Three Former Personalities Allege Age Discrimination Against WSMV

By Stephanie Tsoflias Siegel 

Three former WSMV reporter-anchors have filed suit against the station for age discrimination.

According to the Tennessean, three popular personalities Dennis Ferrier, Jennifer Johnson and Nancy Van Camp all claim they were victims of harassment and ridicule before leaving the Meredith owned station in Nashville.

Meredith denies the claims according to the report:

Advertisement

Paul Karpowicz, president of Meredith Local Media Group, maintained Tuesday that the claims are without merit.

“While we do not discuss personnel matters publicly out of respect for the individuals, it is unfortunate that they have decided to suggest that their age or gender was a factor in their respective departures, or that they were mistreated in any way,” he said. “That is simply not true.”

The general manager and news director at the station’s helm during the time when the lawsuit alleges discrimination and mistreatment no longer work at WSMV.

The plaintiffs allege WSMV “transformed into a workplace where veteran on-air personalities were permitted to become the targets of a persistent pattern and practice of age discrimination, harassment, hostility and retaliation,” the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also claims managers have exposed other talent to age discrimination and ridicule.

All three plaintiffs are seeking reinstatement, back pay and attorneys’ fees.

Advertisement