YES, it's common knowledge that SUE is a LESBIAN. In fact, when she first started with WNBC years ago, she shacked-up with the notoriously BUTCH LIZ SMITH for several months! I for one wish she would stop jumping in and out of the closet whenever it suits her. Her 'hide-n-seek' routine has worn thin.

Recently there have been reports of major turmoil at NBC affiliate, WNBC in New York City. Rumors have been circulating that WNBC plans on making major changes to on-air personalities, including their highly respected veteran news anchor, Sue Simmons. Sue Simmons is now, as she always has been, the premier female local news anchor in the United States. Her long time presence on television for over 35 years is due to her competence as a news anchor as well as the enormous "likeability factor" that she has maintained during her entire career. From her early days as a reporter in Connecticut and Baltimore, to her trail blazing career as the first black female anchor at WRC, the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C., Sue Simmons opened the door of opportunity for every female news anchor who has followed in her enormous shadow. She has set the standard by which all female local news anchors are judged by. In 1980, NBC relocated Sue Simmons from Washington, D.C. to the largest television market in the United States - New York City. Who can possibly forget her incredible performance for many years as the lead anchor on "Live at 5", one of the first major early local news broadcasts in the United States? Not only has Sue Simmons been a pioneer in local news broadcasting, but she has become the most beloved news icon in every market that she has worked. Sue Simmons is respected and loved by millions of New Yorkers for her wit, charm and light hearted personality. Her longevity on television is a tribute to the enormous affection that she has garnered by viewers in every television market that she served. In the New York City market, where she has anchored for almost 30 years, Sue Simmons, along with Chuck Scarborough, are regarded as the most talented and beloved news team in the history of New York television. Last, but not least, let us not forget that at the age of 65, Sue Simmons remains today as one of the most beautiful anchors in television news. To say that Sue Simmons represents the very best in local news is an understatement. In New York City, Ms. Simmons is the single most beloved female local television news icon. When Sue Simmons feels that it is time to pass the baton on to her successor, New Yorkers will shed many a tear and will bid a fond farewell to a woman who has been a welcomed guest in their homes since 1980. Until that day arrives, I am confident that management at NBC will respect the remarkable career of women who has worked diligently for over 35 years in an industry where she has gained the respect, admiration and affection of tens of millions of viewers. /NGS