Legendary anchor for New York’s WNBC, Sue Simmons, was fired after 38 years as a broadcast journalist.

According the Root, Simmons’ contract wasn’t up to be renewed in June.

Originally from Harlem, Simmons has been at WNBC for the past 32 years.  She and her co-anchor Chuck Scarborough were well regarded within the media outlets in New York. The Daily News named the duo New York’s top anchor team in 2003.

Earlier this year, Simmons was placed into the 11 p.m. news shift, after being in the 6 p.m. slot with Scarborough for many years.

Scarborough’s contract was also up; however, he was able to renew his contract for another three years.

Both Simmons and Scarborough are the same age.

At 68, many people would say Sue Simmons has had a career most journalists wish they could say they have.

As a native New Yorker, I grew up with Sue Simmons and she was an idol of sorts. One of the few black female broadcasters, I really admired her. It will be sad to see her go.

Do you think it was time for Sue Simmons to leave? Do you think the network decided to cut her loose her because of her race, gender, or age?

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A biographical film about the life of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson that is supposed to star Fantasia Barrino may no longer have the American Idol winner it–if the family has their say. According to the New York Post, the executive producer of the film, Adrian Taylor, says the family is not a fan of the fact that Fanny is going to not only have another child out of wedlock, but going to have the child with a married man–Antwaun Cook. “The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia. They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.” On top of that, the Post says that makers of the film are pissed with the singer for not telling them she was pregnant until nearly four months in, and at first making them believe she was just putting on weight for the role. Because of scheduling conflicts now that things have to be delayed until after Fantasia gives birth, the director of the project may be forced to drop out. If Barrino doesn’t agree to start her work on the film after New Years Eve, producers will try and replace her. The Post claims producers mentioned Missy Elliot…?

What do you think about the family’s reservations? And who could replace Fantasia?