The Worst Career Start in Local TV History
Much as I hate to pile on the poor guy, A. J. Clemente had what has to be the most unfortunate beginning to his career in TV news when he signed on at KFYR Bismarck (North Dakota) by uttering “F***ing S***,” reports the Daily Mail and about a million other outlets.
This occurred last night. Clemente is clearly rattled after the profanity, stammering through an introduction.
KFYR management took action promptly, suspending, and then firing, the young anchor. “I want to apologize for an incident that occurred prior to our early newscast this evening, when one of our employees used profanity on the air,” wrote Monica Hannan, news director, on Facebook. “He did not realize his microphone was on, but still, that’s no excuse.”
Concludes Hannan: “All we can do at this point is ask for your forgiveness, and I can offer my personal assurance that I will do my best to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again under my watch.”
Apparently it wasn’t Clemente’s only misstep on the day; some viewers apparently thought he said the word “gay” when he was trying to pronounce the London Marathon winner’s name. Tweeted A. J.: “I just want to say that I did not say the word gay, I was trying to pronounce the London Marathon winners name Tsegaye Kebede.”
Rough day.
Clemente is looking for work. “Rookie mistake. I’m a free agent. Cant help but laugh at myself and stay positive,” he Tweeted.
singabob commented:
Booked on the "Today" Show on Wednesday and was the subject of great interest on "Live with Kelly and Michael." He is getting his 15 minutes, for sure.
Jed commented:
Michael, he made a huge mistake and should have chosen his words better and to always assume his mike is on at all times, because one never knows in this social media world we live in right now where it gets posted in seconds on YouTube. That's a violation of the FCC code and the station had no choice but to fire him. And to think, this was his first day on the job to boot..and now his last day. Nobody will hire this guy except for maybe Howard Stern.
Jim Owen commented:
Next stop, New York?