Group Raises Concerns Over CBS O&O (Patreon)

The Baltimore Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) has publicly expressed "deep concern and disappointment" over a formal complaint alleging leadership failures, a toxic work environment, and mistreatment of several Black journalists at WJZ-TV, the CBS-owned-and-operated (O&O) station in Baltimore, Maryland.

The BABJ is calling for an independent, third-party review of the newsroom's culture and management, specifically citing General Manager Kathy Hostetter and News Director Tanya Black.

Key Allegations and Turnover

The claims originate from "The WJZ Accountability Coalition," a group of current and former WJZ employees who submitted detailed memos to the BABJ. According to the press release, these memos document:

• An ongoing pattern of fear and retaliation.

• Racial and professional inequities and diminishing morale.

• Inconsistent communication, favoritism, and uneven workloads.

• Unsanitary work conditions.

• A failure to protect, advance, and retain Black journalists.

The BABJ release states that since 2022, more than two dozen employees have exited WJZ under the current leadership structure, a turnover rate the association argues "underscores the depth of instability." While acknowledging industry-wide reductions, the BABJ asserts the volume and pattern of departures at WJZ "reflect deeper cultural and managerial failures that cannot be explained by layoffs alone."

Sexual Harassment Claim and Lack of Accountability

The coalition's claims also include allegations of sexual harassment involving a longtime on-air figure. Employees said the individual's conduct was previously the subject of an internal investigation that "failed to bring accountability." The handling of this matter, they argue, "reinforced a broader pattern of broken promises and selective enforcement" that has eroded trust.

The association emphasizes that the concerns—especially the lack of retention and advancement for Black journalists—represent a "serious breach of trust with the Baltimore community," where viewers have noted the "alarming turnover" of local, diverse talent.

BABJ Calls for Immediate Action

With the support of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the BABJ is demanding an immediate meeting with WJZ leadership to address the failures and restore staff and community confidence.

The association has advocated for a six-point plan, including:

• Independent third-party review of WJZ newsroom culture and HR processes.

• Independent leadership audit focusing on management conduct.

• Restorative measures for affected employees, such as counseling and career-rebuilding opportunities.

• Leadership training or reassignment for individuals whose practices foster a hostile environment.

The BABJ concluded its statement with a direct message to WJZ senior leadership: "We do not take these claims lightly. We expect a timely and transparent response; continued silence will not be seen as safety, but as complacency." The organization promised to pursue further advocacy measures until "meaningful accountability and reform are achieved."