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File #: 210106    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 2/4/2021 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 2/11/2021
Title: Expressing support for longtime Philadelphia news anchor Ukee Washington, and standing with all impacted employees at CBS3, amid reports of gross misconduct at the network.
Sponsors: Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Thomas
Attachments: 1. Resolution No. 21010600, 2. Signature21010600
Title
Expressing support for longtime Philadelphia news anchor Ukee Washington, and standing with all impacted employees at CBS3, amid reports of gross misconduct at the network.

Body
WHEREAS, Ukee Washington has been a staple of Philadelphia local network news for over three decades, starting out as a sports anchor with KYW in 1986; and

WHEREAS, For his outstanding work and service to the community, Washington has received professional and civic awards, including induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Halls of Fame; and

WHEREAS, A native of West Philadelphia, the beloved Washington is known by colleagues, friends, and neighbors as a true professional and role model for the community; and

WHEREAS, A recent investigation published by the Los Angeles Times exposed allegations of misconduct by senior CBS media executives who oversee the local CBS3 network, including allegations that Washington has been the subject of ongoing derogatory comments and treatment by at least one senior executive; and

WHEREAS, "I do believe we shall overcome," Washington said in an on-air response to the article in which he thanked the public and his colleagues for their outpouring of support; and

WHEREAS, The Times report also cites several former CBS3 employees who described scores of workplace abuses, including sexual harassment and racial discrimination; and

WHEREAS, CBS3 is one of the oldest cable news stations in the nation, and the birthplace of the "eyewitness news" format; and

WHEREAS, Washington, and all employees at CBS3 that work to deliver news in the public interest of Philadelphia residents, deserve senior leadership that values their work and promotes a workplace culture of inclusion and diversity; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has been well served by Ukee Washington's professionalism, integrity, and positive character for decades, and unequivocally stands with him and his colleague...

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