a yes man… work for KRDO and the team of Mike Rausch and Cindy Dixon.
But you would be wise to save your career and avoid this sh**hole.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place ruined my love for an industry I once adored.”
While working for KTMF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They over work, under pay and under appreciate their employees. You will never get a photog, a chance to anchor or be able to take care of yourself. They are known for working their reporters to the bone. Compared to the NBC and CBS affiliates in the state you will have to turn 3/4 stories a day, NBC and CBS are usually required to do 1.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will burn out so fast working at this station.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Egotistical, confused, bad news judgement, two-faced”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd and Assistant News Director Melissa Williams are both terrible managers. They make awful decisions that come back terribly and ruin plans. They both talk down to us and try to baby us with their micromanagement. If a good decision is made by a subordinate, the two managers get angry because the decision wasn’t theirs and counter it with their own (even worse) decision.
If they both make a bad decision, they try to pin it on others other than themslves so they can say they “have a clean slate.” Melissa Williams is one of the dumbest people I’ve met, she constantly throws others under the bus when she can’t understand something, and pushes stories that viewers do care about. Only to find stuff out that ONLY she cares about because she doesn’t want to do research. She sends photographers on wild goose chases that result in nothing not lost pkgs and time in a show.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Hearst Television needs to rid the company of Melissa Williams and Greg Shepperd. Greg has a proven record of ruining stations he goes to. He ruined KHBS/KHOG. He’s ruining KOAT. Melissa Williams is helping him sink the ship.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Not Good”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale is very low and it has affected our product across the board. Mike tries, but he can’t help himself because he is a very terrible people person. He thinks his words mean well, but they bring people down.
However, he has a history of this at other stations, and hasn’t been held accountable.
The station, meanwhile continues to suffer.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It felt like Mike never had my back…regardless of the situation. I finally got sick and tired of it. Mike has also belittled some of our other employees to the point of tears.
This is not how you lead a station. Mike has to go.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Terrible, egotistical, rude, harassing, dumb”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd is one terrible news director. My experience in production with him was terrible. He would always talk down to us making the atmosphere unprofessional. He would borderline call us stupid without outright saying it. He would blame others for his mistakes just so he would have a clean slate. He kisses corporate’s butt and throws a fake smoke screen to make it appear that everything here is fine. It isn’t, everything here is terrible.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Corporate needs to wake up and get rid of this man. His micromanagement, abusive, fake attitude has made the place a joke to work at.”
[contact-form-7 id=”4483″ title=”Ask for WAGM”]
News Director: Tim Maestas
“A Has Been who use to be in the market a long time ago.
He is new so you have to kiss his butt.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“KOB-TV A.K.A “Kids on Broadcast TV” Lot of kids with little experience that makes us look like a glamours community access channel or a low 200 market station. With that said, of course the pay is not commensurate to the market size with the excuse the area’s low cost of living. More obvious how people dress and have no money or sense aesthetics. There is a new sheriff in town (cough) News Director so everyone is on edge when he starts swinging the blade.
This is not a great station as it seems where you can craft enterprising impactful stories that make a difference and provide real viewer benefit. Good luck building on the station’s history of providing viewers with the best local news in New Mexico. LOL. Not with this news crew. The daily content is stupid. It is the same crap of stupid breaking news of shootings, car thefts, and car wrecks or Mexicans and liberals playing the victim role about illegals coming over at the border and other mindless video to fill a show.
Overall not a good market to make a career move unless you are from here. Outside the city are someone pretty places to visit, however, an unsafe poor quality of life with high crime that will make you mark daily a “X” on your calendar when your contract ends.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Best news director I’ve worked with. Always available to chat, answer questions, in person or via phone. Feedback when necessary and when asked. ETHICS is his number one priority. Truly cares about his employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The desk is a little disorganized. We’ve missed a couple events and sometimes you don’t find out you are working on your normal day off until a couple days before.
Overall, a great place to work. The newsroom feels like family. Chuck, the producers and the desk are very helpful and collaborative. Ethics is a priority – Chuck always asks “does the public have a right to know?” He runs the newsroom as best as possible, always putting employees and our safety first, and great content on air. You’ll never run a live shot by yourself. MMJ occasionally. Enterprise over death & destruction. Chuck for President.”
News Director: Mike Gonzalez
Experience described as: “Amazing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Roger Seay
“They are unable to retain employees because they claim they can’t afford to.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Do your two years and go. Avoid taking on any extra duties because they will not pay you extra for it.”
News Director: Jessica Laszweski
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for WMTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is constantly trying to do more with less and it is hurting the quality of news they create. Promises and expectations are made for reporters when they start and nothing is followed through on. People will leave positions and management just decides not to fill them. Everyone is constantly stressed and there is no leadership. Jess has good intentions but has no vision and is inconsistent. Sometimes you’ll get an email back about some obscure, while you may never get a reply for something actually important. She thinks communication solves everything, but no amount of constant and thorough communication can compensate for NO RESOURCES. Expectations are high, but unclear- and no solutions are offered for how to achieve them. Gray is running yet another station further into the ground. It is embarrassing to work here- especially when you go to stories and leaders feel bad for you and look down on you and your station when the other stations are consistently kicking butt and never miss a beat because they have resources.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“For the last two years, we have been understaffed to the point that producers like myself have been extremely overworked to the point that some are producing as many as 16 shows a week.
On top of that, we are treated like slaves by the management team of Mike Rausch and Cindy Dixon.
During news meetings, Mike spends most of his time talking about himself instead of putting forward enterprise stories.
When he was the News Director for WFTV, ratings declined 39 percent. KRDO has also suffered under Rausch’s tutelage.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The people that work at KRDO are tremendous, but management is extremely lackluster. Do not work for KRDO until Mike and his associates are given the boot.
Mike is also very disrespectful to women in the workplace. Don’t make the same mistake many others have. Work elsewhere.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Wasted a good amount of time here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here until Mike and Cindy are no longer employed.”
News Director: Sam Eaton
“Sam was nice, but the first ND, Matt Rist, was a nightmare”
While working for KOSA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Was sexually harassed by a photog.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Horrible company (Gray TV), horrible station, always short on budget, management changed time cards and actually deleted hours of overtime worked by employees, some members of management participated in talking negatively behind emoloyees’ backs and gossiping. This place was the worst year and a half of my life. I saw so many young, talented, passionate journalists be abused and overworked to the point they quit the station and the business altogether. I had never been so miserable and depressed at a station in my life. Do not, I repeat DO NOT go to KOSA CBS 7 News.”
News Director: Lena Sadiwskyj
“Lena was great to work with. If she gets upset about something, she knows when to drop it. She’s funny but can also be very serious at the same time. She’s worked in larger markets and likes to treat Dothan like one.”
While working for WTVY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I would only work here if you’re from here. They take contracts way too seriously and give you a hard time about getting out. And the buy-out is ridiculous for what you’re paid.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Micro managed, lack of communication, if you’re good at what you do, a lot of the work falls on you. Lazy employees seem to get rewarded for being lazy.”
News Director: Jeff Fitzgerald
“Generally good, he lied a bit to get me to interview for the scheduling slot he most needed filled and again to make the working relationships between people seem more positive.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Overall, it is a very good learning station. Most of the people here are team players but unfortunately there are always a few bad eggs who are difficult to work with and don’t put much effort forth to begin with, and management is unable or unwillingly to deal with it. News and sales are given priority above other departments. Money is not great and apartments are not cheap, or if they are, they aren’t very good places to live. Equipment is not always in the best state but work requests go through quickly. Stories are fluff. We’re basically a visual community calendar but it is a great place to make mistakes and grow. Overtime for news staff is not super frequent but when it happens is not typically an issue with management.”
News Director: Ashley Hall
Experience described as: “Negative, condescending, and passive aggressive leadership style.”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“So unfortunate, because this is a WONDERFUL area! If they treated their people with respect and payed a living wage, people would stay longer. Overall, employees are overworked, taken advantage of, and constantly put into unsafe situations. MMJ’s rarely (or never) get photogs, even at night, in unsafe areas, when they’ve expressed they do not feel comfortable. The news director and general manager are both extremely passive aggressive, and lack basic leadership skills and understanding of what their employees do and what is realistic. Extremely hard to want to come to work here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Extremely unorganized newsroom. They struggle with keeping people because they are treated so poorly. Many people choose to leave the TV business completely after working here. Expectations as far as daily workload are completely unrealistic, and they put an emphasis on quantity vs. quality. In my time, it became normal to work as an MMJ turning two packages on two different topics per day, and live for each without a photographer. The quality of work has suffered greatly because of these expectations. It also makes it difficult to feel like employees are doing a good job because of this workload. If you’re new to the business, I’d encourage you to look for employment elsewhere if you plan to stay in the tv biz, because this place will make you want to change career path as soon as possible.”
News Director: Stew Hirsch
“Awful. I have no respect for him, and he is severely underqualified for his position.”
While working for WFFT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Salary is poor, and despite the overall good camaraderie in the newsroom, our News Director and General Manager do nothing to want to foster a positive working experience. Retention rate is low, therefore turnover happens at the end of nearly every contract. The bosses care more about the bottom line and money rather than putting together a good product.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are zero photographers here, and we have one show a day. The bosses claim to be working towards advancement, more shows, higher ratings and more staff, but will not spend the money necessary to put these changes in to effect. Our cameras are outdated to the point where they cannot get replacement parts. Video would look better coming from your cell phone. If any equipment needs to be fixed, they’ll look to the cheapest route possible rather than try to actually fix the problem. They use the “band-aid” method in hopes the problem heals itself. Zero promotions are done to promote our staff, we can’t even get a printer that works and our technology lacks in every department.”
News Director: Stew Hirsch
“Has health problems that inhibit his ability to do his job”
While working for WFFT this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Former producer made inappropriate sexual jokes
Only hires female anchors and was told that “females suit the job better” when applied for position
Very unorganized management, no communication and a lack of resources”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jess Laszewski
Experience described as: “Relaxed”
While working for WMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“There are managers who make comments assuming young women/reporters are incompetent or naive.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Jess took over a news room in crisis and she is doing the best she can. She is a strong woman with high expectations but is willing to listen and make a plan if you need help or want to change something. She has vision and is trying to make it an innovative station on all platforms, but is quite unorganized. Employees were once signed to 1 year contracts under the old ND. Jess requires a 3 year.
Other managers are horrible and often negative. They will roll eyes if you ask questions and do not understand what working in the field is like. AM, Chief PJ, and EP have clear biases and are often discouraging.
Anchors are experienced, knowledgable, helpful, and give awesome feedback to producers and reporters.
Pay is low, especially compared to competing stations. A great starting market for someone out of college who has strong experience from internships or college work (dayturns, liveshots, policy & court knowledge). The pay is far too low for a second market job. Many people like the city, station, and coworkers but leave because they just won’t fork over the cash to keep them.
Madison is a fantastic city and market. Overall, if you have a good attitude and work hard and can deal with some BS, you will love the city, the station, and your coworkers (except managers).”
News Director: Curtis Jackson
“He is a nice guy. However, poor leadership and management skills. Not very helpful and somewhat absent from the newsroom.”
While working for KIFI/KIDK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director is supposed to be the leader but he’s very absent. Too many people trying to be in charge. Very poor decision making also. Decisions are usually made last minute and not communicated through the newsroom (which is inexcusable because it’s small).
Reporters aren’t treated well and thought of as less important if we aren’t Mormon or if we don’t have kids and families.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“There are some good things: getting a photog for live shots, photogs and the promotion department are willing to go out with you if you need them. There are some very helpful people it’s just unfortunate that the overall environment is toxic due to lack of leadership and a “real boss.”
News Director: Crysty Vaughan
Experience described as: “Deceitful”
While working for WOLO this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“AVOID”
News Director: Janis Harper
Experience described as: “Nothing special”
While working for KTVA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Main female anchor is difficult to work with, a bully, and very condescending. New desk person is very rude and makes people feel bad. The women who work there gossip and do not support each other.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Work somewhere else.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Bad — much like a prison”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Mike Rausch is an experienced news director and has good ideas, but the way he presents himself is very arrogant, misogynistic, demeaning, and snobbish.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Some days were good, others were disastrous. Turnover has been extremely high lately because employees are treated so poorly.
Many departments have gone understaffed for years because management does not know how to treat people, nor have they made any attempts to change their demeanor.
However, this has gone on for so long, that any change would not seem genuine. Don’t work here.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Bad, Terrible, verbally abusive, has no principles, only cares about himself”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale has been in free fall since Mike Rausch arrived in October 2016 due to his pompous and outright disrespectful attitude. The newsroom has been a living hell since. We had a feeling this sort of environment would come upon us after a report from the Los Angeles Times said in a 2002 release that Rausch, as news director at KATU, agreed to have one of his reporters speak at a funeral for two girls who were kidnapped and murdered in Oregon City, Oregon, while a video of the ceremony was posted on the company website.
Reporters are not hired to write columns or commentaries. They report stories, which are meant to exclude opinion — not that Rausch would care, though. Ethics? That word does not register in the Dictionary of Rausch (DOR).
The management team at KRDO also agreed to send out a drone to get exclusive coverage of the 117 Wildfire, which caused air drops to be halted as a result. Flying a drone near firefighting aircraft not only endangers pilots, but when aircraft are grounded because of a violation, the safety of firefighters on the ground is also compromised, and firefighting aircraft are not available to protect nearby homes and property.
KRDO did issue a statement on the matter. “Prior fires in the same vicinity this year did not have TFRs in place.”
A TFR stands for Temporary Flight Restriction. A translation of that statement really means “We assumed there was no Temporary Flight Restriction because there wasn’t one for the other fires which occurred in the same vicinity.”
It sounds very similar to the dog ate my homework sort of excuse that never works.
Rausch has shown that he has a long history of not having principles. He doesn’t care about his employees in the newsroom, and apparently, he doesn’t care so much about the lives of our first responders, either.
Mike has run a once proud station into the ground, ran out many talented people, and has purposefully torn down many of our producers and reporters to tears, often over issues that have required no such reaction. The least he can do is treat his people like people and not garbage disposals.
Mike has also pinned reporters against one another. A simple misunderstanding has almost resulted in physical altercations because people are so wound up that they nearly go ballistic on one another. It is the most toxic work environment I have ever experienced, and anyone else who comes out of this place unscathed deserves a medal in my humble opinion.
I grew up in poverty, and I was much happier living in the slums than I was working for KRDO. Think about that for a second. I was happier poor than I was working for this place. That will tell you a lot about what Mike has done to this once glorious station.
Mike is also extremely egotistical. Look at the man’s LinkedIn Page. He describes himself as a success catalyst and one of the top 100 TV News Executives in the United States. The ratings of this station and Rausch’s track record say otherwise.
The editing equipment in the newsroom could use some work. The editing team has been unfairly blamed for a lot of the issues, and it could be fixed if KRDO invested in better equipment. They have the money for it; it is the initiative that is lacking.
The producers are overworked, and some have trouble getting out of bed in the morning because they dread having to deal with Mike that much. All of the producers are on salary, so no overtime, and some work as many as 14 days consecutively with no days off, there are four months out of the year that you are not allowed to take a day off, and the comments from viewers are absolutely horrendous.
The least I would ask for is support from Mike and his assistant Cindy Dixon, who is nothing more than a female “yes man.” People have also been passed over for promotions and are choosing to leave as they see no room for advancement.
Yes, long story short. This place needs a lot of work. I have received several calls from former co-workers who applied to KRDO for employment. I have told them that they are better off working somewhere else because their love for this industry will be destroyed if they end up here.
One individual still decided to give it a shot and told me over the phone about their interview with Mike. “Mike’s a jerk.”
If that is how Mike comes off on the phone, trust me, it is much worse in person.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I think I have said enough. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE I URGE EVERYONE TO READ THE REVIEWS ON HERE. IT SPEAKS VOLUMES.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Terrible, egotistical, not smart, terrible news judgement”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd has caused much unrest at this former #1 station. Everyone used to be proud to work at KOAT, until Greg came in. Since his tenure began, the ratings have tanked, many great talents and staff have left.
Greg is egotistical forcing people to follow what he says. If you disagree against his decision, he will harass you until you agree. Greg is constantly over-doing stories that have no new content, turning away viewers. He does not listen to his staff, nor does he care about them. He hates confrontation and people being upset with him so much that he will make decisions after he leaves the office.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Until Greg leaves this station, it is not one to work for. While the staff tries hard and are awesome, Greg is making KOAT the worst place to be.”
While working for KULR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This market is 170, so be prepared to do everything yourself with no help. It’s management like this that drives the talent pool to dry up so they resort to job recruiting at job fairs with people who don’t have college degrees because everyone is leaving. All the bosses care about is getting the content as quickly as they can with no regards to good quality. I have been sent out in below freezing weather, by myself just for the sake of doing a live shot even if it adds no value to the story. Many reporters have left KULR early and broken their contracts due to terrible management of the company and poor pay.”
News Director: Rich “im balding and don’t know what im doing” Kurz
“He fucking sucks. he’s a total misogynist and is completely incompetent. He has like 10 meetings a day in his office yet cant seem to do anything right. He always wants to do stories that KGW (our competitor) already did. News-flash you fucking idiot, thats not news.”
While working for KOIN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Currently he’s trying to hit on a new reporter and it’s totally obvious to everyone that he’s being a creep.
He treats the women around him like shit, and he tries connecting with the men via sports knowledge. Talk about toxic masculinity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re thinking of Portland, don’t go to KOIN.”
News Director: Matt Templeman
“Matt takes on a lot because he’s also the main anchor. He’s attentive and tries his best to resolve issues at the station. But is sometimes limited by what corporate and the GM doesn’t allow him to do.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Matt seems to favor the male on-air talent over the women. There are some people who want to move up the ranks, but get pigeon-holed. However, I have seen some people get promoted. The assistant news director there was a witch and should never work in a newsroom. But I heard she’s gone now so hopefully things will look up again. As long as you are a team player and focus on yourself, you’ll more than likely have a good time there! There are many people there who will take you under their wing and make you feel comfortable like anchors Renee and Sean.”
News Director: Chris Best
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working here will do absolutely nothing to help your career.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I left the only positive review of this station (at the direction of ND Chris Best) and would like to retract it. Run for the hills. Work hard? No one cares. Do nothing but slack off, sexually harass or discriminate against female coworkers? No one cares.”
News Director: Tom Bell
“He is new, from our very brief interactions he seems like an actual journalist, hope he can turn this place around… don’t know how we landed him, but thank God.”
While working for KVVU this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director is coming into chaos so he is trying to get a handle on where everything is organizationally. None of this is a reflection on him, but the assignment desk is EXTREMELY mismanaged. The assignment desk Manager has made inappropriate comments to photographers who are afraid to go to HR because they don’t want things leaked on social media. She also pushes most her work off on already overworked MMJ’s and asks MMJ’s to put themselves in harmful positions like door knocks on murders doors solo (which is also backed up by the assistant ND). No feedback is given, ever and the one EP at the station never reads reporters work just accepts it as is no feedback for growth.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“People don’t stay at this station for a reason. Ego driven/mean girl managers who are lazy. Reporters are all young and most have already asked lawyers to look at their contracts for early outs.”
News Director: Nic Moye
Experience described as: “Terrible, bad management, picks favorites”
While working for KTVZ this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“General manager is extremely discriminatory, treats employees like children, employees are overall unhappy. Managers talk badly about employees to other employees. No room or opportunity for growth.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s a BAD place to work. Stay away from KTVZ, it will completely drain your passion to continue in this business.”
News Director: Dave Parker
“Great ND. Genuinely cares about storytelling. Positive, helpful, creates a happy newsroom environment. Willing to teach and help you achieve your goals in and out the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great place to learn. Team players. Great storytelling. Would highly recommend.”
News Director: Morgan Schaab
“Our news director is amazing. She is new to the position, but not new to the station. She is always on top of everything and is willing to help at a moments notice. There have been times I’ve called her at 10PM needing advice. She really is incredible.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“We strive on teamwork and working hard. Everyone gets their job done efficiently and by deadline. The newsroom is a positive environment and the new director’s door is always open. WAND is #1 for a reason. These are just a few of the amazing things about this station.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Terrible”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news station is completely and utterly disorganized. There is hardly any communication between the managers and the staff and when there is an issue, they won’t let you know for five weeks and proceed to grill you over a previous mistake you made.
There is no encouragement from the managers. The co-workers, on the other hand, are fantastic. We pump each other up, while Cindy Dixon and Mike Rausch will demean your character and call you nasty names until you can no longer function. Then, they have the audacity to question why you are feeling down.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Mike Rausch describes himself as one of the top 100 tv news executives in the country, yet can’t even get a mid-level tv station to function halfway decent.
He is a fraud and the story ideas that come out of this dump are stale, old, and downright boring.
Great station aside from Cindy and Mike, but the onions are just too much to bear. They will kill your your passion for this industry because they can’t stand their own pathetic lives. Avoid.”
News Director: CJ Hoyt
“CJ is a completely toxic manager, verbally abusive, and overworks his employees. The worst manager I’ve ever had.”
While working for WHTM this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Female reporters are called fat slobs, bitches, and stupid by station management. The new GM told females they can’t wear sleeveless dresses, meaning we’d have to pay for a new wardrobe, but he bought men new ties.
One of our main anchors currently has a sexual discrimination lawsuit filed against the GM and station. The GM has made inappropriate sexual and racial jokes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“DO NOT come to this station, even if you’re desperate. It was a great station before Nexstar bought it and brought in its terrible managers. The news director is like a slave driver. He has MMJs do two to three stories a day and then write and cut different versions for each show. We are cutting five to 12 different things a day. No one can do quality work anymore. MMJs are not allowed to do sweeps pieces so we can “focus on day turns.” We’ve had 35+ people leave in the year Nexstar took over. It’s like being in market 180. Please stay away!”
While working for WABG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Janis Harper
“Can seem hands off at times but respects hard work and makes providing training/learning opportunities for everyone a priority.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is #2 in the market but is locally owned & has the resources behind it to take control of the market from its competitors who are now owned by Gray Television. Opportunities here include traveling the state and beyond (Reporters have gone to villages in rural Alaska, Afghanistan, Greenland etc. for stories), time to work on special projects, and stories you won’t find anywhere else in the world. People come here for the job and often stay for Alaska. If you don’t embrace adventure (think hiking, glaciers, northern lights, dog mushing) then this station is not for you. No news room is perfect, and KTVA comes with normal daily frustrations, but employees here are fairly compensated in a newsroom environment where harassment and discrimination are not tolerated.”
News Director: Tim Ryan
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for KVUE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management doesn’t seem to care about employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Karen Arazia
“She has extremely poor news judgement and poor judgement of character. She overworks and overwhelms her staff. She’s inconsiderate of exhaustion and burnout. Morale is incredibly low and is not getting better.”
While working for WCSH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It comes down to the news director, her lack of news judgement, and the lack of communication with the top to express our frustration with. You will come in with ideas and energy, and then be punished for it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I don’t blame Tegna, but theres no safe line of communication to the top that could avoid these issues.”
News Director: Matt Kummer
“Matt Kummer has a great first impression. I remember thinking how lucky I was to score a job with this new director – he’s smart, witty, and easygoing. Well, boys and girls, first impressions are deceiving. Matt Kummer makes promises he cannot, or will not, keep. Countless times I’ve heard him tell people in the newsroom, myself included, one thing – and do the exact opposite. As reporters, your pitches are worthless. “Why would you do a story on that?” (You’re defeated, your pitch is nothing. Then, several days later, he pitches the EXACT SAME STORY as if it were his own brilliant idea.) As producers, your stacking is incorrect. Your leads are weak – if he bothers to look at the rundown. Often, he sends emails to the newsroom, saying, “we need get to this!” or “we need to confirm this!” not realizing we’ve already sent a push alert – and switched a reporter to the story. His job as a news director is worthless. We are a sinking ship, without a captain. And don’t get me started on his scheduling. He will switch your off days at will, without telling you. You work dayside? Be prepared to come in at 3:00 a.m. on a random Wednesday. Your family is flying in for the Christmas holiday? Don’t worry, you’re suddenly working overnight all week long. You work at 2:00 p.m. regularly? There is no regularly. Come in at 11:00 a.m., on a moment’s notice, please. If there is some sort of confrontation, you will not hear it from him. You may receive a passive aggressive email, that will demean your soul, but he will never say anything to your face. You will never hear a “good job” or be appreciated for the way you bust your ass. For your news director is not a director at all.”
While working for WBAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I am a smart person, who happens to be female. Coincidentally, a female reporter leads our newsroom, racking in top awards annually, and getting our station inside information before most any other station has it. But because I happen to have a certain body part, categorizing me as female, I believe my news director struggles to speak to me. He may be socially awkward with men, but with women it’s a whole different story. He will walk right by your desk, and not say a word, but email you everything you did wrong in a story. It’s honestly just uncomfortable.
As far as an “Overall Toxic Work Environment,” what news station isn’t? But, here at WBAY, your hard work WILL go unnoticed. Because you are able to produce, shoot, and report? You’re not valued. You are taken advantage of. If you have a good work ethic, you will be worked to the bone, turning stories for as many shows as they can find a place for you.
Many of us face metal instability because of this newsroom — but there is never an appropriate time for a breakdown. You are treated as a number. A head. You fill a role. But you are not a person.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This station is terrible with communication. I know that’s our field, but for some reason, we’re lacking in that department.
You’re a reporter and there’s breaking news? Management will suddenly decide you’re live in the 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 — and NOT tell you. They won’t even tell you you’re switched to that story.
You’re a producer and there’s breaking news? You won’t know your reporter has been switched to the story either! Suddenly you’re supposed to be leading with this brand new information, but you have no idea there’s a situation at hand. No email has been sent, phone call has been made. You’re supposed to magically know of this change.
Recently, our station was bought by Gray, and several cuts were made. Our news director did not sit us all down, and explain corporate cutbacks. Instead, he sent an email. “Hey, your good friend has been fired. Oh and by the way, you’re all MMJ’s now.”
These new changes do not benefit us at all. Reporters are told they’re supposed to shoot for OTHER reporters, potentially their own live shots. Producers are pulling double duty, editing, producing and potentially even helping with web. Photographers, well, the five of you that are left, are being pulled in 100 directions, as each reporter yearns for help with their mounting stories.
The moral of the story is: our station is a legacy. We are number one, and have been number one for years. But it doesn’t feel like it anymore. We are slowly seeing it all fade away. And honestly, with the way we’re being treated, we don’t care.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Terrible, verbally abusive, untrustworthy, egotistical”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He picks favorites in the newsroom, but even if you are a “favorite” he is two-faced and tries to put employees against each other.
He doesn’t care about personal lives of employees, denying people of taking off for personal issues.
His verbally abusive attitude has caused a mass exodus from the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Tom Doerr
Experience described as: “Brief and had little to no contact”
While working for WINK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Long story short…. I had to go to therapy for the constant trauma after being forced to work well past my shift to stare at dead bodies just so the producer can have ” eyes on scene” even after all info was reported and they wanted confirmation that the scene was clear. They would kill a great story for something as little as a car accident. The only station I’ve been to where 21 year old producers have more power than the ND’s themselves. All with their minds set on Blood and Destruction over covering actual news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“After we would have editorial meetings in which all positive story ideas were shot down for “Vulture news” going door knocking in Gang neighborhoods to ask if they knew who shot up the house next door. The producers constantly thought of themselves as Detectives instead of reporters of the facts. If you were asked to come in early or on your day off and said no, you were berated into giving an excuse as to why not. One word describes this station….Hell”
News Director: Matt Kummer
“The most incompetent, lazy and socially awkward man I have ever met in my life”
While working for WBAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This is the number one station in the market, with several outstanding veteran journalists working there. However, since the news director Matt Kummer took over a few years ago it has gone downhill. He has a hard time separating what he personally finds interesting, from what stories should be covered. New reporters will rarely get to work with a photographer. Producers will have their shows rearranged, rewritten or have new liveshots added without being told. People will have their jobs changed at his whim. You were hired as a web producer? Well, we need an editor, so that’s your full-time job now. The news director will also routinely lie to candidates in order to get them in the door. I’ve seen him promise new reporters they will have a photographer every day and the chance to fill-in anchor, and then never deliver. I’ve seen him promise producers they would be doing one show, then changing his mind on their first day of work. The news director is also socially awkward to the point that he avoids talking with people whenever possible, and never really has an idea about what people are actually covering or really doing all day. He spends the majority of his time in his office watching baseball, looking at google maps (for some reason) online shopping, and having loud personal conversations with his wife with the door open.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rob Cartwright
“He’s smart and knows what he’s doing. Corporate is what gets in the way of bad content.”
While working for KEYE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
“A lot of people in the newsroom feel very comfortable with saying racially insensitive things, including the assistant ND. If it has ever been reported to HR, all these people got was a slap on the wrist. Not sure how a reporter can be trusted to report fairly when they clearly have some sort of bias against certain minority groups and can’t control what comes out of their mouths.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Rob is fine as a ND. He’s smart, creative, and is a people person. The assistant ND is who you should watch out for. He has terrible news judgment, cannot make a decision to save his life (especially during breaking news situations), doesn’t know how to interact with people (especially if you’re a POC.) He definitely plays favorites. If you can avoid any interaction with the assistant ND and do your job, you’re in good hands. Also, the editorial meetings are death and can go off the rails for an hour. Good luck!”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Abusive, wasteful, disappointing”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have never worked under such poor management. All 4 managers+morning EP always make errors, which interfere with our personal lives, but they don’t care. These “grown-ups” ALWAYS find someone else to blame. Talented people have left because of the toxic work environment and negativity. People don’t feel good working in this newsroom. I found more happiness working fast food! Over a dozen negative comments, but nothing has changed. That should tell you something about KOAT and HEARST.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“We don’t get any feedback. It’s only when you don’t perform the way they want you to, that you’ll hear about it. You can’t be creative here. They tell you how they want your story to be. Now that everyone has jumped ship, management is finally starting to appreciate the few still around. Most would say, “with chaos comes opportunity,” but it feels like I’m doing business with fakes. I want to work where people cared and were appreciative from the beginning.”
News Director: Andrea Stahlman
“Andrea is the best ND I worked for. She really wants the newsroom to be a positive experience. The newsroom has its issues though, it’s not perfect by any means.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s not a storytelling station, so if that is what you are looking for you should not work here. If you want to be live no matter what and turn hard news stories every day, this is the place for you. The frustrations come from the mindset that quantity is better than quality. Reporters are worked very hard. You always get a photog but it’s not an NPPA station at all.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Bad, Terrible, verbally abusive”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Greg Shepperd has pushed out so much good talent because of his terrible, abusive management style. He likes to hide behind his watch and ignores his staff and doesn’t care. I’ve seen him force people to work 4am to 11pm the same day/days in a row because he can’t staff a newsroom. Morale is terrible, as he talks down to his employees. He is more concerned about what is happening nationally rather than let reporters do enterprise stories. He doesn’t let reporters do local news, it’s always localize national news. He has terrible news judgement and shouldn’t be a news director.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The rest of the newsroom staff are awesome who try to put together a good product, but are always met with the stupidity of Greg.
Don’t come here until Greg is no longer at the station. Don’t let him fool you during an interview either.”
News Director: Jeff Nelson
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for WDAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very belittling.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here.”
News Director: Dan Wilson
Experience described as: “Okay”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“The main reason these stations can’t get out of their own way in the morning show arena is because of the leadership they have in charge of the morning shows.
Neither of the EP’s are actively trying to own their shows. And that’s when they are not calling out sick.”
News Director: Jeff Zeller
“Very weird individual. Not an honest person”
While working for WOFL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place had great staff and we got along really well. The management truly was bad we had 4 ND is three years and the last ND got his job because he was the last one standing. Most of the reporters and photog team have left this station because of the toxic environment. I was warned by a former co-worker not to go to WOFL a.k.a W-Aweful. She was right. The former news director Bob Clinkingbeard who was also fired about a year ago from WTSP in Tampa is a bully. He told one African American reporter before he hired her …” I know you’ve heard bad things about this station but you can call a few black women that I’ve hired and they will tell you I’m fair and not racist.” Who does that……?”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place you should avoid. There are other stations in Orlando that run smoothly. There is an EP Melissa Medilie she is another nightmare . She is now the AD and a parrot for Jeff Zeller.”
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “Educational, Demanding & Plenty of Feedback”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A friend just told me about this site and the last rating. Almost all of us hang out after work or on weekends. We have fun and nobody does any backstabbing. It’s not my fault the producer can’t spell and I don’t want to get in trouble for something I didn’t do. We also have a bunch of people on second and third contracts. I’ve had bad bosses in TV and the managers here aren’t bad. If you get to know them, they can even be fun.”
News Director: Nate Smail
Experience described as: “Terrible. Awful.”
While working for WDTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Smail is a totalitarian. He has absolute zero news judgement when it comes to local news.
One time, he sent a reporter out to “a situation” coming in via phone call at the local Food Lion. He posted a story on the website that said no police were there and police wouldn’t confirm whether or not something happened.
How is that news?
The dude gets WIRED for any sort of weather that’s not sunny, and even when it’s sunny for too long he makes a big deal about it.
He acts like he defends his staff, but as soon as sales reps get mad about a story, he blames the reporter. Spineless.
Doesn’t guide his staff. Comes to meetings late. Tries to avoid confrontation with individuals by sending mass emails instead of sitting the individual down.
Is the worst hiring manager in all of news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The people you work with outside of Smail are the best. Everyone’s dealing with his garbage so everyone is really close. I’d never trade my time there because I did grow; but no thanks to him. If you’re fresh out of college, it’s not the worst gig. Get your year in and get out.”
News Director: Ashley Hall
“Unorganized, uninspiring, out of touch with what our jobs require us to do”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Leadership and feedback are non-existent unless corporate comes down.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Great starter market, but you’re giving away your soul.”
News Director: Jamie Foster
“Jamie places more trust in what he is told about a worker than what that worker actually does. His newsroom has a history of backbiting, and if your coworkers don’t like you, be sure to get to him before they do. He places more trust in the first person to complain, than whether or not the complaint is valid. He is also very rude to people he does not like and feels confident in being able to yell at his subordinates, while condemning them if they make someone else feel uncomfortable. I was yelled at for telling him that I was tired of people lying about me to him: his response was “I don’t care what you’re tired of hearing,” which he yelled loud enough that the entire newsroom could hear it through his closed office closed door.”
While working for WATE this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I entered the newsroom with the most experience and education, and knew my time at this station would be uncomfortable from the first day I walked through the door. Jamie pretended to feel sad when I told him on my last day that I never felt welcome there, but it was his poor management as a news director that encouraged lying by my coworkers… whose main complaint was how much I wore my headphones. There was not much complaint on the quality of my work, but i was often called lazy and standoffish by coworkers who reported anything I said on my social media page… but received pats on the back for the threats they made about me on their accounts.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station is ratings hungry… and did poor journalism on a daily basis. They actually brought in consultants to teach their producers how to write so that their copy would be more believable: as a news professional, i found that disgusting.
There were a few times when we were introduced to new technology that I had previous experience with; when I said I liked the technology, it was met with scoffs and giggles of disapproval… one man saying in reply to me that he hates the program.
I think the worst part about my experience is that people are more inclined to believe him because he is a news director, and ignore how he dismisses those he doesn’t like, to suck up to those he does like: His staff had no respect for him, telling him one thing to his face and another thing behind his back. But they knew he was easily manipulated.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Poor”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale sank after Greg arrived due to his pompous and disrespectful attitude. We knew what was coming as there were Arkansas websites with dozens of comments about his reign of terror at 40/29 in Fayetteville. The previous assistant news director here left 40/29 for Albuquerque because of Greg, and left here within weeks of Greg’s arrival to get away from him again. Similar stories of his treatment of staff there happened again here and we lost some good employees who didn’t want to deal with him anymore. He brought in a former minion from Arkansas to be his assistant news director. She is little more than a female “yes man”. People have also been passed over for promotions and are choosing to leave as they see no room for advancement.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Many of the people who have left during the Greg era moved on to Top 25 markets. Most of the reporters, producers, photographers, and other staff still here are good hard-working people who do their best to try to make this station succeed. There are good stories to be told here. The market is really big and KOAT has a helicopter which can be used to get to breaking news far from Albuquerque. The general manager is great, but unfortunately is retiring this year. Greg’s three years will be up in August. Hopefully he will move on by then and this station can get back to being a place where people want to work.”
News Director: Jack Acosta
Experience described as: “Really good boss.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I disagree with the last “reviewer”. Jack is a great boss and news director. He’s made me feel welcome and valued since I came here. I think he’s destined for greater things, like becoming a GM.”
News Director: Ashley Hall
Experience described as: “easy to work with, supportive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Greg Sheppherd
“Unfortunately the other comments are accurate. He’s a hands on boss who doesn’t like to say he is. He gets managers under him to deliver hard decisions and tell bad news. He’s afraid of getting sued for every story. He’s killed good journalism out of fear. His untrustworthiness and pettiness have pushed out great employees.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom is managed by several managers who all fear Greg’s decisions. Ratings are slipping, morale is terrible, and people are leaving the station and industry. Avoid this station at all costs until Greg Sheppherd leaves. He’s destroyed a once proud brand.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Nate Smail
Experience described as: “Horrendous”
While working for WDTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director doesn’t know how to lead a newsroom. Morning meetings are not productive and it feels like he judges you rather than guide you while pitching a story. Focuses mostly on national stories and wants you to “localize” it in a very sensationalist way. He mostly wants MOS in all the stories. He sends MMJ’s to local mall or Walmart parking lot to find people. Example of this: he assigns a national story or a story published from the statewide online newspaper and wants local reaction. He also decides to change your story while you’re halfway into your interviews of the day and doesn’t let producers know about those changes. He doesn’t read through people’s work before showtime, yet if there’s a mistake while he’s anchoring, he would communicate with you with thousand emails or texts than rather in person. He over dramatizes weather stories. He has no experience in other markets.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Station’s management knows about all of this but don’t do anything about it, yet they protect him. Aside from that, other MMJ’s and producers are great and we’re all trying to survive. Most are counting the days until their contract ends.”
News Director: Nate Smail
Experience described as: “Heinous”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“News director does not know how to do his job. He shows up to work at 11:00 am, leaves all afternoon, and then runs into the studio, while shaving, five minutes before air time. He does not provide any helpful skills or tips to further your career. He always picks on the new reporters and makes them feel like they are stupid. His idea of news is having his reporters interview people in Walmart parking lots. The newsroom cameras or cars never work. He is obsessed with weather related stories. If there are a few rain drops outside he demands that we go into severe weather mode and every story must be about weather. He dramatizes everything and likes to scare our viewers. He might be a decent person outside of work, but he has no idea how to do his job. This is the only station he has ever worked at in his entire career.”
News Director: Ashley Hall
“Don’t do it!”
While working for KDRV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Stein
Experience described as: “Complete and utter disaster/ lack of positive leadership/ Toxic”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A very toxic work environment with poor leadership. Managers offer little feedback at all, so you’re forced to guess on how to make improvement. Even if you request more feedback they won’t take the time. Matt Stein picks favorites not even based on performance, but more about who he can joke around with.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Only work here if you’re desperate to get your foot in the door. The station has a bunch of backstabbing people that you should avoid. After working here, a lot of people either end their contract early or get out of the business because they feel like all stations will be just as bad. The few that stay do move up to better markets because the station is like a unorganized and stressful military boot camp.”
News Director: Scott Nichols
“I worked for two news directors there and under a horrible, misogynistic GM. The GM is George Kayes. The two NDs: Len Stevens and then Scott Nichols. All three men bullied and harassed me relentlessly”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I am not going to get into details here. But it was a daily onslaught of harassment, targeted bullying, retaliation for reporting such illegal behavior…and one of the WORST places I have ever worked. And I’ve worked for more than a few. Sinclair management seemed to sign off on the illegal harassment against several women. Despite repeated effort to report the behavior of management. There is no doubt that the hostile work environment that I fostered by management to include lower levels of EPs and anchors is illegal.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“By far and away one of the worst places I’ve ever…ever…worked. I have PTSD from the horrors I suffered there. George Kayes is a Trump toting misogynist and is only interested in hiring managers who will follow his lead there. WSET is not interested in the least in truthful, compelling news reporting. The EPs are terrible!! Like laughably bad writers and “fact checkers” who run a gossipy, bully-fest of a “newsroom” and retaliate against anyone who stands up to them. Most of them have never worked anywhere else. Even if you think you HAVE to get a job in TV-do NOT go here. You won’t learn anything except how to dodge bullets flying at you on the daily. I was warned against taking a job here…I should have listened.”
News Director: Janis Harper
“Quiet, not engaged, shows favoritism”
While working for KTVA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Favoritism, negativity, mean girls”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Negativity, verbally abusive anchors, gossip, mean girls club.”
News Director: Jayne Ruben
“She is supportive of real journalism and handles issues when you bring them up to her, if you provide the solution.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KSLA has a great family atmosphere. There is a good mix of people who have been there a while and new people. The work load for MMJ’s is very reasonable, typically one story a day. The station has very experience photographers who handle breaking news and vosots for the most part. They are usually available for live shots. The newsroom is organized and communication amongst producers/management and between people in the field was not perfect, but better than your average newsroom. Real journalism and lead stories are preferred here. If you don’t want to turn dumb feature stories everyday and want to cover news that matters, this is a good newsroom for that. Investigative journalism is valued by the company, which is a plus. Shreveport is a great news town. Not the best from a resident perspective, but a gold mine for news stories. KSLA has it’s problems like every newsroom, but overall, I would recommend working for KSLA.”
News Director: Scott Nichols
“It was pleasant at first and then the dynamic changed when I spoke out against something I felt was racist. From that moment moving forward, he saw me as a problem.”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I chose Racial discrimination and toxic work environment because what I had to experience. I was the only Latina in that newsroom that had an opinion about stories of immigration. There was a story that I found to be racist and my news directors as well as my morning show producers did not understand why I felt the way I felt. In the end, I was reprimanded for speaking up and accused of being “biased” and “racist,” according to one of my producers. This then leads me to my toxic work environment explanation.
WSET is a toxic place. I found zero support from none of my coworkers except production. The fear that runs there is ridiculous. The most unprofessional place where everyone knew your business.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just stay away from this station. They’re not open to change or helpful. The most stressful 4 months of my life. Your talent is not appreciated. It was so toxic, my health declined.”
News Director: Scott Fitzgerald
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If I knew what I know now, I would have never signed a contract with News 4. This is by far the most toxic and evil environment and newsroom I have ever worked in. Everyone talks horribly about others (even their “friends”). I saw less drama, backstabbing, and hostility in my high school. No one takes responsibility for themselves, their actions, or their mistakes. They’re always looking to blame someone else. Coworkers are extremely ignorant and closed-minded people who have no empathy for people who aren’t like they are. Managers are incompetent and don’t help out when asked and then get frustrated when things aren’t done their way. The station is and always has been understaffed therefore employees are expected to do the job of at least 3 different people. Producers are given an ungodly amount of work and aren’t supplied the resources to succeed. If you ever get a call from the news director here, don’t listen to a word he says about how much the station is thriving. It’s not. And neither is anyone who works there because we’re all burned out and miserable and we’re just trying to keep our heads down, do the job the best we can, and get out. AVOID NEWS 4 AT ALL COSTS.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do yourself, your sanity, and your career a favor and don’t work here. You’ll be much happier anywhere else. Trust me.”
News Director: Chris best
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s an extremely toxic work environment and the news director blames it on employees. But long term, good employees are leaving yet he won’t get the message.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station cares more about pinching as much work as they can from you for the little pay you get, than you actually succeeding. They will work you to the ground and if you complain, they talk it up to you not being fit for the business. It’s a shame because this was once such an amazing station but it’s losing its solid reputation. Managers want good story telling but they also want to cover every bit of breaking news. Employees can only handle so much”
News Director: Jack Acosta
“The news director is a nice enough guy, but totally clueless.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No direction and no overall vision. The station doesn’t do real news, just fluff so they can get Facebook views and likes. ND is nice, but doesn’t know what he’s doing. It’s clear that he’s never actually been a news director before. Hires reporters based on looks rather than talent and ability. The rest of the managers are okay, with some being really helpful and good at their jobs and others almost as clueless as the ND.
The overall newsroom is pretty positive and fun, but if you’re looking to do serious work and improve yourself it can be pretty negative and toxic. If you don’t care about that, though, it’s the place for you because the ND clearly doesn’t care about anything except for trying to please his corporate bosses and what kind of food to order for the producers most days.”
News Director: Nicole Hogensen
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
News Director: David Williams
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Bruce Barkley
“One of the most unlikable humans you’ll ever meet. Several dozen people have left in the ~8 years he has been there.”
While working for WYFF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If it weren’t for the ND, everyone would be happy. People have been there for decades. People who were there for decades left when he came in.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“Avoid at all costs.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Very arrogant, lacks news judgement, constantly harasses staff”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There’s no communication between managers. Greg and his Assistant ND Melissa always contradict each other. If you do anything one asks, the other yells at you for not doing what they said and vice versa. They have a very bully-like management style, they care very little about their staff and have tremendous turnover. Both have pushed out very talented people. They always seem to be in meetings with each other, and unavailable to do their actual job. They are always leaving early, eating on the company dime.
Since Greg Shepperd took over there have been over 30 people who have come and gone from the newsroom. And he doesn’t seem to care to hire open positions.
Nothing is his fault, even if the idea is his, he will blame others for his mistakes and never take responsibility for anything. He’s very demeaning to staff and has caused morale to be at an all time low.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“As long as Greg Shepperd and Melissa Williams are at this station. Do not come here, The news product suffers because of their poor judgement. Staff doesn’t want to stay and is constantly unhappy. Look elsewhere.”
News Director: Anna Velasquez
“She comes off as fun and supportive, but over time the facade thins and you see that she is all about herself. She is a former reporter turned ND due to to lack of jobs in the area. She will take the good stories from reporters.”
While working for KLEW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not many employees here are happy, and it all comes from the lack of leadership and support from the people who run the station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a good place to start as an mmj, but be ready to work. Not all days are bad and the ND will push you to your limit and force you to learn (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Even though leadership is not the best here, my fellow reporters, anchors and the production staff were amazing and helped keep me sane. Lewiston itself is an awesome place to start. Local law enforcement and emergency responders are awesome and easy to work with. If you can get around the lack of leadership I highly suggest starting here. And if this says KLEW is market 73, it is NOT! It is the only station in Lewiston, ID but is within 2 hours of Spokane so sometimes get lumped in with market 73.”
News Director: Ed Reams
“Doesn’t care about his employees. Sees them as a nuisance. His way or the highway. Has run off all the best reporters and photographers.”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one feels motivated to try because you are treated poorly at every turn. Morale at an all-time low.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t take a job there”
News Director: Matt Griffin
“Horrible, walking on eggshells to please him”
While working for KXII this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The other reviews are truthful. ND Matt Griffin has an obvious infatuation with blondes and prefers to give men the “big stories.” Being the morning MMJ, I learned from the wonderful morning crew, half of which is no longer there. Griffin was a terrible leader, mentor and communicator. If he isn’t pleased with something you’ve done, he won’t pull you to the side for a private and constructive conversation where he’ll look you in the eye and be straight with you — No. Instead, he’ll make angry and/or passive aggressive comments to the entire newsroom that were narrow enough to embarrassingly single someone out. The station has wonderful people who are passionate about their jobs and helping young newsies, but Griffin is a nightmare. If you get a job at this starter station… get in, get your feet wet, learn from the more experienced colleagues, build that reel… and GET OUT.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kelley Dickens
“Ignored safety concerns, dismissive and avoidant.”
While working for WBND this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s an incredibly rough place to work, especially as an MMJ. I could fill an entire book.
Biggest issues:
SAFETY! MMJs are live alone every day pretty much no matter what. Live shots while driving to show poor weather conditions is a pretty regular thing too (in the car alone, no photog to help set up, drive or troubleshoot live gear issues… all that while you are trying to navigate icy/ snowy roads and trying to sound halfway decent on TV warning viewers about how unsafe driving conditions are.)
Poor Leadership. Management is not receptive to feedback. They have little concern for the well-being of their employees. Many, if not all MMJs that I worked with often felt miserable or even depressed at times because of the work environment.
Newsroom is a mess.
They are constantly in “crisis mode.” There is no tried and true way things are supposed to go. Every newscast has embarrassing spelling mistakes, graphics issues, tech problems. The ones making the calls have questionable ethics, known to get the story wrong. ABC 57 is not respected by the other stations in the market or by many people in the community. This can sometimes make things tough when you need to get sound from people who lump you in with the station’s bad reputation.
I could go on and on and on and on… but here’s the bottom line. All newsrooms have their issues. All first MMJ jobs are tough. When hired at ABC 57, MMJs are warned the experience will be like boot camp. This is not a joke.
It will break you down physically, emotionally and mentally every single day.
Please take my word for it: it doesn’t have to be THIS hard.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I heard WBST is hiring.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Proven track-record of being a bully and poor people person.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“How Hearst has allowed Greg (and Melissa) to continue their abusive management style in market after market is unreal.
When Greg worked in New Orleans as Asst. ND, his fellow managers admitted he had terrible people skills. Sacramento, same deal.
In NW Arkansas his difficult, disrespectful, toxic management style led to a mass exodus of many long-time employees both in front of and behind the camera. Including the Asst ND who transferred to KOAT to escape (only to be under Greg’s leadership again) the long-time chief meteorologist, both morning anchors, the entire sports department, and producers.
Reading comments from current co-workers here shows nothing has changed.
Greg has ran a once proud station into the ground, ran out many talented people.
He cares little about people or the product. Just look at the ratings.
His only focus is dressing his cats in costumes, his Starbucks venti soy drinks, wine/dines on the company dime, and blaming everyone else for his and his managers failures.
Because he’s unlikely to change as a person, my only advice is to look elsewhere. Avoid KOAT as long as Greg is in charge.
You’ll be glad you did.
***Remember the devil wears Puma.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Consider yourself warned.
Just watch the product.
You can see people dread being here.
Is it enough to get Hearst corporate’s attention?
Unlikely.”
News Director: Darryl Huger
“Awful. Completely Clueless as to what just aired on our newscasts. Would routinely undercut anchors/reporters ideas and planning. Played favorites with certain on air and behind the scenes talent because of prior relationships in market or just because he liked them better. Not based on talent or journalistic abilities at all.”
While working for WACH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The main sports anchor sexually harassed a female sports anchor and wasn’t fired, even though the whole station found out about it. The harassed employee quit and they just had HR read us the open door policy in a meeting. The sports anchor still works there to this day like nothing happened.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Station has gone through like 2 Gms and 4 news directors in 2 years. The last GM resigned after picking a fight with a local towing company after they towed her car and she forced a reporter to run a hit piece on them to lead the 10PM News. It made TVSpy and everything. The Newsroom environment was terrible, missing breaking stories left and right. No sense of planning or direction by management. Every MMJ and Reporter since like 2013 has left in 2 years or less. Hard work by reporters there is not rewarded instead political maneuvering by the less talented get promoted. In general Wach FOX is only good for getting a foot in the door early in your career. If you consider working here please know not every place is like this. Wach Fox is uniquely stupid.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“A micromanager with unoriginal ideas. Small town mentality for News. Has to have a meeting about everything but no results or resolutions. Melissa Williams is his equal.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The morale of staff is very low. Both Greg Shepperd and Melissa Williams do a great job at micromanaging staff, not offering critiques that actually help growth,Williams is very nasty/condescending when you ask for clarification or don’t agree with her. Greg is better about it. There are so many meetings during the day that are pointless and could have been an email. If you want to feel annoyed while at work, you should apply now.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Both greg Shepperd and Melissa Williams love smiling at you while forcing you to work on your days off. 6-12 day shifts are not unusual here.”
News Director: Tom Bell
“Quiet and detatched. Im not sure he would even know my name if we passed each other in the hallway.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Desk has always been an issue. Strongest desk employees get picked up in larger markets. A lot of newsworthy stories have been tossed to the side because of unusual management opinion. If they could get a solid desk in that newsroom and a more approachable ND and AD, morale would sky rocket. I also want to note, whatever position you are hired in, get comfy… hardly ever promote from within.”
News Director: Ashley Talley
Experience described as: “Noxious”
While working for WMBF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director fosters a negative work environment. She is curt, terse and abrupt when she speaks with you. When you do get a photog to shoot with you like a sweeps piece or a special, they forget to do the basics like using a light on an interview or get important shots which makes it hard to write to video and craft a story. The operations manager not much help either on the technical side or relationship side when issues come up. The station spends too much time on backwoods-backwaters crime that there is no take away for the view of value and benefit.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Just because the station is by the ocean in a tourist destination does not mean living by the beach is part of the benefits package. The pay is horrible and not a place to grow and hone in on your skills.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Best news director I’ve ever worked for”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Greg Shepperd is a genius manager. His stories of his past markets are inspiring and I have a lot of respect for him.”
News Director: Darrell Adams
Experience described as: “Bad”
While working for WBBH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He has horrible news judgement. Unless you’re gay or a kiss ass you’ll get treated poorly. He’s never around anyway…….his minions are just as bad.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Be prepared to turn at least 2 pkgs a day. If you have no experience anchoring this is the perfect place for you. Its only a matter of time before reporters shoot their own live shots.”
News Director: Mike Snuffer
“He’s an idiot”
While working for WSIL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He’s up the GM’s butt.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“One live truck but its never used for news. Bad equipment-always breaking down. Wx guy thinks he’s a know it all-he’s a lifer there because he sucks.”
News Director: Darrel Adams
“unless you’re gay or a kiss ass it sucks”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Be prepared to shoot your own stuff.You’ll be expected to turn stuff for the 4, 5, 6-sometimes two pkgs a day. Live for the sake of live. Its a very clique-ish place much like high school. Poor news judgement. Very consultant driven.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Chaotic, toxic, unsatisfactory”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They overwork us, but yet never satisfied.
Morning meetings go on far too long and they sometimes don’t benefit us because things still get screwed up. Management will throw you under the bus if something goes wrong.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“During the week we have at least 5 managers working dayside, but still, this place is unorganized & management can careless about how it interferes with our day.There’s no opportunity for growth. It’s always the same photographers and reporters creating sweeps piece’s, special projects. The same people in promos. Overall, not a fun place to be. Poor representation of Hearst.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
Experience described as: “Demeaning, tears you down”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When I was little, I dreamt about being a reporter or anchor for a major news network one day. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to put in the work. After studying for four years, getting multiple degrees and working my tail off on horrible shifts, I can honestly say I have lost that passion after working under Mike Rausch and Cindy Davis. While giving “constructive criticism”, Mike will demean you and make you feel stupid. Cindy Davis (Assi. ND) is never happy with what you do and will smile at you while completely tearing you down. Their expectations are unrealistic and overkill and they overwork their employees to where we have lost tons of people in the last year. Look, this industry is hard. We work horrible hours, weekends, nights, mornings. We never get holidays off, have four months that we cannot take off, get paid terribly, can never see our family, and get awful comments from viewers. I would hope we could AT LEAST have support from our managers. When you don’t want to get out of bed because you hate coming to work, a line has been crossed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Griffin
Experience described as: “A nightmare, he is toxic”
While working for KXII this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working at KXII is a nightmare. I’ve often gone home and cried. Matt Griffin prefers blonde reporters and will constantly give them better stories and more live shots. He does not give positive criticism and will only call you into his office if its to tell you what you did wrong. Dan Thomas is the the nightside anchor. He is just as bad, if not worse. He is condescending, demeaning and racist. If its not his way, he gets upset. When you complain about him, Matt and GM take his side and say your proof simply isn’t good enough. KXII is toxic. Maureen is the only person I can honestly say has taught me anything. Without her, I would have broken my contract a LONG time ago.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“So many great stories out of this area but if you’re not blonde, you won’t get to cover it.”
News Director: Cristi Jessee
“This article tells you everything you need to know…
http://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2017/2/7/there-goes-the-credibility”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Sara Howard
While working for WTVQ this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Woman, LGBTQ and minorities need not apply to ABC 36 / WTVQ. There is no opportunity for advancement.
See articles:
http://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2017/10/19/sexual-harassment-chased-lexington-sports-anchor-away
http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/former-kentucky-sports-anchor-speaks-out-about-sexual-harassment/195658
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/ex-wtvq-executive-producer-sues-station/101237
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“College Stations are run better than WTVQ.
Viewers and community consistently express their displeasure with the news product.
It is nicknamed “Where T-V Quits” for a reason.
The newsroom has limited resources and staff burn out quickly.
Beware, you will be set up to fail every single day!”
News Director: Cristi Jessee
Experience described as: “Horrible news judgment. No experience. No vision. No motivation.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is by far the cheapest station in Las Vegas. It is an embarrassment to Meredith. If you want an ice cream sandwich or a homeless toiletry kit for Christmas instead of a raise or fair wage, pick GM Todd Brown’s station!”
News Director: Bruce Moore
Experience described as: “Brown-nose”
While working for WREG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Station morale is falling faster than the ratings (we’re really #2 now at 5 & 6 despite the promos) and operates on a culture of fear. No one feels free to speak their mind. The upcoming takeover by new ownership is only making things worse around here. The ND prides himself on how many detailed “notes” he keeps on every employee and only likes you if you are one of his “yes” men or women. Although some people, especially anchors making big bucks, can be very good at pretending. He loves to bring up the Bible, but will stab people in the back and is very passive-aggressive. His #2 is clueless and always out the door by 6:20 and doesn’t know how his desk is a joke. He only has his job because he never stands-up for the newsroom and has figured out how to brown-nose everyone above him – from the GM to consultants or corporate. Turnover is very high unless he traps you under a contract. He never gets out of his shell or reaches out to the community beyond his suburban bubble.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“We all know we are only holding on because we have anchors who know the community and CBS is so strong.”
News Director: Ryan Hawes
“He is the best part of the station, but out of touch with what goes on in the news room.”
While working for KBOI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unorganized, lack of communication, lack of team environment and overall unethical in news practices.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Would not recommend, especially if you are looking for a middle market/second jump after a starter station.”
News Director: Joe Skurzewski
Experience described as: “Controlling in every aspect”
While working for KMOT this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“Women’s opinions and thoughts are not taken seriously. If a women is asked, they will go to a man right after for their thoughts. If you are a female, you will be better liked by your GM if you are a blonde.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“This is a great station to get your feet wet in the business, but isn’t worth staying any longer than needed. As a meteorologist here, you aren’t given the proper equipment to do your job correctly, and overall it just sets you behind. I was told on multiple occasions over a time span of a year and a half that we would get new graphic systems and we never did. I don’t expect them to ever do so either. You get your experience being in front of the camera but you don’t learn much of anything else.”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KPLC is a wonderful place to work at whether you have experience or are brand new. ND Jenelle let’s you try new things and encourages creativity. You are constantly learning and if you’re goal is to move up the Raycom family will help you get there.”
News Director: Dan Schillinger
Experience described as: “Positive. Direct communicator, hands-off.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great “team spirit”. Good place to start for a lot of reporters. Few people doing a lot of work, but you learn a ton. Work environment is positive and always trying to make young reporters better.”
News Director: Phillip Hickman
Experience described as: “Positive yet disorganized”
While working for WTAP this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Rampant sexual discrimination at this station and it gets brushed under the rug. They also use and abuse their employees. I have to say, the station got a MILLION times better when the new GM took over in March 2017. News director is a great person, easy to talk to, but not a great teacher. He’s probably just too busy to teach all the entry level people that come in. You’ll learn more from the journalists who have been there longer than you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would just find a station that would give you more direction and respect you. But that’s hard to find anywhere these days….”
While working for WVII/WFVX this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It is a horrible station that will kill your passion. They treat their employees with no respect, and fail to follow through with items on contracts.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not work here. You will regret it.”
News Director: Kevin King
While working for KSFY this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Nobody is happy but the main anchors. The GM is a know it all who rips you apart in weekly meetings. If something goes wrong, the news director will side with the main anchors before anyone else so be prepared to take the fall multiple times.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Perry Boxx
“Absolutely awesome. He is a leader, talent developer and incredible mentor.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: John Peterson
“Mostly friendly, but sends passive-aggressive emails, doesn’t stick up for employees when it comes to problems with viewers, avoids conflicts and doesn’t give feedback about work unless it’s bad”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No issues with other talent. Mike Powers the main evening anchor is great to work with and gives great positive feedback. If you work for the station, stick with him. The assignment editor can be difficult to work with. Her job makes her uptight and sometimes demeaning. Overall, don’t stay past your contract. Get in, learn, then get out. Pay is better than many starter markets that are higher than on the DMA list.”
News Director: Stew Hirsch
“Sends passive aggressive sometimes rude emails/texts”
While working for WFFT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Other anchor and former producer always yelled at each other, everyone talked about everyone, high demands from management but equipment constantly breaks”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“It’s a great places to learn. We’re the most underpaid in the market”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Very inferior, not sure why he hasn’t this job”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Most of the toxicity comes from the News Director and Assistant News Director. They are both lacking in news judgement. Neither of them know how to handle or talk to their staff. You are always tagged as insubordinate if you ask a question or raise a concern if there is a problem. They care more about being sued than putting together a good quality story. They love national news more than covering local news and make National a priority over local. The News Director and his Assistant News Director like to keep doing stories on old news rather than enterprise new stories. They constantly discourage staff from pitching good ideas and talk down to them a majority of the time, while always trying to find a reason to be angry at you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“All of the reporters, photographers and anchors are awesome and are the best people I have ever met. The News Director and Assistant News Director don’t need to be in the position they’re in. They both took a former #1 and respected station and drove it to the ground where viewers no longer rely on the station for local news.”
News Director: Rob Elmore
“About as laid-back as they came. Wants to make subtle changes within the context of saving money.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This company changed for the better when CapCities and ABC merged in 1986 and made an even bigger change when Disney bought CapCities/ABC in 1996. No more drunken newsroom parties, no more management debauchery, much higher competency expectations of managers. This company goes out of its way to promote fairness and a non-toxic workplace. All kinds and colors are in top management and staff positions. Good for them.
In 37 years the station only had five news directors. Newsroom stability is the hallmark of how the ABC-owned stations operate, though recent changes are more indicative of the state of the business rather than the company’s health. This is the place everyone in town wants to work. Better equipment, the perks of being a Disney employee, etc. The downside for photos is that they do not hire staff photographers any more. All new hires are freelance; making the same NABET wage as the staffers, but no paid sick days, vacation time or Disney benefits.”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
“Nice guy, has a lot on his plate and things can get cluttered. He’s a good guy and genuinely wants the best for the entire newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The station has been number one for years, and it deserves it’s rating. They are good to all of their employees and give reporters time and freedom to learn and hone their craft. Monroe is a great news market. A lot of the management staff here has been around a while and are open to new ideas and give fair, constructive feedback. As an anchor there is plenty of opportunity to get better and work with some talented minds. For a starter market, this is a great place to begin. Would highly recommend to anyone wanted to get a start in the business.”
News Director: Jennifer Hardy
“More focused on profitable transition from Calkins to Raycom than on-air content. Left decision making to “managers” (i.e. senior producers)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Newsroom is a mixture of experienced staff and young hires, providing excellent opportunities for skill development. A reluctance by ownership (prior and current) to invest in the newsroom means broadcasts are still in SD, equipment is aging, and many people end up tasked with duties beyond their job description.”
News Director: Matt Brown
“Best news director I’ve worked with yet. Gives feedback often, good and bad. He used to be an anchor/reporter and understands both aspects.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
News Director: Cristi Jessee
“Absent. No quality control. Does not watch. Detached. Would prefer to post pictures on SnapChat than confront news gathering challenges.”
While working for KVVU this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale is very low. GM constantly brags about the amount of money the station is making, but very little of it goes toward the newsroom.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a station for reporters on their second jobs looking for a stepping stone. No veteran journalists. Kids only, with zero oversight. It’s a shame, because the talent that already exists at FOX5 could be focused and harnessed if management spent time focusing on the quality of the product. Other stations in the market laugh at FOX5’s reputation.”
News Director: Crysty Vaughn
“Crysty was absolutely incompetent and had little to no understanding of how a newsroom operates.”
While working for WOLO this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Things are so backwards here, it’s hard to maintain any positivity. Severely underpaid, I don’t know how people could afford to live on their own. The people getting paid the most didn’t care at all about quality and had no news judgement whatsoever.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Crysty reeks of incompetence and barely understand how news operates. There are never enough people to cover anything, God forbid any big news breaks. The station literally only has 3 reporters, at full staff. Often last when reporting anything and often very wrong. For the most part, no one cares if what makes it to air is good or factual, as long as something is on air. No one cares about quality. Crysty and her “assistant news director” are collectively as intelligent as a pile of bricks. Their news judgement is awful at best. It’s impossible to actually get any criticism from people who are supposed to be in charge because no one actually knows anything. The employees are mostly great, but the people in charge are awful at what they do for a living. Additionally, the company is unbelievably cheap.”
News Director: David Springer
“He was nice. Didn’t put in any effort. Was there to get a paycheck, not to make it the best it could be.”
While working for KAAL this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“I was treated differently for being gay. The stationed favored a very religious anchor. The GM was very religious.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Postive, Fun
Additional comments:
“GM is way too old school. Not open to anything new or “with the times.” He put one anchor on a pedestal because they shared religious beliefs. She was allowed to have those influence the shows she worked on. The News director is a great guy, but in the wrong position. Everyone in a leadership position shouldn’t be. People in lower level positions work very hard, but get little reward. They are the ones who push to be number one, but it will never happen because of poor management.”
News Director: Rich Kurtz
“Hardly know him or what he wants.”
While working for KOIN this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women’s opinions are discounted and ignored.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Nexstar is the current owner and is penny wise and pound foolish. We are losing personnel and they are paying and offering less.”
News Director: Perry Boxx
“THE greatest news director you’ll ever have”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“One of the best television families I’ve come to know…though it often is a revolving door with staff for personnel issues (because of the staff member, not necessarily because of superiors). A place where you can falter, but the staff will be right behind you to put you back on your feet. Excellent news directors, supportive producers and anchors, learning MMJs. An encouraging place to work, with people who just get it.
Family owned (Quincy Media) so there was no pressure from corporate that pushed political agendas like Sinclair, Nexstar, etc. You’ll get a chance to meet the people who run Quincy Media, and address possible issues. They’re always there to listen and provide reassurance.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
“The worst experience I’ve ever had with a boss”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have never worked in such a frustrating, demeaning and overall horrid place in my life. Do not apply here this station will break you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Dont apply here. Literally any other small market is better. You will get zero help and will be working in a newsroom less organized than your college. It’s hard because Ernesto is a nice person, but such an inadequate boss you will end up hating him no matter how hard you try. Also HR is a joke, this woman should not be allowed to interact with people for a job let alone run an HR department.”
News Director: Brooks Blanton
“Polite and respectful to most employees, but often becomes the opposite when there is major breaking news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The day to day of the station usually runs pretty smoothly but there have been some questionable decisions made by management over the past year. Quantity of stories is usually prioritized over polishing good stories, including sweeps stories. New hires in nearly all positions go untrained for months at a time, and often lack sufficient experience.
The new GM has made it clear that the Photographer position will be fazed out in favor of MMJ’s, and raises are not usually given out to hourly employees.
Communication is the biggest issue as information often falls through the cracks between morning, day, and evening shifts.
The field-crews and in-house producers are great people who are passionate about their work. Most are very easy to talk to and bounce ideas off of.
Overall, the station is a good stepping-stone for someone looking to move out of a small market, but is not a great place to stay long-term.”
News Director: Darrel Adams
Experience described as: “Bad. Bad manager”
While working for WZVN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unless you’re a kiss ass or gay you’re no good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You’ll be expected to turn as many pkgs a day and you’ll have to shoot your own stuff.”
News Director: Chris Turner
“Terrible unless you are his favorite.”
While working for WJTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Kevin Roseborough
Experience described as: “Smooth”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great station to work at if you are a photog/Editor. I have worked for several nightmare stations but WJBK FOX 2 news is a breathe of fresh air. We have a staff of about 30 plus full time photojournalist/ Editors and about 4 Per Diem photogs/ editors. This is a union shop so everything goes by seniority ( Shift pick Vacation time for major holidays).
Most folks that work at this station are from the area . There is no room to move up in terms of being a Chief Photographer we don’t have one. I can truly say in the 15 years I been in the news business this is the best job that I have held. None of that foolishness that most people deal with on the regular basis. No yelling reporters or management. A very calm respectful work environment. Some people may complain that work here but they have never worked anywhere else they have been here all of their career. They haven’t worked in sweat shops that pay just enough for you to get to work the next week. If you get a freelance job here the pay is 29.00 per hour and top pay is 34.83 an hour. You make about 72k a year with no overtime.”
While working for KWES this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unorganized, lack of resources, not interested in your safety. I found myself doing solo lives at 5 a.m. with nothing to show just for the sake of going live and at 10 p.m. during active crime scenes. Anytime I brought up safety I was told those were the resources we had and was later made felt guilty for fighting for my safety. Headstrong women- beware.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Cost of living in this area is extremely high (oil money central), don’t let them low-ball you. If you don’t fight for yourself here, no one will.”
News Director: Matt Weesner
“Poor. Does not cultivate young journalists.”
While working for KHGI/KFXL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management does not address concerns brought forward by employees. They merely listen then do nothing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Was never repaired with the photog.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“An Artiste News Director with incomprehensible news judgement”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There has been a high turn over of photographers because, Gregg has created a hostile work environment with his over reactionary verbal abuse and micro management style.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“How has Hearst Argyle let this guy fail up through the company ranks destroying and demoralizing a once competitive station?”
News Director: Cynthia Thompson
“She was a terrible boss and mentor. She does not have the best interests of the news station as a priority.”
While working for WJMN this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It started with an evening anchor who was both verbally abusive and made lots of inappropriate sexual comments. Upper management knew of the issues, but never did anything. The news director was lazy, selfish and a down right spiteful woman. She maybe worked at most 4 hours a day and all she did was show up and critique the stories and work we had done for the day, without contributing to the newscasts at all. Instead of being a leader and positive role model to our station, she was constantly putting the staff and our efforts down. The general manager never cared about the success of our station as he would come up from Green Bay, maybe a couple times a year.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is a failing news station in that market. They do not do enough promotions or advertising for the people in the area to even know they exist. The reporters and anchors worked extremely hard to put a 6 &11 newscast together without any help or guidance from the News Director. After my two year contract was over, I left on my own terms and she tried to sabotage my reputation by calling places I had applied at and illegally telling them not to hire me. This station has the opposite of good ethics and morals. It is quite sad because the talent of the rest of the staff has been constantly overshadowed by the bad press of the news station.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Horrible, dumb, arrogant, condescending”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The News Director has to be one of the worst people I have ever met. He constantly talks down to people and seems not to have a clue of what’s going on. He has poor News judgement, and rarely allows enterprise stories. He goes out of his way to micromanage everything. His assistant news director is dumber than a sack of bricks and just follows what he says to the smallest detail. They both make terrible decisions.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The other staff members and other managers are some of the best people I have met. Everything that is wrong, and the terrible morale in the newsroom boils down to the News Director and Assistant News Director. It’s a great station to get experience with as there’s lots of breaking news, but those two need to move on if the station wants to continue to succeed.”
News Director: Warren Stewart
“Horrible. The worst person I’ve ever met. Manipulative liar who likes making people miserable. Sounds hard to believe, but true.”
While working for KJRH this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The previous news director tried to turn the station around, but corporate fired him for not moving quickly enough. Then they brought Warren in, and he ran it into the ground in a hurry. He treats people like playthings. People are bailing from this place as quickly as possible!”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The station has a long history of high turnover. Just check FTVLive! To be sure, there are some really great people in the newsroom, but management is awful. It starts at the corporate level and goes down from there. Avoid KJRH like the plague.
I will say I learned an awful lot at this place, mostly what NOT to do. It forced me to grow more than my previous station. It’ll also make me appreciate the next job even more!”
News Director: Joe Radske
“He was disrespectful, bad at communication and incompetent. Has been fired from past news director jobs.”
While working for KVRR this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The co-workers are great but management is terrible. This new news director is driving away their good journalists. He’s called his subordinates names, like “dyke” and “stupid,” in a non-joking way. Equipment is always broken. There are three shared edit bays for news and sports combined, can’t edit at your desk. Morale is at an all time low. Pays lower than the competition.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would be surprised if it still has a news operation in two years. Joe Radske is driving KVRR into the dirt. He acts as assignment editor and script editor since he’s not willing to hire someone else to do that. Good story ideas from reporters are mostly shot down, but he frequently complains about a lack of good story ideas and blames it on the reporters. Besides those duties, he spends most of his time on the clock watching TV, doing crossword puzzles and writing in his journal. Working here really feels like being at number three. Big stories are frequently missed and the production value is dirt cheap.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“Worst News Director I’ve ever met”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Constantly harasses staff. Doesn’t know how to treat employees. When a complaint is filed against him, he confronts the person who filed it.
Always wanting micromanage everything and blame staff for things that are his fault. Has a very low threshold for breaking news (fender bender and a tweet are breaking news). Terrible news judgement. Worries more about what the competition has rather than enterprise our own stories.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“He and his Assistant News Director need to go they’re both not very good nor do they know how to treat or approach staff. He might as well not have other supporting managers as he constantly picks at them. News Director has caused massive turnover where people don’t want to stay, since he took over the ratings have also gone downhill.
Other colleagues at the station are awesome to work with, just in a horrible situation.”
News Director: Audrey pryWITCH
“This news director has to be one of the most hated in the market. PryWITCH (also known as Titler) has worked very diligently to crush the union and the souls of those subject to her reign. With the Lame one by her side they seek out new ways to snuff out creativity and the willingness to carry on at times.”
While working for KTVI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Toxic does not even begin to describe the gulag by the landfill. Not even the common decency to give a shred of compassion to anyone of the inmates that may be having health related issues or family problems due to the long hours they are forced to endure daily. While shoveling slop into the news bin for your nightly consumption, crews are sent into hostile and dangerous situations with no regard for their safety. Ferguson anyone? I watched live as my former colleagues were pelted with rubber bullets and subjected to tear gas all in the name of live TV. Be safe my friends. Some of you will figure out who this is.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This newsroom under a previous ND used to be the envy of storytelling in the market. With many creative and award winning photojournalists on staff. Now slaves to the daily grind to feed the ever hungry monster it has become under Titler and Lame Ass (the assignment sidekick) creative story telling is a thing of the past. Many really talented people still reside in the gulag. From editors and photogs to the staff behind the scenes. Though their souls have been crushed, they forge on.”
News Director: Jenelle Shriner
Experience described as: “Great! Positive, motivating, connected”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“It’s a great place to get started. It has a family feel which really helps when you’re so far from home. If you want to move up in the company, they help you in every way they can. There’s a ton of big news and the experiences you get are incredible. Definitely a great place to learn.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working under Mike Rausch and his management team is the worst. Mike sets a very hostile environment. He always talks about how great of a reporter he once was yet fails to make his talent better. The newsroom has been a living hell ever since he became the ND (October 2016). His hires are his favorites and it’s obvious. Mike is BAISED and demands all reporters to check The Drudge Report before the morning meetings. How baised can it get? Cindy Davis, the assistant news director treats all the reporters like crap. She’s very condensing, ungrateful, and never is pleased with anyone’s effort.
The assignment editor likes to gossip about everyone. Many wonder why he’s there!
Reporters only have photogs (except AM reporters) for live shots and are over worked. Trying to get OT approved at KRDO is merely impossible. Management truly doesn’t see value in their employees.
KRDO has had amazing reporters but they either were pushed out or broke contract. Working under Mike Rausch and his management team is hard, uncomfortable, and disappointing.
Mike makes you want to lose your passion for storytelling!!!!!!!
Work at KRDO when he’s NOT the ND.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The the producers, reporters, photographers are all amazing individuals that motivate one another when feeling discouraged (sadly, that’s often).”
News Director: Jayne Ruben
“I rarely saw Jayne outside of her office. The only time you really interact with her is if you’ve done something she feels is wrong or briefly for morning editorial meetings. I found she showed favor towards black employees and women.”
While working for KSLA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The overall toxic environment came from just a few people in the newsroom. The problem is at least two of them were managers and had a major influence on the mood in the building. During the reign of a particular Assistant ND, I dreaded coming to work every single day. There is also a long standing reporter who still works there who is an absolute snake in the grass. He appears to be nice up front but trust me, he has only one person on his mind and that’s himself. He will intentionally cause drama and go out of his way to make your time at work a living hell. He’s been in huge trouble, even being called out in a public press conference by a local sheriff’s office, but somehow still works there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The people there besides the few I’ve talked about make the station almost a family-like environment. That’s why I selected fun and positive as an option. However, on a day to day basis, while I was there the overall vibe was negative and toxic. I put a lot into that station but ultimately left because hard work and passion is not rewarded by the ND.”
News Director: Rachel Sommerfeld
“A pleasure to work with. I wish more news directors were like her.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Ed Kosowski
“Seems determined to step up news coverage”
While working for KETK this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Once the station started to be remodeled it became super toxic. Staff speaking negatively about each other (reporters mocking other on-air talent). People seem mad 24/7. Ed is still new to the station, he replaced the previous ND who is still at the station b/c he’s the main anchor also. On-air talent shoot & edit their own packages but would have a photog for live shots. Managers took that away so reporters now do their own live shots, which took away from creativity & the quality is bad because people are rushing to get things done. People seem to dislike the assistant news director the most, staff talks about not liking him daily. It’s also the least diverse station in the market for on-air talent. It was known as the more conservative station under the old ND, but Ed seems to changing it to be more fair.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Invest in employees by paying them better, since the work load increased. Take the time to train the few photogs that are left (managers wouldn’t trust certain ones with assignments, because they felt they skills weren’t good enough) . The station’s new set is amazing but it takes more than that to keep employees wanting to work there.”
News Director: Matt Griffin
Experience described as: “Frustrating”
While working for KXII this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“ND prefers and favors male reporters and female reporters w/Blonde hair. It’s weird.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Mediocre reporters aren’t helped to become better here & good reporters are run into the ground. This station doesn’t care about your professional development/career goals–you will just be used to fill air time. If a story negatively impacts an advertiser, it won’t see air. If a story could upset a PIO, it won’t see air. ND doesn’t want to “burn bridges.” This is a place where you can practice skills (reporting, writing, shooting & editing) but not somewhere to learn the art of storytelling or do hard hitting pieces. You’ll also be expected to work overtime frequently then yelled at for overtime every two weeks when time cards are due. There are some really GOOD and kind people in this newsroom–but it’s just not enough to make up for how poorly it’s managed.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Absolutely terrible, he plays favorites and has been pushing out almost everyone who was not hired by him. Has no respect for peoples personal time. He is also very condescending.”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Unless you were hired by the News Director, then you feel like your job is always at risk. If you were hired by the News Director, then you will get better treatment then the rest of the employees, to an extent. Regardless you will almost constantly be ripped apart for your work, after working 12+ hour shift without a lunch break. If you decided to sign a salary you will be completely taken advantage of. Also there is a problem with almost every department being understaffed, some of them have been that way for close to a year.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Travis Sherwin
“Travis, has a great eye for news, but seems overwhelmed in his new role as News Director.”
While working for WPBF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management is absolutely terrible with communication and planning.
For example, during the most recent hurricane season. They lacked simple logistical planning for housing reporters and stocking up on food for staff. Lastly, during the holidays, on-air talent did not find out their schedules in a timely manner. If it was not for an anchor expressing their frustrations to the station’s general manager. Our assistant news director would have been “The Grinch” this Christmas.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Believe me when I tell you they live by their brand, “Live. Local. Late Breaking.”
Not a storytelling market. Just turn and burn. Just make slot.
The newsroom is severely understaffed. A half a dozen reporters. Both competing stations have twice as many. It takes management an average of 6 months to a year to fill open positions. As a result, reporters are forced to work ridiculous shifts.
ex. M,T,W: 3:30 am – 12:30 pm (am shift)
T & F: 9:30am-6:30pm (dayside shift)
Weekend anchors are forced to work “Super shifts.”
You come in on Saturday and work 3:30am – 9am. Go home and try to sleep and return to work 6pm-midnight shift and do it all over again on Sunday. Try doing that for a few months or a year!”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“Mike Rausch is a condescending misogynist. He has good ideas but executives them in the most demeaning way.”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place will make you want to get out of the news business.”
News Director: Stan Sanders
“Stan is an okay ND. He’s not big on constructive criticism. In my opinion he would point out problems without lending solutions. The biggest issue I had was his lack of planning. The ND also does the schedule only 2 weeks in advance. Which sucks if you are wanting to plan vacations or make plans on what should be your days off.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“WBBJ a good start. Do your time and get out. You won’t make much money but thats “normal” Overall working in Jackson is good. The people are nice, government officials are easy to work with. When it comes to news coverage WBBJ isn’t a proactive station, reactive at best. Scheduling is horrible and lacks consistency. Even if you request a vacation months in advance, you may not get confirmation until the month of said request. It always seemed like we were understaffed. You will MMJ, even on live shots. There are two photogs but they are usually on VOSOT patrol. Every once and a while they will work a live shot. WBBJ is a good station to work on yourself, get better, get a solid foundation but the product will not blow your socks off.”
News Director: Bruce Carter
“Positive experience working for Bruce Carter. The assistant news director is the one you need to watch out for.”
While working for WLEX this person experienced:
“It isn’t a toxic news room but it isn’t the greatest either. Some of the managers could treat the staff with more dignity or respect. Simple things learned in management 101. The assistant news director can be very abrasive and demeaning. She’s driven a lot of people on to other places because of the environment she creates.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Aside from a couple of weasels in the news room, most people aren’t bad.
Just do your work and keep a low profile.
and yes!! I gathered all of this as an intern!”
News Director: Andrea Taylor
Experience described as: “Disengaging”
While working for KTVT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Last place station that is going nowhere. People who have been here for years are complacent and unmotivated doing the minimal to earn a paycheck. The newsroom is extremely understaffed which makes it hard to compete when open position are eliminated or never filed. Not many opportunities to conceptualize and craft enterprising stories. The female news director and the female assistant news director have no personal connection to the area and don’t understand news that matters to Texans which shows when you bring outsiders from from other parts of the country, you don’t improve the level of performance in your newscast.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
News Director: Mark Kraham
While working for WDVM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“News Director Mark Kraham is the worst news director I have ever worked with in my entire career, which is why he has worked in small-market television news for over 20 years. The mandatory quota is all that the news director cares about. You will only get feedback from him when you have done something wrong. He has a dry sense of humor and lacks empathy for people.
The Human Resources director is a JOKE. Then again, the station is a joke. Do your 2 years and get the hell out!
The only good thing about the station is that it is a START.”
News Director: Lawton Dodd
“Be careful. He has a reputation of doing some shady things. Get everything in writing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Great starter station/market. But they pay you in sunshine. Reporters/photogs all good people. Management has settled into a comfortable mediocrity because there’s almost no competition for ratings.”
News Director: Jayne Ruben
“She never came out of her office. Even during breaking news situations. Played favorites. Only showed favor towards people who were the same race as she.”
While working for KSLA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News director gave people with only 6 months of experience management positions or special projects. Assistant news director is afraid of confrontation and passes off problems. Producers have zero to no experience. Their current 5 pm producer was fired from the competing station because his writing put the station at risk. The news director fired their digital content manager after 15 loyal years. She helped the station climb to second in the company on social media. And ray on isn’t exactly small. Still, she was fired. And replaced by someone with on,y two years of experience. Do not work here…unless you are black. You will be just fine if that is the case.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“One reporter has made several ethical violations (including using his work email to set up an account for Ashlee Madison and making factual errors.) He is still there, while people that did excellent work are forced out because the wrong people are rewarded or recognized. Also, when people leave after their contract…you have to have an exit interview with your direct supervisor. Which is against company policy. It should be with Human Resources.”
News Director: Ed Reams
“Condescending, yells in newsroom”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Great market, station with great resources, lots of talented employees. The news director and management over all is making everyone dread work. Could be #1 with right leadership”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Wouldn’t recommend working for this management group”
News Director: Matt Stein
“Tough but fair, pushes for quality, if you listen you will grow. Acts tough, has a good heart”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Station has recently made a lot of improvements, added a bunch of people, and seems to really want to do well. Past owners and news directors had kind o run it into the ground.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
“Great news director! Nice guy! Hands-off approach. Feedback is not received/given, but you will hear from him if you do something wrong.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great location, being near D.C. Sometimes you’re on the scene with D.C reporters. Nice place to get your foot in the door and get out after 1.5 years. Lack of live shots, breaking news, never work with photog. Newsroom can be negative/chaotic.
If you’re a bureau reporter, you have to be very independent and everything is up to your discretion. No direction is given here. Very unorganized, but reporters are supportive of one another and get along well. You’ll only hear from management if you did something wrong and rarely for nice compliments or any type of feedback.”
News Director: Audrey Prywitch/Joe Lamie
“Easily the most worthless, useless, and talentless News Director-team I have ever had the displeasure with whom to work.”
While working for KTVI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Easily the most worthless, useless, and talentless News Director-team I have ever had the displeasure with whom to work. There is absolutely no semblance of leadership or vision for how to cover local news, which is sad since it is broadcast journalism 101 type knowledge. The depth to which they lack the ability to recognize and reward reporters and photog talent is almost unimaginable. Therefore, real talent runs from the station at the first opportunity. That is if the News Director and her flunky have not threatened them away already. If the failure to effectively communicate with the staff is not bad enough, the inability to organize the news staff is equally appalling. Any accomplishments achieved at the station are due to the conscientiousness of others in the news room who know (A) how to treat people and (B) cover news. If the station upper management ever hopes to improve the on-air product and ratings, they need to consider finding a news director who does not micromanage, alienate, divide, bully, threaten, harass, lie, kill morale, and treat the job responsibilities as an afterthought.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Stein
“He’s demanding because he wants the best.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“It’s a good place to learn. You’re pushed to be better every day and they want you to deliver.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “The absolute worst”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place will tear you apart. The News Director is a complete moron. Not everyone likes or supports him. His idea of breaking news is a fender bender on a city street. Constantly assigns stories that viewers don’t care about, or chase the competition, and is afraid to take risks. His Assistant ND caters to his every whim and is spineless. They both like to get angry with staff for the smallest thing, when you ask questions about how can I do this better, they classify you as insubordinate. The News Director has verbally harassed people at the station and has driven people away because of name calling and tearing down staff he doesn’t like.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you want to come here, don’t. Wait until the current news director leaves. Everything has gone downhill since Corporate assigned him here.
The station has great coworkers who work hard. Nicest people I’ve met.
News Director needs to be tossed.”
News Director: Kirsten wolff
“Bad management, no feedback”
While working for WESH this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“People are good. Area is nice. Management needs an overall.”
While working for WDSU this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you are a white female in this newsroom expect to be treated like crap.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Think twice before taking a job here. There are several toxic people that like to keep the chaos at full throttle.”
News Director: Kay Norred
While working for WRBL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“News Director and Producers except the 11:00 producer speak to Reporters like they are trash. Reporters barely get to cover the story they pitch. News Director Kay Norred never has control over her newsroom. News Director shows favoritism to certain people.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Audrey Prywitch/Joe Lamie
“Horrible experience. More focused on micromanaging the employees than covering the news.”
While working for KTVI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Employees that are considered a threat are bullied and forced out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Steve Asplund
“Steve is a wonderful mentor who truly cares about the station and his staff. If you are a hard worker, he will recognize that and will help you grow exponentially as a journalist.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station has all of the typical issues you’ll find in any starter market. Older cameras, not enough help, lack of hard news, and an overworked staff. However, it’s an amazing place to get your feet wet if you’re new to the business. You’ll be able to make mistakes without a lot of backlash, and since you have to do most things on your own, you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of reporting, writing, editing, and production. For market 180, it actually produces a lot of talent that go on to be successful in much larger markets after only two years. The station also very recently underwent a HUGE set redesign/upgrade and (finally) converted to HD, which has solidified its status as the top station in the entire Upper Peninsula. If you can handle long winters, long drives (sometimes traveling 3+ hours to a story), and long hours, you will be fine.”
News Director: Kay Norred
Experience described as: “Awful, toxic work environment”
While working for WRBL this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No room for growth. News director would rather anchor then give other reporters an opportunity.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Horrible station to work for. Would not recommend to ANYONE looking to grow as a journalist.”
News Director: Mike Schram
“He is a power hungry ND and takes zero ownership for his mistakes. During the interview he is warm and friendly but once you are hired he is cold, moody, and calculating. He treats his Assistant News director poorly and demeans her in front of others. If you don’t kiss up to him he will make your time at EYI very uncomfortable. If you are pushover you will fit right in. Positives? He is thorough and doesn’t yell or curse in the newsroom. And although he is single he is understanding when employees are dealing with private familial issues.”
While working for WEYI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is a great market to grow in.”
News Director: Mike Dello Stritto
Experience described as: “Nightmare”
While working for KTNV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Rhonda LaVelle
“WORST I HAVE EVER DEALTH WITH”
While working for WXYZ this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Rhonda is toxic, demeaning and yells and screams. 30 people have left the station since she started.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Ed Reams
“Attempts to be nice but comes across condescending”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I’m not sure if Reams is a good guy or a bad guy…he seems to try but lacks leadership skills. He has little to no respect from employees. No one would follow him into battle — except his dedicated other managers (because he’ll protect them)”
News Director: Deana Reece
“Toxic, un-nurturing, demeaning, plays favorites, micro-manages like no one I’ve seen before.”
While working for WTWO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station is great for a college grad looking to break into the business, but prepare to hate your life while there (and cover sales driven content). News department has one M-F reporter. No set schedules. No creative control. Piss poor ethical news judgement. #2/2 and perfectly fine with that. ND runs from “ruffling feathers” with big players in market. Out numbered from other station at least 4-1. Team has no desire to learn. Got in trouble for going in on day off to learn other skills. No overtime (will get sent home to avoid paying out).”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Employees openly talk about this place in a negative way. Upper management keeps developments (when there are some) in dark until last possible moment. You are promised growth as a professional but have to fight the “silver platter employees” who get to operate at 80% while others have to work at 110%. You are required to do more without recognition. Underhanded harassment is an everyday occurrence. Corner office only cares for sales. Never heard from ND unless she’s pissed. Would not recommend unless your desperate.”
News Director: Currently Vacant
While working for KTMF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Not a great experience. Station wears you down.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Ed Reams
“Condescending. Lacks leadership skills.”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“News Director lacks vision and so station maintains poor ratings and even worse morale. Managers get rid of people they don’t like and bring on additional management to assist in the micromanaging. Then News Director complains to employees about other managers.
Constant complaining and frustration from coworkers.
Like any tv station there’s a disturbing pay gap. Weak breaking news coverage due to lack of both leadership and communication.”
News Director: Liz Haltiwanger
“Very supportive, good leadership, cares about the station product and the employees”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great station to work at! The management really cares about their employees and the parent company is great too. They are not too demanding of your outside of work time and it is a very professional and fun work environment. Can be fast paced at times during breaking coverage but it is all handled well.”
News Director: Brad Ginsberg
While working for KNOE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The assignment manager Richard Sommers is a bad apple in the newsroom. He has been there forever and is incompetent, has no real journalism background and treats the new reporters at this starter market like the dumbest people alive. He will belittle you and insult you personally in meetings. He doesn’t do his job and has clear biases in the community.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Get in and get out. Don’t spend more time than you need to in this starter market.”
News Director: Anthony Knopps
“Did not work under current ND. Leadership is constantly changing at the station due to low ratings”
While working for WTOL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve never worked for a station with so much turn over. The majority of people there are unhappy and leave fast. Management is terrible, all reporters are MMJs who are overworked, and tanking ratings are constantly blamed on talent instead of poor leadership from management. You do NOT want to work here. Go to the ABC affiliate in town”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Scott Saxton
“Hard to communicate with, but he’s eager to let people try new roles and grow (from producer to reporter, Photog to reporter, reporter to anchor, etc)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It is a small market that operates like a small market. Crappy equipment and cars, low pay and very young/inexperienced talent who make mistakes on air often. BUT, it’s a good starter market and Wilmington is a nice coastal city to live in”
News Director: Lisa Fulk
“Lisa is great. Sometimes clueless for news judgement, but a great person.”
While working for WXII this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom is a mess. No organization. No drive to chase hard news. We often shy away from some hard news stories. Reporters are required to do 2 stories a day, often missing crucial elements to one story. Competition in the market has one reporter for one story. They have a staff bigger than ours – incredibly bigger and their news content is ace compared to what we put out.
We have no nightside reporter right now. Only one dayside reporter M-F. Weekend anchors help during the week.
Morale is extremely low. Producers are overworked. Sometimes doing 1.5 hours of news daily. Shows look terrible and scripts are poor. We added 4 hours of news in the fall with no addition of any new people.
Our set looks terrible. Lighting never looks good on anchors. If you watch from home, they can be different shades in one show. I’ve heard them complain about this but nothing seems like it will change.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This place is falling apart.”
News Director: Matt Stein
“This station is trash. The last news director ran it in the ground. She (Jennifer Hardy) was miserable in her personal life and it reflected in her work ethic. The station is toxic and the assignment manger was just a photog a year ago. She’s horrible and rude. No photogs, share fear..the list goes on…”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Matt Weesner
“Lack of leadership, very inconsistent, friendly”
While working for KHGI this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“Male talent and producers were paid more. If you were single and had no kids you were taken advantage of in scheduling and expected to be there (making less than at the local grocery store) even if you were scheduled to be off.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you do your job, beware! You’ll be picking up the slack for everyone who chooses to do nothing around the newsroom or the bare minimum. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great people here but leadership is lacking and good employees are often taken advantage of. The news director would rather have you do the work than actually discipline his employees. They pay you JUST above the amount that would qualify you for food stamps… After struggling to make ends meet here for years they wouldn’t let me out of my contract even a month early to go make a real living. Luckily my current station was able to wait. Did several turn around shifts which compromised my health. Do not recommend.”
News Director: Lisa Lovell
Experience described as: “Like having 6 root canals done without novocaine”
While working for WATN this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This woman has failed up through the system being here for years. She is unapproachable and sits in her glass office with the door shut and her back against you. She plays favorites and congregates with them. She is aloof and cannot say hello or make eye contact with you. Sitting in a morning or afternoon meeting listening to her talk is like listening to “Tony Montana.” She can’t string more than five words together without using the F-word that sounds like slutty porn vocabulary or conversational English at a cocktail bar. Then again, she is a Yankee chic from New York and those people are terse that does not go well with the “Good Ol’ Boys” culture of the South.
The station lacks direction and branding and cannot make a difference in a market that skews to a ghetto target audience and that points to her leadership and the clueless G.M.who has never been happy leaving Green Bay. And since the station is the bottom feeder of the market that no one watches, even when they hired Richard Ransome who was let go at Channel 3, he has not made an impact because, the station does not believe in Nielsen ratings. Storytelling is boring telling. With the cheap G.M. and Nexstar ownership, they won’t hire talented reporters. People come to Memphis hate the city and leave the because, they cover too much crime and lack franchising stories or it is terrible place to live. The I-team is nonsense and needs an over haul or just get rid of haggard reporter. WATN won’t allocate resources covering an important story and will send people home if they do the next day because, they won’t pay for overtime. News never sleeps and if you cannot pay overtime, sell the station and get out of the business. That is why the other stations are competitive and win everyday while WATN will always be the third place loser in the market. Once a number 4 always a number 4.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do not take a job here. You will hate the culture of the newsroom and the culture of Memphis.”
News Director: Dennis Milligan
“Very positive. Made an effort to become familiar with all employees, even on production side. Greeted and treated all employees equally in the morning. Paid close attention to the efforts and work contributions of employees.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“In my time at WBTV, I started as an intern and was then hired to fulfill a news content specialist position and eventually filled an Associate Producer role writing promos and booking talent for weekend shows. I also briefly filled gaps in the digital department with early morning push alerts and posting to web. WBTV’s management team was absolutely amazing over the course of my year there. ND-Dennis, Asst ND-Kim, and AM EP-Molly were kind, approachable and consistently present. Production Manager Baron encouraged his team to learn new roles and diversify their skill sets. Opportunities for advancement were encouraged and facilitated when initiative was taken. The atmosphere on the morning side was professional, positive, upbeat, and encouraging. On-air team always treated production with kindness and respect. Teamwork and collaboration were embraced and executed. Was sad to have to leave WBTV but can highly recommend it to any prospective applicants.”
News Director: Russ Poteet
“He’s awesome and tries really hard to teach and put something good out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Honestly loved working for Russ. Did not like the GM Eric Thomas. Meddled WAY too much and got in the way of good stories. We all tried really hard with VERY limited resources that fell apart frequently… Like everything fell apart… Even in the middle of a show..”
News Director: Joe Spadea
“A sinking ship with no lifeboats”
While working for KMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The news director, Joe Spadea, is completely clueless when it comes to news judgment. He sits in his office and hides all day for “meetings,” only to make a rare appearance when something goes wrong. He also doesn’t seem to have a grasp of what’s going on news-wise in the market and is obsessed with spot news like car crashes. Gives literally zero concern for employee safety.
DO NOT come to this station if you hope to be mentored or learn more. Producers go over scripts and will change a word or two – but that’s it. You will never get advice or suggestions on how to improve either your on-air presence or your writing. If you ask questions about how to approach something or for advice, you are labeled negatively for “asking too many questions” at best, or at worst, as incompetent.
Extreme disorganization in the newsroom. Producers literally refuse to read their emails, claiming they are “too busy.” No one ever knows what’s going on.
Deadlines are insane. Expects reporters to both write and edit packages in half an hour less. Producers are unwilling/incapable of moving stories around in shows, even when deadlines are actually impossible. The other stations will send nightside crews to cover the same stories as KMTV. But, KMTV reporters are expected to go live at 4 and have a pkg by 5. Reporters at other stations end up with 5+ hours to work on the same story. The KMTV motto is about being first, regardless if all the information is available. This according to the news director. Does not care about quality.
Management keeps the newsroom constantly in the dark. Switching around shows, removing anchors, adding anchors, etc. without informing anyone.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyone in the newsroom complains, criticizes and basically talks s*** about each other constantly. Producers talk down to the rest of staff. There are some people in the newsroom who are working to make this place a better station, but honestly, it feels like a sinking ship.”
News Director: Jessica Laszewski
Experience described as: “Positive”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Immensely improved since taking on a new news director. I read the other comment from an MMJ…that person’s experience was uniquely negative. Honestly, the complaints here are ones you would find at any station with MMJs. Pay is not great, but it’s a great city to work in with experienced mentors and learning resources. Would suggest this station for a second job. Fresh college grads often struggle.”
News Director: David Ciliberti
Experience described as: “Frustrating”
While working for WCMH this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Pregnant employees are treated like a burden. People are overworked, underpaid, and unhappy. Much of upper management and all of our photographers are men.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“I could say the problems began with Nexstar but the buyout of Media General only made things worse. Reporters work with old and unreliable equipment: cameras, trucks, etc. We are reprimanded for getting overtime because we “don’t have it in the budget” so some reporters and photographers do not report their overtime or do not take a lunch break. Our most senior weatherman has been forced to work double shifts on the weekend for months for some reason.
Our news director is inconsistent with what he expects of us and how he treats us. He will give a certain direction one day and totally change his mind a week later if he remembers his conversation with you at all. He thrives on confrontation and can be a bit of a bully. He will even walk through the newsroom muttering about us. He and our GM seem more interested in saving money and desperately self-promoting ourselves than in running a competent, cohesive newsroom where employees feel valued. Upper management do not communicate well with one another or with the rest of the newsroom and several do not have local knowledge of what stories are important. It is no wonder people are leaving and/or looking for other jobs.”
News Director: Liz Hawltiwanger
“Awesome. Liz doesn’t mince words, but is friendly and efficient. Smart leadership looking to help out where she can.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Things move fast but are done right. Feels great working with a team that consistently cares about producing good content, important information, and a positive environment. People are ready and willing to lend advice, but not pushy with style choices. Bottom line, people treat you like family here right off the bat. Lucky to get to work here.”
News Director: Chris Best
“Work Hard, Reap the Rewards”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“You’re asked to work hard, and do lots, on a daily basis. Work hard here, and you’ll reap the rewards. Put in good work, and you’ll get to travel and do stories you’re passionate about.”
News Director: Ernesto Romero
“No guidance”
While working for KYMA/KSWT/KECY this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you’re looking for an organized, supportive, and innovative newsroom…look elsewhere. In addition to a lack of competition (all the affiliates are under one roof, don’t ask me how that’s allowed) there’s a lack of guidance and basic journalistic skill (viewers also take notice). Frequently encountered immaturity and disrespect in this newsroom—even from management. Expressing concerns to HR does nothing.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Positive: There are great stories waiting to be found in this market. If you can handle complete independence then give it a shot.”
News Director: Mike Mickle
While working for WHBF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management was clueless on how to run a station and scared of Nexstar corporate. Constantly being asked to do more with less, crappy old gear, way under-staffed compared to competition, adding shows but not people or offering additional compensation. Avoid at all costs.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Mike Truett
“He’ll put you down. He’s never wrong.”
While working for WICS this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“People are working to get out of the station. They’re willing to sell you out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“People are constantly gossiping and saying how much work they have to do, but they’ll delegate their work onto others.”
News Director: Kevin Wuzzardo
“Working for him was an incredibly negative experience.”
While working for WWAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Often times men and women are treated very differently in the newsroom including regular insensitive comments made about women, including demeaning jokes and inappropriate comments about appearance. You’d be hard pressed to make it through a day without the news director yelling or cursing. He does not encourage growth of employees and is difficult to communicate with in general.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“A large number of employees, including myself, left over the past two years simply because of the news director.”
News Director: Curtis Hancock
“Unorganized, poor communication, but friendly”
While working for KMIZ this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination
“It’s borderline sexual discrimination. It feels like men are treated better than women”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
Additional comments:
“Morning reporters are almost always paired with a photogpher. This station is digital first, so online content is very important. They like to promote from within.”
News Director: Curtis Hancock
“Mostly good. Can be disorganized but mostly nice. Is a pretty hand off boss, at least for me.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“We are a very hard news station. If you like fluffy, happy stuff this isn’t the station for you. It’s an amazing first start for a true hard news reporter. It is hard to move up sometimes to anchor desk but if you are wanting to truly learn a lot it’s an amazing start.”
News Director: David Springer
Experience described as: “Great teacher and mentor”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great starter market. Station moved to new building with new technology. News director coaches new reporters and photogs to quickly grow. Most people get good market jumps when their contracts are up. Anchors are fun. The GM is hard to read, but knows his stuff. Loved working in Rochester, Minnesota… Home to the Mayo Clinic. But be prepared for winter!”
News Director: Michael Schram
“One of the best news directors I’ve worked for”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A great mid-sized market with lots of news. Management does lots of morale building activities. There’s a focus on storytelling. We do stories that the other stations won’t. The station produces lots of specials. They allow travel while other stations in the market won’t. Lots of feedback from newsroom managers. Station looks the best in the market. New technology. New studio. New building. Reporters and photographers work together everyday. Anchors have been in the market for decades and there’s not a lot of room for fill-in opportunities. Many producers and photogs are newer with not much experience and are learning. They’ve hired some of the best talent away from the competition. Any negativity comes from people who have never worked in a bad newsroom and don’t realize how bad it can get. Smallest weather and sports department in the market, but they do the most and better work than WNEM or WJRT. WEYI and WSMH are Sinclair stations, so you have to run the corporate national must run stories. Not a perfect station, but the staff from the GM and news director all the way down to the newest employee care about doing great work.”
News Director: Ed Reams
“Terrible. Doesn’t care for employees well being.”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No one is happy so no stop complaining.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Roger Seay
Experience described as: “Nice guy”
While working for KFVS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Solid news room but some of the younger reporters/producers/photographers are very cliquish, immature and unprofessional. I’m not the only one who feels this way.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Management seems to treat folks fairly, aren’t too rough. Roger is a nice guy.”
News Director: Scott Pickey
“I didn’t work for Scott Pickey when I worked there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It’s almost always a revolving door at WOAY because the pay is below average and contracts are only required for the main anchor, weather, and sports talent. I loved the fact this station is family owned and not owned by a big corporation. Unfortunately the family has invested poorly in the station for many years and when I was there it was unorganized. Only very recently did they invest in a new weather system, new website, and new studio set. It’s a good place to go to learn if you can keep a positive attitude in spite of the challenges.”
News Director: Keith Bliven
“Keith was nice but not great at leading his team. He wasn’t very organized and the communication between the newsroom and production was poor.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The production department is great here. They are helpful and knowledgeable. The newsroom is very unorganized and lacks leadership. Management at the station is terrible. Everything they do is self serving and never for the people that work for them. There is no communication between departments. The news director is horrible at letting production know what is going on or what he is thinking. But, he has no problem yelling at you for doing something wrong. You might find a better starter market somewhere else but this station is educational and you will learn. The production/engineering department is good at giving constructive criticism to you and helping if you have a question.”
News Director: Jim Morris
“Jim is a great guy. He is funny and helpful. He has a lot on his plate because he also anchors so he doesn’t have much time for critiques.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“It is a very good place to start your career. You will learn a lot if you embrace the experience and ask questions of the veterans on the newsteam.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
Experience described as: “Horrible”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“He and his assistant ruined this station. He might as well not have any supporting managers. He won’t listen to them. He is a corporate kiss ass who is certainly more worried about getting sued than doing what it takes to tell a great story. You work sometimes two weeks straight. Very little sleep. His threshold of what is breaking news is so elementary. I don’t know how many car wrecks I chased when I was there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Donna Bell
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“There are times when management can be unrealistic with story assignments and rush things that shouldn’t be a day turn. Management can also be bad at communicating. The people who work here are fun and nice. It’s okay to make mistakes here. Overall a good starter station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great experience”
News Director: Phillip Hickman
“Didn’t work for him-he’s new”
While working for WTAP this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Too horrible to describe here. Under no circumstances would I suggest this station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They were sued by multiple former employees including a news director.”
News Director: Tammy Phillips
“Unprofessional, yells, lies, insincere, patronizing, backstabbing, erratic, plays one against the other”
While working for WMC-TV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There are some great people that work here. Our ND is not one of them. She is filled with hate, yet checks into her church on Facebook for all to see, as if she’s trying to prove to the world that she’s actually a good person. Despite some people’s best efforts to succeed, she tears them down. Recently, some of our best people on and off the news desk have left. That trend is continuing with more people looking to leave every single day. The new GM there has made things even worse. Terrible place to work. WMC has made me decide to leave TV all together.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No one here is happy. And it’s not just a case of people complaining when things aren’t “that bad”. They are. We all have to let each other know if today is a good or bad day to avoid or not avoid even eye contact with the ND. Everyone I know who has moved on is happier, even in places that have their own problems.”
News Director: John Peterson
“He’s very rude and treats us like we are children. He makes being a work frustrating. He acts like he knows a lot but knows very little about cameras, editing software, etc.”
While working for KOTA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They never give you feedback unless you do bad work. You should be fixing errors but you should also let me know what you would like us to do better. Awful communication from management”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Mike Powers, the main ancho, is very helpful and nice. Also other co-workers make work bearable. Jen Blake who is the assignment editor, treats you like you’re an idiot and will throw you under the bus before claiming her own faults. If you have a chance to work here, don’t. You’ll want to keep looking for that first job elsewhere.”
News Director: Val Thompson
“One of the best in the business”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Charlottesville is one of the best starter markets to work in. When you come here, you will get a great resume reel. Several alumni have ended up in top markets in just a few short years. Everyone here works as a team. News director is involved of every aspect of what you do, and wants to set you up for success. I highly recommend this station to anyone looking for a great first job.”
News Director: Nate Smail
Experience described as: “Awful”
While working for WDTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Constantly pulled off stories to go ambulance chasing for pointless accidents/fires. News director often leaves right after the morning meeting and doesn’t come back until just before show time. Focused on the national sensationalism rather than reporting on local stories that people actually care about.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Besides the news director, I met some of the best people in the business that I remain friends with to this day! Honestly, North Central WV is one of the best starter markets when it comes to networking.”
News Director: Rick Moll
Experience described as: “Good person, bad leader”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Leadership is questionable at best. Favoritism runs rampant. And it is constantly understaffed but because a few people pick up slack, it functions.”
News Director: Keith Bliven
While working for KTIV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Very hostile. Management is quick to ridicule the moment you do something wrong. Profits are more important than treating employees like humans.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Moral is very low and nepotism is a huge problem. Expect to work very long hours to only get paid for your scheduled day. Everyone is micromanaged. Nothing you do will ever be good enough no matter how hard you try.
Don’t work at this station unless you really want to sell your soul to the devil.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“One of the worst I’ve ever worked with. Tries to more closely please corporate.”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Morale in the newsroom is zero. Management doesn’t do anything to try and improve it. The ND doesn’t seem to care about employees. Workload is way overboard.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a good station to work for if you want to work on your skills to works quickly and efficiently with a difficult workload. The market is good as there’s always breaking news and you’ll get experience covering it. But things need to change in the newsroom as there’s zero morale. News Managers always looking for a reason to criticize staff.”
News Director: Steve Doerr
“Steve has been a decent, easy-to-work-with news director. I feel as if he does not always have control of his newsroom, however”
While working for WGCL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“It’s a very ego-driven newsroom: I’ve seen talent berate producers and directors, show up late, and fail to complete their assignments with little to no repercussions because they’re considered “untouchable” by management staff.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s a very toxic newsroom environment. There is constant turnover both on-air and behind the scenes as a result of low ratings and tension amongst staff. Those in management positions are affable and easy to get along with, and will give you the time of the day if you need to talk or report an issue. However, they are highly disorganized.”
News Director: Rob Tompkins
Experience described as: “Complete mental torture”
While working for WFXR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Terrible work environment. Unnecessary stress and zero drive to do any actual news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you see any open jobs here DO NOT APPLY. The management is awful. The news director has been outwardly violent and threatening to reporters and producers. The GM has no idea what she’s doing and thinks everything is going great. HR isn’t even an option. Corporate will thwart complaints. The level of incompetence there is astounding. It’s a miracle the place is still open. The anchors are vindictive and impossible to work with. This is the worst place I have ever worked. Period.”
News Director: Ed Nightmare Reams
Experience described as: “Completely negative”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Clear favoritism for men, specifically the attractive ones”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“So many managers and so little for them to do… They manage to fill their time by suffocating creativity and punishing innovation. At the same time, the managers like to over explain simple concepts but leave you on your own for things you have not been trained for. There’s a complete lack of respect for anyone who doesn’t hold a management title. Reporters, photogs, and meteorologists are constantly questioned on their commitment to the station but management had given us no reason to want to stay. Horrible place to work.”
News Director: Jenny Martinez
“She is not there much for family medical reasons”
While working for KRGV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station is basically run by the “El Gordo Twins.” Two guys who must weigh over 450 pounds as who are totally clueless. Morning meetings can go pass 11:30 AM and not out the door up to an hour trying to set up interviews. Then you are rushed to get a story in 30 minutes before your slot. There are always a short of cars that take time to repair and equipment issues. The assistant chief photographer/producer is a lose cannon and sends you nasty text messages that management ignores. And you if you are white and don’t speak Spanish, you will feel racially discriminated because, your co-works and management who are all mostly Hispanic will speak Spanish in front of you and keep you out of the loop.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Bruce Moore
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Postitive, Fun
News Director: Jayne Hodak
“Very unfriendly, plays favorites, micromanages staff”
While working for WJRT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Most of the staff that has been here for some time are set in their ways and complain about the lack of direction from station management. Most are just holding out for retirement and complain about how far the station has fallen. The newer hires are rarely given good assignments and are expected to fill time for lots of newscasts with little regard for good storytelling. Lack of creativity by producers or photographers. Station is located in one of the worst parts of town.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Audrey Prywitch
“Worst news director I’ve ever worked for.”
While working for KTVI this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Loves being the boss but hates doing the work. She is the last one in and the first one out everyday.
She is totally intimidated by people with experience and talent. So she has purged the newsroom and now surrounds herself with inexperienced people”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for WICS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Continuous directives from corporate Sinclair, without given the staff to complete. Group news director told us to model our Central Illinois coverage off hurricane coverage in Florida.
Was frequently the only dayside reporter, as an MMJ.
So many people quit because of management, both on and off the air.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Really couldn’t get over the must-run political propaganda from Sinclair”
News Director: Julie Eisenmann
“Ineffective top down leadership that lacks backbone”
While working for WLTX this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Former ND bullied everybody in the building from the GM to sales to tech support. Pay is typical Gannett/Tegna — horribly bad. Reporters living off ramen noodles, veteran photogs barely making more than McD’s.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Newsroom was run as an us vs them environment, where some people were on ND’s favorites list and could do no wrong, while most others took turns on the shitlist. One day you’d be screamed at in the middle of the newsroom, and the next you’d be expected to be sharing laughs. Total lack of respect.”
News Director: Chuck Maulden
“Excellent. Chuck cares about his people and helps them grow.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“KOLR10 employees have the same challenges as anyone who works in TV, however, they have a news director and management team that cares about them and wants them to succeed — something most newsrooms lack these days. It’s not a perfect place, no TV station is perfect, but it’s a great place to grow and learn among good people who do fair and ethical journalism. I look back at my time there very fondly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“This was my first job out of school and it is a great market for starters. A top 20 market is less than 2 hours away and a lot of that influence can be seen in our work.
With that said, it can be hectic. A lot of people get burned out with the way the ND acts; it’s probably the top complaint. Many, many live shots. Pretty much everyone leaves after their 2 years are up.
However, there is a unique emphasis on photography here because the chief photog has been here since the ’70s. He’s probably the best influence you can find and being an MMJ is easier with his tips in my back pocket.
All in all, it’s a great station to start at, but not a great station to stay at.”
News Director: Tom Lewis
“Tom wasn’t there when I left, but I’ve heard he is an awesome leader and does a great job in the newsroom. I’ve met him a few times and enjoyed his company.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“The station is a great starter station. Lots of the people I used to work with are working in top 50 markets. The anchors are great teachers that have a lot of knowledge to spread.”
News Director: Kimberly Wyatt
“Chaotic, disorganized, and without direction. There is no system in place to keep assignments on task and god forbid if things change at the last minute.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“This is a great station with lots of potential, it just never takes full-advantage opportunities to improve. Leadership is highly unorganized, with tension between anchors and news director.”
While working for WOAY this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women are paid less than men and anyone who isn’t white is treated poorly. Walking through those doors everyday tests who you are as a human and how long you let people get treated that way before speaking up. I left within months. They also hired a guy so mentally unstable he had multiple manic episodes just adding to the hostile environment. They could benefit from a background check system.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you think you’re going to go here to ‘learn’ you’re wrong. It’s blind leading the blind. Oh btw, reporters start at 16,500. They pray on young people in the industry who don’t know better and lure them in with lies. Maybe this site will help someone avoid a dark chapter in their life.”
News Director: Brad Kessie
Experience described as: “Enjoyable”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I had a great experience working here.. Everyone was more than willing to help out in any way you needed. As long as you have a good attitude going in, you’ll be just fine. There may be one or two bad apples in the newsroom… But that’s in any newsroom. At WLOX, the good ones outshine the bad.”
News Director: Tom Lewis
“He used to work for the other station in town, so his only goal every day is to “crush them.” Doesn’t translate well with viewers when your focus isn’t on them. He also is very rude, and only hires one type of person. Just look at their current slate of reporters and you’ll see what I mean.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Overall, it’s ok for a starter market. Good place to make mistakes, but it is definitely a starter market. Bad/limited equipment… and if you’re good they won’t reward you, just take advantage of you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station has a family environment amongst all co-workers. Great stepping stone station, you will grow in any position that you work at KERO.”
News Director: Tim Ryan
“Very poor communicator”
While working for KVUE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Kvue has gone downhill. This once number one station is struggling to stay number 2.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay clear you’ve been warned”
News Director: Audrey Prywitch
Experience described as: “horrible”
While working for KTVI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“a country club type of boss. last one in and the first one out of the office everyday. locks herself in her office and lets her managers do all the heavy lifting.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sinan Sadar
“Interesting. He’s smart, but can sometimes lack empathy. Drinks too much. Can be scary”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational
News Director: Denise Vickers
“Loved working for Denise. She was tough, but also warm & real. I learned so much.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Haven’t heard great things about the new (2017) AND.
The buy could change things.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
“Nice News Director, Very Passive/Aggressive, Does Not Like Conflict”
While working for WDVM this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The “Assignment Editor” who used to be the Live Truck Operator, who seriously lacks in News Judgement since he does not have a degree in Journalism, and has also spent time in Pennsylvania State Prison for drug charges. How he got hired into a television station as a convicted felon is a mystery. The Assignment Editor loves to think he runs the show in the newsroom, and has cornered people in edit bays before, put his hands on people as well as slandered people.. “You’re not going to talk to me like you talk to these females” was what he said once.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“While I believe my time at this station was beneficial to my career, the General Manager is not a people person and will go out of his way to point out where you are wrong and not support you. The News Director, although while he is a nice guy is not in control of the newsroom, hence why no one stays there more than one contract in length. The harassment, both verbal and sexual has been brought to the News Director and basically ignores it.”
While working for WKYT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“NO LEADERSHIP
CORPORATE BULLYING
GOSSIP FROM UPPER MANAGEMENT”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“GOOD PLACE TO GET TWO YEARS EXPERIENCE AND MOVE ON
DON’T EXPECT ANY GUIDANCE OR ADVICE
YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN TO LEARN AND GROW
NOT A TEAM ATMOSPHERE”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Sheryl Barnhouse
“Very understanding, expects/demands the best from you”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A fantastic station. Several ppl at competitors left to come over to CBS 6. They do things right.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The management is not honest with employees. There is incredible negativity from most leadership at the station.”
News Director: Russ Poteet
“He really cares and overall is a good boss”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“A lot of girls, kind of a mini sorority but as long as you are yourself it will be a great place to be”
News Director: Mike Schram
“He was hard to read an hard to work with, and never had anything positive to say.”
While working for WEYI this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There was an overall sense of dissatisfaction with management. Nothing was ever good, or noteworthy. The News Directors worship the ground Bill Harris walks on but that’s it. They do not like their staff and the people they hire. I did learn a lot while I was there, but that was from other field employees, and not the NDs. The general manager is probably the best in the state. He is full of great things to say, truly believes in his staff, and truly a gift of warm energy to bless that station. From what I was told by employees of other stations, it’s the best one to work for in the Flint-Saginaw market, sadly.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s Sinclair, so. That. Also. The news facility is state of the art. Just over a year old and everything is brand new and well-maintained.”
News Director: Liz Hawltiwanger
“Not to good. A very condescending news director.”
While working for KKTV this person experienced:
“I feel picked on and singled out almost everyday. I get blamed for a lot of things i have nothing to do with. No one else does just me. The news director talks to the majority of the newsroom Like we are children or We do not know how to do our jobs. The news director is also a little shady. She has taken several of my story ideas for “tomorrow” and give them to other reporters the day before I get to do it. There also isn’t much room to move up in the company.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There are never story pitches. Reporters are handed stories. There is no assignment desk. We rarely do packages. Equipment management is also nonexistent. There are never enough cameras or equipment so, things get taken from other bags and either broken or never returned and the problem never seems to go away no matter how many people complain about it.”
News Director: Greg Sheppard
“Worst I’ve ever worked with. Creates toxic environment. Cares little about staff and cares more about how he looks to corporate”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Always looking for reasons to put you down and be angry with staff. Overworks the staff. Makes staff work long 10-12 day stretches in constant basis. No reward for putting together a great story. No “good job” at end of day”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s a great station to go to as it allows people to grow and there’s a lot of news in this market. But the News Director needs to go. Never cares about his staff only about his ego.”
News Director: Greg Shepperd
“He is the worst ND to work for. Very pompous ass who doesn’t know anything about news. Micromanages way too much. Stupid ideas that we get in trouble for when they fail. His assistant is even worse and very dumb”
While working for KOAT this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There no motivation to work here. You can pretty much expect to get yelled at for the tiniest thing every single day. ND is too focused on things that don’t matter and doesn’t let us enterprise stories. To worried about us getting sued and chasing stories the competition had rather than coming up with our own ideas. Not one single person likes the current News Director”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“As long as the current News Director is here. Don’t bother working here unless you like micro management and being verbally harassed.
Only a few of the News Managers actually care about their staff. News Director does not seem to care at all.”
News Director: Sandy Boonstra
“She is the best ND I have worked with in my career. She is organized, treats us as people and knows we have lives outside of work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Working here is rewarding and fun.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
While working for NBC 15 this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Low morale, overwork with low pay. Strange story prioritization. Very low focus on investigative stories and low willingness to invest in creative ideas that require more resources.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Negative, Toxic
While working for WKYT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jim Hice
“This was the absolute worst station I ever worked. The news director is very unprofessional and inexperienced. He looks to the Assistant News director who was passed over for the ND job for advice on everything. Meanwhile the Assistant ND talks about him like a dog. The main anchor is also a passed over person he’s near 50 still complaining he can’t get an anchor job in DC or New York. The people there are bitter. I would avoid”
While working for KCEN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
News Director: Kenny Boles
“You rarely see Kenny. You’ll mainly work with the assistant news director, Joe Terrell. Joe can be a difficult person to get along with and if he has an opinion about you it’s hard to change.”
While working for KLTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This mainly stems from the assistant news director. If something doesn’t go right, he will come into the newsroom and yell criticizing people individually and speaking poorly about employees to other employees. That attitude does trickle down onto other managers.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“You will learn a lot at this station. There are some people there who have been in the business for a while, some who have worked in major markets. But, I wouldn’t spend too much time here. The good thing about this station is you won’t have a contract or a very long contract if you are just a reporter so you can strengthen your reel and move on. Just be prepared for some difficult managers.”
News Director: Jack Caudill
“Jack is an awesome guy. Truly cares about his reporters, but often has too much on his plate to pay attention and give feedback.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station has an awesome newsroom dynamic, but the lack of feedback will often leave you feeling lost and not knowing what to work on. However, you can learn everything in this newsroom and move up the ranks quickly.”
News Director: John Petersen
“Does not have a backbone. Expected things to be perfect but never really got involved in your work until it aired and would tell you everything that was wrong with it in a non-constructive way. He only worked 9-5. Was never there for breaking news or weather outside those times. He likes to intimidate his employees.”
While working for KOTA this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Everyday was a drag but the other reports are what kept things fun. Management at this place is a disorganized mess. For a starter market there are better environments for you to learn in.”
While working for WPTA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Newsroom and studio were about 600 square feet total.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Can be summed up with ‘we’ve always done it this way'”
News Director: Jeff Nelson
Experience described as: “Excellent”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
News Director: Kenny Boles
“I feel like this station doesn’t care for your personal development unless you are an anchor. They could care less if the reporters are on camera or how they are doing in general. Unless you are an anchor avoid this place.”
While working for KLTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They make you feel like you don’t know anything. There’s no trust for young reporters.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jon Levy
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Great place to learn! Only people who don’t try don’t succeed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Good station, but there is a lack of leadership in the newsroom. The staff is friendly. The building is falling apart.”
News Director: John Petersen
“Unattentive, doesn’t help at all with the newsroom, rude to reporters, doesn’t intervene when assignment editor is rude to reporters.”
While working for KOTA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“They treat reporters like they do not know what they are doing. Recently, the assignment editor told me I should choose a different profession because I don’t have original ideas even though I give story ideas everyday.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They will hire you and not give you any feedback on how you are doing and make it difficult if you want to leave the station.”
News Director: Tom Bell
“Very hands off. Only had a handful of conversations with him, but generally well liked in the newsroom. Don’t expect a raise ever, though. Seriously, ever.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Green reporters. Very talented anchors when they report. Unorganized desk. Coworkers are generally good to work with. Everyone is underpaid.”
News Director: Terri Cope-Walton
“Not around. Only heard from her when things were bad. The overall feeling is the station is a sinking ship and everyone is jumping. Almost no veteran reporters left. Crappy old equipment. Staff not supported. Management needs to go.”
While working for WRTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No support. Was not allowed to grow professionally. Hard-working staff were treated poor in comparison to those who did not pull their weight. News Director played favorites. Management would keep entire staff in the dark about upcoming changes.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Avoid if you’re an experienced journalist. If you’re looking to jump from a small market into large market, this place will take you. Don’t expect to be treated well. They love to overwork their staff, especially those who are salary.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
News Director: Beth Jensen
Experience described as: “Difficult, old school”
While working for KELO this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Females get significant less respect. News director doesn’t actually run things, the assignment editor does. Negative attitude, disrespectful without need, bullying and unnecessary comments made to be rude (never having to do with actual stories or work)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“They’ll offer to pay you a lot. Everyone there has been there forever. It’s number 1 for a reason…but for market 109…they are unnecessarily rude. Don’t work hard every day to stay on top. Passive aggressive in almost all directions. Work here if you want to test yourself. The pay is honestly really good. That’s what got me to go.”
News Director: Erik Breon
Experience described as: “Very nice”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is probably the best news environments I’ve worked in. My coworkers and managers for the most part are very friendly and approachable. The pay isn’t great, but it’s market 68.”
News Director: Aaron Williams
“LET ME DO WHATEVER.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“You are are to do a lot of work by yourself and be left on your own to figure things out. Great place where if you want to be pushed and see what you are made of. There are a lot of great people there and they really want to see where the station can go.”
News Director: Nick Genty
“Awesome news director, very involved in the newsroom and overall station product.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Best newsroom I’ve ever worked in. Most everyone is easy to work with and it has a very laid back atmosphere. Even with all the fun, I learned so much here. People go to work there and stay there for a long time.”
While working for WKTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“If you aren’t out for yourself and cut throat, good luck going anywhere. People will step on you to make themselves look better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sally Ramirez
“She’s a cheerleader for her people”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
News Director: Gary Wordlaw
“NO CONTROL, PREDATOR WHO WILL EAT YOU ALIVE.”
While working for WVLA this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“GARY IS A MEAN SNAKE. HE HAS BIG-MARKET EXPERIENCE, THIS PLACE HAS ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED EXCEPT A LIVE TRUCK THAT THEY DO NOT USE. HOWEVER, THEY ARE HALF THE STAFF SIZE AS THE OTHERS, DO NOT FOCUS ON DIGITAL, BUT THEY DO HAVE ALL NEW EQUIPMENT AND NEWSROOM/SET. GARY WILL STAB YOU IN THE BACK, HE HAS NEWSROOM MOLES THAT WILL TELL ON YOUR EVERY MOVE. GARY LIES! HE ONCE TOLD OUR NEWSROOM HE SENT DAVID MUIR TO 9/11 WHICH LAUNCHED DAVID’S CAREER. DAVID AND GARY WERE NOT EVEN AT THE SAME STATION ON 9/11. GARY LIES, LIES, LIES. HIS FISH IS 5 POUNDS, BUT HERE HIM TELL IT, IT IS 50LBS. IT MAKES FOR GREAT STORY TIME, BUT THEY ARE LIES. HE WILL TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING ONE WAY, THEN CHANGE IT AFTER THE PKG AIRS. NO SCRIPT APPROVAL HERE, THEY LET YOU RUN WITH WHAT YOU WANT. AARON EGGLESTON IS THE DEFACTO-ASST. ND, EP, ASSIGNMENT EDITOR; THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ACTIVE ASSIGNMENT DESK, THEY RELY ON THE COMPETITORS TO BREAK NEWS AND THEN THEY SHOW UP LAST TO THE STORY. ONE POLICE SCANNER FOR THE ENTIRE MARKET, ALWAYS TURNED OFF.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Great starter market. Was able to learn as much as possible and made mistakes without much scrutiny.”
News Director: Dutch Terry
“Patient, but not good with news judgement”
While working for WDEF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Dutch Terry will let you do what you want, but if you have fellow co-workers who complain, he will listen to them and lambast you. My advice is go in there if you want market 89 on your resume, but expect to feel like you’re working in market 189. The news market is great, it has breaking news everyday, but this station does not cover it and does not have the resources. Dutch will let you cover almost anything you want, but expect to never be live in the field; you can go live in the studio and front your pkg almost every night. They do not have live trucks, they shoot all lives as MMJ on iPhone, not even on backpacks; those are reserved for the photogs, who are turning pkgs, too. Dave, the chief photog, he knows his stuff, but he’s turning a pkg a day, himself, so he doesn’t always have time to work with you. Ashley Henderson is a photog there. He is political, he is a republican and homophobic, but he will not treat you bad just because you’re gay, though he will talk about transgender people as being “sick” and molesters. He’s a good guy, though, and you can always call him for help. Overall, if you can stick out the bad pay with no overtime (you will work OT but not be paid), then go! It looks good on a resume, but you will leave drained everyday.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Scott Fitzgerald
“The worst boss I’ve ever worked for”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have never been in a more toxic work environment than at KRNV. The news director tries to pit employees against each other. He definitely has his favorites and if you’re not one of them, he’ll make your life miserable. (and most of the time, his favorites are the men in the newsroom)”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I would not recommend even my worst enemy to work at this station.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“They will give you overtime and not question it. They have assigned edit bays and assigned gear, including cars for every MMJ. They treat you well.”
News Director: Matt Griffin
“He’s amazing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Loved my time at KXII Maureen will help make you a better writer. Amazing overall experience!”
While working for KAVU this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The ND is very aggressive and even tried to physically fight another employee.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Located in a wonderful city and the GM is a nice guy and the production manager is amazing. Lots of individuals usually break their contracts.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This was my first job out of college, and I couldn’t have landed at a better spot. I worked under a different news director prior to Mike, so I can only speak now on my relationship with the current anchors, reporters and production crew. I genuinely LOVED my job. Each and every person was available for questions and able to mentor me. I felt the company did an incredible job in investing in me and making sure I was able to absorb as much information as possible to succeed. Everyone was extremely approachable, and there were no limits to learning. Yes — we did occasionally have to stay over and not get overtime pay, but that’s standard for salary employees. It never bothered me. I’ve since moved to a higher market and I do miss the camaraderie at WTVA. I would return.”
News Director: None Currently
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“A solid station to begin your career at. You can make mistakes and learn from them here. People are nice an helpful. MMJs generally only have 1 pkg and 1 vosot on the same story dayside but the demand started to grow…. You do get overtime!”
News Director: Mikel Lauber
“Great guy! Easily influenced by other male staff members. Sometimes unorganized but overall good boss”
While working for KOLN/KGIN this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for KFYR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Working at this station was an absolute nightmare – I would tell anyone considering it to run far away, as fast as possible.
The environment is extremely toxic. The news director screams and yells in his office on a daily basis, has bizarre meltdowns for seemingly no reason. Sometimes he resorts to throwing things like a 5-year-old. Other members of newsroom management witness these unsettling meltdowns and stay silent.
Management is extremely sexist. Belittling and talking down to women in the newsroom. Different standards for different reporters depending on your sex. The news director gives unlimited PTO off the books to certain reporters claiming “well, you work really hard. Put in a few extra hours here.” Everyone else is SOL.
Male members of other departments within the news station send sexually suggestive messages to members of the newsroom. Very hostile environment to be a woman.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There is absolutely no news here. It is very difficult to make a reel when every story is similar to Breaking News: a coffee shop opens. Public officials have no transparency. Dealing with the police department is impossible – they refuse to give out any sort of information that would reflect poorly on the police department or make people believe- gasp, there night actually be crime in good ol’ NoDak.
There rarely are live shots, and if there are, they are not interactive because you are probably going solo. Only have one or two photogs that have worked there for decades and have no idea what they are doing.
Sales is very involved in the newsroom. Any time they get a new client, they force a reporter in the newsroom to do a pkg “feature” on the business that’s barely passable as anything other than a commercial.
Newsroom is very disorganized. Newsroom management has absolutely no idea what is going on in the community or what actual news is.”
News Director: Bryan McGruder
“He was a relaxed news director and pretty hands off”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun,
Additional comments:
“Sinclair branding made it difficult to pitch stories that didn’t “hold someone accountable”. There are many interesting and informative topics to discuss without having to blame someone. The branding limited the station’s creativity when it came to storytelling.”
News Director: Janis Harper
“Quiet, nice unless you disagree with her.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Going through some major changes. New news director, assistant news director, and desk guy. There’s been lots of turnover recently. There isn’t much room to voice opinions or give ideas on how to make things work better. Awesome stories to cover, though.”
News Director: Barry Fulmer
“Solid news director. Involved in daily newsroom decisions. Approachable. Open door policy.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Overall a very good place to work. Not that much of an NPPA storytelling station, but plenty of opportunities to do longer pieces and get creative. They have drones which is cool.”
While working for WFXG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I honestly wish I hadn’t come here but it’s too late now. I’m just getting the experience I need and getting out.”
News Director: Athan Kompos
“Fantastic. One of the smartest and most forward thinking people I’ve worked with in local TV news. Cares about producing solid journalism that stands out from the rest of the market.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Went through a managerial change in the last year that took the wind out of the sails for this org. The station lost a lot of talent during that stretch, but the manager who’s the best person to fix the damage is in the position to do it.”
News Director: James Warner
“Always has my best interest, really backs you up on things”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“Raycom does not give clothing allowance”
News Director: Tim Ryan
Experience described as: “Spineless, weak, and poor communicator”
While working for KVUE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I have watch KVUE go downhill during my tenure here… we currently have a GM who cares more about her dresses then she does running the newsroom oops I forgot she doesn’t know how. It’s ridiculous! Our Assistant news director is ok, but she plays favorites…and right now her favorite as a reporter that no one likes to work with!! Our News Director is very weak lets people run over him and does not communicate with his staff well”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Stay away if you can”
News Director: Akili Franklin
“Nothing major positive or negative. Doesn’t really care about photography, leaves that to chief photographer. Cares much more about live shots and breaking news than telling good stories.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Union market for photographers. Strange mix of New Orleans laid back attitude with the typical news station high stress situation. Very bad communication, there are constant problems that are caused because no one thought to communicate with someone else and no one sees this as an issue. Pretty high turnover. Very bad gear, especially mics and tripods. No MMJs. Definitely not a storytelling station. Only one web person so much of the online work falls on the rest of the newsroom.”
While working for WTVM this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The station was a dominant #1. I learned a lot and made life long friends.
Some of my co-works, I believe, were racist but the good Lord moved them on out the way quickly.
I hear the new ND is a hot mess and possible racist. It’s sad to see a station once so vibrant quickly losing its standing.
As far as the market, bomb! You will learn so much and really get the opportunity to cover all types of stories.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It was only toxic because of some co-workers. But one of them left to be a teacher (lord help those children) and the other couldn’t hack it. They were like the mean girls click but they didn’t hang around long.”
News Director: Rob Martin
Experience described as: “Toxic, undermining, sneaky”
While working for WIAT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lack of upward mobility, definitely a lot of favoritism and lack of logical common sense decisions. A very reactionary shop with a low morale.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Great market to propel you to where ever you want to go next because the news in this market is outstanding for a mid size market, but this shop will try its best whether intentional or unintentional to kill your dreams, if you can survive it, you’ll be just fine. All about your mindset, this shop isn’t for the faint of heart.”
News Director: Linda Miele
“I never actually saw her my entire time there. I still to this day do not even know what she looks like.”
While working for WHDH this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I was discriminated for being part of the LGBT community, despite having two openly gay main male anchors at the station. My boss was a delight to work for but his supervisor was an evil man named Ted. Ted was lazy ass who rarely did work and didn’t care if you were happy or not. I was in the Special Projects/Investigative department. I did enjoy that, but not that I did all the work for the department every Thursday, because they had four interns who didn’t do any work the previous day and a half. The interns were mostly model types who didn’t have much interest in being there. Most interns didn’t know there hours till the day of orientation.
I lost money interning there by commuting back and forth. The weekend morning anchor at the time was not a nice lady and she would force me off my desk so that she could have it but it wasn’t her desk. Not having my desk made it harder to do work and needed a desk with a phone which was further away.
The place was toxic, many people have left even after they lost NBC affiliation. The station was stressful to work for and I was thankful to leave.
Toxic isn’t even the first word I would use, I would use disrespectful to the few kind long timers there.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t go there. It’s not worth the drama, the flash and trash. Being a part of the 7 News Team had been a long time dream but for me it turned into a nightmare.
Go elsewhere in the Boston market.”
News Director: Sam Cohen
Experience described as: “Great”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“The station has been going through a lot of changes since the beginning of 2016. Opinions vary from reporter to reporter about the atmosphere of the station. If you are the kind of person that likes freedom without guidance this is the station for you. This station is open to a lot of ideas and is not a stressful environment.”
While working for WCJB this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Pressure and no help. Staff would rather see you crash and burn then to help out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I wouldn’t suggest this station, not even as a first market job.”
News Director: Matt Weesner
“Great, he really treats you like family”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I would suggest not coming if you are not open minded. This is the middle of Nebraska and we are mostly small towns so not alot of restaurants and shops but if you want a great place that loves you and has your back no matter what then this is the place for you.”
News Director: Denise Vickers
“The best boss I have ever had. Dedicated to the station and committed to her staff and their growth in the industry.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“finding a middle market station that offers you so much room for growth and creative adventure is rare. I am not sure how the NEXTSTAR possible buy will impact the newsroom, I hope it does not- but my experience was nothing but positive and we made really great television. I was proud to tell folks what station I worked for.”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The definition of a toxic newsroom. They treat their people poorly which is why their best people have either already left or won’t be there for long. High turnover is a major red flag and they have lots of it. The management is scattered and disorganized, there is no clear planning. Stories are done for click bait. Reporters and MMJs are regularly given unrealistic assignments. I got sick from all of the stress I had there. Glad I’m out.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t come here. Go to WDBJ or WSLS instead. You’ll get paid more there anyway.”
News Director: Mike Schram
“Mike is a great News Director. When he gives constructive criticism, he find a positive too. He supports his employees and we get to work with a photog almost everyday.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Local management is great. Every month local management does a fun event for employees, and morale is high. There’s a big photog staff which makes reporting much easier. You learn a lot about best practices in storytelling. The only drawback is Sinclair’s corporate leadership. They have a rigid way of producing news.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Positive, Fun
News Director: Jeff Zeller
“Very weird individual. Not honest person”
While working for WOFL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“You will do 80,000 worth of work and get paid in sunshine. I heard that new photographers are being paid under 40k. The FOX O& O’s have great health benefits. If you are not in one of the union shops you will get paid less and the treatment is not as good.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“As long as Jeff Zeller is the ND at WOFL better known as WAWEFUL. Stay away.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“I think this newsroom just had the typical problems you’d expect in a small market newsroom. The silver lining is you get to make mistakes and learn from them.”
While working for KWTX this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Majority of the newsroom was white and being a POC was in this newsroom was difficult for several reasons. Firstly, staff, including talent, was not afraid of making derogatory comments about minorities. Management gave preference to white reporters rather than minority anchors when it came to filling in on evening shows. In addition, workload for producers was not realistic.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Run for the hills.”
News Director: Victoria Spechko
“Wonderful. A tough, but fair boss.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“I never imagined working for a TV station and haven’t worked at any other one to compare, but I love this job and this station. I would recommend it to everyone, but if you’re negative or lazy, this is not the place for you to work.”
While working for KFYR this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Women were not treated the same as men. It was a very negative place to work. People were and still are afraid to say anything about it.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work there.”
News Director: Cathy Hobbs Rettew
“Positive. Supportive and looks to make reporters better.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“I would say our newsroom is generally organized and that people learn. Not an especially positive or fun place, though…but also not routinely negative or toxic.”
While working for WACH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lack of leadership”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Sinclair owned.”
News Director: Dennis Lortz
Experience described as: “Upbeat, chaotic, disorganized, local news driven”
“The previous news director was extremely toxic, but new ND & GM are moving station in a new (positive) direction.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“WOWK is under new management and things are improving. This station has started to hire college grads but offers very little training due to staffing and management. Previous experience will greatly improve reporters’ chance for success. A very fast paced newsroom with “sink or swim” environment. Reporters are hungry for news and expected to pitch and turn multiple stories. Fun, upbeat environment but very disorganized.”
News Director: Mike Rausch
“He is very overbearing, never gives any positive feedback and pits reporters against each other”
While working for KRDO this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Communication is non-existant. The way managers speak to reporters is very demeaning and disrespectful. We are expected to have no life outside of work.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“There has been a lot of turnover recently because reporters are being burnt out due to poor treatment. We are treated like we are replaceable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Ian Rubin
“Terrible. Total lack of news judgment or any feeling. 100% on it to make money off your back.”
While working for WNEM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I’ve never worked somewhere before where everyone hates the boss and openly speaks about it to everyone else. There are a lot of good employees here but management is one of the saddest examples of that word I’ve ever encountered. They say the fish rots from the head down, and this fish’s head is a rotting disappointment.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Don’t work here unless you are desperate.”
News Director: Julie Fries
“She is very out of touch”
While working for WLOS this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There is a great number of people who work there because it’s a JOB not a passion or even a career and treat it as such. There is no sense of camaraderie or teamwork. It’s very much every man for himself. The overall attitude of the station is very negative; no one is ever happy to be at work, management included. In the two years I was there, at least five reporters left the business (even though this is a mid-size market) because it was so unbearable.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“If you’re interested in working here, know that it will be frustrating and you will get annoying and rigid directives from management. This is not a shop where you’re encouraged to do things out of the box. Asheville is a beautiful town to live in and coworkers for the most part are very welcoming outside of work. Also keep in mind this is a Sinclair station and operations as such.”
News Director: Kirsten Wolff
“Horrible! Ask how many photogs have left under her leadership”
While working for WESH this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This place looks good on the outside. I am in a smaller market now with more pay.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Management is terrible. They need changes. They have been there too long. It is why ratings are bad.”
News Director: Gene Kirkconnell
“Great attitude, extremely helpful, creates relaxed and fun work environment; Extensive knowledge”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Awesome place to start, learn and grow. The team is relatively young, adaptability is a must, and positions rotate frequently. The only guarantee at this station is that things will change! Again, great place to cut your teeth.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Jessica Brovold
“Very absent, unengaged with what’s doing on in the newsroom, delegates all news director responsibilities to producers. No leadership experience and it shows.”
While working for KDLT this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“I am a female in my early twenties, I was told I have to dress more conservatively than my older coworkers because of my body type. Management emailed me close-up images of my exposed knees and said it was unacceptable. On another occasion, I was strictly instructed that I, under no circumstance, cannot post a photo of myself in a bathing suit (after I tweeted a photo from my vacation in Florida) but the men at the station ARE allowed. On another occasion, I was reprimanded for reporting my coworker after he insulted Muslims while we were working. I was told that I was making things “more difficult than they needed to be” for insisting his behavior be addressed. After these incidents (and others) I consulted a lawyer and told them I intended to sue if they didn’t allow me to break my contract without consequence, to which they complied.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is rated #3 out of 3 stations in the market. High turnover. Low hourly pay with no overtime allowed. Station only has 4 usable cameras. Reporters are expected to MMJ each shift.”
News Director: Tim Ryan
Experience described as: “Poor communicator”
While working for KVUE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Lack of quality leadership and poor day to day planning.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Donna Bell
Experience described as: “Good”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational
Additional comments:
“Some days are positive and allow for creativity, other days it’s unorganized and management is overbearing.”
News Director: Scott Nichols
Experience described as: “Absolutely horrible”
While working for WSET this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The newsroom managers are horrible. Very toxic. There is no trust for anyone who works in the field. Everyone is micromanaged and morale is awful.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Do anything you can to keep from working here.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
News Director: Scott Saxton
“Hands-on, organized, appreciative, a great resource”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
News Director: Craig Smullin
Experience described as: “Great”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This is a family owned operation, great starter market. Although you will work hard this is a great place to get a good start. The station may not be the top in the market but the family feel makes up for it. First stops are always tough being a way from home, Bob the GM, Patsy the owner, Craig the ND and main anchor will make you feel right at home and help you get a good foot on the ground in the biz. If Laryl the assignment manager is still there, he will also be so helpful. Also, the Medford viewers are the type to cheer you on and not berate you and make you feel bad for making those first time mistakes. It’s just a great newsroom and great place to start. You will work very hard though, more than one story a day, and no breaks, and you won’t make tons of money, but I think this is typical of any first market.”
News Director: Pam Vaught
Experience described as: “Negative”
While working for KTBC this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Management across the board is awful. From ND, Asst. ND. Assignment Manager to Chief Photog. There’s literally no talent development, no constructive criticism, no positive reinforcement, everyone is absolutely miserable. It’s really sad because it’s a great team. The assistant ND does scheduling and has no idea what he is doing. It will be day before and we are telling him we are understaffed or don’t have enough photogs. Management by intimidation at it’s finest, and they don’t promote growth from within. The one thing that is good is it’s Fox O&O, so benefits are nice and you get 3 weeks vaca.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The harder you work and the less you complain the more you are crapped on. Those who whine and complain are rewarded with less work because they don’t want to deal with them. They will also go for those who are the the “cheaper” options. So be prepared for younger, less experienced people to get promoted or hired over those with more experience. It’s very frustrating and it’s hurting the quality of the newscast. The ND is so mean and everyone is so scared to even talk to her. She’s BRUTAL.”
News Director: Christy Moreno
Experience described as: “Best news director I’ve ever had.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Low pay, conservative city, legacy anchors have been there and will be there for years so low chance of moving up to anchor. The General Manager claims to be about family, but doesn’t actually care about your personal life. The station is in Waco/Killeen and has a sister station KBTX in College Station. Although, best part is it’s the #1 station out of 4 in the market and by a lot.”
News Director: Chris Best
“Best replaced our former News Director after the Nexstar takeover and brought moral down and the workload up to a miserable level.”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“When Best and Nexstar took over, WKRG turned into a “it bleeds, it leads” station. MMJs were suddenly asked to do multiple stories a day that tended to focus on car crashes, gas station robberies, and shootings. You were treated like a burden if you couldn’t complete your required sweeps pieces during all the free time MMJs get during their daily grind. News Director often went back on statements he had previously made.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“run.”
News Director: Chris Best
“Overall, it was a horrendous experience. I would not recommend taking a position here under his leadership, or lack thereof.”
While working for WKRG this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Several photographers talked about women in ways that could be described as less than respectful. However, the worst thing about this station is its news director. Chris Best arrived once Nexstar took over. Chris Best replaced a very respectful, very helpful and encouraging news director named Mike Rausch. We were all sad, but willing to get to know this new boss. HE WAS TERRIBLE. So many people quit the station after only a few months of Chris Best in charge. Reporters paid THOUSANDS to get out of his grasp. If you want to cover only BLOOD/CRIME, your headlines to be nothing but clickbait, to literally walk the line of fake news, to cancel your interviews for a really good story (at the last minute) to switch to a turnover on the interstate, to be treated like dirt and work in a toxic environment this is the place for you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“What else is there to say? Don’t do it! You’ve been warned.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Put in the effort and it will be acknowledged. Great atmosphere and quality product. Beautiful place to live.”
News Director: Rick Bagley
“He’s a great news director. Really high energy and works tirelessly on every show even on the weekends.”
While working for KFSM/KXNW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“The team is actually really talented but there’s a few bad apples in the bunch that thrive on negativity and taint the newsroom making it a toxic wasteland.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The pay isn’t great so people are always in and out and they take their time rehiring. For the most part the issues we dealt with last year have been resolved due to our new ND. But things are still slightly unorganized and unpolished, which is a simple fix if people would hold themselves accountable and actually train the new people.”
News Director: Bridget Lovelle
“Scatterbrained, hard to talk to, doesn’t care about her employees.”
While working for KYTV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station has been subject to the trend of the industry: CUTS. It was the best station in the area to work for. Now, after numerous layoffs, there is no investing of resources, only a desire to save time and money at the expense of the product. Reporters are expected to MMJ constantly, even if they feel unsafe. I felt like no one cared about me as an individual, they only cared about the bottom line and if the station was making money.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“The GM, Brian McDonough, cares more about supplying his lake house with fancy TVs than he does his employees’ well-being. Steer clear. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.”
News Director: Dave Ciliberti
Experience described as: “Difficult”
While working for WCMH this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“No support for the assignment desk from upper management, refusal to backfill positions that have been vacant for years, refusal to appropriately staff weekend shifts when big events are happening, taking away half of the job I originally agreed to (digital production), treating female assignment editors like they’re secretaries for the one male assignment editor”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sinan Sadar
Experience described as: “Below average”
While working for WJCL this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Hard to advance to meaningful storytelling or opportunities for growth.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
Additional comments:
“Negotiate outs in your contract.”
News Director: Eric Gaylord
“Eric is great. But management controls the content, they push reporters to shoot paid content instead of independant news stories. They discourage any journalism that puts them in hot water with businesses they have advertisements with.”
While working for KRTV this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“A manager told a dark skinned employee he was going to ‘crack the whip’ at her. Management calls other women at competing stations ‘big, too ugly for tv’. We have a meteorologist who takes control and produces our rundowns without asking our producers. A lot of nasty rumors started by the same individual at this place, but management/HR has done nothing since viewers love his weather. There have been multiple complaints about this guy to HR but they fall on deaf ears.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It’s still a good place to start. We are market 192 so there’s a lot of room to grow in this job, and the ones who see the bullying and divisiveness happening stick together. But, there is little to no training and reporters/anchors are punished with more rumors spread for trying new things or even making mistakes. There is no air to breathe around certain people in the newsroom who are favored and can be a very discouraging environment for all employees and especially new reporters.”
News Director: Ed Reams
Experience described as: “Principal/student. Good news ethics.”
While working for WKOW this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Moral is low, there are issues with unfair scheduling.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“On the rise to trying to be a good station…”
News Director: Mike Raffaele
“He’s a smart guy, just doesn’t understand the small news market.”
While working for WTVA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“Unless you want to work overtime without pay and do everyone else’s job plus yours, move on.”
News Director: Julie Moravchik
“Crazy, but a good crazy. Wants the best out of everyone. High expectations. She cares about you.”
While working for WGBA this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Some very negative people. It’s a station that is low budget and under-staffed.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Open to Creative Control
Additional comments:
“It’s a good place to go because they are understaffed so you can get the best stories. Julie is willing to go above and beyond but the GM, Pete, is extremely cheap. Julie makes you do overtime a lot.”
News Director: Bruce Barkley
“Very ego-driven ND. Had a bit of a temper that would present itself now and then. Didn’t really care about his people, just how he looked to corporate.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized
Additional comments:
“Great people there who have been there a while. Chief Photographer is brilliant and very open to teaching the younger generation. Great storytellers there as well. Pay is low for that market, but that’s to be expected in #37.”
News Director: Sue Stephens
“I loved working for this station until Stephens arrived in the summer of 2015.”
While working for WVTM this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Where do I start? Toxic cursing, yelling at everyone. Unreasonable demands. Issued demands (coverage), then yelling at you (reporters, producers) because you followed the orders. Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde type manager. Offered short term contracts if she didn’t like you. That way mgmt could say they didn’t fire you but were still encouraging you to leave.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I understand there are other Hearst run stations that don’t have this toxic environment or toxic managers. We’re all adults. There’s no reason to mistreat employees.”
While working for WTXL this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“Any one that has worked here would agree, it’s just the tone of the station and has been for quiet some time.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
While working for KMTV this person experienced:
Sexual Harassment, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It is on its way up, there is a good crew and a lot of positive things happening.”
News Director: Ryan Hawes
“Amazing. He is driven, encouraging, and appreciative.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Educational, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
While working for KEYE this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“This station doesn’t know how to communicate with each other. They all function on passive aggressiveness and they bully you.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“It kills your soul.”
News Director: Scott Fitzgerald
“He’s a boss not a leader”
While working for KRNV this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
News Director: Sue Stephens
Experience described as: “‘Interesting’ personality but fair”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“This station is still going through some growing pains after being bought by Hearst three years ago, but going in the right direction.”
News Director: Mark Kraham
“Positive. Great resource and well known journalist.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Open to Creative Control, Postive, Fun
Additional comments:
“You can learn a lot while at the station. Lots of bureaus where reporters are autonomous. Not a lot of live shot opportunities. Every reporter is an MMJ. Good opportunities to learn, grow and move up. Lots of people who leave here after 2-3 years go on to bigger markets/opportunities.”
News Director: Shannon Maze
Experience described as: “Amazing”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational, Open to Creative Control, Postive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Staffing is great, schedule changes are rare, managers are understanding of family issues, constructive criticism is still positive”
News Director: Matt Stein
“He has extremely high expectations with very little resources. Expects you to give everything you have, but is willing to give very little. Very difficult to work for and very judgmental”
While working for WAAY this person experienced:
Sexual Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“(Stein has) managed to bring the morale in the newsroom to an all-time low.
Has taken opportunity away from employees based on how he feels rather than what’s deserved.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“No photog help”
News Director: David Lee
“He was cool overall. Didn’t have any run ins with him”
While working for WTXL this person experienced:
“I’ve been removed for a while now so I’m not certain about the atmosphere now…but it was toxic when I was there. Too much change in leadership”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“The producers move very slow. Very slow. And the woman over the web department is nice/nasty and annoying. She’s a young and climb up the ladder fast, so she cares about title more than growth.”
News Director: Steve Asplund
“It was a great learning experience. He is a patient and good fundamentally based teacher. A good person at heart and wants to see you grow”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Open to Creative Control, Positive, Fun
Additional comments:
“Good first market job. It’s super small but will learn a lot”
News Director: Sarah Gray
While working for WSAW this person experienced:
Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment
“There was a lot of negative energy in the newsroom. People backstabbed each other a lot.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Educational, Negative, Toxic
Additional comments:
“I don’t know about the current climate with the new news director but I would be careful when looking at this place”
News Director: Kenny Boles
“Never seen him. Only interacted maybe 3 times. He showed up for photo opps and some interviews.”
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Organized, Educational
Additional comments:
“The station is ran by a very small staff. Since leaving they have moved the main anchor to Tyler and all the reporters work from Lufkin. It’s a strange set up but not bad if you’re used to bureau stations. You have little to no contact with the ND. Feedback is rare, you have to inquire about it. But if you mess up, just know you’ll for sure hear about it. Hope this helps. Overall I’ll give this station a C because you do learn to be a better journalist here. But as I said in the beginning– since I’ve left a lot of changes have happened.”
News Director: Dutch Terry
“Dutch is a character. He is extremely petty towards females. If your a male you will do fine working under him. It is noticeable the sexism and toxicity he excudes under his management. He is very passive aggressive and doesn’t know how to manage. If you want to learn from a news director or want criticism don’t go to him. Honestly he is not a good manager but does provide opportunities you don’t get elsewhere. Idc your brand new in the business and can handle the drama then by all means go ahead.”
While working for WDEF this person experienced:
An Overall Toxic Work Environment
This person describes the overall newsroom environment as:
Unorganized, Negative, Toxic
Additional Comments:
“Don’t come here if you looking for decent pay in a top 100 market. Only come for the experience and get what you need and leave.”
