The five female reporters who sued NY1 for gender discrimination and retaliation have reached a confidential settlement with the station that includes giving up their jobs.
Roma Torre, Kristen Shaughnessy, Jeanine Ramirez, Vivian Lee and Amanda Farinacci claim to be haunted in favor of younger collaborators and male talent such as anchor Pat Kiernan.
“After having a long conversation with NY1, we believe it is in everyone’s interest, us, NY1s and our viewers – that this matter should be resolved and we have mutually agreed to separate ways,” the plaintiffs said in a statement released by their attorneys. David Gottlieb and Douglas Wigdor. “We want to thank everyone who has supported us through these times. Please know that the support of each person has made a significant difference.”
From 40 to 61 years old, they complained that a merger in 2016 between the founding of Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications resulted in a significant decline in their careers.
Despite earning numerous awards, the veteran reporters said they pass themselves off with younger female colleagues, while Kiernan retains his position despite having aged with them.
“Their tenure has been dramatically reduced, anchor opportunities have disappeared, major reporting roles have been removed and promotional efforts have disappeared,” the lawsuit reads. “All these opportunities deprived by plaintiffs were distributed to many younger women and men with significantly less experience.”
Prior to the settlement, the group demanded details about Kiernan’s contract and payment package, but a federal judge ruled earlier this month that they did not have sufficient reasons for the claim.
Torre’s brother, Adam Friedman, claimed in a previous submission that Kiernan’s agent had urged her to drop the case and with the argument that ‘Pat is the star’ here.
The agent, Adam Leibner, denied making the derogatory comment.
A spokesman for Spectrum Networks, whose parent company is Charter Communications, said they were satisfied with the resolution. “We want to thank them for their many years of dedicated service in reporting on the news to New Yorkers, and we wish them well in their future,” Maureen Huff said in a statement.