Nexstar Layoffs Impact KTLA Anchors and Meteorologists in Several Cities Amid Merger Plans
Los Angeles and Chicago TV News Stations Face Layoffs Amid Corporate Restructuring
In a significant shift within the local television news landscape, several longtime anchors from stations in Los Angeles and Chicago have been laid off. The changes come as Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of these stations, implements cost-cutting measures in anticipation of a merger with rival Tegna.
In Los Angeles, notable figures affected by the layoffs include KTLA’s veteran weatherman Mark Kriski, weathercaster Kacey Montoya, and midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, along with reporter Ellina Abovian. Kriski, an eight-time local Emmy winner, has been a prominent presence on the KTLA Morning Show, covering major weather events such as the recent Malibu fires and the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Montoya, a multiple local Emmy recipient, joined the station in 2013, contributing weather reports and general interest segments on the KTLA Weekend Morning News.
Parker and Walker co-hosted the KTLA 5 News at various times throughout the day, with Parker being a six-time local Emmy winner and former Miss USA. Abovian served as a general assignment reporter.
The layoffs extended to WGN-TV in Chicago, where SAG-AFTRA condemned the cuts, pointing out that affected positions were SAG-AFTRA roles. Eight veteran reporters and anchors were reportedly let go on Tuesday, with the Chicago Tribune noting that Nexstar has been eliminating multiple positions at WGN for several months.
Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President, criticized Nexstar’s actions, stating, “By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news.” He further emphasized the risks associated with media consolidation, urging regulators and the company to prioritize public interest.
SAG-AFTRA also highlighted the ongoing negotiations between Nexstar and the union, asserting concerns about proposed cuts to severance pay and provisions that could restrict workers’ negotiation rights. The statement underscored that the layoffs coincide with Nexstar’s plans to finalize its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Tegna, raising further concerns about local newsroom job security.
Nexstar operates 201 stations across 116 local markets, reaching approximately 70% of U.S. households. Tegna, on the other hand, owns 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, with a monthly reach of over 100 million people through various platforms.
Following the merger, which is projected to be finalized by August 2025, the combined entity will control 265 stations across 44 states and the District of Columbia, effectively reaching 80% of U.S. TV households. This consolidation raises alarms regarding the long-standing 39% ownership cap on television stations, a limit upheld by both political parties for decades.
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook has been a vocal critic of this cap, arguing it is outdated in an evolving technological landscape. Earlier this year, former President Trump expressed support for the merger, describing it as a means to enhance competition against what he termed "Fake News National TV Networks."
Contributions to this report were made by Dade Hayes.
