Former WNEM TV-5 Anchor David Custer Wins $40,000 Harassment Suit

Former WNEM TV-5 anchor David Custer has successfully won a harassment lawsuit against his former employer, WNEM TV-5, following his abrupt departure from the station in July 2024. This decision, reached on October 17, 2024, culminates a series of events that began when Custer raised concerns about the station’s operations during a Human Resources investigation.

Custer, who served as an anchor for over 11 years, claimed he was let go after providing truthful but unflattering statements regarding the station’s internal practices. He filed the lawsuit on July 22, 2024, in the Genesee County Circuit Court, naming WNEM, its parent company Gray Media Group, as well as General Manager Kenneth Frierson Jr. and News Director Jayne Hodak Soboleski as defendants. The suit included three counts: discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Jury Decision and Award

The jury found that Custer had been retaliated against by both Frierson and the station in connection with his claims. While the jury did not hold Frierson responsible for emotional distress, they awarded Custer a total of $40,000 in damages, along with legal fees and costs, bringing the total to approximately $150,000.

Custer’s attorney, Tom R. Pabst, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the importance of holding employers accountable for retaliation against employees who speak out. This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace environments within media organizations, especially regarding the treatment of employees who raise issues about internal practices.

Career After WNEM TV-5

Before his departure, Custer was well-known not only for his anchoring duties but also for his role as an emcee at local events, often partnering with his co-anchor, Meg McLeod. Following his exit from the station, Custer took on a new position as the Executive Director of Media Relations for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, where he continues to engage with the community.

The outcome of this lawsuit serves as a significant milestone for Custer and could have broader implications for workplace policies in media organizations across the region. As discussions around employee rights and workplace harassment continue to gain traction, Custer’s case may contribute to ongoing dialogues about transparency and accountability in the industry.