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

[Former Channel 9 Viewer]

I am disgusted with Wayne Godsey (I agree with the earlier poster that Mr. Godsey is fortunate to be the General Manager or he would be replaced on editorials because he is clearly well past the age of 40, unattractive, overweight and lacks public speaking skills. I can only assume that is all irrelevant because he is a "male") and the other individuals responsible for the demotions of these three outstanding reporters. We have been loyal Channel 9 watchers since moving to Kansas City in 1989 but, as of tomorrow, we will be watching Channel 5. We wish Kelly, Maria and Peggy much success in their lawsuit against the station. I'm sure they are looking forward to their day in court when "Wayne and The Good 'Ole Boys" have to testify and justify their hiring practices in a court of law. If the station management had common sense they would settle the case out of court. The negative publicity and ill-will this case will generate will cripple the station for many years to come - as it should.

[Janis]

Local news is highly competitive entertainment. It's all about the attention span. And I'm sorry to say that women age less gracefully and distinguished than men do and studies have proven that attractive people are considered more credible. Sad but true.

[DS]

Just because a lawsuit was filed doesn't mean discrimination occured (of course, a jury on any given day could find otherwise if the case eventually proceeds to trial). I haven't read over the actual lawsuit yet, but given the blurbs cited in the Star's report, I don't see a whole lot there. You can argue all you want about the wisdom of KMBZ's staffing decisions (and you can even choose not to watch Channel 9 anymore in response), but the station has a right to make those decisions.

It will be interesting to see how this case proceeds. Odds are there will be a settlement, which is probably what these women (and their lawyer) are after.

Based on the Star's report, I think the strongest claim they've got is Antonio's assertion that she was retaliated against upon filing her initial charge of discrimination. If she can prove that, it doesn't even matter if she was actually discriminated against prior to that filing.

And while I'm at it, why hasn't Len Dawson been put out to pasture yet? He's horrible, and it's embarrassing how little he knows about anything other than the NFL.

[SO, who is Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.?]

Check this link out:

http://corp.hearstargyle.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=72657&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1222661&highlight=

Hearst-Argyle should be concerned about Kansas City's perception of this case- their ratings count on it.

[Pilgrim]

"Channel 5 here I come."

You're kidding, right? You would watch the station that hires and promotes Katie "We're-all-gonna-die" Horner?

That judgment is as bad as Channel 9's.

[toniwithani]

For the first time in years, I changed the channel from ABC to another station and will leave it there. I can't bear to watch the product of an organization that treats members of its team so poorly.

[Allie]

KMBC male anchors, Jim, Kris, Larry, Brian, Len, etc...what say you? And to think a women, 60ish, ran for president. Sad. Will follow this to see how it turns out. They go...I do too.

[Trixie]

It's sad, but true, that in many professions (even ones that are not so high profile) seasoned staffers can be replaced with two new graduates for the same money and often are.

Many 50-somethings find themselves locked out of the professions they had mastered over 20+ years.

The ladies are at the forefront of an issue that is much wider than broadcast news and I wish them great success.

[Rhonda]

If those 3 fantastic women are too old to anchor the news at channel 9 then I am too old to watch the news at channel 9. There are more of us that age out here watching the news than there are 20 somethings you're using as replacements. I hope all the rest follow me to another news station. Who'll be left to watch you? Bye.

[Mike]

Larry Moore had cancer that contorted his face for quite some time. Len Dawson is arrogant. KMBZ kept them. They are not old; they are ancient. I don't get to KC often, but when I do, I specifically watch Channel 9 to Peggy and Maria. I remember thinking, "Maria is just a kid," when she started. I have enjoyed watching her grow. KMBZ needs to promote these three, not condemn them.

[cacci]

Good luck to the women at KMBC TV 9. I applied for a job as a newswriter back during the days around Christine Craft--just prior to her hire. I interviewed with the same news producer. I didn't get the job and I was told I was equally qualified as another gentleman. He said he had no choice but to give the job to the man because he was out of work and had a family. My problem is I had a job and no family but had a degree and wanted to get into my field. Didn't happen with him. Christine Craft should have been awarded her money--it should have never been overturned. There is no doubt in my mind of the discrimination then and the discrimination now. All you have to do is watch the news and see the faces and know what is going on. I work in the media but not television and there is huge discrimination with females. It's not so overt but you always run across the "good old boys' network!" Good luck and make 'em pay!

[James]

Apparently Hillary's 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling didn't extend to KMBC. For twenty years I have seen Joel Nichols graying hair, Bryan Busby's growing belly, Larry Moore approach the age of retirement, Len Dawson pass the age of retirement, yet they all remain front and center. Hell, Larry even got to go through cancer treatment on air as we watched the poor guy puff up like a balloon from chemo. Perhaps one day, hopefully sooner than later, KMBC will be managed by people who actually believe that their viewers possess intelligence. Godsey and Bracca need to wake up and smell the coffee before they find themselves out of a job.

[Lori]

This has been a long time coming. I, as well as many others have picked up on the assertations these 3 women have made. And I've also picked up on the fact that you send some of the "less desirable" looking people to report on the yucky news going on.

I find myself turning the channel when they put the younger people on camera who can't form a coherent sentence. I know they will improve with experience but it's irritating and I just feel sorry for them.

Perhaps the station should have asked their viewing audience what they think before making some of the decisions they've made.

I have nothing but respect for Len Dawson but let's face it...The guy is DONE. I personally see the station's decision to keep Len in the chair gives further proof to the case.

[anon]

Over the past year, we've slowly changed from KMBC to Fox4 for our local news. The older women have not been the reason. We just couldn't take the hokey way the news was being reported. For example, showing a stop sign then saying, "The group hopes to STOP crime. ." or something else equally as ridiculous. Also, they seemed to shift from reporting actual news to having far too many personal interest stories or "how to" segments.

By the way, I have to stick up for Len Dawson. Like the ladies mentioned in the lawsuit, it is the connection viewers have with reporters like him that keep that station going. I don't care how old he is, I like him as well as Karen Kornaki.

[steve jackson]

Since moving to Kansas City in 1976 I have always "defaulted" to KMBZ-9 to watch my local news. This latest sexist/ageist move is so unconscionable that I will be unable to continue doing this. I hope their sponsors take notice.

[Blue Lewis]

For those of you wishing to deliver a more personal message to Mr. C. Wayne Godsey, his address is ....

[...not going to be published here.--AB]

[Disgusted]

How sad for T.V. 9 to think that women over a certain age are no longer beautiful and capable of doing their jobs any longer. How said for women of all ages that this discrimination still takes place and is accepted practice. I lost a lot of respect for the news media over biases openly displayed during the recent political campaign and now will sadly add another news station to my "boycot" list.

[D.A.]

These lawsuits are a joke and embarrassment.
Face the music ladies. Here's the truth about these on-air personalities:

Peggy Breit: Aweful reporter, doesn't matter if she is 45 or 25. She has a face for radio.

Maria Antonia: same as above. They should not have allowed her to anchor again after the first time she did it.
She should be thanking her lucky stars that she's a minority and has been allowed to work there as long as she has.
If a white male was as horrible as she is, he'd be lucky to have a gig in a market like St. Joe.

Kelly Eckerman: From what I've heard from KC media folks is she is one of the rudest individuals to be around. If she really has a horrible attitude in and around the office, I'd turn the heat up on her too.

It's not a TV stations goal to "make people feel good". They have a job to do and that's get ratings.
If I were KMBC management I'd somehow find a way to send them down the river immediately!

[Disappointed]

I think the best way we can show support for these women is to discontinue watching KMBC news. A viewer "boycott" that affects ratings seems to be the only way to get the message through that this type of action will not be tolerated by the people of Kansas City.

As to the comment posted by Anchor Shuffe:

"...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."

Why should the "fresh direction" you mention apply only to women? How about the male dinosaurs (Moore, Busby, Dawson...) making way for younger men or women to take their positions?

[momofboys]

I am sad that in this day and age, this type of ignorance still exists. These women are good at what they do! I'm willing to bet that each of them stand up for what they believe in too, making them noise makers...I bet the powers that be do not like those who speak out! That's what it really boils down to I fear...you have to look younger and keep your mouth shut. Sad really. I'm afraid I'll be switching also. I've watched for years...but won't be if this is how it will be there.

[boulevard]

I relocated from KC to the Northwest 5 years ago, where the hands-down favorite female anchor each year is Jean Enerson at King 5 in Seattle. She is the exemplification of professionalism, and just happens to be 55+. It CAN happen, and should.

[journalist]

Is it fair to accuse the "young replacements" of being sub-par just because they were told to do a job they too wish to be successful at? Nobody tells an interviewee "look, we plan to replace our current anchor with you because you're young and cheap and everyone will hate you for it...hope that's ok with you!" They just want to work. They are not evil for being willing to do a job for less cash. If I were them I'd have jumped at the shot of a promotion. Anybody would.

Peggy, Kelly and Maria were young when they started and almost assuredly replaced women older than themselves. Did those women sue?

That being said, disrespectful, dishonest, rude and insensitive behavior by ANYONE'S employer is unacceptable. My above comments in no way suggest that I LIKE the changes made. I don't. But as a fellow tv journalist, I acknowledge that ours is a cut-throat "showbiz-esque" career field without guarantees. Surely three veteran newswomen I deeply respect are just as aware of that...?

[Michelle Rierson]

As a former co-worker of all three ladies for over a decade, I just want to say that they have my sympathy and support. They are all the epitome of professional, smart and incredibly strong women and while I haven't seen them in a couple years since I left KMBC, I consider them to be friends and respect them immensely. Television is a grueling business, it takes mettle to survive whether you are a male or a female. No matter what business you're in, it's not too much to ask that you are treated with dignity and respect. Had that happened here, we clearly wouldn't have had a lawsuit.

And for the person who commented earlier about Kelly being one of the rudest people in the business- let's not make personal statements based on rumor. The truth is that Kelly is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I know that for a fact and challenge anyone who would say otherwise. If there was one person in the building I could count on to have a smile and an encouraging word, it was Kelly hands down. 100% of the time. Same goes for Maria and Peggy. They were part of my tv family for years and I know that if I needed their support in something I could count on having it. That's the kind of people they are- the good kind. I just wish we had more like them in the world. They have my support 100%.

[roy j]

TV journalism is just acting. Older actresses have troubles finding jobs unlike older actors. And, it seems, younger viewers can stand an old man but are not as forgiving to watching old ladies. To have been on air in a competitive market for over 20 years is probably not the norm. As that clock spins, viewers...like myself..who are way over 50 become irrevelant. The 24-38 yr old demo is much more lucrative and important to ratings. And ratings are everything. Loyalty went out the window a decade or so ago.

[blogster]

These women are very attractive. YES!!!

However, In a near national depression economically. As a business owner who is responsible to stockholders as well. Sometimes thats just the nature of business. Two newbie's for the price of one. Follow the money trail. If these women win this suit, anyone can sue for a demotion or paycut? Thats just not reality. Right??? Why is it that no-one is discussing this from the angle of a business decision. It just might be the case.