Question

Problem-Solving Case: Suspension of a Sportscaster

Marc Giangreco, a longtime and popular sports anchor of ABC station WLS-7, recently tweeted that President Donald Trump was a “a cartoon lunatic” in a “country full of simpletons.” The station, owned by the Disney Company, responded by giving Giangreco a suspension of several weeks that began a few days later when company executives became aware of the tweet, which Giangreco had already deleted. The station’s public statement about the unpaid suspension said only that “Giangreco’s twitter comments are not in line with ABC-7 Chicago’s nonpartisan editorial standards” and called its response “appropriate.”

Giangreco, who appears on two nightly top-rated news broadcasts and is known for his sharp tongue, has gotten into trouble a few times in the past for making unwise comments, though not on social media. Most news organizations require their employees to project an objective stance on the news and to avoid making divisive or inflammatory comments. Some social media users have lost their jobs over offensive or inflammatory posts they should not have made. For instance, Career Builder reports that 18 percent of employers have fired someone because of something they posted. According to the website’s human resources chief, “Social media is booming with networking opportunities and the chance to share your accomplishments. But It could also lead to the end of your career if used incorrectly.” In that context, Giangreco may have gotten off rather lightly. Some believe his suspension would, in fact, be brief--- particularly given that WLS-7 saw a sharp drop in rating when he was off the air.

The suggestion to share only what you would say to your boss or coworkers in person, and nothing you would want to see on the next day’s front page, is still the best advice.

1. SITUATION ANALYSIS: Please describe the problem faced by ABC station WLS-7 regarding sportscaster Marc Giangreco. (20 points)

2. What role did the station take? Do you agree? Why or why not? (20 points)

3. The case stated that Giangreco had gotten into trouble a few times before for making unwise comments, though not on social media. This would make one assume that his previous comments had been made on the air while on TV. How do comments on social media compare to comments on the air (live TV) in terms of the level of seriousness? Please explain your answer. (20 points)

4. Refer to the section of the chapter related to the steps in the discipline process. Given his background, did the station take the appropriate steps to discipline him? Why or why not? What, if anything, would you have done differently? (10 points)

Answer 1

Ans 1.

Sportscaster Marc Giangreco had tweeted that US President Donald Trump was a “a cartoon lunatic” in a country full of simpletons. This tweet is publicly degrading the President in an inappropriate fashion which is  not in line with ABC’s nonpartisan editorial standards. ABC does nor identify itself with any political party or person and has policy of maintaining neutrality in its reporting with regard to political news. The tweet was a flagrant violation of the policy.

Ans 2.

The ABC station, owned by the Disney Company, responded by giving Giangreco a suspension of several weeks. I agree with the suspension as ABC has to preserve its reputation as a channel with non-partisan political views and editorial standards.

Ans 3.

Both comments on TV and on social media are very serious in nature. However comments on TV can fade from memory fast as they are live and not recorded. However comments on social media are present for ever and can be traced easily even when deleted.

Ans 4.

I think the station was justified in taking relatively milder relatively action as the tweet was made in his individual capacity and not as anchor of ABC station. I would have taken a similar action given the situation. As reards to his previous violations i think each case should be dealty separately as per the merit of the situation.