WMC

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.

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.

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.

Sexual Discrimination

I sent this to Ian Silver.

I have some questions for you... As a Native Memphian who grew up here since childhood and active in our community I ask for your full attention for a moment.

Thank-you,

Ms. Amy Jackson


Ian, have you ever become involved in any sort of horrible breach of ethics? Further, have you ever been put in jail due to ruining the lives ruining the lives of people due to promoting fake news and disinformation?? Did you even take a moment out to do any fact checking first? And I don’t mean lazy google searches either. Real fact checking. Tell me.

I have reason to believe you didn’t. This was shoddy attempts to gain more viewers and the hell with actually thinking about the damage that may occur. You clearly over exaggerated, manipulated public viewers and twisted the story about me so bad, it’s equal to absolute FAKE NEWS! Why did you flee Memphis shortly after making up this crap story about me that caused immense catastrophic damage to my reputation, career, and LIFE???! I want to know.

1. You said you reached out to me for comment and that I declined. You flat out lied. You never contacted me nor did anyone from your station. False and disinformation for profit.
Duly noted.

2. The supposed home you came to and knocked on the door stating I wouldn’t answer??? It was vacant. Nobody there to open the door. And, had been for since April 2015 when my children and I moved, updating my address with the DMV and had a forwarding address. Again, shoddy investigative journalism here. Period.

3. The ding dong you interviewed from Gateway Staffing Ian, is just that. Staffing Agencies are the same thing as Recruiting Agencies “who has a business model of representing HIRING COMPANIES NOT JOB SEEKERS”; however, I was the opposite of that, an “EXECUTIVES AGENT” Really???? You accused me of POSING as a JOB RECRUITER who stole somebody’s money and refused to return it. Is that right??? It is now clear and convincing that you took what little information you had and exploited this false disinformation to the world making me look like a SCAM ARTIST AND FRAUD!!! Shame on you IAN!!! Did you ever take just two seconds to request a copy of the CONTRACT between the individuals and I???? No. You didn’t care. As if you did, you would have KNOWN the facts here and you failed to do so. Do you have any morals at all???

4. Last but not least, you stated, “this was not the first time Jackson has been in TROUBLE for a similar SCAM and how court documents show there have been at least two other times she has taken money from people and not returned it. Provide that proof you have Ian, I want to see it.

In closing, this is unethical journalism on your part Ian and should it ever be redacted and reposted as your stations “legal counsel” responded to my request to remove it stating, “No, but would be happy to allow you to interview you”, AFTER THE FACT. Repost it online; however, refused to take down the original story that has caused repeated denial of job opportunities I was clearly qualified and met the criteria for ever since the day this aired, 28 MONTHS ago!!!

Do note, I have YET to be indicted. Odd isn’t it?

I would like you to have it deleted Ian. It has caused repeated harassment and stalking, and if I can’t get a job, I can’t pay back the individuals their money as that’s all I wish to do!!!

Please respond with your plan of action.

Respectively,

Amy Jackson

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.

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.