Mark Kriski and Veteran Anchors Affected by Nexstar Media Group Layoffs
In a significant shakeup within the local television news landscape, Nexstar Media Group has implemented a series of layoffs impacting long-standing anchors in Los Angeles and Chicago. These cuts are reportedly linked to the company’s pursuit of a merger with Tegna, as Nexstar aims to reduce costs.
KTLA Los Angeles Hit by Layoffs, Including Mark Kriski
Among those affected in Los Angeles is Mark Kriski, a highly respected and eight-time Emmy Award-winning weatherman for KTLA. Kriski has been a familiar face on the KTLA Morning Show for years, providing crucial weather updates during significant events like the Malibu fires and the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Also let go were weathercaster Kacey Montoya, midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian.
Kacey Montoya, a multiple Emmy winner herself, joined KTLA in 2013, delivering weather and general interest segments on the KTLA Weekend Morning News.
Experienced Anchors Also Impacted
Lu Parker and Glen Walker, co-hosts of the KTLA 5 News at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., were also part of the layoffs. Walker, a multiple Emmy winner, has been with the station since 2010, while Parker, a six-time Emmy winner, is also a keynote speaker and former Miss USA.
SAG-AFTRA Condemns Layoffs and Media Consolidation
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has strongly condemned the layoffs, which began at WGN-TV in Chicago. The union highlighted that the impacted positions were all covered by SAG-AFTRA contracts. The Chicago Tribune reported that eight veteran reporters and anchors were laid off on Tuesday, with Nexstar reportedly eliminating positions for several months.
“By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news,” stated SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. “These actions highlight the risks of media consolidation and underscore the urgent need for regulators and the company to prioritize the public interest and the professionals who serve it.”
SAG-AFTRA also pointed to the ongoing negotiations with Nexstar stations, where the company is seeking to reduce severance pay and limit workers’ negotiating power. These cuts are occurring as Nexstar finalizes its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Tegna, raising concerns about the impact of further consolidation on local newsrooms.
Nexstar and Tegna: A Growing Media Conglomerate
Nexstar currently owns 201 stations in 116 local markets, reaching 70% of U.S. households. Tegna owns 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, reaching over 100 million people monthly across various platforms. The merger will create a media giant with 265 stations in 44 states and the District of Columbia, covering 80% of U.S. TV households. This significantly exceeds the longstanding 39% ownership cap.
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook has been a vocal critic of the ownership cap, arguing it’s outdated in the current media landscape. Former President Trump even publicly endorsed the deal, citing the need for competition against “Fake News National TV Networks.”
In response to inquiries, a Nexstar spokesperson stated the company “does not comment on personnel issues, but the Company is taking steps necessary to compete effectively in this period of unprecedented change.”
Further Reading: For more information on media layoffs, see The Wrap’s comprehensive list of Hollywood & Media Layoffs.
