Springfield, IL – Beni Rye Harmony, a prominent anchor at WICS NewsChannel 20 in Springfield, Illinois, has resigned after being suspended for airing a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, following his tragic murder. The segment, described by Harmony as a “non-partisan tribute,” stirred controversy and sparked debates on political bias, media ethics, and freedom of expression.
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What Happened
Harmony, who covered Turning Point USA from 2021 to 2022, dedicated part of her broadcast to Kirk. During the segment, she became visibly emotional as she reflected on her experiences and the challenges facing the nation. She quoted Kirk’s words:
“When there is no conversation, when individuals become voiceless, violence begins.”
Harmony encouraged viewers to engage respectfully with their neighbors and advocate for their beliefs.
Following Kirk’s murder at a university event in Utah last week, many across the country expressed grief and solidarity. However, the tribute broadcast triggered polarized reactions. Some critics on the left accused media outlets of glorifying a controversial figure, while others accused detractors of making light of his death.
Who Was Involved
Beni Rye Harmony
Harmony is a respected television anchor at WICS NewsChannel 20, an ABC affiliate in Illinois operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Her heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk marked a turning point in her career and ultimately led to her resignation.
Charlie Kirk
Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was a conservative activist promoting free-market principles on college campuses. He was tragically murdered on September 25, 2025, while speaking at a university in Utah.
WICS NewsChannel 20
The Springfield-based ABC affiliate is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group. The station suspended Harmony after the tribute aired and has not issued a public statement on the matter.
Matthew Dowd
A former MSNBC political analyst, Dowd was dismissed after making controversial remarks about Kirk’s murder. His comments sparked debates over free speech, media responsibility, and “cancel culture,” especially since Kirk’s death had not been confirmed when the remarks were made.
Background and Career of Beni Rye Harmony
Harmony’s career as a journalist and anchor spanned many years. Known for her balanced reporting, her resignation underscores the tension between personal convictions and professional responsibilities. The controversy around her tribute has opened discussions about media bias, political polarization, and freedom of expression.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The resignation ignited discussions across social media platforms. Supporters praised Harmony for standing by her principles, while others expressed concern about growing censorship and political polarization within media organizations. Right-wing supporters defended the tribute as a necessary moment of respect, while critics argued that political figures should not be glorified in professional news settings.
This incident has become a touchpoint in the ongoing debate over cancel culture, bias, and the responsibilities of journalists in covering politically charged topics.
Official Statement and What’s Next
WICS NewsChannel 20 has yet to release a formal statement. Sources within the station reportedly viewed Harmony’s tribute as inappropriate but did not clarify whether she was instructed not to air it.
After resigning, Harmony stated that other journalists have been penalized for comments related to Kirk’s murder, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the pressures within the media industry.
As this story unfolds, it continues to highlight the challenges journalists face when navigating political affiliations, personal values, and audience expectations.
Conclusion
Beni Rye Harmony’s resignation after airing a tribute to Charlie Kirk has intensified discussions around media responsibility, political bias, and freedom of expression. While some hail her decision as an act of integrity, others worry about the implications of cancel culture and media polarization. This event underscores how journalists must balance personal beliefs with professional duties in today’s charged political environment.