Think about the worst first day you ever experienced on new job. Now multiply it by three. Even that horror won’t likely even come close to former news anchor A.J. Clemente’s horrific broadcast debut.
As newbie anchor for North Dakota NBC affiliate KFYR, Clemente opened his inaugural newscast by forgetting his mike was on, reciting profanities and failing to look at the camera. And this was all before the then 23-year-old was even introduced as a new anchor for the Bismarck, North Dakota-based station. Of course, he was fired within 24 hours. Clemente tweeted soon after: “It could have been worse.”
Clemente told media he made the mistake of practicing his lines in preparation for the newscast and not realizing how close it was to airtime. He said the profanities came into play as he was trying valiantly to practice pronouncing London Marathon winner Tsegaye Kebedea. The clip of the newscast went viral and Clemente became the butt of late night jokes.
He began making the rounds on daytime shows such as “Live With Kelly and Michael” and Good Morning America. News reports say the West Virginia Graduate turned down numerous reality television show offers after the incident. Clement soon after took a $2.23-an-hour job as a bartender at Table and Taproom in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
News reports say the West Virginia Graduate turned down numerous reality television show offers after the incident. But he maintains he’ll give the news business another try, reports say.