Fired from corporate media for supporting pro-life stance.
From Stay-at-Home Mom to News Director: My Journey in Journalism
It was just shy of one year ago when my dream of becoming a broadcast journalist came to an end. After being a stay-at-home mom for 25 years, I was hired as a multimedia journalist by Gray Media in 2017. This was a major career shift for me, as I had been homeschooling my kids and pursuing freelance writing and photography. To inspire my children, I even completed my bachelor’s degree in leadership. In September 2017, I started working at the Nebraska NBC affiliate KNOP-TV.
Within a year, I quickly rose through the ranks to become a morning producer/anchor. Despite my professional success, my personal life was filled with hardship. I lost my mother to cancer just three months after starting my job, and in 2019, my 25-year-old daughter and her unborn son tragically passed away.
During this difficult time, I threw myself into my family and work. I pursued further education, completing my master’s degree in international security and intelligence, and starting a Ph.D. in forensic psychology. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
In May 2020, the news director at KNOP-TV left for another Gray station in Mississippi, and in June 2020, I was promoted to news director. I continued to produce and anchor shows, even learning how to do weather reporting. Throughout the pandemic, I remained dedicated to my job, never missing a day of work.
By 2021, I was still juggling multiple roles, sometimes even producing and anchoring the morning show. I was fully committed to my work, to the point where I had a makeshift cot in my office for nights when it didn’t make sense to drive home after the late show.
Living in Curtis, Nebraska, where the KNOP-TV signal doesn’t reach, being a news director didn’t hold much significance to the average person. However, in 2022, a movement to make Curtis a sanctuary city for the unborn gained traction. As an active member of my church and a pro-life advocate, I became involved in this cause.
When a reporter from “Omaha’s Flatwater Free Press” reached out to me about my involvement, I answered her questions honestly. Little did I know that this conversation would lead to my downfall. The reporter questioned my actions as a journalist, suggesting that I had crossed a line by participating in partisan politics.
Feeling pressured, I made a frustrated statement, admitting that I shouldn’t have gotten involved. Unfortunately, this quote was the only thing the reporter used in her story. The article quickly spread, and by the evening of September 30, 2022, I was no longer employed by Gray Media.
My bosses called me into the office on my day off and informed me that it would be my last day. I was escorted out. While Nebraska law allows employers to terminate employees without reason, my former employer claimed that I was fired for “practicing partisan politics.” Ironically, pro-life groups in North Platte assumed I was pro-choice because of my unbiased reporting.
Despite this setback, I continue to write stories on my own platform, with a growing following on Facebook. I am unapologetically pro-life and have received support from the community. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various media appearances and even serve on committees for the Lutheran Church.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is currently reviewing my case, and I await a ”right to sue” letter. As I navigate this uncertain path, I rely on prayer for guidance and clarity. I trust that God has a purpose for me, even in the face of adversity.
Denying the sanctity of life from conception to natural death is denying Christ, and I will never do that. My biggest dream now is to be a beacon of hope and make a difference wherever God leads me. Ultimately, I find solace in knowing that Christ has already accomplished everything that truly matters, and I will spend eternity praising Him alongside my loved ones in Heaven.
What did the journalist learn about the importance of transparency and personal beliefs in journalism?
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In the following weeks, negative articles were published about me, questioning my credibility as a journalist and accusing me of bias. Despite my best efforts to clarify my position and defend my actions, the damage had been done. I was met with backlash from colleagues, viewers, and even my own family.
As a woman who had spent years establishing her career and breaking barriers, it was disheartening to see my achievements overshadowed by an unfortunate misunderstanding. It was a reminder that as journalists, our actions and choices are constantly under scrutiny, and even the slightest misstep can have significant consequences.
Throughout this challenging period, I had to reflect on my journey and the choices I had made. I realized that while I had always strived to remain unbiased and objective in my reporting, it was important for me to be transparent about my personal beliefs and values. As a journalist, I have a responsibility to provide accurate and fair information, but I also have the right to engage in issues that are close to my heart.
As the news director, I understood that my position came with added scrutiny and expectations. However, this experience taught me the importance of standing by my principles and being true to myself. I may have made mistakes along the way, but I have also grown and learned from them.
Today, I continue to work as a news director, striving to deliver unbiased and informative news to my community. I am committed to being open and transparent about my personal beliefs, while also ensuring that my reporting remains fair and accurate. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am determined to make a positive impact through my work in journalism.
My journey from stay-at-home mom to news director has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Through it all, I have learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to oneself. While my path may not have been conventional, I am proud of the strides I have made and the impact I have had in my chosen field.
Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the lessons I have learned along the journey. I am excited to see where the future takes me, and I am determined to continue making a difference in the ever-evolving field of journalism.
