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By: Mario Mancini
Annalisa Klebers, a former anchor for News12, alleges that her efforts to secure equal pay at the Altice USA-owned network spiraled into a toxic workplace experience that culminated in a mental health crisis. Klebers, a 42-year-old mother of three, says her ordeal left her suicidal, hospitalized, and ultimately derailed her career in journalism.
According to the New York Post, Klebers filed a claim with the American Arbitration Association detailing the fallout that began when she requested a better contract to replace her $71,000 salary. Despite being a praised and dedicated employee, her inquiry allegedly triggered retaliation from management.
“What management did to me changed my life forever. I almost lost my life,” Klebers told the Post. “My children came very close to losing their mother. I felt like my whole world was caving in.”
Hired in 2018, Klebers quickly became known as the “sunshine of the newsroom” for her hard work and positive attitude. During the pandemic, she often handled multiple roles, ensuring broadcasts ran smoothly with minimal staff present. Her dedication earned her accolades and a $4,200 bonus. However, Klebers discovered that colleagues were receiving significantly higher bonuses.
When she raised concerns about pay equity, Klebers says she was met with exclusion, gaslighting, and demeaning tasks, such as correcting her co-anchor’s typos. “I felt humiliated,” she said. “I was alienated from the rest of the news team and blamed for technical difficulties I couldn’t control.”
Klebers also alleged that she was deliberately cut out of promotional materials for storm coverage she led, while a male colleague who missed the event was featured instead.
The mounting stress led Klebers to formally complain, but the situation worsened. She eventually resigned, but Altice refused to accept her resignation, citing an obligation to investigate her allegations. The continued pressure triggered a severe mental health episode in May 2022.
“I had a psychotic break. I was suicidal,” Klebers said, describing how her condition alarmed her family. Her husband, Erik, recalled her becoming “almost catatonic” and repeatedly attempting to harm herself. She was hospitalized for six days on suicide watch.
While on disability leave, Klebers was fired from her position, a move her attorney, Anthony Mango, described as devastating. “Her career was completely derailed. She doesn’t see any way back to an anchor desk at News12 or any newsroom anywhere,” Mango said.
Klebers is now seeking compensation for lost income and has chosen to share her story publicly to raise awareness about workplace discrimination. “This cannot happen to another person, woman or man, in a corporate environment. It should be criminal,” she said.
Altice USA has denied the allegations, stating: “News12 prides itself on providing an inclusive and equitable workplace where employees can thrive and are compensated based on their skills, contributions, and merit. Any gender discrimination claims are entirely baseless, and we will defend against them vigorously.”
Klebers hopes her case will highlight the need for fair treatment and accountability in the workplace. “I did everything asked of me and more,” she said. “This wasn’t just about equal pay—it was about respect.”
Her legal claim with the American Arbitration Association seeks justice for what she calls a life-altering ordeal.
