The Chronicle says that a state appeals court has rejected a discrimination suit filed by a white anchor at KNTV, Brad Hicks, who was replaced by an African American. The court agreed with management who said they were concerned about Hicks’ on-the-air style, not his race. Hicks was one of several anchors whose contracts were not renewed in 2003 after NBC brought in new management. He said in his suit that he was more qualified than his successor and that KNTV had bowed to pressure to hire more minorities. But the Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose, upholding a judge’s dismissal of the case, said Hicks failed to back up his claims.