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TV station fires anchor over Curtis abortion issue
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — KNOP-TV news director and co-anchor Melanie Standiford was fired by parent company Gray Television over her role in creating a “sanctuary city” for the unborn in her hometown of Curtis.
Her firing came on the heels of a story in the nonprofit Flatwater Free Press that she had helped gather petition signatures to put the issue on the ballot in 2023.
The mother of nine children has worked at KNOP-TV for five years and became news director in 2021.
Shannon Booth, KNOP general manager, told the North Platte Bulletin that “KNOP’s news personnel are not permitted, at any time and regardless of beliefs, to actively engage in any political activity for any candidate, party or ballot initiative.”
Standiford told the Bulletin that she is pro-life but has taken pains to report the issue without bias.
She said she agreed in early August to circulate a petition in her church in Curtis for those who wanted to sign. She said many church members signed as well as at another church in Curtis. Within days, 47 people signed, the Bulletin reported.
Standiford told the Bulletin she was not sure of her next move professionally but is talking with attorneys. She believes she has a right to act in accordance with her personal and religious beliefs outside the workplace.