Should a News Anchor Be Fired for Swearing on Live TV?

It was his first day on the job—and his last.

According to ABC News, A.J. Clemente didn’t make it far past his awkward introduction on KFYR television when he was fired. The reason: Before uttering his first words as a rookie news anchor, Clemente dropped the “F-bomb,” apparently unaware his microphone was already on. All this happened Sunday evening. By Monday, the clip had hit YouTube [Editor's note: Graphic language in clip] and Clemente was looking for a new job.

The television station quickly apologized for the mishap and promised it would never happen again. But viewers, ABC reports, were more forgiving of Clemente than his now former employer. The video clip went viral, as did support for Clemente's rookie mistake. After all, didn’t the vice president of the United States make a similar mistake? Clemente has since spent this week making a tour of some of the top talk shows, including “The Late Show” with David Letterman and "Live with Kelly and Michael."

The Twittersphere lit up with hashtags supporting Clemente, including #KeepAJ, #FreeAJ and #TeamAJ. Clemente himself 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.” 

Just the day before, Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz had knowingly dropped the F-bomb in an impassioned speech following the Boston Marathon bombing. The FCC forgave him, so shouldn’t Clemente be given another chance?

Was the TV station right in firing Clemente? Or should he be given a second chance?

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