KYW/Philly Morning Anchor Carol MacKenzie Sues Audacy

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 12:45pm CT

Carol MacKenzie

News KYW/Philadelphia morning co-anchor Carol MacKenzie is taking legal action against parent company Audacy, citing claims of gender and age discrimination. MacKenzie, who has been with KYW since 2003, alleges persistent pay discrepancies compared to her male and younger colleagues. Her suit seeks unspecified compensation covering back pay, damages, interest, attorney fees and injunctions for relief. Alleging violations of the Equal Pay Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, MacKenzie highlights instances where she claims Audacy overlooked equitable compensation.

MacKenzie's allegations span over the years, indicating disparities in pay compared to male counterparts in equivalent roles. Initially facing a substantial salary gap of $20,000 to $30,000 compared to male peers, her efforts to address this disparity in 2010 were met with refusal, being informed that her salary couldn't exceed that of another anchor, Ed Abrams.

MacKenzie alleges the discrepancies continued in subsequent years, with instances such as younger colleagues earning significantly more and a colleague receiving a considerable salary increase compared to her modest raise. Additionally, amid voluntary pay reductions due to COVID-19 in 2020, MacKenzie claims she faced a $20,000 cut while a newly hired anchor received $20,000 more than her.

Further aggravating the situation, an investigation in 2021 revealed systemic gender-based pay violations at KYW during MacKenzie's tenure. Despite a contract renewal offer in 2021, MacKenzie declined, citing the offer as below the standard set for her male counterparts. After negotiations, Audacy increased their offer to align more closely with her expectations.

The legal action seeks court intervention to address age discrimination and calls for an external monitor to oversee pay rates for anchors and reporters for a minimum of three years.

MacKenzie, known for independently handling the 5am slot and co-anchoring from 6-9am with Ian Bush, served in previous anchor roles at WBRE-TV/Scranton, WHP-TV/Harrisburg and New England Cable News before joining KYW in 2003.