Fired News Anchor Sues KFSM

Source: Times Record A former television news anchor has filed a lawsuit accusing a Fort Smith television station of firing him in breach of his contract.

Tim Malone filed the suit Monday in Sebastian County Circuit Court against KFSM-TV, a division of New York Times Broadcasting Holdings.

The suit states that in September 2004 Malone was hired by KFSM as “an anchor, co-anchor and/or staff newsperson, newscaster, writer, reporter, photographer, producer and editor.”

Malone, a Crawford County resident, alleges he entered into a contract with KFSM that was to expire in December 2007, but on March 8 he was fired without cause, in violation of the contract. He claims the firing cost him $116,400 in wages.

KFSM General Manager Van Comer said Monday that it is the station’s policy not to comment on personnel matters.

Rogers attorney Kristin Pawlik is representing Malone, who is asking for lost wages, consequential damages — that is, damages sustained as a consequence of the firing — plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs.