Annalisa Klebers, a seasoned news anchor from News12, has come forward with serious allegations against her employer, Altice USA. Her claims center around enduring bullying, marginalization, and suffering a psychotic breakdown following her request for equal pay. Klebers, who served as a morning news anchor for Altice USA-owned News12 stations in Connecticut and New Jersey, is now seeking justice through the American Arbitration Association. The case has garnered significant attention, raising questions about workplace ethics, fair treatment, and gender discrimination within the media industry.
The Initial Praise and Dedication
Before escalating her concerns about compensation discrepancies, Klebers had been praised for her diligence, intelligence, and her central role in the newsroom. Her supervisors had even dubbed her the ‘sunshine of the newsroom,’ an accolade that underscored her dedication and invaluable contribution to the station. Klebers’ unwavering commitment was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was often one of the only two people present in the building. Her role extended beyond that of a typical anchor, requiring her to manage equipment and cover significant news events, such as then-Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings. These extraordinary efforts earned her a $4,200 bonus, a testament to her steadfast dedication.
However, despite these commendations and the recognition of her hard work, Klebers found herself in a difficult and increasingly hostile work environment when she discovered significant pay disparities within her team. She realized that her bonus was substantially less than that of her coworkers, who received double the amount. Upon voicing her concerns about the disparity in compensation, Klebers alleges that her relationship with management took a drastic downturn. She began experiencing what she describes as gaslighting and exclusion from critical editorial meetings. According to Klebers, this exclusion was a direct response to her complaints and an attempt to alienate her from the rest of the team.
The Discovery of Pay Disparity
The issues began to unfold rapidly after Klebers discovered the pay disparity, leading to her increasing marginalization within the company. She soon found herself isolated, effectively ostracized from significant editorial decisions and meetings. This exclusion, which she believes was a punitive response to her inquiry about pay equity, resulted in a noticeable decline in her working conditions and professional treatment. The actions taken by her supervisors and colleagues only served to deepen her sense of alienation and professional frustration.
Despite her best efforts to manage the situation professionally, the compounding stress and feelings of isolation began to take a toll on Klebers’ mental health. Her complaint details the burdensome additional tasks she had to perform, not typically expected of a news anchor, including correcting her co-anchor’s typos and working on reporter pieces. These excessive demands left her little to no time to rest or even eat properly, contributing to heightened stress levels. The escalating workplace pressures compounded by her marginalization exacerbated her health struggles.
Increased Workload and Mental Health Struggles
The exclusion from editorial meetings and the mounting workload weighed heavily on Klebers’ mental well-being. She began to experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, and a lack of sleep, which were paired with significant weight loss. The situation deteriorated to the point where she experienced symptoms resembling a heart attack, underscoring the severe impact on her health. Despite these alarming issues, Klebers continued to perform her expanded duties, fearing that failing to do so would risk her job security. She felt that management’s strategy was to pressure her into resigning or reacting adversely, which would justify her dismissal.
Klebers’ commitment to her work amidst such adversity demonstrated her resilience, yet the overwhelming demands eventually led to a breaking point. The scope of her tasks combined with the relentless exclusion from pivotal aspects of her job led to an unsustainable level of stress. She reported symptoms of extreme fatigue and emotional distress, which continued to worsen over time. The lack of support and acknowledgment from her employers only intensified her struggle, making each day increasingly challenging.
Instances of Blatant Discrimination
Klebers’ complaint also highlights instances of overt discrimination, which further exacerbated her sense of being undervalued and marginalized. One notable example involved her exclusion from a promotional advertisement related to storm coverage, despite her leading the event. In what she describes as a blatant act of bias, a male colleague who was absent on that particular day was edited into the footage instead. Such incidents underscored a pattern of gender-based discrimination, adding another layer to her already strenuous working conditions.
The cumulative impact of these discriminatory practices contributed to Klebers feeling increasingly isolated and mistreated within her professional environment. Such actions not only compromised her sense of professional fulfillment but also negatively influenced her mental health and overall well-being. The blatant exclusion from significant promotional materials was a clear indication of systemic issues that extended beyond mere oversight. These experiences highlighted a broader necessity for addressing and rectifying gender bias in the workplace.
The Breaking Point and Aftermath
The breaking point for Klebers came when she filed a formal complaint with HR, but instead of resolving her issues, the response from Altice USA exacerbated her distress. The company’s initial refusal to accept her resignation, stating the need to investigate her claims further, amplified her mental health struggles. This culminated in a severe psychotic breakdown on May 13, 2022, witnessed by her family and resulting in a six-day hospitalization in a psychiatric ward under suicide watch. This devastating turn of events underscored the severe toll the workplace environment had taken on her mental health.
Following her hospitalization, Klebers was terminated by Altice USA while on disability, a move that has since been criticized as further evidence of the company’s unfair treatment. Her attorney, Anthony Mango, emphasized the devastating impact on her career, rendering it virtually impossible for her to return to an anchor desk at News12 or any other media outlet. The lawsuit seeks back pay and damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, aiming to hold the media company accountable for actions Klebers believes are rooted in gender discrimination.
Altice USA’s Response and Broader Implications
Annalisa Klebers, a veteran news anchor from News12, has come forward with serious accusations against her employer, Altice USA. Klebers alleges she has endured bullying and marginalization at work, ultimately leading to a psychotic breakdown after she requested equal pay. She worked as a morning news anchor for Altice USA-owned News12 stations in both Connecticut and New Jersey. Now, she seeks justice and fair treatment through the American Arbitration Association. Her case has drawn significant attention, sparking important discussions about workplace ethics, fair treatment, and gender discrimination in the media industry. These allegations raise crucial questions about how news organizations handle issues of gender equality and workplace harassment, urging a closer examination of internal practices within media companies. The outcome of Klebers’ case could set a significant precedent for others facing similar issues in the industry, highlighting the need for systemic change.
