A former California news boss claims he was fired after exposing an expletive segment against Immigration and Customs Enforcement—leading him to sue the public media company for wrongful termination.
Terence Shepherd, who served as news director at KPBS for more than four years before he was fired in February, alleges he lost his job after reporting what he believed was a potential violation of FCC regulations.
The dispute stems from a September 2025 protest where KPBS reporter Alexander Nguyen recorded a live stand-up with a sign reading “F— ICE” visible in the background, according to the Daily Aztec.
Shepherd believed the incident could constitute an FCC violation, alerted his supervisor, Nancy Worlie, and called for Nguyen to be fired. The lawsuit alleges his concerns were dismissed.
The FCC states that federal law prohibits obscene, indecent and profane content from being broadcast on television or radio.
The agency defines profane language as “grossly offensive language that is considered a public nuisance,” though whether language is considered profane or indecent is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Stations found in violation can face warnings, fines or even the revocation of their broadcast licenses.
Shepherd claims his firing was a direct result of reporting the incident and that it violated the California Labor Code, which prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who disclose information they reasonably believe shows another employee has failed to comply with local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
Worlie declined to comment on Shepherd’s firing but told the outlet that KPBS’ editorial vision has not changed since his departure.
Shepherd is seeking financial compensation in an amount that would “punish and set an example of” the defendants.
Many have taken to X to state that if the allegations are true, it raises serious questions about journalistic ethics and editorial standards.
The Post has requested comment from the public media company.
