KVII

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.