Jury picks begin in case alleging TV news sex bias

Jury selection began for a sex-discrimination suit in a federal court that could affect television's choice of reporters and news anchors. Christine Craft, a former anchor woman for Kansas City's KMBC-TV, filed the suit against Metromedia Inc., former owner of the television station, alleging she lost her job two years ago because she was regarded as too old, too unattractive, and ''not deferential'' enough for men on the air.

Ms. Craft is seeking reinstatement to the co-anchor position; lost wages and benefits and damages equal to that; $200,000 in actual damages; and $1 million in punitive damages for the alleged fraud and misrepresentation.