Over this past week, a media company has announced a number of layoffs impacting various TV journalists. This includes figures from across the country, from New York to California. Such figures losing their job include an anchor let go after twenty years and another let go on their 40th birthday. One figure who lost their job has also since taken to social media to discuss the story.
Stations From Los Angeles, New York City, & Chicago Have Been Impacted
The media company, Nexstar, has slashed top jobs over the past week among major stations across the country. This includes affiliate networks in Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago.
Recently, it’s come out that an anchor at KTLA in Los Angeles was let go after 20 years with the network. A few of the anchors’ colleagues at the station have also lost their jobs.
According to the LA Times, Lu Parker was let go after spending over two decades with KTLA. In addition to her work as a broadcaster, Parker is also known for being crowned Miss USA 1994.
A few of her co-workers have also been affected by the cuts. Parker’s fellow anchor, Glen Walker, who had been working since 2010, and meteorologist Mark Kriski, who has been with the station since 1991, have also lost their jobs.
Another reporter, Ellina Abovian, had recently shared a social media post about working with the network for over a decade, just as she was laid off. In addition, another casualty at the station was described as a top journalist who was let go on her 40th birthday.
Abovian has also since taken to social media to address being cut. During a video shared on Instagram, she said she was told she and her colleagues lost their jobs due to “corporate restructuring.” Saying that, however anyone wanted to “word” it, she “would not be returning to the job she held for eleven years.” Ultimately, she felt, “I’m gonna miss it.”
The Irving, Texas-Based Nexstar Has Released A Statement
Meanwhile, at WGN in Illinois, the network let go of eight on-air anchors with immediate effect. Four figures were also let go at PIX 11 in New York. This included Craig Treadway, John Muller, Kori Chambers, and Arrianee LeBeau.
Reportedly, Nexstar has cut jobs as part of a company-wide cost reduction strategy. As mentioned, various stations across the country. In a statement, Nexstar shared, “The company does not comment on personnel issues.” The company also claimed that it was trying to work through what was deemed an unprecedented change.
The Irving, Texas-based media giant recently agreed to a $6.2 billion merger with Tegn. Nexstar is looking for savings as television has faced declining ratings due to its rivalry with video-streaming platforms.
TV station groups, as the outlet noted, have been lobbying for the government to lift restrictions that limit them to 39% coverage of American households. Reportedly, they believe that this will help even the playing field with tech companies, which have no restrictions.
Have you been following this story? What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you familiar with these stations? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
