The Philadelphia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is defending member Rose Tibayan in her dispute with WPVI over a book.

By LAURA NACHMAN
Courier Times

The Philadelphia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is defending member Rose Tibayan in her dispute with WPVI over a book. Tibayan wanted to write about breaking into broadcast journalism.

Here is the letter the organization sent to WPVI general manager Dave Davis dated April 9:

Dear Mr. Davis:

The Philadelphia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is concerned about the recent removal of Rose Tibayan from WPVI's news broadcasts.

After speaking with Ms. Tibayan, it appears WPVI has taken an unfair step in penalizing her when she committed no breach of contract. Ms. Tibayan only researched her book, she says. She was not in the process of "publishing" it, an action, she says, requires station approval as detailed in her contract. AAJA Philadelphia has concerns on two fronts:

1. as a journalists' organization. We find it counter to the spirit of a news organization to keep someone from expressing herself. A stipulation to direct an employee to ask permission in order to publish a work is WPVI's prerogative. However, to keep an employee from pursuing research on a topic seems unduly restrictive (Ms. Tibayan told us your concern about her using WPVI's name in her letters to news directors. She also told us that when she said she would not use the station's name in her correspondences, management still had objections).

2. as a diversity organization. Ms. Tibayan is one of fewer than a handful of Asian American broadcast journalists in Philadelphia. She is a role model to many minority youth. Her presence on-air helped demonstrate WPVI's and ABC's belief in multiculturalism and diversity in the newsroom. Seeing an Asian on Channel 6 Action News does truly link the station with your Asian-Pacific Islander Viewers. Her long-term absence can weaken that connection.

AAJA Philadelphia would like WPVI to shed light on the matter. We would greatly appreciate a response from you and hear both sides of the story.

Sincerely,

The Members of AAJA Philadelphia
Tina Kim Secretary, AAJA Philadelphia
Robert Moran President, AAJA Philadelphia

Cc: AAJA National Office

David Westin, ABC

According to AAJA chapter officer, Mark Angeles, WPVI has not responded to the letter.

A WPVI spokesperson would not even acknowledge that Tibayan was suspended, but confirmed she hasn't been on the air since March 17.

Local attorney Lloyd Remick, who represents several other television personalities in town, has been retained by Tibayan, whose contract with the station is up in six months.

Laura Nachman can be reached at [email protected].

Thursday, April 11, 2002