11-17-2008 KMBC LAWSUIT WILL LIKELY GUARANTEE $$$ AND JOB SECURITY The stunning lawsuit by three veteran KMBC-TV9 personalities---Maria Antonia, Peggy Breit and Kelly Eckerman--could cause the ABC affiliate serious image and ratings problems, but will likely assure the trio of a nice monetary settlement and guaranteed employment. The three, who filed the suit in the middle of the station's key sweeps period (which is used to set advertising rates), will likely work out a financial settlement with the station. In addition, KMBC will also be forced to retain them in order to not be accused of retaliation for filing the suit. "It is the best of both worlds for them," says one local attorney. "This very likely will never go to trial, but they will probably work out a monetary settlement and have guaranteed employment for as long as they want. "It's a perfect strategy if they felt there might be cutbacks on the horizon." A source close to the situation reports there was nothing in any of the three women's contracts that ever guaranteed anchor positions or Monday through Friday schedules. In addition, KMBC has by far the lowest turnover of any TV station in Kansas City. The source also said it was a "classic" move that the three retained KC Attorney Dennis Egan, who represented Christine Craft. Craft's suit 25 years ago against KMBC gave the station a national black eye. After initially being awarded $500,000 in damages Craft's case was appealed and eventually tossed out by the 8th Circuit Court. Will the suit hurt the perennial ratings champ? It is too early to tell, but with KCTV5 hot on KMBC's heels, it is a distinct possibility in the future. "Unless the entire matter is settled quickly, it will definitely impact KMBC's brand image and could affect ratings," notes a marketing expert. "There will be a disconnect with viewers when they see a smiling Kelly Eckerman delivering the news knowing she is suing the station for alleged mistreatment."
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