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Fired WOOD-TV news directors win lawsuit against Nexstar. A federal jury awarded each nearly $2 million after finding Nexstar violated state privacy laws, but rejected claims that the broadcaster defamed them. [email protected] October 13, 2026 Two former newsroom executives of a Nexstar Media Group-owned television station in Michigan were awarded nearly $2 million each after they sued the broadcaster for defamation and invasion of privacy in connection with their firings three years ago. The executives, former WOOD-TV (Channel 8, NBC) News Director Stanton Tang and his Assistant News Director Amy Fox, claimed Nexstar and some of its executives violated their privacy rights under state law when they broadcaster confirmed details of their firings to reporters at other news outlets, including CNN journalist Liam Reilly. The jury also awarded exemplary damages to both former employees. Fox is walking away with the largest amount of money, with the jury awarding her $2.393 million in her case. Tang was awarded a smaller sum of $1.683 million, according to court records. Discover more Stream Channels Stream News Both cases were heard simultaneously in court. The jury rejected allegations of defamation against Nexstar made by both executives. Fox and Tang v Nexstar - Jury Verdict Support its legal research with a donation Click/tap here The litigation originated from a June 2023 memo that Fox wrote at Tang's direction, raising concerns about WOOD-TV's coverage of Pride Month events in the Grand Rapids area. The memo urged journalists to consider whether individual Pride Month celebrations warranted news coverage and encouraged reporters to seek opposing viewpoints when covering LGBTQ-related issues. Tang was concerned that extensive coverage could alienate conservative viewers, including some members of his church, according to court records. Journalists at WOOD-TV strongly objected to the guidance, interpreting it as an effort to restrict coverage of LGBTQ events. Some employees refused to follow the directive. The memo was initially obtained by the website FTV Live. The Desk subsequently published the full document, bringing wider attention to the controversy. Discover more Mass media analysis Streaming service comparisons Read Daily News Nexstar launched an internal investigation and fired Tang, Fox and two other employees several weeks later. In lawsuits filed the following year, Tang and Fox alleged that Nexstar unfairly portrayed them as anti-LGBTQ and improperly disclosed information about their employment discipline. Their attorney, Nancy Temple, argued that the memo did not prohibit coverage of Pride Month events but instead called for more thoughtful editorial decisions. The former executives also maintained that station management initially considered the memo consistent with corporate policy before changing its position following public criticism. Nexstar disputed those allegations and maintained that the memo violated its editorial standards. The broadcaster publicly apologized to the LGBTQ community and its viewers following the controversy, saying the memo was inconsistent with the company's values and approach to journalism. Nexstar also argued that Tang and Fox had lost the confidence of their newsroom and allowed personal viewpoints to influence editorial decisions. The case proceeded to trial after earlier settlement discussions failed to produce an agreement. Nexstar has not said whether it plans to appeal the jury's decision. Tang now works for a Christian-format radio station in Michigan. In court records filed earlier this year, Fox said she has accepted mostly low-paying positions, including a $23,400 job working for a local non-profit.

Nexstar & DAZN to televise, stream 15 Pacers games. Oct 1, 2026 | TVN Staff Save this article for later! Login or create a Free Member Profile to bookmark it. Nexstar Media Group and DAZN have reached an agreement to televise and stream 15 Indiana Pacers regular-season games across Central Indiana. The games will air on Nexstar television stations and stream free on DAZN, giving fans a way to watch the same live broadcast over the air, through a television provider or on a connected device. The first simulcast is set for Friday, Oct. 23, when the Pacers play the Dallas Mavericks. WTTV and WXIN in Indianapolis will serve as the television home for the 15 games. WTVW Evansville and WCIX Champaign, Ill., will also carry the broadcasts. Nexstar said it plans to work with additional stations in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky to expand access within the Pacers' extended territory. It said more details on those stations will be announced in the coming weeks. For the rest of the season, the Pacers also will be available on DAZN with a paid subscription. DAZN said subscribers will get expanded pregame and postgame coverage, highlights, behind-the-scenes access and original programming. "We are thrilled to partner with DAZN to give Indiana Pacers fans more ways to watch and support their team," said](https://www.nexstar.tv) Matthew Rosenfeld, executive vice president of Nexstar's broadcasting division. "Serving local viewers is at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership combines the reach of local television with the convenience of streaming, making Pacers basketball accessible wherever and however fans choose to watch." "This partnership gives local fans of the Indiana Pacers greater choice and access, by making 15 of the team's games free-to-view," [said](https://www.dazngroup.com) Shay Segev, chief executive officer of DAZN Group. "Together with Nexstar, we're making it easier for more basketball fans to watch the Pacers live, while delivering a richer streaming experience on DAZN throughout the season."