Apr 27, 2018 - Economy

NBC faces skepticism on sexual harassment reforms

Axios

Matt Lauer leans over a table while on set of The Today Show — Matt Lauer on set of NBC's TODAY Show. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

"NBC acted quickly to dismiss Matt Lauer, but it is facing a wave of internal and outside skepticism that it can reform a workplace in which powerful men such as Lauer were known to pursue sexual relationships with more junior women," the WashPost's Sarah Ellison reports on A1:

"In interviews, 35 current and former NBC staffers said that while some of these relationships were consensual, some were not. Twelve women interviewed said they were sexually harassed but did not report it."

"Lauer is not the only prominent anchor at NBC who allegedly sought inappropriate relationships with younger women. Linda Vester, a former NBC correspondent, told The Post that legendary anchor Tom Brokaw made unwanted advances toward her on two occasions in the 1990s, including a forcible attempt to kiss her. Vester was in her 20s and did not file a complaint."
"Brokaw denied anything untoward happened with Vester. 'I met with Linda Vester on two occasions, both at her request, 23 years ago, because she wanted advice with respect to her career at NBC,' he said in a statement issued by NBC. 'The meetings were brief, cordial and appropriate, and despite Linda’s allegations, I made no romantic overtures towards her, at that time or any other.'"

Another woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also told The Post that Brokaw acted inappropriately toward her in the ’90s, when she was a young production assistant and he was an anchor. He said no such incident happened.

Editor's Note: NBC is an investor in Axios and Andy Lack is on the Axios board.

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NBC faces skepticism on sexual harassment reforms

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