Two long-serving Oklahoma television anchors have accused their former employer of age discrimination, following their abrupt dismissal from their roles at ABC affiliate KTUL in Tulsa. Mark Bradshaw, who is 69, and Sunny Leigh, 55, have taken legal action against Sinclair Broadcasting Group, the station’s parent company, alleging that their terminations were based on their age and expressing anger at how their dismissals were handled.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Leigh described her emotional response to the layoff announcement in November 2023, stating, “I’m through the sadness, I’m through the initial shock. At the risk of sounding vulgar, I’m just miffed now. I’m just mad.” Bradshaw echoed her sentiments, expressing feelings of betrayal over the decision after nearly three decades of dedicated service to the station.
The anchors were part of a larger group of employees whose jobs were terminated when KTUL merged with fellow Sinclair-owned station KOKH in Oklahoma City. They contend there was no prior indication of performance issues. Their joint lawsuit filed in December 2023 alleges that three of the oldest four anchors were let go as part of the merger and claims that this decision constituted age discrimination.
Leigh and Bradshaw assert that the contract renewals they signed just months before the merger included a non-compete clause preventing them from seeking employment at competing stations. They argue that such provisions were unlawful. When approached for comments regarding the lawsuit, KTUL referred inquiries to Sinclair Broadcasting Group, who issued a statement asserting that the allegations were “without merit” and that they would “vigorously defend” against the claims.
Leigh, a familiar face in Tulsa media, has an extensive background in broadcasting, having covered major national events and earned accolades such as the ACM Personality of the Year Award in 2013. By the time of her layoff, she had been with KTUL for nearly five years, anchoring multiple daily broadcasts.
The day before the layoffs, on November 8, 2023, employees gathered for a mandatory meeting where the merger was announced. Leigh recounted a tense atmosphere, stating that employees were subsequently informed that those who received phone calls after the meeting would be let go. “It felt like that scene in The Hunger Games where everybody is waiting for their number to be called,” she recalled.
The sudden nature of their dismissals took both Leigh and Bradshaw by surprise. Leigh described finding out her own role was in jeopardy during a meeting that left her in disbelief. Losing her job not only affected her financially but also complicated her family’s situation, particularly given her son Nick’s medical needs. “It was devastating,” she said, referring to the impact her layoff had on her household.
Bradshaw’s dismissal came soon after Leigh’s. He was informed during a subsequent staff meeting, despite having renewed his contract just months earlier. The anchor expressed feelings of being blindsided by the decision, recalling assurances he had received about his irreplaceability prior to the merger.
Leigh later secured a position at FOX affiliate KOKI, only to face yet another layoff, which she claims was retaliatory due to her lawsuit. KOKI has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding her claims. Meanwhile, Sinclair Broadcasting Group has stated its commitment to preventing workplace discrimination and retaliation.
In light of their experiences, both Leigh and Bradshaw are keen to assert their rights through legal channels, with Leigh stating, “This was not just my job. This was my career, my profession, my love.” She is determined to hold those responsible accountable, asserting that going quietly is not an option for her. “Even if I don’t win a penny, at least I can give them a black eye out the door,” Leigh added, demonstrating her resolve to challenge the actions taken by her former employers.
As their case unfolds, both anchors have received considerable support from their viewers, who have expressed disbelief and disappointment over the abrupt changes at KTUL. Bradshaw noted that many have vowed to stop watching the station, signalling the significant impact these events have had on their audience and community.