Pros
Good media market to work in
Cons
This station has a documented history of gender and race discrimination and has become a revolving door of news directors and managers who continue to reinforce the same harmful workplace practices. While a recent rebrand lists “Diversity and Inclusion” as a core pillar, the internal culture does little to create a supportive or inclusive environment for employees of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
There is a noticeable lack of minority representation across the newsroom among reporters, anchors, producers, and even the assignment desk. Currently, there is not a single reporter of color on staff, despite multiple open positions and opportunities to diversify hiring. This absence fails to reflect the communities that make up Kansas City and contributes to viewers turning to other stations that better represent them.
Management has repeatedly failed to address reports of discrimination, leaving affected employees in uncomfortable situations where they must continue working alongside those involved. The lack of representation has also contributed to a disconnect in how the station covers issues impacting communities of color, reinforcing the perception that people of color are an afterthought rather than a priority.
Favoritism and inconsistent standards further impact morale. Reporters who arrive unprepared or without well-developed story pitches are often rewarded with advancement opportunities, while others demonstrating strong work ethic and initiative are overlooked. This double standard has driven talented employees to leave the newsroom.
Overall, newsroom leadership appears to prioritize ratings over employee well-being. Staff members are not empowered to share concerns or feel that their voices are heard, contributing to low morale and ongoing turnover.