Miami news anchor Jenise Fernandez's online photos lead to action.

Miami TV Station Enforces Social Media Guidelines After Bikini Post Drama

A television news executive in Miami has dismissed a staff member for behaving more like a social media influencer than a journalist. This decision comes after an anchor shared a bikini vacation post, which led to an internal review of what was deemed “offensive” conduct online.

Bill Pohovey, vice president of news at WPLG, expressed his frustration over what he referred to as “stupid nonsense” showing up on employees’ social media pages. This was noted in a memo that surfaced on the industry site FTVLive.

“I have emailed about this many times in the past,” he stated, “and it seems like we are heading in the wrong direction again.”

Insiders informed FTVLive that the memo gained traction after WPLG anchor Jenice Fernandez posted a series of vacation shots from Fiji, highlighting herself in a bright red bikini while on a resort boat.

However, Pohovey refuted claims that the memo was a response to a single post, saying it was simply a reminder of pre-existing guidelines.

When seeking clarification, he reiterated, “This has nothing to do with current employees. As I said, the memo was sent months ago and is not new.”

Fernandez’s Instagram featured her coming out of clear waters, captioned: “Now I know what it’s like to be in @cloud9_fiji.” Other posts showed her enjoying time at a floating venue and sharing drinks with friends.

Fernandez has been with WPLG since 2014, holds six Emmy Awards, and also has a background as a former Miss Miami, finishing fourth in the Miss Florida pageant.

Following her posts, management reminded news staff that they are journalists first, not social media personalities.

Pohovey commented, “Too many of our social media accounts are being used for stupid nonsense.” He specifically mentioned that dance videos or fashion shows were not appropriate, as they detract from their journalistic value.

He clarified that the station’s newsrooms and sets should never be used for such content. “We should never produce such content, using news sets as a backdrop,” he added.

Pohovey insisted that these standards apply to personal accounts as well, emphasizing that even in personal spaces, staff represent the station and must keep their journalistic integrity intact.

He lamented, “Some of the things I see are disgusting.” The memo closed with a note about the already declining public trust in journalism.

“I’m tired of repeating this, but we are journalists, not influencers,” he wrote, referencing local broadcasting figures from the past and questioning whether they would have acted similarly if social media had existed during their careers.

Pohovey also mentioned how journalism is currently facing challenges, with public confidence waning and terms like “fake news” gaining traction, which only worsens perceptions of credibility.