A state appeals court today rejected a discrimination suit by a white man who was replaced by an African American as a news anchor at KNTV NBC 11, saying station managers were concerned about his on-the-air style, not his race, according to the Chronicle. Brad 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, T.J. Holmes, and claimed that KNTV had bowed to pressure to hire more minorities. KNTV said Hicks was replaced because of his on-air performance. Holmes left for CNN in 2006.