Philly Anchor Says Thanks for the Support, GM Issues Statement

KYW Anchor Ukee Washington went on air to thank people at his station, other stations, and the viewers for their support.

Washington was the subject of the LA Times story that pegged him as one of the targets of CBS O&O President Peter Dunn and VP of News David Friend in making derogatory comments about him.

This is what Washington had to say on the newscast:

And this is the statement released by KYW General Manager Brandin Stewart:

The past allegations regarding our station that have been documented this week by the LA Times are disturbing to all of us and do not reflect the values of CBS Philadelphia. Racism, homophobia, misogyny and hostile work conditions are completely unacceptable at CBS3 and won’t be tolerated. We are all committed to making this a fair, safe and inclusive place to work.

I join the CBS3 team and many others around Philadelphia in expressing my support for all of our colleagues who were affected by these recent stories. In particular, we stand strong with Ukee Washington, one of the leaders of this organization and this city. Ukee is a pillar and a role model – an amazing, talented individual who is the heart and soul of CBS3.

I plan to meet with the leaders of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and other organizations in the coming days. Their guidance will be helpful as we plan our path forward.

The good people of CBS3 have my commitment – and that of leadership at CBS and ViacomCBS – that we will be steadfast and vigilant in our efforts on these fronts.