Nexstar executives face trial in wrongful termination lawsuit

A federal judge has scheduled a trial for former WOOD-TV news executives Stanton Tang and Amy Fox, who are suing Nexstar Media Group for wrongful termination and defamation.

The legal dispute stems from a 2023 incident in which Tang and Fox were fired following the circulation of a controversial memo regarding Pride Month coverage. The memo urged reporters to reduce coverage of Pride Month events in Grand Rapids to avoid inflaming conservative viewers. Tang later stated his views were influenced by his church.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker has set jury selection to begin on October 6. The court has established a strict daily schedule, with proceedings running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and no scheduled lunch breaks.