TV anchor fired over abortion petition named chair of county GOP

CURTIS, Neb, — A North Platte television news director and anchor who was fired after helping circulate a petition to put an abortion ban on the November ballot in her hometown has been named chair of the county Republican Party.

Melanie Standiford of Curtis was appointed to the Frontier County position temporarily until a former election could be held.

She was fired by NBC affiliate KNOP-TV's parent company, Gray Television, Oct 3 after the nonprofit news site, Flatwater Free Press quoted her as having circulated a petition to make Curtis a "sanctuary city for the unborn" several months earlier.

"Frontier County is in good hands with Melanie stepping into the County Chair position," NEGOP Chairman Eric Underwood said in a news release announcing the appointment.

Melanie has an extensive background in journalism, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master's degree in International Security and Intelligence Studies, according to the release.

"Most recently, she distinguished herself as the News Director, producer, and co-anchor at KNOP-TV NBC Nebraska News 2; a position she held until she was fired last week by parent company Gray Television over her role in creating a 'sanctuary city for the unborn' in her hometown of Curtis.

"The Nebraska Republican Party not only welcomes her as a leader but stands with Standiford's strongly held belief of protecting the most innocent lives, the unborn. Melanie is a representation of what is needed as a County Chair and the courage it takes to stand for the values we hold as Republicans," Underwood added.