Former KSAT meteorologist posts ‘sexist’ defense of sports director
Former KSAT meteorologist Steve Browne developed a fan base while he was on the air that was humored by his colorful weather commentary and his love of gardening. Browne’s popularity continued well after he retired in 2018 after 26 years with the TV station.
He is testing his popularity with a sexist Facebook post on Tuesday that blames women for the resignation of his former colleague, Greg Simmons, who is accused of driving under the influence. Simmons, who was the station’s sports director, resigned three days after he was arrested.
In the social media post, Browne said that in his 26 years at KSAT, he saw “several examples of anchors making the same dumb mistake but it did not end their career.”
He then suggests it was because the management at the TV station was all male in the past, but “now that authority is dominated by women.”
The station’s prior leadership ruled by “humanitarian principles,” he said.
Of the news station’s 12 producers, seven are women — but KSAT’S current newsroom leaders are men. Mario Orellana is the news director, and Sean Talbot is the assistant news director.
Orellana did not respond to a request for comment.
At the time Browne retired, KSAT’S news director was Bernice
Kearney-bonner. Kearneybonner worked with Browne during his long tenure at the station as a producer and assistant news director. Kearney-bonner left the station in November 2022 and is now the news director at KPRC in Houston.
Browne also questioned whether Dan Cook, the legendary sports writer for the San Antonio Express-news who went on to a long career at KENS 5, would be fired today for using his famous catchphrase. Cook retired from KENS 5 in 2000 and died in 2008.
“Dan Cook coined the phrase, ‘it’s not over until the fat lady sings,’ ” Browne said on Facebook. “Would that lady take him off the air if Dan said (the) same (thing) today? I’m not sure.”
Browne did not return a request
for comment.
Of the news station’s 12 producers, seven are women. KSAT’S current newsroom leaders are all men. Mario Orellana is the news director, and Sean Talbot is the assistant news director. Orellana did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Browne and Simmons have been friends for years. Up until 2016, Browne regularly gave Simmons an enthusiastic “happy birthday” live on air.
Simmons, 67, was arrested around 3 a.m. on Jan. 27 after a police officer saw him driving erratically on Evans Road on the far North Side. The officer followed Simmons for five minutes with his lights and siren on before the sportscaster pulled over, according to an incident report.
Simmons believed he was driving on U.S. 281 and handed the officer his American Express Gold card when asked for his driver’s license, the report said.
In his Facebook post, Browne called a DWI a “serious offense” that “should be dealt with defined objectives.”
“Greg knows he messed up but he has nothing to do with my words or thoughts,” Browne said on Facebook. “They are all mine. I know some women will take offense but I am just writing what I am seeing. Let anyone who has never made a stupid decision under the influence of alcohol throw the first stone.”
Browne’s comments prompted an immediate backlash against him on social media. In the comments section of Browne’s post, some criticized him for making “chauvinistic” and “sexist” comments. Others accused him of reducing the seriousness of drunken driving.
One person commented: “Steve, I’ve always enjoyed you and your informative weather segments. Miss you on KSAT. But, your male chauvinistic comment is extremely hurtful. Shame on you! Greg’s terrible mistake and subsequent job loss is not a gender based decision. Cannot blame any woman or man. That is, except for a man named Greg Simmons. But, he should NOT have lost his job. I agree with you on that. Double Shame on you for your gender biased comment. Very disappointing.”