The former news director of NBC affiliate Wood TV 8 in Michigan, Stanton Tang, has been fired after issuing a memo to journalists requesting fair and unbiased coverage of LGBTQ Pride month events.
The memo, drafted by Tang's assistant, Amy Fox, emphasized the need for balanced reporting and acknowledged that certain stories related to LGBTQ issues could be controversial and polarizing in the conservative West Michigan community.
The network had received complaints about journalists allegedly favoring the activities rather than engaging in fair reporting.
"We know that West Michigan is a Conservative area in many ways," the memo said, according to a copy obtained by The Desk. "We need to recognize that some stories related to LGBTQ issues are going to be controversial and polarizing in our community.
While you personally may not agree with a certain position, people are entitled to their opinions, and they are our viewers."
However, the memo sparked outrage among employees, who described the work environment under Tang's leadership as "toxic."
One employee expressed concern about the impact of Tang's behavior on the team's well-being and morale. Emotions were reportedly still raw among staff members at the network.
Following the leak of the memo to the media, WOOD-TV's parent company, Nexstar, issued an apology, stating that the memo was not consistent with their values, their approach to news coverage, or their respect for viewers.
In addition to Tang and Fox, two former executive producers, Luke Stier and Madeline Odle, were terminated over allegations that they had leaked the memo to the press.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding journalistic objectivity and the challenges faced by news organizations in providing balanced coverage on sensitive topics.
While it is essential for journalists to report on newsworthy events, it is equally important to maintain fairness and impartiality, even in the face of controversy.
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