ABC7 news anchor Ken Rosato fired after 20 years at network because of on-air comment

ABC7 has let go of its star anchor Ken Rosato after he made a controversial remark that was captured on his microphone

UPDATED MAY 13, 2023

Ken Rosato was reportedly fired from ABC7 for a remark he made on his microphone (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ABC7, which serves as the West Coast flagship of the ABC Network, has reportedly fired a long-serving employee of the company. Ken Rosato, who worked alongside legendary news reporter, Sam Champion, has been let go without any warning after a comment he made was picked up by a microphone on him. Rosato had worked for 20 years at ABC7 and had reported on crucial matters in a career that spanned just over two decades.

Rosato is a known face and a reputed anchor in the local news community and the news came as a shock to everyone who didn’t see him the next day during the live broadcast. He was best known for covering New York City and made a name by anchoring 'Eyewitness News This Morning’ for the network. However, what was it that led ABC7 to fire one of their stalwarts?

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What did Ken Rosato say?

While nobody has nay clue about what Rosato said that caused him to get fired, some sources reportedly said his microphone picked up a "racial slur," which did not sit well with the executives. However, this is all speculative as his representative has denied all the allegations. "Being fired for any racial slur is 100 percent inaccurate and untrue,” the spokesperson told Page six, adding, “Ken Rosato had a benchmark of 20 years at WABC of supporting all equality.”

After letting Rosato go, the station’s general manager issued a statement, "We thank him for his years of service.” There was no reason given for his immediate removal. His co-anchors were also brought in for questioning by the management but even they were not informed about the real reason behind his firing.

Ken Rosato still works at ABC7?

Even after news broke that he was fired, Rosato's Twitter account stated that he still worked for the network with Sam Champion, Shirleen Allicot and Heather O’Rourke. The network may give Rosato another opportunity in the future to make his case. For now, his contract stands terminated after 20 years of service to ABC7.