Channel 4 loses 10-20 percent of its news viewers during tumultuous year With the loss of veteran anchor Demetria Kalodimos and a high-profile discrimination lawsuit, WSMV loses 10% to 20% of total households watching news

Brad Schmitt | The Tennessean

WSMV Channel 4 has lost between 10 percent and 20 percent of its news viewers in the 12 months ending May 23, according to ratings obtained by The Tennessean.

The station no longer is the solid No. 2 news station behind Channel 5, a ranking that it has had for years, ratings show.

Channel 4 now finishes third in all newscasts except at 10 p.m., where it remains No. 2.

The drop in viewers comes during a tumultuous year for the NBC affiliate.

► Popular longtime anchor Demetria Kalodimos had a controversial split with the station late last year, saying management left a letter on her desk — with no meeting or conversations — letting her know her contract wouldn't be renewed.

Demetria Kalodimos says WSMV got rid of her with a letter left on her desk -- and no thanks Demetria Kalodimos says WSMV got rid of her with a letter left on her desk — and no thanks

► Longtime personalities Dennis Ferrier, Jennifer Johnson and Nancy Van Camp filed an age-discrimination lawsuit against Channel 4.

► Popular personalities Rudy Kalis, Paul Heggen and others also parted ways with the station.

► Mascot Snowbird lost his voice when the station laid off the actor who wore the penguin suit for more than 20 years, filling the suit now with interns or any staffer free to do so.

WSMV general manager Dale Woods did not respond to an email and phone calls asking for comment. Kalodimos and News 2 management also didn't respond to requests for comment.

A Channel 5 news executive declined comment for this story.

Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384 or on Twitter @bradschmitt.