More Problems at Tegna's Denver Station
/KUSA was once considered the crown jewel of the Tegna stations, but things are changing fast.
Back in March, former KUSA Reporter Lori Lizarraga talked about what she perceived as KUSA’s Latina problem.
Well, it might be that KUSA has a problem with women in general.
Westword reports that according to eight past and present KUSA employees, the station can be a hostile workplace, particularly for young women journalists. While their experiences varied, the employees described a culture in which disrespect is commonplace and they found little support. They said that they're treated as if they're disposable, and can be tossed aside if they express concerns since managers — both females and males — know there are many other fledging reporters who will eagerly take their place.
KUSA News Director Megan Jurgemeyer pushes back on some of these assertions. But, she acknowledges, "We’ve spent a lot of time reflecting, talking to journalists who’ve been here a long time and those who’ve recently joined. Through those conversations, we’ve recognized that a newsroom with standards like ours can be a little intimidating to someone just joining us. For that reason, we’ve put some serious thought into how we can be more welcoming and supportive to new hires."
The sources who spoke with Westword for this story also pointed to the challenges faced by journalists of color at KUSA, including the perception that they are not being given an equal opportunity to advance at the station. But an alleged bias against young women journalists regardless of ethnicity was a regular theme as well.
"We have taken steps to build a more diverse and inclusive newsroom, listening to our employees and ensuring we have the training and culture in place so that our journalists can come to work and feel heard and be their true selves," Jurgemeyer explains. "
