Omar
DORAL — An internal investigation has been launched at CBS4 after allegations of hostile work environment were made by a producer who suddenly quit and current employees.
A handful of producers and reporters have been called into Human Resources over the past two weeks and asked to speak candidly about the inner workings of the newsroom.
They also were asked about the leadership styles of several managers, and the reasons for months of malaise that’s translating into abysmal ratings for the Miami/Fort Lauderdale CBS-owned WFOR.
WFOR hurricane guru David Bernard and a dozen others have left the station! (CBS News photo)
Three tops managers contacted by Gossip Extra for comments did not respond to emails.
But tongues at the Doral headquarters are wagging at the speed of sound.
Word is the investigation could spell trouble for Liz Roldan, the news director, General Manager Adam Levy and Executive Producer Cari Hernandez.
A source familiar with the investigation says it was ordered by CBS headquarters in New York City after several current and former employees bypassed the local managers to complaint to corporate bosses.
Among them, I’m told, was Jennifer Parker, a long-time and respected producer who resigned abruptly hours before the 11 p.m. newscast two weeks ago. (Incidentally, she’s married to CBS4 sports producer Jason Parker, who’s still very much at the station!)
One newsroom source who asked not to be identified told Gossip Extra that the station has become an increasingly difficult place to work as revenues and audiences continue to shrink.
Allegations include that newsroom employees were told to work overtime for no pay, the lack of open communication with management, and comments to reporters that they “don’t appeal to the right demographics.”
The poisoned atmosphere has been fueled further by difficult contract talks with some of the talent, and the departures of several high-profile personalities.
After Friday’s 11 p.m. news, weatherman and hurricane guru David Bernard left the minute his contract ended.
He told colleagues at his late-night going-away party in Coral Gables that he has no job offers at this point.
In August, anchorman Josh Benson was fired, supposedly because he used station footage on his personal website.
More embarrassing: Another weatherman, Jeff Berardelli, quit at the start of hurricane season and hightailed it up I-95 to West Palm Beach’s CBS12.
And in May, prime-time anchorwoman Shannon Hori walked out and was immediately hired in Louisville, Ky.
The timing of the investigation — smack dad in the middle of the advertising-rate setting November ratings period — indicate a certain urgency from CBS to get to the bottom of the problems.