TV anchor fired: A.J. Clemente’s first day as a North Dakota NBC affiliate KFYR broadcaster was his last.
A.J. Clemente was reading his notes, trying to pronounce the name of one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects. He said two curse words in his frustration, not realizing cameras had started rolling.
It seemed to take a little while for him to realize his error. His co-anchor, Van Tieu, began the broadcast, appearing somewhat ill at ease, but attempting to recover. Clemente seemed to still be absorbed in his notes, but when she introduced him, he realized he was on air.
He recovered, introduced himself, and continued with the broadcast, but he later tweeted: “That couldn’t have gone any worse!”
It was a rookie mistake, but even veteran broadcasters have made it, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, told Clemente.
“Happened to me one night on S/C [SportsCenter] when I thought we‘d hit a break,” tweeted Van Pelt. “I had 15 years in the business. You’ll be fine.”
Clemente was initially suspended, but Time magazine reported Tuesday that the new anchor was fired.
Clemente tweeted: “Rookie mistake. I’m a free agent. Cant help but laugh at myself and stay positive.Wish I didnt trip over my ‘Freaking Shoes” out of the gate (sic).”
