A local TV news commentator in Atlanta has been fired for mocking President Donald Trump’s appearance during a live broadcast.
Bill Crane was fired by WSB-TV after referring to Trump as “orange face.”
Ray Carter, general manager for WSB-TV, issued a statement to confirm Crane’s firing during Sunday evening’s Channel 2 Action News 6 pm telecast.
Crane “uttered remarks not aligned with our commitment for fair and unbiased reporting and analysis,” Carter said.
“As a result, we’re ending our relationship with Mr. Crane, effective immediately.
“We value the trust we’ve fostered for decades with our viewers, and we continue working hard to earn and maintain that trust.”
Crane issued a statement to apologize for his comments that said:
“I offered that it is part of Democratic Party strategy to keep President Trump’s fantasy of a stolen election in play, as well as to keep his orange face looming large as a Bogeyman to increase Democratic voter turnout, even though Donald Trump is NOT on the ballot anywhere in 2022.
“The Orange Face comment was found to be extremely offensive by some WSB-TV viewers.
“Calls followed to the switchboard, as well as social media posts, texts, and emails.
“I’m sure that strong supporters of the former president find that offensive.
“And I do apologize for that, as the comment last night and other instances were not meant to offend.
“Perhaps in my verbiage, I certainly could have been a bit more PC.
“I would like to think part of the reason I have been able to do this for 22 years in a top 10 media market is that I call the hard balls and strikes on either side, and attempt to do so with a bit of humor, sarcasm, the occasional pun, and tongue in cheek.”
“I have worked in senior staff positions on both sides of the aisle and consider many of those folks, Democrats and Republicans, as friends and mentors.
“The ego is bruised, and I am a bit down, but not out,” he said.
