An on-air stunt intended to celebrate a return to temperatures in the 70s led to the suspension of two people and the firing of another at KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Anchor Chris May and meteorologist Barry Brandt wore Afro-style wigs on the air as part of a ‘return to the 70s’ segment.
Local activist Anika Whitfield complained to management about the segment, saying that a white person wearing an Afro wig is a perpetuation of systemic racism.
After no response, she complained to John Seabers, a Sinclair Broadcast Group vice-president, which led to the suspension of May and Brandt, and the firing of long-time KATV news director Nick Genty.
(Image courtesy of KATV-TV Facebook page)
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