A Miami TV news anchor flashed side boob in racy photos from a Florida music festival despite her boss’s directive against posting “cringeworthy” social media content — and after allegedly being warned about her online behavior in the past, according to a report.
Industry site FTVLive reported that WPLG anchor Jacey Birch shared a series of revealing photos from the Electric Daisy Carnival in Orlando, prompting complaints from colleagues who questioned why management had not taken action.
The photos surfaced months after WPLG Vice President of News Bill Pohovey circulated a memo warning staff against posting influencer-style content that could undermine their credibility as journalists.
Birch posted the photos over the weekend while attending the Electric Daisy Carnival, a massive electronic dance music festival in Orlando, where she posed in a revealing outfit that exposed the sides of her breasts.
FTVLive reported that at least 10 journalists sent the outlet links to Birch’s social media posts, with some expressing frustration over what they viewed as inappropriate behavior by a television news anchor.
The outlet also cited a WPLG newsroom insider who claimed Birch had previously been warned about her social media activity but continued posting revealing photos despite management’s concerns.
FTVLive said it showed Birch’s photos to four television news directors, all of whom said they would have considered disciplinary action against her, up to and including termination.
One WPLG newsroom staffer accused Pohovey of failing to enforce his own standards, telling the outlet: “Pohovey doesn’t have the balls to take any action, he’s spineless.”
In his earlier memo, Pohovey warned employees against posting content that could damage the station’s reputation, declaring: “I’m exhausted to have to repeat this but we are not influencers, we are journalists.”
“We don’t want dance videos with our staff. We don’t want fashion shows, outfits of the day, or other silly content that detracts from you as journalists,” Pohovey wrote in the memo.
He also warned that the same standards should apply to employees’ personal social media accounts, reminding them that they represent the station even when they are off the clock.
“Whether you are working or not, you still represent the station and must always remember your role as a credible, trusted journalist, not a Kardashian. Some of what I see is cringeworthy,” Pohovey wrote.
The memo was previously at the center of a controversy involving fellow WPLG anchor Jenise Fernandez, who posted photos from a Fiji vacation showing her in a red bikini, including images of her posing at a floating bar and taking shots with friends.
FTVLive initially reported, citing newsroom insiders, that the memo was circulated after Fernandez shared the photos.
But Pohovey disputed that account, providing The Post with a screenshot showing the directive was emailed to staff on Feb. 11, months before her trip.
“The memo didn’t tell employees they couldn’t post vacation photos or other daily life activities on their personal social pages,” Pohovey told The Post at the time.
“We do live in Florida and people wear bikinis on the beach. These photos were tasteful and completely fine.”
The Post has sought comment from Pohovey and Birch.
