By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) is demanding an investigation into allegations of racism and poor leadership at WJZ-TV (WJZ), a CBS-owned station based in Baltimore. In a Nov. 17 statement, BABJ called for a prompt review of the complaints and a response from WJZ’s senior leadership.
According to BABJ, concerns include a harmful culture for Black journalists, retaliation, sexual harassment by a longtime on-air employee, unsanitary conditions and major turnover, with more than 20 employees leaving since 2022.
“These patterns cannot be explained by industry-wide layoffs alone,” BABJ said in a statement. “BABJ, with support from NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists), is calling for immediate accountability and a meeting with station leadership. We stand with the journalists who have come forward.”
The complaints were brought to BABJ’s attention by the WJZ Accountability Coalition, which consists of current and former employees.
A CBS Baltimore spokesperson provided a comment to the AFRO on the matter.
“Our station’s leadership has responded to the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists asking to schedule a meeting regarding the concerns raised,” they said. “We look forward to hearing from them.”
WJZ President and General Manager Kathy Hostetter and WJZ Vice President and News Director Tanya Black are specifically named in BABJ’s statement as part of the alleged failed leadership. In their own statement, the National Association of Black Journalist backed the BABJ calls for investigation into WJZ.
“NABJ stands in solidarity with the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) as we review serious concerns raised by current and former WJZ-TV journalists,” said NABJ in a statement. “BABJ has received detailed documentation alleging workplace inequities, retaliation, inconsistent management practices and a harmful culture that has particularly impacted Black journalists. NABJ is now examining these materials to fully understand the scope of the issues and determine the most effective path forward.”
NABJ said that “equity, accountability and fair treatment” are crucial in a time where the “industry continues to face ongoing challenges from layoffs to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) rollbacks.”
“Together with BABJ, we affirm: Silence is not safety. Change is necessary,” leaders of the organization said. “NABJ stands ready to help drive it.”
BABJ outlined steps it wants WJZ to take in response to the complaints:
- Independent third-party review of WJZ newsroom culture and human resources processes
- Independent leadership audit focusing on management conduct
- Anonymous employee feedback review conducted by a neutral third party
- Review by NABJ of professional membership standing for newsroom leadership named in coalition materials
- Restorative measures for affected employees, including counseling, access and career rebuilding opportunities
- Leadership training or reassignment for individuals whose management practices foster a hostile environment