PITTSBURGH - KDKA television reporter and radio morning co-host John Shumway will undergo an on-air sex change operation during the crucial May sweeps period. Shumway is the first local television personality to have a sex-change since Dr. Renee Richards underwent a similar procedure at Divine Providence Hospital in 1968 and emerged as long-time anchorman Ray Tannehill. KDKA News Director John Verrilli announced the news at a press conference this morning at Gateway Center. “Ever since John underwent on-air liposuction years ago," Verilli said, "viewers have called and written asking us to broadcast additional medical procedures, and surprisingly, the most frequent request we receive is for John to have the sex change. With the upcoming sweeps so important to set advertising rates for the next quarter, now just seemed to be the perfect time."
Shumway, who joined Verilli at the press conference, said he was looking forward to starting a new life as a woman. He even took some good-natured ribbing from his boss about the weight he regained after his liposuction. “I hope you know what you’re doing, John,” said Verilli. “Just because your gut came back doesn’t mean your [gonads] will.”
