United Press International
Los Angeles – Aug 3 – A Los Angeles newscaster was suspended without pay for two months for covering Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa while they were romantically involved.
Besides KVEA-TV newscaster Mirthala Salinas’ suspension, three others at the Telemundo network were disciplined, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. KVEA General Manager Manuel Abud was reassigned and News Director Al Corral was suspended for two months without pay.
Telemundo executive Ibra Morales, who oversees the network’s 16 Spanish-language stations, was reprimanded in the matter that Telemundo President Don Browne said violated journalistic standards.
In early July, Salinas and the mayor publicly acknowledged they were involved for more than a year. Villaraigosa in June separated from his wife, Corina Villaraigosa, after 20 years of marriage.
Salinas was suspended when the relationship became public.
In a memo to staff, Browne said, “(While) the content and accuracy of KVEA’s newscasts were not compromised, our news policy standards with respect to conflict of interest were clearly violated.”
Villaraigosa said in a statement, “I regret that decisions I have made in my personal life have been a distraction for the city, and I am deeply sorry that I have let so many people down, especially my family.”

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