Columbus anchor Kurt Ludlow has decided not to go quietly. In June, Ludlow was released by CBS affiliate WBNS after 23 years of service. In his on-air farewell, he promised he’d keep viewers informed about his next moves via social media. “I can’t tell you what I’m going to do next, because the truth is, I don’t know. But once I have it figured out I’ll share it with you on Facebook and Twitter.”
Ludlow’s kept his promise, and now he’s using Facebook and Twitter to launch a grassroots campaign to get back to work. On Tuesday, Ludlow uploaded a video to YouTube, informing Columbus viewers he’d landed an offer to return to local news in the market–but was prohibited from getting back to work because of a noncompete clause enforced by WBNS. “My family and I have lived here in Columbus for more than 23 years. This is our home, we don’t want to move.”
In the video, Ludlow’s attorney, Mark Weaver, says they believe the noncompete clause can be fought in court. But it won’t be an easy–or inexpensive–battle. “This could go on for many months. We know that if we’re successful, Kurt will be able to appear back here in Columbus news.”
Ludlow says he and his wife don’t have the money to wage that legal battle, but they’ve turned to another social media tool–crowdfunding–with a GoFundMe effort that’s already raised more than $5,000 toward a goal of $20,000–that money raised in just one day from more than 80 donors. One donor, Judie Miller, gave $25 and left a comment:
Good Luck Kurt! It is disappointing to hear a about a company who, when they no longer need you, feel the need to bully and hurt you even further.