Meteorologist Who Sued KCBS in 2012, Sues KABC After Not Getting Hired

By Kevin Eck 

Kyle Hunter, a meteorologist with more than 20 years experience is suing Los Angeles ABC owned station KABC for unlawful discrimination in hiring after not being interviewed for an open on-air weather position.

Hunter, who sued CBS along with stations KCBS and KCAl in March 2012 for the same reason, alleges he was not considered for the position because KABC president and general manager Arnie Kleiner and KABC news director Cheryl Fair wanted to hire an attractive female instead.

The complaint reads, “Plaintiff alleges that the job posting by KABC-TV was nothing more than a sham as Mr. Kleiner and Ms. Cheryl Fair had previously decided to hire a young, attractive female for this position – preferably a blonde who physically resembled Indra Petersons.”

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Indra Petersons left KABC in 2011. In the complaint Hunter alleges he was never contacted for an interview when he applied for the open position left by Petersons departure. He also believes “that multiple qualified males applied for this position, but none were brought in for interviews, auditions or given any true consideration for this open on-air news department position.” He also alleges that “multiple qualified persons over 40” had the same experience.

Hunter says he applied for the position that eventually went to Bri Winkler from KAMR in Amarillo, TX. According to the lawsuit, Winkler didn’t submit a formal application and was contacted by the defendants after they saw her on YouTube.

According to his blog, Hunter has “reported, produced and written for CBS News, CBS West Coast flagship stations KCBS and KNX. He has worked at WDEF in Chattanooga, TN, FOX5 in San Diego, KMIR in Palm Springs, CA, and KEYT in Santa Barbara, CA.

KABC news director Cheryl Fair declined to comment.

[The Hollywood Reporter]

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