In recent news, a prominent news anchor associated with New York’s WABC 7 has found himself in hot water after making an “off-color” remark during a live broadcast. According to sources familiar with the incident, the anchor, who was part of the Eyewitness News This Morning team, made a controversial comment while unknowingly wearing a microphone, leading to its unintended recording. Page Six was the first to report that the co-anchor’s employment was terminated due to the remark made on the hot microphone.
Following the unfortunate incident, Ken Rosato, the news anchor in question, now finds himself seeking new opportunities in the broadcasting industry. Sources close to the matter reveal that Rosato inadvertently uttered something highly inappropriate while the microphone was still active. Unfortunately, his words were picked up, and individuals within earshot heard what was said.
Insiders who provided insights to Page Six shed light on the situation, confirming that the journalist was swiftly dismissed once his words became audible through the microphone. While the exact content of Rosato’s remark remains undisclosed, it is described as being deeply troubling and utterly unfit for public expression, let alone through an open microphone.
Subsequently, the media outlet disclosed that Rosato had directed an offensive term towards his co-anchor, Shirleen Allicot, resulting in his immediate termination. Upon uttering the derogatory word into the microphone, he was “fired for cause” and promptly escorted out of the studio.
Following Rosato’s dismissal for his derogatory comment towards his co-anchor, fellow morning show hosts Michelle Charlesworth, Heather O’Rourke, and Sam Champion were individually informed of the situation. Rosato officially parted ways with the station on May 12, 2023, and is likely to face challenges when it comes to securing future employment within the broadcast industry. Each of his colleagues was discreetly notified about his termination, one by one, in a respectful manner.
Later that same day, the station’s general manager sent an email to the entire staff, formally announcing Rosato’s departure from WABC. The message concluded with a note of gratitude, stating, “We thank him for his years of service.”
Fans of the morning show were left in disbelief by the comment made by the co-anchor towards Allicot. Their reactions flooded social media platforms, with Instagram being a popular outlet for their sentiments. Supporters of Rosato questioned the severity of his termination and voiced their disagreement with the decision.
Curiosity arose immediately after Rosato’s firing, with speculations that his comment may have contained a racial slur. In response, his representative released a statement clarifying that the notion of a racial slur being involved was entirely baseless. The statement emphasized Rosato’s 20-year commitment to WABC, highlighting his consistent support for equality and refuting any accusations of racial insensitivity.
Now, we turn the question to you: Do you believe Ken Rosato’s termination was justified?
