Suspended KATV Anchor/Weather Guesser Return

They are back!! KATV/Channel 7 anchor Chris May and weather guesser Barry Brandt have returned to the air after being suspended since mid-September.  May and Brandt returned to the air for the 10pm newscast Wednesay, 10.06.2021.  May and Brandt had been suspended for donning afro style wigs to celebrate the arrival of cooler weather here in Arkansas.  KATV news director Nick Genty was fired!!  Below are statements from May and Brandt:

Chris May: “First I want to take a moment to apologize and be accountable for a terrible decision I made when I last appeared on this newscast back on September 16. That night, I did what many of you have said I did. I appropriated a look that was not just unprofessional. It was insensitive, and it was offensive. My intentions were irrelevant. All that matters is how I made people feel. And it is clear that I cause many people, many African Americans in particular, to feel pain. And for that I could not be more sorry. It has been said that questions of race and racism can define people's view of the world in fundamental ways. And on a newscast like this one. It's important that those views be explored and amplified, treated with respect, not ridicule. All of this has led me to more closely examine myself and the station to more closely examine its mission and purpose in covering our entire community. In both cases, I think we've found that we can and we must do better. And moving forward, we promise we will. Personally, I'm grateful for a second chance to earn your trust, and to continue serving the city and this state that we're also proud to call our home. Barry.

Barry Brandt: “Thanks, Chris. And I want to sincerely apologize for my actions. A few weeks ago, during the live broadcast, I made what I believed was a light hearted reference to the 1970s using a prop during my forecast. Please know it was never, ever my intention to offend or cause any harm. This incident has taught me to be more aware of cliches and stereotypes and the damage they can cause. It was insensitive, it was objectionable, I apologize deeply for my actions, and I will work to regain your trust.”