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University Daily Kansan, August 18, 1983
Metromedia seeks judge's ruling in case
By United Press International
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Metromedia Inc., asked a federal judge yesterday to issue his own ruling in the case of newswoman Christine Craft, who was charged $80,000 by a jury that believed her claims of fraud against the company.
Metromedia, former owner of Kansas City station KMBC-TV, also asked U.S. District Judge Joseph E. Stevens Jr. to consider whether the damage awarded was excessive. Before he took his case to court, Mr. Stevens heard arguments during the hearing on the motion for his own ruling, called a directed verdict, on the fraud question.
Craft, 38, had claimed she was demoted in 1981 from a position as an anchor to that of a reporter because she was considered by station management to be "too old, too unattractive and not deferential enough to men."
STEVEENS MUST consider the verdict, the damage questions and a question of whether the station discriminated against Craft because of her sex. The jury that heard the case issued an advisory verdict Aug. 8 that found the company guilty of sex discrimination. However, the judge's decision is not expected for several weeks.
If Stevens issues a directed verdict on the fraud question, the case would be handled in such a way that it would not
verdict or the damage award. In addition, if he decides to uphold the jury's advisory verdict on the sex assault charges, he could award additional damages.
The jury awarded Craft $275,000 in compensatory damages and $125,000 in punitive damages. It found the company innocent of pay discrimination.
DONALD GIFFIN, an attorney representing Metromedia, argued yesterday that no evidence existed of misrepresentation on the part of his client. When Craft signed her contract with Metromedia, she gave sessions with a representative of a Dallas consulting firm about changes in her appearance, he said.
Moreover, Giffin said, although Craft had testified during the trial that she was hired solely as a co-anchor, "there's nothing (in the evidence) that puts those words in the mouth of the defendant."
Craft had claimed that she lost her professional self-confidence after she left the firm.
Dennis Egan, Craft's attorney, told the judge to examine his client's testimony, during which she repeatedly said she had told KMBC she would not be "made over." She also testified that the station had assured her of her wish.
Craft is now an anchor at KEY-T-V in Santa Barbara, Calif., where she worked before her move to Kansas City.
ESU president to resign, will take NAIA position
Emporia State University President John Visser announced yesterday that he would resign his position at the university, effective June 30.
Visser, 63, has been president of Emporia State since 1967. Before he moved to Emporia, he was an admin-
strategist at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind
"I've approached the point where I'm
really ready to move on," he said in a telephone interview last night. "I think I've paid my dues."
Visser said he was anticipating retirement soon, and was ready to take it over.
To serve as NAIA president, Visser said, he will have to maintain some affiliation with Emporia State. But he said he did not know what that affiliation would be.
Visser said that his decision to resign also was affected by the fact that he will become president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics next year.
Visser began his career in education as a professor of history. He has worked at Hope College in Holland, Mich.; Western Michigan University
and Grand Rapids, Mich., Junior College.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed Emporia State University." "Vissar said.
The Regents system has worked well and provided good cooperation among the Regents schools, he said.
Visser said he expected that a commission would be named to choose his successor sometime in September or October.
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