Critic of 'Obese' Anchor Stands By His Words

Believes WKBT anchor Livingston can use her public position to influence health in La Crosse market

Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/3/2012 2:21:24 PM

Kenneth Krause, an occasional viewer of WKBT La Crosse, sparked a firestorm when he sent an email to the station, criticizing veteran morning anchor Jennifer Livingston for being a poor role model because she is overweight. After Livingston's husband, fellow WKBT anchor Mike Thompson, posted the email on his Facebook page Sept. 28, Livingston was overwhelmed by the public's support.

"She's lovely, smart, articulate," posted one Judith Gervais. "Shame on you Mr. Krause. Shame."

Livingston addressed Krause's letter, which read in part, "Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular," on air Oct. 2 in an emotional 4-minute segment.

Krause was invited to appear on WKBT, but declined. He issued a statement instead.

"Given this country's present epidemic of obesity and the many truly horrible diseases related thereto, and considering Jennifer Livingston's fortuitous position in the community, I hope she will finally take advantage of a rare and golden opportunity to influence the health and psychological well-being of Coulee Region children by transforming herself for all of her viewers to see over the next year, and, to that end, I would be absolutely pleased to offer Jennifer any advice or support she would be willing to accept," he said. 

Livingston made the rounds of the networks' morning news shows Oct. 3.