Chris May, a KATV anchor suspended over afro-like wig
(Picture: KATV News)Two white television anchors were suspended after wearing afro-like wigs for a 1970s-themed segment last month, the Arkansas Times reported.
Chris May, a local reporter from KATV news, and Barry Brandt, a meteorologist, wore wigs in a segment that announced that a cold front was making its way to Little Rock, Arkansas, which brought the city’s regular high summer temperatures to the 70-degree range.
Both May and Brandt engaged in wordplay that referenced the temperatures mentioned above by sporting looks that were popularized in the 1970s, hence their desire to sport afro-like wigs.
Afterwards, they received criticism from local activists and viewers.
This is beyond disappointing @KATV. I talked to local journalists and members of the Black community traumatized by talent’s decision to wear afros on air. I am more concerned by an apparent culture that gives air to demeaning acts. This cannot continue. @nabj @NABJBroadcastTF pic.twitter.com/abzU4Phoke
— Ken Lemon (@kennabjvpbcast) September 19, 2021
Black female journalists are constantly criticized about their natural hair - by management and viewers.
— Tori Mason (@ToriMasonTV) September 24, 2021
This is as idiotic as it gets https://t.co/ho0KUQnbLq
I’ve read a bit on the “intent” behind this anchor choosing to wear this wig… regardless of intent, did NO ONE in production think there was a different way to make this “joke” about temps returning to the 70s??? There has to be more sense and conversations had, y’all. https://t.co/5DG2yDdVU6
— Dylon Joel (@dancingdylll) September 21, 2021
I’ve read a bit on the “intent” behind this anchor choosing to wear this wig… regardless of intent, did NO ONE in production think there was a different way to make this “joke” about temps returning to the 70s??? There has to be more sense and conversations had, y’all. https://t.co/5DG2yDdVU6
— Dylon Joel (@dancingdylll) September 21, 2021
Simple question: Why?
— Eugene Daniel 13News Now (@eugenedanielTV) September 20, 2021
What was the thought process in doing this? Context? https://t.co/j6Y5UNL1Ll
In conversation with The Washington Post, John Seabers, the vice president of Sinclair Broadcasting (the station’s parent company) case of “bad judgment.”
“It was a spoof on the ‘70s that just went wrong,” he told the outlet.
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The reporters got suspended, and the longtime news director Nick Genty was fired.
In a statement provided to the Arkansas Times, Seabers released an apology for the “poor judgement” of “some members” of the team. He also said that he recognised the “severity” of the incident.
“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. We remain committed to serving the dynamic and diverse community of Little Rock, Seabers said, in part.
