Two white news reporters in Arkansas are on suspension after they pulled an Afro wig stunt on air last month.
According to the Arkansas Times, KATV local news anchor Chris May and meteorologist Barry Brandt attempted to do a play-on-words by wearing Afro-like wigs during a segment to comment on Little Rock’s return to temperatures in the 70s.
The two faced backlash from local activists for the stunt and one of the parent station’s execs issued an apology.
“It was just bad judgment,” John Seabers, vice president and group manager of the Sinclair Broadcasting, told The Washington Post. “It was a spoof on the 70s that just went wrong.”
While the reporters were suspended, Nick Genty, the station’s longtime news director, was fired, according to The Post.
“KATV-7 apologies (sic) for the poor judgement (sic) of some members of our news team. Understanding the severity of the situation, we have taken swift action to address it,” Seabers said in a statement to the Arkansas Times.
“We apologize to all viewers who were rightfully offended by the segment and we promise to enact and enforce new measures to prevent future incidents from occurring,” he continued. “We remain committed to serving the dynamic and diverse community of Little Rock.”
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