Christine Craft II, in 3-D: Trio of KMBC female stars sue, claiming age, gender discrim

How could this have happened?

KMBC-9, the ABC affiliate in Kansas City, was not long ago considered one of the ideal places for news talent to graze anywhere in the country. It enjoyed a remarkable run of more than a decade as the market's dominant news leader, and not to disparage its journalism, but KMBC's rise from worst to first happened on the strength of its on-air personalities.

Management treated people right, and their contentment showed on air. Year after year, viewers turned away from whatever they were watching at newstime to see Larry, Lara, Laurie, Kelly, Ketzer ... nice people reading the news, familiar faces reporting the news, Kansas City's best known TV talent carrying KMBC to first place in daypart after daypart, book after book. In recent years it wasn't quite the dominator it once was, but even now KMBC remains a winning station, not just in viewers but those all-important demographics.

So: How did it come to this?

On Thursday, three of the station's most senior female on-air talent -- including Maria Antonia, the city's most recognizable Hispanic journalist -- filed suit against KMBC alleging gender and age discrimination.

The story is a familiar one: As these women aged, they were eased out of their plum positions in favor of younger, fresher female faces ... and meanwhile, their male counterparts were, to quote the lawsuit, "allowed to age, gain weight, turn grey, and wear glasses."

And indeed, this story played out not too long ago in Kansas City, when several employees of KCTV-5 filed suit claiming age discrimination. But that was Channel 5, where 65 percent of the staff turned over in what most people agree was a necessary (if brutal) transition.

But this was Channel 9. It was supposed to be different here.

Anyone still laboring under that impression won't be by the time they get through the allegations made in the lawsui (read it here), filed in Jackson County (Mo.) Circuit Court, by these three women, all of whom are known and trusted by thousands of viewers:

Peggy Breit, a 50-something reporter who had been working the dayside shift forever, watched as reporters half her age were given plum nighttime shifts or anchor jobs at KMBC's sister station.

Kelly Eckerman, a longtime anchor who'd never finished out of first place, was demoted to a shift that took away her weekend nights (she's a single mom) and overheard management saying, according to the suit, "We can hire two much younger women for what we pay Kelly."

Maria Antonia, a fixture at the station for nearly a quarter century, who alleges that she was told by the general manager, C. Wayne Godsey, "You will never anchor at Channel 9 again." Maria Antonia, alleging that she was "yelled at (through the I.F.B.) while on air ... yelled at when she asks for the means to get to the scene of a live report ... written up for participating in a tour that the station had supported for years."

(About that "tour": There is a military/media-relations tour that is sponsored by Fort Leavenworth every year. Antonia's ties to the military are strong and no doubt factored in the invitation to herself and her husband, KMBC photographer Tim Twyman, to visit troops in Bahrain and the USS Abraham Lincoln at the start of the Iraq War, giving Channel 9 a market exclusive.)

Maria Antonia was told by management that "the station needed to look ahead to the future" and that despite holding down the morning an anchor's job for 24 years at the station -- indeed, she had launched "KMBC FirstNews" with Bryan Busby in 1988 -- that job would be handed over to a much younger female anchor who was being paired with a male anchor in his 40s.

What's odd and ironic about all this is that, of course, KMBC was defendant in the most famous TV news gender-discrim lawsuit of all time, one that damaged the station for years.

In 1981, KMBC anchor Christine Craft was demoted to reporter because -- in those immortal words of management she would later make the title of her book -- she was told that she was "too old, too unattractive and wouldn't defer to men." Craft relayed those words to my predecessor, Barry Garron, who put them in the paper. Two years later, Craft filed suit and eventually prevailed, though an appeals court later overturned the decision. By then, however, it hardly mattered that KMBC won; it had gone straight into the toilet, ratings- and reputation-wise.

How did Channel 9 emerge from that smoldering wreck to become first in news just five years later? Well, it hired good people and promoted others. People like Busby and Len Dawson, still soldiering on after all these years. People like Antonia, Eckerman and Breit, who now feel sufficiently marginalized that they are risking their futures by suing their employer.

Truly, though, the most ironic aspect of this turn of events is that one man in management remembers exactly how badly Christine Craft's highly publicized case damaged KMBC: Brian Bracco, the man who took the reins in the mid-1980s, when the station was in dead last, and guided it back to first by making all of the key personnel decisions, as I recounted in this piece 10 years ago. Bracco is still there, working for KMBC's parent company as an in-house news doctor, so even if he is not running the show, past and present employees assure me that he is calling at least some of the shots.

So closely entwined with Channel 9's fortunes is Bracco that to this day, he works out of an office just down the hall from Godsey, the general manager. And when I reported that Bracco, stepping into the void left by the departing news director, had personally engineered the "FirstNews" shuffle that left Antonia out of a job, no one argued with my account. Even rival news directors knew who was directing the news at KMBC. And even though he is about to take Fred Young's job as vice president for news operations across the Hearst-Argyle chain, Bracco will continue to work from the same office in Kansas City.

In 1998, I asked Bracco why KMBC-9 had proven so durable and so successful and dominated the local ratings for so long. "There's a love affair with this community that goes both ways, from the anchors to the community and back again," Bracco told me. "There are also a lot of people behind the scenes and a lot of reporters who project stability."

Everyone knows that TV stations must continually update their presentation if they're to avoid falling into irrelevance. I'm sure Hearst and KMBC had hoped that this transition -- which perhaps was overdue -- could be done behind the scenes while continuing to, as they say, "project stability" on air. But they have also known for months that this would not last. After all, an employee must file a Charge of Discrimination with the state of Missouri prior to filing a lawsuit. Antonia now alleges that ever since she did so earlier this year,

"... she continually has been subjected to hostile and discriminatory treatment. Antonia was permanently removed from her position as an Anchor while her contemporary and older male anchors have been allowed to continue anchoring (Larry Moore - over 60; Len Dawson - over 70; Kris Ketz; and Jim Flink), and younger females have been added to the Anchor desk (Jana Corrie and Dion Lim)."

Perhaps this is the saddest part of the lawsuit, the one that shatters any outsiders' illusions and brings the newsroom problems at KMBC, you might say, into high definition:

"The environment at KMBC-TV has transformed over time, from one of cooperation into a hostile environment, permeated with threats, intimidation and disrespect. Management has thrown around the word 'insubordination' with various employees in a very threatening way. Even unaffected newsroom employees have commented about the publicly humiliating, and degrading treatment of women over 40, including but not limited to these plaintiffs. The observable damage to plaintiffs, and others similarly situated, is both private and public."

UPDATE: What KMBC is telling viewers

Comments

[Sally Swindler]

All these women are very good at what they do! Their age and experience add to their credibility and delivery. They seem like good friends and I watch them all daily. A few of the older men are not nearly as fresh and appealing as these 3. I imagine many if not most people who watch the news are a bit older than some of these new young girls, and they prefer an older woman to a new girl. I hope the station reconsiders and treats these ladies with the respect and kindness they have earned.

[Julia]

Oops! You missed the point when you said "Maria Antonia, who hardly looks like she's pushing 50". Whatever age she LOOKS does not relate to how well she does her job. That's the point. She could let her hair go natural (and why doesn't she?) and still be the same capable, experienced news anchor.

[Well, I'll let you make that point, but my point is that KMBC replaced a woman in her late 40s with a man in his late 40s, and if you're trying to make a case for a double standard, there you go.--AB]

[Cynthia Boles]

I am very disappointed in Channel 9's treatment of these women. I have always considered myself a loyal watcher of KMBC News morning and evening. I am very, very disappointed for the LACK OF RESPECT AND DIGNITY for these women, I will no longer be tuning in to channel 9 News

Channel 5 here I come.

[Toni]

Well I am waiting for KMBC management to replace Larry Moore and Brian Busby with young hunky newsmen. Sounds idiotic?!? Hmm.. I will never watch channel 9 again.

[Tw]

This is the news. Not "entertainment for men".
Good reporting is what matters.

[CD in KC]

All of these women are very capable and pleasant to watch. They lend authority to the stories that they report. My husband and I think that Maria is just amazing, and we wondered why we were seeing less and less of her.

Shame on KMBC for its double standard. Larry and Len are good at what they do, too. I would hate to see them replaced by a piece of beefcake.

KMBC needs to do the right thing. If they choose not to, we will vote with our viewership, and we will not be watching their news.

[Vickie]

These SOBs that determine who stays and who goes, need to be shown the front door themselves. As a woman of 50, I would much rather watch a woman with wit & intelligence vs. cute and quirky. These big shots forget their target audience... women such as myself. Remember Linda Ellerbee? I saw her recently on a show discussing an issue related to young adults and teens and I have to say, I really miss her on news programs. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but as I said I would rather see women like Kelly, Maria and Peggy any day over the cute, sprite, so-called young 'uns. Rock on, ladies, and get what you deserve!

[Gwen]

Just like I did when Ms. Craft filed her lawsuit, my news watching time has been shifted to another station, KSHB. And if the male crew that I have respected in the past don't support these brave women, I will not return.

[Barb Hoerath]

I have been watching KMBC 9 news for 35 years. These women have been a huge part of my news everyday. To say they are too old for their job is such a load. They all do their job with such professionalism and such appeal to all people. Lets name a few anchors who are over 40. Larry Moore, Lenny Dawson, Brian Busbly, Joel Nichols, Johnny Rowlands, Dan Weinbaum, Jim Flink and of course the great general manager Wayne, who gives commentaries frequently, isn't very pleasing to look at. So come on boys club of America. Give it up and grow up.

[Old Employee]

*shakes head*

Sherrie, Sherrie, Sherrie....

[Carroll Stewart]

I have sent the following email to the General Manager, C. Wayne Godsey. The email will probably just be deleted, and never see light at KMBC........

EMAIL TO KMBC GENERAL MANAGER:
This evening, we read the lawsuit petition that is being brought against you by Kelly, Peggy, and Maria. The Kansas City Star had it on their website.

I even printed the 16 page document so that I can show it to others.

My wife and I have watched channel 9 for over 30 years. It was our favorite channel, especially the news and weather.

No more. Kelly, Peggy, and Maria are not the kind of people to bring a lawsuit against you if it is not true. And, I believe that the majority of your viewers will think the same.

We are very sad to learn this about Channel 9.

We wondered at the time when Maria went from the desk to standing in the snow and rain, doing reporting.

Now we, and a lot more, know.

We will not even look at Channel 9 for any program, period. We think it is the right thing to do, which you evidently know nothing about.

Ex-viewers in Clinton, Missouri

Our actions will not make any difference to you, I am sure. But they make a difference to us.

[Anchor Shuffle]

I may be wrong, but I don't believe Maria was on the morning show when the anchor swap happened. She was anchoring weekend nights and had been for some time. Natalie Moultrie had been the A.M. female anchor. So technically, Ketz didn't replace her on the FirstNews desk. That being said... she was still shoved off the desk while younger females were promoted.

[I wasn't asserting she was replaced by Ketz, but rather, that his appearing on FirstNews was illustrative of a male anchor getting different treatment. About your other point, thanks - I'll clarify -- AB]

[james]

Face it TV is changing. It's no longer about over 40 faces that you know and trust, it's turning into seeing young fresh attractive faces that are nice to look at and have a good delivery. These women still have jobs, they weren't fired. As we all get older in the industry we should be prepared to have our roles changed to make way for people to move the business in a "fresh" direction.

[Anna]

I have had the pleasure of meeting Peggy B, through her involvement with Parents of Murdered Children. She along with Maria and Kelly, are ALL a breath of fresh air. They have more talent in their toes then Dion and Jana have in their entire bodies.

My heart goes out to these three PROFESSIONALS. I myself have gone through a lawsuit against an employer and it is more stressful then a divorce.

You go get em girls and know that YOUR loyal supporters are praying for you!

BY the way the General Manager of KMBC really needs to go on a diet. AND his commentary's that he does are not only boring but he speaks in a FLAT monatone voice

[pete]

People, calm down. It's just a lawsuit. And let's be honest, KMBC's recent attempts at broadcast journalism really boil down to attempts to titilate and entertain us; i know because i've tried and failed repeatedly to watch a newscast without being embarassed for the station and my city. If the allegations are true let's all hope justice is served but this is show business and sensational lawsuits alleging wrongdoing have always been part of the show..

[Keri Gordon]

I love these ladies! Doesn't loyalty count for anything anymore. I watch this news channel everyday but I won't anymore! The news is not playboy it is the news. These women do an awesome job. I hope they win and bankrupt channel 9 news! Very very sad! We stand behind ya girls!!! We will help your voices be heard!

[Mark Roberts]

What's striking in the comments so far is the angry response from women. Yet aren't women the most coveted audience in TV? If the allegations are true, it would seem that KMBC has blown a big hole in its corporate foot.

[DavidK]

I have been a channel 9 viewer for 35+ years, most my entire stay in KC. How sad that people in that industry are judged by how they look and not by their professionalism. Being in the corporate communications field for years, these ladies are first class. If Bracco is calling those shots after what he went through with Ms Craft, there is definite proof of male menopause. As for the infamous Mr. Godsey, if it comes to light that he did make those remarks and demoted the ladies due to their appearance and age, he best look in the mirror, as we have to during the editorial segments he bores the hell out of us with. Someone needs to get him a Dr. Atkins book for Christmas. Keep one thing in mind, what goes around, comes around guys......

[Wendy]

Seems as if KMBZ has forgotten who watches the news. As demonstrated by the abundance of pharmaceutic ads, it is not the thirty something crowd. A pretty face does not mean a thing to me. I have valued the channel 9 news team, because of its stability and what I thought was its resistance to sensationalizing news. The Kansas City viewers have remained loyal to these women. Can we not ask as much to the KMBC corporation? It is time for my second news choice to become my first.

[Jimmy]

So maybe they need to go down to The Quaff every night and drink Busch Light and chain smoke with Micheal Mahoney to keep their jobs.

[bailey]

You know the feeling when you're out of town and turn on local t.v., that disconnect with the local news and anchors? That's what KMBC has felt like for awhile. I couldn't put a finger on it. The reporters I trusted/identified with haven't been as visible. Change happens. It's a balancing act, if KMBC is going for fresher faces and younger audiences, then there's another station trying to woo mature viewers through more established talent. At least I understand why I haven't felt connected, I'm just not the younger audience they seek to attract. (Ouch, undesirable at age 44.) But, I get it, that's the beauty of the game - we're allowed to choose another station to watch. Oh, and yes - another station to advertise on.

[Any Channel But 9]

To Kelly, Maria and Peggy:

Thank you for the years of professional broadcasting you have delivered to the Kansas City metro area. We have missed your presence, and you have the community's support. You deserve to retire from the highest positions you attained at the station, just as your male collegues are still enjoying. The MANAGEMENT practices at Channel 9 speak volumes to your viewers. Channel 9 is going to have a VERY difficult time resolving this matter within the eyes of the community. We will follow your case closely, and we support your courage and your efforts to protect your legal rights, and to protect your professional careers.

To Channel 9:

Interesting that this story wasn't aired on the news tonight. The community thinks this is a pretty big story. A special thanks to the KC Star for keeping the community fully informed concerning this matter.

Why aren't Larry, Len, Brian, and all the 40+ males reporting in the field? Not to be misunderstood- Kansas City loves them too, but Channel 9's management practices should have been consistent across the board,regardless of gender and age.

This exposure of Channel 9's upper management is clearly warranted and upper management changes should be given first priority. That would be the first step towards mitigating damages if you want the community's support/viewership. The next step is to right the wrongs that have been done. Start by treating your reporters/anchors equally. We would also like to see Kelly, Maria and Peggy back in the positions they earned, and once enjoyed. If Channel 9 fails to correct this matter, your viewship ratings will not likely recover any time soon. If competing stations were smart, they would hire them to increase their ratings.

Given the prior history/practice of Channel 9 with regard to female reporters, this looks like a pattern of bad behavior. Inevitably, the court will decide decide the legal issues, but the damage has been done as far as the community is concerned.

[Childhood Fan]

I'm so very saddened by this! Channel 9 what the hell! Let's face it, your station wouldn't be anything without these three woman. Let me say also that I have personally met all of these woman. Kelly Eckerman interviewed me as a child for a peice on my gradeschool teacher who had suffered a stroke. I was young and scared but she calmed me and smiled and well she was just plain nice!!! Maria Antonia, what can you say she is so kind. Example being when my home was destroyed in the last tornado this past May who was there!!!? Maria was, we had no water no help and she listened she did everything she could do to draw attention so we to could recieve much needed help, and we did. She was compassionate and truthfully going through what she has I can't imagine how difficult it is to deal with everyday stresses and let's face it other folks problems. Peggy you interviewed me and how amazing she is as well. I agree from responses above
your station has to be losing it! Listen, these younger woman suck! They are boring, detached and again, they look old to me! I will not watch your station and I know that in my extremly large family they will turn you off as well. When Laurie Everett left I was worried but Kelly came in and what can you say! She Rocks!!! Another problem, get rid of this wayne dude, I hate listening to him he is terrible!!! How funny that you keep this fool!!! All of you management need to be fired!!! Ladies, I'm behind you, I wish you the best in this case and I hope you win!!!

[KMBC Stinio]

I applaud these three women for standing up against the management of KMBC. I'll never watch Channel 9 again.

[Ed S]

Katie Couric
Andrea Mitchell
Judy Woodruff
Lesley Stahl
Dian Sawyer
Barbara Walters
They've all got at least one thing in common, and that's experience, and with that experience comes insight and professionalism--who cares what any of them look like, the news isn't a beauty contest, and I hope someone with some foresight at KMBC or its parent company will realize this and put the mission of the "news" first. We don't need eye candy, we need good old fashioned NEWS!

I'm extremely disappointed in KMBC!