Fired Award-winning Local Journalist Suing

Rachel Yonkunas is not taking her firing lightly.  

Yonkunas, a local investigative reporter for News 12 Long Island, is now suing the network, claiming she was short-changed on resources and given an unacceptable ultimatum to keep her job. 

The network demanded she take a $10,000 pay cut or look elsewhere for employment. 

Not Happening 

This all started after Yonkunas had been sidelined during the reporting of the Gilgo Beach killings.  

She claims this took place even though her male counterparts were receiving ample resources and support for their assignments.  

Yonkunas explained, “I was shocked, devastated and confused. 

“I couldn’t understand why they were putting me, a successful investigative reporter, in this position. I think they thought I would just accept it.”   

She went on to say she was given the pay cut ultimatum after she tried to address the bias toward the male reporters at the station with her superiors.  

She also claimed that there were times when her stories were pulled only hours before they were set to go live in favor of other stories from male reporters.  

She explained, “High-profile assignments were consistently given to male reporters. For instance, despite Ms. Yonkunas’ significant contributions to the Gilgo Beach investigation, [the story was] assigned … to a male reporter, disregarding both her and her female colleague’s input.” 

Her attorney, Erik Bashian, added, “This case underscores the systemic gender-based discrimination that our client, Ms. Yonkunas, endured during her tenure at News 12.” 

News 12 pushed back against the allegations, stating, “News12 prides itself on providing an inclusive and equitable workplace where employees can thrive based on their skills, contributions, and merit. 

“We will defend against them vigorously.” 

Based on the reports I have read, it sounds like Yonkunas is loaded for bear, so I am looking forward to the fireworks during this trial.