Gray TV News Director Fired after Collecting Signatures to Ban Abortion

Just when you think you have seen it all in this business.

Gray Television has parted ways with their News Director Melanie Standiford at KNOP (North Platte) after she was seen over the weekend helping collect signatures for a ballot initiative to ban abortions in a neighboring town.

The station confirmed that Standiford was fired for violating company policies.

Standiford a mother of nine, said she didn’t report on the specific ballot initiative. However, a review of KNOP's website shows Standiford reported on the issue multiple times.

So, she clearly doesn’t understand ethics and also can’t tell the truth.

She told the Flatwater Free Press that everyone in Curtis knew Standiford was a Christian and anti-abortion. In her mind, the Curtis ordinance would be so widely supported that it wouldn’t be controversial.

The Flatwater Free Press also asked Standiford about her involvement with the petition and how that impacts her coverage as a news director.

“You’re probably right, I probably, maybe shouldn’t have even done that,” she said. “But who knew it would be an issue?”

Who knew?!

This business is better without her in it.

Full stop.