Boston Reporter Sues for Ageism

Lenora Woods

After over a decade of dedicated service, Michael Macklin is suing the station he says gave him the boot because of his age. The 57 year old was a veteran reporter for WHDH-TV Channel 7 in Boston for 13 years when he was let go. Macklin says he saw a decrease in shifts starting in January 2006, after the station hired several younger reporters. The news director at the station says that Macklin was let go because of his lack of aggressiveness, and that age was not a factor in the decision.

Macklin filed suit with the Suffolk Superior Court last week. Randi Goldklank, general manager and vice president of WHDH, says that Macklin’s lawsuit “lacks merit.” According to the lawsuit filed by Macklin’s attorneys, Burns & Levinson, Macklin is seeking court costs, attorney’s fees, reinstatement and compensation.