Anchor Sue Simmons Released, Twitter Ablaze
The releasing of anchorwoman Sue Simmons has stirred strong reactions from her fans on Twitter Wednesday.
New York Post columnist Cindy Adams reported Simmons, who has worked at WNBC-TV for three decades, will no longer appear on air after her contract expires in June.
Managers at WNBC Channel 4 informed Simmons that her contract would not be renewed, even though the 68-year-old would have happily stayed.
A statement from WNBC indicated that it is "engaged in ongoing conversations with Sue about her transition from WNBC."
The station also plans to "celebrate her many contributions to WNBC and the New York market."
"We have tremendous respect and admiration for Sue Simmons," continued WNBC's statement, issued by spokesperson Dawn Rowan. "For decades, Sue has been a critical part of New York's longest-tenured anchor team in the city and has more than earned her iconic status."
The change at the station arrives as WNBC comes under new ownership of Comcast, which is trying to improve standings with NBCUniversal stations, which it also owns.
Simmons' departure from Channel 4 became a trending topic on Twitter Wednesday, with many people sounding off about the station's decision.
Upon hearing the news, Entertainment Weekly writer Mark Harries posted on Twitter: "Fellow New Yorkers, I hope you all get that this is wrong, stupid, and evil."
Bravo's Andy Cohen also took to Twitter, posting, "I can't picture New York City without Sue Simmons on TV every night. #VerySad #Legend #ChuckandSue #NowChuckandWho?"
"I grew up watching Sue Simmons. She's an icon. Hilarious, smart, the quintessential New Yorker," wrote Martha.
Twitter user Amy wrote, "Truly the end of an era… I've been watching #SueSimmons my whole life!"
"Peyton Manning and Sue Simmons thrown onto the job market on the same day. Nobody could have ever predicted that," posted Hugo referring to the NFL player being let go by the Indianapolis Colts.
The anchorwoman came under fire briefly after cursing on the air in 2008. She apologized shortly after for her inadvertent use of an obscene word.
