Soul Witness

Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment

WITN is facing the same issues that newsrooms across the nation are- a lack of resources and time, toxic managers, unprepared young workers, and a foundation based in racism and sexism. But if the journalism industry is going to come up with any solution, it will not be found at WITN. The constant belittlement and degradation of reporters by Assignment Editor Bill Wilson, coupled with the spinelessness of New Director Clay Bauman, does much to create a workplace that you endure rather than enjoy. It should be noted with great concern how many people have left the industry from this station, how little support is given to MMJs and reporters, and yet how much is expected of them. Wilson will set people up for failure, and when they do fail, refuses to encourage, mentor or support them. This old-school, trial by fire method of training certainly has its merits, but only when followed up with knowledge and mentorship. Executive Producer Pierce Klas is clearly only at the station for the end of a contract- there is little motivation to develop relationships, mentorships or any kind of positive work environment for producers or reporters. This environment is exacerbated by the extreme racism within the workplace. It should be noted that there is no person of color in leadership at the station. BIPOC reporters and anchors are often subject to intense criticism from managers not given to their white counterparts. Black workers are routinely passed over for promotions despite people advocating for them and their over-qualification for their roles. It's incredibly noticable and worrisome, specifically when you consider how racially diverse our market is. There seems to be no desire or interest in engaging these communities, in making them feel seen, in creating any long term relationships. Overall, the station is on crumbling ground. With no direction up top, and weak reporters with no mentors at the bottom, so much of the goodwill WITN has earned is being tossed to the garbage.

The only thing in this stations favor is working with the individual shows. Each show, the further you get from management, is filled with fun people who want to do their jobs well.

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 newsroom will make you hate news. So sad to see such talent treated how they have been since this news director took over.

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.

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.

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.

It is a good station and all the employees are great at their jobs.