Age discrimination can happen anywhere, even at local news stations. Just recently, “three popular former Channel 4 news personalities blasted station management in an age-discrimination lawsuit filed earlier this week in federal court in Nashville.” The three former news personalities include “longtime reporter Dennis Ferrier, veteran anchor/reporter Jennifer Johnson and longtime weekend meteorologist Nancy Van Camp,” all of whom claim “they were victims of harassment and ridicule shortly before they were terminated from WSMV.”
Age discrimination can happen anywhere, even at local news stations. Just recently, “three popular former Channel 4 news personalities blasted station management in an age-discrimination lawsuit filed earlier this week in federal court in Nashville.” The three former news personalities include “longtime reporter Dennis Ferrier, veteran anchor/reporter Jennifer Johnson and longtime weekend meteorologist Nancy Van Camp,” all of whom claim “they were victims of harassment and ridicule shortly before they were terminated from WSMV.”
In addition to the charges detailed out in the lawsuit, the former employees also allege that managers “exposed veteran anchor Demetria Kalodimos — who is not a plaintiff in the suit — to many acts of age-based discrimination and hostility.” But what kind of age discrimination did the plaintiffs face? Well, according to the lawsuit, Kalodimos still routinely endures “public berating, ridicule, and false rumors have begun to circulate claiming she will be retiring soon.” She has even been referred to as an “old maid.” When asked about the discrimination and harassment, Kalodimos didn’t respond.
As for the plaintiffs listed in the lawsuit, they described the news agency as one rife with discrimination and hostility towards older employees. In fact, the lawsuit alleges WSMV “transformed into a workplace where veteran on-air personalities were permitted to become the targets of a persistent pattern and practice of age discrimination, harassment, hostility, and retaliation.”
These are pretty hefty allegations, so how has WSMV responded? Well, so far the president of Meridith Local Media Group, Paul Karpowicz, denied the claims “that any employees were mistreated or that age was a reason for any of the plaintiffs leaving the station.” Meridith Local Media Group owns Channel 4 News, and issued the following statement regarding the matter:
“While we do not discuss personnel matters publicly out of respect for the individuals, it is unfortunate that they have decided to suggest that their age or gender was a factor in their respective departures, or that they were mistreated in any way. That is simply not true.”
So where are the three former employees now? So far none of the three plaintiffs have responded to requests for comment regarding the pending litigation, and seemingly just want the case to proceed without a hassle. But where are they now? For starters, Johnson is now a “spokeswoman for Wilson County schools.” When asked about the pending litigation she referred reporters to the lawyer on the case, Brian C. Winfrey, who also “did not immediately return a phone call.” Ferrier now works as a Fox 17 news reporter.
Sources:
Demetria Kalodimos ridiculed, called ‘old maid’ by bosses, ex-Channel 4 reporters allege in lawsuit
Former WSMV News Channel 4 Newscasters File Age-Discrimination Lawsuit
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