*graphic video attached*

https://youtu.be/YKuCwP2Bk_o

As Fox 4 Kansas City viewers we have noticed a troubling pattern of behavior from News Anchor Mark Alford. On numerous occasions over the course of past month beginning on August, 20th reports began circulating online of troubling comments made by Mr. Alford, both on Fox 4 Kansas City's station, and on Mr. Alford's personal Instagram (which is also used to promote his work on Fox 4 Kansas City). These troubling comments included Mr. Alford mocking environmentalists in regards to a community banning balloons, stating sarcastically that "environmentalists ruin all the fun". These comments were not only unprofessional on Mr. Alford's behalf but they were seemingly targeted at a large portion of Fox 4's audience, as Kansas City runs one of the most successful curbside recycling programs in the country. Rather than apologizing for his comments, Mr. Alford seemingly became antagonistic when faced with rightful criticism on social media. As Fox 4 viewers we understand what an important element of viewer interaction Fox 4 considers social media, thus making Mr. Alford's behavior further troubling, as he continued to show little regard for his employer's audience.

In addition to these comments, Mr. Alford proceeded to mock those were supportive of PETA's (the people for the ethical treatment of animals) successful attempt to portray the animals featured on Nabisco's brand of animal crackers in a more humane manner. This issue (seemingly over Mr. Alford's comprehension level) was considered important to the majority of the Fox 4 Kansas City audience because the crackers in question are mainly consumed by children and by portraying the animals in a humane manner, Nabisco will help those same children develop both the empathy and sensitivity in which will prevent them from developing the same issues Mr. Alford is seemingly suffering from as he repeatedly shown little to no regard for those around him on numerous occasions Studies show that humane relationships with animals often play a vital role in the development of children. When again faced with the proper criticism Mr. Alford again proceeded to alienate his employer's audience on social media, in addition to in the studio. In a different on-air segment Mr. Alford proceeded to use the Fox 4 studio to taunt the Fox 4 audience by pointing to several pieces of "meat" on the grill and then sarcastically stating that "these animals made it out of their cages" as he then proceeded to name the animals in question with an extremely condescending and enthusiastic tone. In the days following Mr. Alford has proceeded to continue to challenge and mock the Fox 4 Kansas City audience on social media directly, going as far as reposting videos of animals which have been killed to be displayed via taxidermy, a practice a large portion of the Fox 4 audience considers unsettling.

Upon further research, Mr. Alford's disregard for not only Fox 4's audience but for the ethical treatment of animals, goes back as far as his presence on his (Fox branded) Instagram. As even more deeply troubling videos were found, which include but are not limited to: filming tigers that were being kept in a recently banned (for ethical purposes) manner, his taunting of a terrified turtle (to promote a zoo), and most disturbingly a (attached in this petition) graphic video of a slaughtered pig in which Mr. Alford seemingly mocks the squealing sounds that terrified animal made in his or her final moments, again showing Mr. Alford seemingly taking pleasure in the suffering of animals. Mr. Alford's most recent attack on those animal concerned with the humane treatment of animals occurred on the week of September 1'st. In the instance Mr. alfird was handing out pieces of "beef" to other members of the Fox 4 staff when he began mimicking the sounds a cow, and stated that "this animal has been dead for awhile" when another anchor expressed displeasure in his behavior.

In closing, Mark Alford's views and opinions not only do not reflect the vast majority or Fox 4 viewers, but they are deeply concerning as they signify a troubling pattern of behavior which suggests a lack of significant empathy and emotion. Although we as the viewers of Fox 4 Kansas City, and it's Fox affiliates embrace and encourage diversity amongst Fox's on-air personalities. We will however not embrace those who encourage animal cruelty, and destruction of our environment, in addition to those lacking the proper cognitive functions in which enable them to mock these issues. By signing this petition we are taking a stance not only against Mark Alford's behavior, but showing concern for his mental health, as his behavior truly does signify an extreme lack of sensitivity and empathy, which may put those around him in potentially dangerous situations due to the fact that Mr. Alford seems to find pleasure in the suffering of animals, and through various forms of confrontation, both being traits that are often recognized in those suffering from personality disorders such as, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, amongst others.

With this being said, the viewers of Fox 4 Kansas City and it's Fox Affiliates are asking that Fox 4 please address this troubling pattern of behavior, so that we can continue to support the network (and its affiliates) as we are choosing not to support a network in which fails to do so.

Sincerely,

The Fox 4 Kansas City Viewers