Bureau Chief
Nov 25th 2007, 06:36 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- A former CNN anchor who claimed the news network discriminated against her because she was older and white has lost her lawsuit.
A U.S. District Court jury deliberated for five hours before deciding Wednesday in favor of CNN, which claimed that Marina Kolbe's contract was not renewed because of her average performance and failure to improve.
Kolbe had worked in Atlanta for CNN's International division for four years when in 2003 the network failed to renew her contract. Kolbe, then 42, was replaced by a South Asian anchor.
"We are obviously pleased with the jury's verdict. It not only shows that CNN does not discriminate, but also validates CNN's commitment to diversity," the network said in a statement.
Kolbe's attorney, Edward Buckley, says his client has not had permanent employment since leaving the network.
"The young and beautiful will do well in the business as long as they are young and beautiful," he said.
The case took four years to reach the courtroom, where the trial lasted three weeks
A U.S. District Court jury deliberated for five hours before deciding Wednesday in favor of CNN, which claimed that Marina Kolbe's contract was not renewed because of her average performance and failure to improve.
Kolbe had worked in Atlanta for CNN's International division for four years when in 2003 the network failed to renew her contract. Kolbe, then 42, was replaced by a South Asian anchor.
"We are obviously pleased with the jury's verdict. It not only shows that CNN does not discriminate, but also validates CNN's commitment to diversity," the network said in a statement.
Kolbe's attorney, Edward Buckley, says his client has not had permanent employment since leaving the network.
"The young and beautiful will do well in the business as long as they are young and beautiful," he said.
The case took four years to reach the courtroom, where the trial lasted three weeks