MY COMPLAINT.
Posted by shellysindland on July 7, 2009
I know the word is out there by now that I have filed a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) concerning my employment at Fox 61. All I can say is that this has been a difficult decision for me and comes with great sadness after 14 years at the station. I also recognize that the timing of the complaint is unfortunate because we have all just endured such a terrible loss at the station regarding the murder of our beloved co-worker Alice Morrin. But Alice always said I was a “strong woman” and now I have to be as strong as I can be because not only is my livelihood at stake, but my daughter’s future as well.
I am doing this for my daughter as well as the other women at the television station both young and “old”. I do not in any way see this as a case of of “us” versus “them.” It is quite the contrary. I have come to think of the younger women at the station as friends and truly care about them. What is happening to me, is, by no means, their fault.
It’s just that, one day, they too will also be older and perhaps, mothers as well, and may not be considered “sexy enough.” The simple truth is that such issues should not be considered negative factors in a workplace – whether it is a factory or a television news organization.
For now, that is all I can say. For any other information or comments, please contact my
attorneys Elizabeth Conklin and Gregg Adler at the firm of LIVINGSTON,
ADLER, PULDA, MEIKLEJOHN & KELLY at 557 Prospect Avenue in Hartford, (860) 570-4627, www.lapm.org.
Someone who Cares said
Shelly—I’m with you completely. I urge everyone to read your official complaint. You have been (sorry, gotta say “allegedly”…you understand) screwed by these alleged morons who run your Fox news operation. Your station has fired or demoted a lot of the more respected ones lately and their sexism and ageism is obvious and blatant. Your news has, in our opinion, lost a lot of its respectability lately. Christansen’s firing didn’t surprise us when we heard, either. Best of success to you!..your case sounds at least as strong as Peckinpaugh’s was.
Jeff P said
Talent!
Good for you. Stick to your guns.
BUSTED FOR BAD BEHAVIOR - The Public Interest : WTVC NewsChannel 9: Chattanooga News, Weather, Radar, Sports, Lottery said
[...] From former WCIT reporter Shelly Sindland’s personal blog: [...]
jessica said
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with this discrimination, but Bravo to you for standing up and fighting. You’re a true example to other women.
Best of luck.
john said
GO SHELLY!!
wendy gordon said
You made the right decision; in fact, the only choice you had. More than 20 years ago, Christine Craft at a tv station in Kansas City, Mo was let go because: “She was too old, too ugly and not deferential to men”. It appears the same sexist logic is at work in your case.
As a former Los Angeles TV news anchor, I know your pain and I encourage you to keep on fighting. Christine Craft won her case, but lost on appeal when a conservative judge threw out her award. She won in the end though when she went back to university and earned a law degree. Today she works as a lawyer in San Francisco and continues with part-time radio work.
The saddest part is that almost two decades later, we are still battling the same BS. You go girl…
Dave said
WOW!!! Seems to me that Channel 3 is short on reporters. Especially on the weekend. Keep your chin up! You are a SUPERB reporter. You’ll easily find a job. Best of luck to you! Dave
MJ said
From what you describe and the things I’ve read elsewhere about your complaint, it sounds like your newsroom is “typical Tribune Broadcasting.” Best of luck in your complaint.
Michael said
I wish you the best of luck, Shelly! You’re an outstanding journalist, and you have the support of so many people.
Bilal Sekou (aka Darryl McMIller) said
Shelly,
Way to go. You are airing some really dirty laundry that needs to be seen. News stations across the country are able to get away with what you are taking a powerful stand against. Hopefully, some of your colleagues – especially male colleagues – at the station will take a stand with you.
Hang in there!!
Bilal Sekou (aka Darryl McMiller)
University of Hartford,
Associate Professor,
Politics and Government
News blog » Blog Archive » Lawsuit of the Day: ‘Big Boob Friday’ Is A Problem? Who Knew? said
[...] Shelly Sindland sees herself as defending the rights of all women through this lawsuit. On her personal blog she writes: I am doing this for my daughter as well as the other women at the television station [...]
Rebecca said
Stay strong in your convictions!
Pete said
Good luck with your suit. Janet Peckinpaugh won her case against WFSB years ago, on the same grounds. How management can make comments, with a straight face, that are obviously sexist is amazing, especially in today’s politically correct world.
Like it or not TV is a visual medium. Men get more distinguished, with age, women just get old. A double standard to the max.
Lynn said
You go Shelly! I give you lots of credit for taking on the Good Old Boys Network. As a longtime viewer, I’d much rather see a woman with some life experience reporting the news. I think it’s ridiculous to think that women reach their “life expectancy” in this business when they hit 40 yet men continue onward and upward. Good luck to you. As a 40-something businesswoman – I appreciate you doing this for all of us. Take care.
Linda Todd said
Shelly,
You are strong, but I know this can’t be an easy time for you. I just wanted to say hello and that I’m thinking of you.
Linda
Go Shelly said
As a friend of the Courant, I can honestly say that Graziano is one of the sleaziest people I’ve ever met, in terms of appearance, speech, and general vibe he lets off. I can only imagine that this complaint is censored, not exaggerated. He also knows absolutely nothing about journalism, and certainly the newspaper industry, based on the things he says. He’s going to destroy the paper. God help Connecticut – and its journalists – while he’s here.
Brian Curtiss said
I’m a long time Fox 61 viewer who has enjoyed your reporting as well as Susan Christensen’s for many years and I support you in this complaint. Reading the complaint in its’ entirety, I was surprised but not shocked. Anyone who’s observed channel 61’s commercials promoting their news and seen the changes in anchoring assignments could see the statons obvious push for youth and glamor.
I won’t lie and say I’m incapable of admiring attractive women in their 20’s and early 30’s. However, you, Susan Christensen, and Rebecca Stewart have been and are solid on-air journalists who are undeserving of the treatment you’ve apparently received. The three of you seem plenty enough attractive to me.
Besides, when it comes to news and analysis I value receiving it from experienced reporters and anchors be they men or women. Never once did I see one of your on-air reports thinking “Man, she’s a doing a great job covering the state capitol but I’m turning the channel because she’s not a Victoia’s Secret model look-alike”. It’s understandable that television stations want a youthful presence in their newscasts but they’re mistaken and incredibly shallow if they believe viewers want older female reporters and news anchors forced out and cast aside.
Best wishes to you and your daughter and I look forward to seeing you Sunday morning on your weekly political program.
Michael Pawlyk said
Shelly,
As a viewer, it was quite plain to see what is going on. Your courage is admired and you are a winner regardless of the outcome.
Best of Luck. I will be rooting for you.
Tony Bonetti said
I am very proud of the stand you’re taking. Stay strong and know that there are many people out there who are thinking of you and willing to do what we can should you need us. I would organize a protest outside Fox61 in an instant because this discrimination needs to stop in the workplace for all women and all of our daughters. I’m sorry you have had to go through this over the last couple years, thank goodness you had yoru baby girl there to bring happiness to your life when you got home from work.
G said
Shelly,
Be strong for all women. You are a great role model for your daughter. I am happy to see that you have the absolute best attorney in Gregg Adler and company! Your viewing audience stands behind you.
John said
Good for you!
My wife and I have noticed how reporters at WTIC and other stations seem to be getting younger and prettier, pushing aside quality journalism from people like yourself. Keep fighting the good fight, you are doing the right thing. It is wrong how they treated you and no one should be subjected to that kind of work environment. Like you’ve said do this for you, and for your daughter, she deserves it.
Wilson said
Shelly — know that there are those of us out here who watch you because you are a consumate professional and a top-notch journalist. The fact you’re also a beautiful woman is icing on the cake
Fred D said
Hi Shelly..you are a great reporter. I look forward to your appearences weekly on sundays. I was wondering why you were not on more often as I always viewed you as a trusted source and great person. Stay strong, your are doing a good thing.
I have been following some of the bad things happening at fox 61 and there seems to be a lot of trouble with young girls and the executives at the courant and fox 61. Now seeing your story I bet there are very bad and immoral things going on at the courant and fox 61. The fish always rots from the head first. Hang in there, wfsb or wvit or someone will pick you up quickly. I actually think your too good for connecticut. Why dont you try the boston market…The red sox would love you.
Deb said
Shelly, I support you 100% and commend you for your courage in bringing these complaints public. Watching lately I had no idea why there was a rash of “older” women suddenly leaving for family reasons…family hadn’t interfered with your jobs before! I too have encountered discrimination in the workplace, and know how hard it is to go to work every day, knowing that the odds are against you. I only hope your colleagues will support you as much as your viewing public will, for someday, it may be they will be in your shoes.
cindy said
I filed a sex descrimination lawsuit against a publishing company in the mid 90’s. It took five years to get to federal court-it was risk-and I am always someone who never backs away from a fight-I lost on one count-eleven of the 12 I won.
At first I was sorry I lost-but then the tidal wave hit-because of my lawsuit-this publishing company went bankrupt-others starting suing and they went under (at least in the united states)
So it was worth it but I still pay an emotional price.
Deenah said
“If you don’t stand for nothin’ you’ll fall for anything” – X — ANd you know of course you are not the only one in this industry dealing with this right now. What does age have to do with anything anyway. How disappointing. Hoping for a successful outcome.
Christina said
I am proud of you and grateful for your example. Here’s hoping for the best.
Trisha said
Shelly, the best gift you can give your daughter is the knowledge that she has power to change reality. Perhaps the belt will tighten but there is no price to teaching our daughters courage, strength, endurance and the self-regard to decry that which is unfair, unjust, malicious and illegal.
From a single mom who’s fought the fight
Trish
PS I hated you in the 90’s when you were so young and ‘perfect’!!!
Cindy said
Shelly: In upfront candor I have to mention that I rarely watch the local FOX61 news because the national FOX news is so incredibly biased. That being said, I just completed reading your entire 18 page complaint. I so admire you for coming forth on the discriminatory treatment you have received. How any prominent news organization like FOX 61 could carry out this harassment in this day and age is shocking. One wonders what is now going on at The Courant under the same new management. I know others will say that we are all innocent until proven guilty. I would ask them to read the full complaint. No one is going to fabricate so many incidents knowing the publicity to follow. I suspect this will not be the last complaint. Thank you for standing up for yourself and other women. I know this will be a lengthy and difficult process for you, but stay strong……it will be worth the effort.
Disgusted said
Shelly, I read the complaint in its entirety. How awful for you and for all the mature women at Channel 61. I’ve recently noticed Rachel Lutzker’s picture splashed all over the Hartford Courant. Yes, she is a beautiful woman but is that really going to get people to watch her traffic report? And, I was saddened to see Susan C. go. I enjoyed the 10pm news and now no longer watch it. I applaud you for your courage. Going to work everyday in a hostile environment is stressful beyond compare. You will win this, I am certain of it! Regards to you and your daughter. Think of the valuable lesson you are teaching her by example! You are amazing!
F said
Shelly, good luck to you. I was wondering what happened to Rebecca Stewart and Susan Christansen,now I know. I can’t believe this is still happening. I no longer watch the fluff-filled morning show, nor the news at 10. Again, all the best to you.
Theresa said
I noticed a full-page add for Fox News in yesterday’s Courant. It was a rather large picture of a female anchor (???) and then a small group shot on the bottom. My first thought on seeing the add was that it was, for lack of a better word, inappropriate for an ad for a news team. Then this morning, I read about this in the Courant, turn the page, and there’s the ad again. I fully agree with your allegation of being asked “to look sexy” in the pictures. That full page ad, alone, confirms it. Good luck to you!
Jim said
Good luck with your suit. I watch the news for, well, news. Fight the good fight and don’t take their crap.
I heard you on TIC this AM- I wish you or someone would pursue the reluctance of politicians to enact tort reform regarding health care. Before we do anything else we need to address that. I would love to see you make our Washington reps explain why they refuse to enact real reform because of the lawyer lobby contributions.
I apologize for ranting on this subject in this forum, but I feel this is important and an opportunity to demonstrate the difference between real reporters like you and eye candy with minimal experience.
Francis in Shelton, CT said
Shelly, I am amazed and now understand why the changes have been occuring at Channel 61. I have watched the 10 PM news for many years. As a male who works for a corporation that is dominated by intelligent, professional women (80/20 split), I have to say, this is not tollerated in our workplace. People need to be judged by abilities to perform the job, and nothing less.
Stick to your guns and make an example of them!
Avid Reader said
Shelly, first let me say I’m on your side on this and I hope you win! But you have a tough case. You willingly entered what is essentially a “look at me” business. And people look at beauty, and sexy, and all that. You’re quite the looker yourself and I’m sure that had something to do with your getting this gig in the first place (not the only thing, I know you’re smart and driven and all that, but assuming everyone in your business is smart and driven, the difference maker is good looks). So, the great paradox of TV news – in fact, any look at me type of business, is that when the bloom starts to fade you all want to be appreciated for your experience, wisdom and hard work. But that’s not what gets you the job. New newsbabes are always at the door. That said, I hope you whack ‘em good, they deserve it.
Bill said
Shelly is super talented and SMOKIN HOT. I think its time for the management at that station to all have their eyes examined (and maybe a checkup from the neck-up wouldn’t hurt either)..
Keep up the good work Shelly and know you have alot more fans than you think.
ladyfi said
Good for you! I support you 200%. Men and women will never be equal if this kind of perception is allowed to persist – and so unchallenged. And by doing nothing, we demean ourselves and reinforce the idea that pretty + young = competent.
What you are doing is a gift not only to your daughter, but to all women out there!
Jennifer Warner Cooper said
Good for you for speaking out. Will this never end for women? (I just posted a comment on Colin’s blog the other about the huge gratuitous photos of traffic reporters, etc. that are filling the pages of my newspaper.)
Supporter of Shelly said
Shelly, you are a “class act” and always were. I am really disgusted with the way they have treated you and to think you invited to the White House and no mention of it !! If one of the “younger” reporters were sent they would have put it in the paper and all over the TV. I am getting a little tired of seeing all the full blown pictures in the Courant of the new lineup for the news. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I definitely am not watching the morning news on 61 anymore. A little to cutsie for me…. You are a winner in my eyes and good luck to you.
Andrea Wilson said
Hey- I am so sorry to hear of your problems. This is really terrible. It’s great that you can afford an attorney because at least that will provide you with some protection. Lucky for you, you don’t work for a state agency- otherwise it would be hopeless.
Beth said
Shelly,
As I read your complaint, I like you have filed an age disrcimination complaint with CHRO. I am 51 years old and had many years of good performance reviews working for the state of CT. I left the state 8 years ago to spend time with my young daughter and returned to the state at the Department of Children & Families in January 2008. Like you I had my first negative performance review which got me fired just two weeks shy of my probationary period being over. You give me strength to go on with my compalint against a good old boys network that knows my supervisor gave an experienced worker a fabricated performance review to get rid of her, yet passing throigh many 20 and 30 years old, some just out of college. I will watch your progress closely and hope we can both win our complaint. Good Luck and I enjoy your work.
craig said
I have no doubt you worked for loser managers.
you’re probably better off getting out of the local news hellhole.
but respectfully, wasn’t there a time not too long ago when you were the younger, prettier one replacing someone older?
why was it OK then but not now?
unfortunately, that’s the way TV works…. you can’t be surprised by that, can you?
d- said
Go get them. Hang in there.
Johnny B said
Shelly, this will be long and difficult, will take an emotional toll, it will consume many waking moments. Make sure to focus on each day with your daughter. You are doing the right thing by stepping forward. Corporations are killing our country. Harry Grey dies and we have Graziano who needs to be run out of town on a rail, running our paper and also radio and TV news. Let’s hope for a better day– thankyou.
Keith said
Shelly,
After reading about your plight, I felt like I had to say something. I too am in the broadcast industry (on the national level) and the level of sexism and ageism is sickening to me! As a male, I personally have not had to deal with these painful issues but I see my superiors and colleagues practicing these traits everyday! My wife and I have 2 young children and I pray that they do not follow me into this business. It is an atmosphere that you correctly describe in your lawsuit and a message needs to be sent! Everyone in this business takes the attitude that “sex sells.” I guess it is a reflection of what our society has become.
For years living in Connecticut I have seen your work and have been very impressed. That is what you should be judged on, not your personal life or looks or age. I want to wish you luck and all the best in your crusade for what is right. Just remember, this won’t be easy. It will be long and painful. Stay strong to yourself and your beliefs and remember, you have people behind you who believe in you and what you are doing. Good luck!
Rob said
Shelly,
I must agree with this posting on ctnewsjunkie.com
Posted by: David | July 8, 2009 5:05 PM
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. In reading her complaint a few things strike me that may be troubling for her case. First, these alleged incidents were going on fairly consistently since 2006, yet Sindland files the complaint now, right after she was offered a lower salary. This begs the question, fairly or unfairly, would she have brought any of this up if she were offered a big raise. Also, why was she having “social” dinner and drinks with the head of the station in 2006? That’s just poor judgement. Finally, broadcast news is a cosmetic business, for better or worse, and it seems that a twenty something Sindland, tall with blonde hair, may have benefited from these same standards in the 1990’s that she now decries.
John said
“Would she have brought any of this up if she were offered a big raise?” Don’t deal in hypothetical. She was offerd a 12 to 13,000 pay cut.
Lou said
Dear Shelly,
I am also a communications professional. You have always impressed me as being a thorough and intelligent reporter. Also, a nice human being. You have interviewed me many times.
It is a major shame that Rich Graziano may have engaged in those behaviors that you allege. It is sad that he may have been discriminating against you on the basis of your gender. No one deserves this.
I hope that Tribune realizes that they have a huge problem. First, he is the travel companion of someone who gets arrested twice in a single night for DUIs, second he allegedly harassed you. Although he looks like a convert now wearing his wedding ring, he must come clean on this. I hear that they have a Glastonbury ad agency running the show for him. Stand tough. If you prove that he has been paid for news stories he must go! Gregg Adler is the best!
Male media executives must learn not to be pigs. I hope he is not because I like him a lot.
Regards,
–Dan
Erin said
I hope you (and justice) prevail. If there is any doubt that Fox61, and with it, the Courant, is putting more of an emphasis on youth and looks over news and substance, one need look no farther than the recent web-feature http://www.fox61.com/wtic-rachel-outfit-pictures,0,7261945.photogallery which is “Rachel Lutzker’s outfit of the day”
Jon said
I see how it is. If someone criticizes Shelly you dont post the comments on here. No wonder why all these comments defend Shelly. One of the big problems in this country is frivolous lawsuits. Shelly will always carry this harrassment stigma whenever she looks for new employment. I think she may have shot herself in the foot. The main issue is that Shelly has a face for radio and this is why she is passed over for better assignments, bottom line, looks do matter when it comes to television! Good luck in the future, you will need it.
shellysindland said
FYI JON, I do post the negative comments. Your degrading note is ONLY the second negative comment I have received. If
anyone would like to respond directly to Jon, his email is southernjw3@yahoo.com.
Allen Marko said
I’ve often been somewhat torn on this issue, since for a long time I felt that the cute, perky, bubbly bimbos who are more than happy to use their amply endowed chests and other charms to get news jobs they clearly don’t deserve are the ones who scream foul when they inevitably age and get replaced by the latest flavor of the month. My oft used example was Janet Peckingpaugh, one of the current queens of age and sex bias in the newsroom. When she was at Channel 8 and then when she came to channel 3, she often clearly didn’t know what she was talking about when anchoring, making blatant errors. But worse in my book was her emotionalism and sensationalism, the prime example of which was her tearful promo thanking her neice for teaching her to walk again after she had been in a car accident.
I’m happy to say I’ve evolved on this issue. I now feel that those women are also victims of this system and are often forced to do and say these inane, bubbly things by the men who hire and fire them. Yeah me!