font-weight: bold; In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. .clearfix { This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones.
float:right; The views and content on this page are the Sonya Heitshusen | Des Moines IA It has to change. } "The only thing that signaled to me was that it's my appearance.". A company spokesman didnt immediately return a message seeking comment. Two Iowa TV news anchors arrested for drunk driving within one day of } ap photo Sonya Heitshusen is pictured in 2020 in Des Moines, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. "Knowing my partner was leaving town for an extended period of time, I checked one of the firearms, and while checking it, an accidental discharge of the firearm occurred.". .votebox_legend .non_result_row { Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. .non_result_row { Counties | } In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. I vow to listen. The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.. left: 0; border:1px solid #FFB81F; padding-top: 3px; According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa dropped to 40th in the country in pay equity in 2020. height: 100%; Sonya graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Journalism. .results_row { } display: block; While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news On average, Iowa's public schools have received less than a 2.5% increase over the last decade. I read a book many years ago and one theme from the book stayed with me: Setting good public policy is the best thing someone can do for future generations. [1], .votebox { event.srcElement.innerText = '[show]'; We must also commit to cleaning up our waterways. It has to change. .race_header.green { I strongly believe compromise is necessary. This saddens me. A separate West Des Moines Police report said the gun belongs toHeitshusen's partner, a Des Moines police officer. Both men feel less welcome because of their sexual orientation. Iowa has plummeted in education rankings. } I truly believe that by working hard and working together, almost anything is possible. margin-top: 1px; People have also expressed concern that legislation recently passed is creating an "unwelcoming" environment in Iowa. max-width: 600px; They are hard workers and can make a difference.". width: 50%; Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news .inner_percentage.Democratic { Redistricting created new boundary lines that include parts of West Des Moines in . padding-bottom: 8px; West Des Moines police say in a criminal complaint that Heitshusen pulled the trigger of a black Glock 21 handgun while inside her home sometime around 11 p.m. on June 27. vertical-align: top; padding-left: 10px; border: 1px solid #999; Her conviction resulted in her becoming the first woman to serve as President of the local school board. color: white; Women are relevant after the age of 50. Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? display: block; } Rob Sand, who continues to employ Heitshusen as his public information officer, has not commented on Heitshusens arrest. .leg-hnt-flex-column { "Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past. Sonya Heitshusen, a Democrat who challenged Republican Rep. David Young in the 2022 election for West Des Moines-centered House District 28, was charged in June 2022 with reckless use of a. } Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing "softer" feature stories than investigative news, it claims. She will face Republican David Young, a former U.S. representative, in the Nov.8 general election. .results_row td:first-child { NEXT DOOR SAYS HI SUSANS FIRING SWA A REDUCTION IN WORKFORCE. 7 in, Knights top Winnipeg 4-1 in Game 5, advance to second, Brossoit, Stone turn in standout performances as. } } } Heitshusen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Growing up on a family farm and completing three Ironman races, I know the meaning of hard work. .electionsectionheading { I also oppose vouchers for private schools. top: 2px; They should be problem solvers who can work with others to find meaningful, long-term solutions to complex problems. This isnt easy. Heitshusen, who spent a combined total of nearly 28 years as a reporter at WOI-TV, then as a reporter and news anchor at WHO-TV, is now communications director for Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand's office. "I thought, 'I'm good enough to work here but I'm not good enough to be on camera?'" In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. I'm also a good listener. } The strikes left 34 people injured, including three children, and caused widespread damage. } I will fight any legislation to further restrict access to abortion. A year after she was let go, she is turning those skills on her former employer with the lawsuit challenging what she calls a widespread practice of removing older, female staffers from the air because of their looks. display: inline-block; I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the stations history. The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her "advanced age" caused her to need the shot in the first place. He also said his sister would not return to Iowa because of the policies that undermine public schools. Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past. } I'm not just running to make Iowa better today. flex-wrap: wrap; If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you. In court filings, Heitshusen had sought dismissal of the charge, arguing that an accidental discharge is not an "intentional discharge" under the relevant law. Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. } event.srcElement.innerText = '[hide]'; Sonya Heitshusen, 55, of West Des Moines is running for Iowa House District 28, which includes parts of West Des Moines, Van Meter and Adel. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. .top_disclaimer { } .widget-row.heading { font-size: 1.25em; For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. padding: 2px 0; , See also:Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2022. Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV news anchor, said in a. } For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. A year after WHO-TV in Des Moines abruptly let her go, she is turning those skills on her former employer with a lawsuit challenging what she calls a widespread practice of removing older, female staffers from the air because of their looks. background-color: #ccc; color:white; She earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992. Trump's latest attack addresses DeSantis' overseas trips to the U.K., Israel, Florida's Covid-19 record, and polling support for the 2024 Presidential race. word-wrap: break-word; Investigative reporter. I'm running to build a better Iowa for future generations. text-align: center; The lawsuit alleges Heitshusen, 54, was thrown out to pasture because she was no longer seen as camera-worthy, after years in which she saw her male colleagues receive better treatment from management. $('.pastResponses').show(); Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past. background-color: #f9d334; background-color: grey; float: right;, Iowa House of Representatives District 28. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; .leg-hnt-container { Sonya Heitshusen - Ballotpedia } They have a lot of great ideas. color: white; Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? We're now middle of the pack. He can be contacted atwrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at@DMRMorris. Sonya Heitshusen defeated Tom Walton in the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 28 on June 7, 2022. How a bipartisan bill could make it happen, I immediately thought it must be the way I look, Sonya Heitshusen says of leaving WHO, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April of 2020 when the station's news director, Rod Peterson, informed her that the station was exercising a clause in her contract to fire her without cause as a "business decision." WHO-TV is one of Iowa's biggest local television stations where Heitshusen was known for doggedly investigating injustices and holding the powerful accountable. Following the 2022 redistricting, the new District 28 encompasses southeast Dallas County, including Van Meter, Adel, Boone and parts of West Des Moines. I also get my advocacy for education from my mother. Sonya Heitshusen, 54, was suddenly let go from NBC affiliate WHO-TV last summer after 17 years of appearing on camera and was the oldest female anchor in the station's history. padding-top: 5px; display: inline; Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Iowa House candidate Sonya Heitshusen charged with reckless use of a $('.hideResponses').show(); clearInterval(nTimer); Sonya Heitshusen (@newzgirl) / Twitter For nearly three decades, Iowans allowed me into their living rooms to deliver the news. p.survey-response {white-space: pre-line;} Iowa Democrat Sonya Heitshusen on June 7 primary ballot for - KCCI Heitshusen has pleaded not guilty. flex-direction: column; No crime was committed. } position: relative; They need to be accessible and listen to the concerns of their constituents. } font-size: 0.9em; Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men.Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. } width: 100% Is there a story that youve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? background-color: grey; This is hard work but Im up for the challenge. vertical-align: middle; Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. It's hard for me to say which book is my favorite. For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below. } z-index:1; "No crime was committed and Ms. Heitshusen will be exonerated, ultimately. Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusen's firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. Sonya Heitshusen is pictured on July 29, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. letter-spacing: 0.03em; Her career experience includes working as a communications director for the Iowa Auditor of State and a television anchor and investigative reporter. Former Iowa anchor hopes her lawsuit changes TV news - KCCI $('.showResponses').on('click', () => { Heitshusen left WHO-TV after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. left: 0px; This election is another opportunity for Iowans to bridge divides and support leaders who are open and honest, leaders who will do the right thing despite the political fallout, and leaders who will put in the time and effort to reach thoughtful, enduring solutions to long-standing, complex problems. position: absolute; . They are hard workers and can make a difference.. .widget-row.value-only.black { margin: 5px auto; She desperately wanted children and refused to give up. @media screen and (max-width: 350px) { Sonya Heitshusen - West Des Moines, Iowa, United States - LinkedIn I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. State lawmakers approved redistricting maps in 2021 that mean much of current House District 19, which is now . She earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992. .mw-content-ltr td.votebox-results-cell--text, margin-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 3px; Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing softer feature stories than investigative news, it claims. background-color: red; She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
} .widget-row.Independent, .widget-row.Nonpartisan, .widget-row.Constitution { display: block; The lawsuit also alleges that male anchors received higher pay, more vacation time and more on-air recognition for journalism awards, and that they were not judged by their appearances. .inner_percentage { Heitshusen filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against WHO-TVs parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., which calls itself Americas largest local television and media company, with 199 stations. } flex: 0 0 150px; .widget-row.Libertarian { The report notes that Heitshusen had been drinking. Heitshusen, Read More Sonya Heitshusen is pictured on July 29, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. While Iowa women currently have a constitutional right to an abortion, Republicans have started the process of passing a constitutional amendment that would take away that right. }, 100); The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.. Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. $('#candidate-connection-email-117956').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); } We must also provide incentives to attract healthcare providers to underserved areas in our state. Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April 2020 when the stations news director, Rod Peterson, informed her that the station was exercising a clause in her contract to fire her without cause as a business decision. She said she was told the company valued her and might be able to find her a lower-paying digital position, but nothing on the air. Sonya Heitshusen, who previously worked at WHO 13 and WOI, announced Thursday she's running for the House district that includes part of southeast Dallas County comprised of Van Meter, Adel, and parts of West Des Moines. Heitshusen pled not guilty, claiming that the prosecution against her was politically motivated. How to vote | They are hard workers and can make a difference.". Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. width: 150px; $(".expand-all").on('click', () => { I've also heard from family members of teachers. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Former TV anchor charged with reckless discharge of a firearm - KCCI She said she was told the company valued her. a[aria-expanded=false] .fa-chevron-down { display: none; } text-align: center; She sought treatment for infertility in the 1950s when options for women were few and far between. As first reported by Iowa Field Report, Heitshusenwho also serves the public information office for State Auditor Rob Sand was arrested this summer after she fired a handgun into her sliding glass door, sending the bullet across a busy city road. The company has denied wrongdoing and the case is scheduled for trial in July. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.